Port Of Skagway

Skagway known as the legendary “Gateway to the Klondike” during the Gold Rush boom is a popular Alaskan cruise destination. Tourism is a big part of their economy and during summer the quiet town of fewer than 1200 people will host over 900,000 visitors!

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Skagway Downtown Building from 1899. Shop Skagway Alaska. #Skagway — Downtown Building from 1899

Shopping

There is shopping near the port. If you want authentic Alaskan handicrafts or art, be sure to check the small print. It may have been made in China. I am a magnet collector, so I always buy a magnet from where we visit and I don’t care where it was made – but for many items, it would matter to me.

Beware of the jewelry stores – they seem to be at every cruise port everywhere. They have good merchandise – and offer a free charm or something – but they are very persistent to get you in their doors and not let you out. If you are not interested, just politely say “no thank you” and determinedly walk on by.

Before you head up to Alaska, come up with a souvenir budget because you will want so much stuff! Just pace yourself:-) The trip may be a once in a lifetime experience, so you probably want some things and maybe a treat for the kids / grand-kids. Just plan for it ahead of time.

Skagway, Alaska known as the legendary “Gateway to the Klondike” during the Gold Rush boom is a popular Alaskan cruise destination. #Skagway #Alaska #GoldRush #JanetBPearson Share on X

Excursions

Cruise lines offer many excursions

We sail Disney Cruise Line (DCL), They arrange with local contractors for the excursion – they are NOT Disney employees or services. This is true for almost all port excursions regardless of where it is. I have heard of people who book outside of the DCL service. It may save you a little money, but I would not do it. Disney vets the vendors and will not use someone who is not reputable (at least not more than once). Also, in the very unlikely event, your excursion runs late and you are in danger of missing the all-aboard time, if the excursion was booked by Disney, they will hold the sail away time or in dire circumstances, make other arrangements for you. Anyway – we have taken 40+ DCL planned excursions over the years and have only had a complaint one time. Not bad.

Some excursions are not cheap

You need to plan for them in your vacation budget (and you must have a vacation budget). Excursions fill early, so do your research before booking your cruise and then book the excursions as soon as they are open for you to do so.

We did a super fantastic best-excursion-ever in Skagway that I posted about here,

The DCL excursions are rated for activity level (athletic, moderate, mild) and experience (cultural, sightseeing, active, etc.). Be sure to take these things into consideration before booking. Also, since we travel without children a lot, we will pick an adult-only tour if it is available. Just check all the excursion details.

Exploring Skagway on your own

If you decide not to do an organized excursion, take the short walk into the town. It is beautiful and historic. There are museums and other exhibits. The National Park Service has a Junior Ranger Activity Center where kids can complete activities to become a Junior Ranger. The center is located in a historic saloon and has interesting exhibits for even us “older” kids.

National Park Service Skagway Alaska. #Skagway #Cruising — National Park Service in an old saloon

You can rent a car near the port and explore on your own. There are waterfalls and beautiful gardens on the Klondike Highway.

On our trip next year, we may need to do a little panning for gold. Who knows?

Whatever you decide to do, take lots and lots of pictures. Be a kid and have fun – we may not always travel with children, but that does not keep us from acting like ones.