Ward Cove Cruise Port

Ward Cove lies on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, located approximately four and a half miles northwest of downtown Ketchikan. Functioning primarily as a port of call on scenic Alaska itineraries, the harbor features a floating dock facility that opened in August 2021 with space to accommodate two large cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise Line, which invested heavily in the redevelopment project known as The Mill at Ward Cove, holds priority docking privileges, though vessels from other cruise lines dock here when space allows. Direct complimentary shuttle buses transfer passengers from the terminal building into central Ketchikan within minutes.

The surrounding waterfront retains a strong connection to Alaska's industrial and maritime heritage. The north shore was previously occupied by the Ketchikan Pulp Company mill, built in 1957, sitting in a region long defined by timber, commercial fishing, and resource extraction. Nearby Ketchikan grew rapidly during the Klondike and Yukon gold rushes, earning the nickname Alaska's First City as prospectors arrived by sea. As mining activity declined, commercial salmon fishing and canning became the economic lifeblood of the community, eventually earning the region recognition as the Salmon Capital of the World.

Natural beauty and abundant wildlife define the landscape surrounding the cove and the broader Tongass National Forest. Every summer, millions of wild salmon migrate through local waterways, flowing past historic sites that house the world's largest collection of standing Native American totem poles, some dating back over two centuries. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and marine life are frequently spotted along the shoreline, while the temperate coastal rainforest brings frequent light rainfall and mild summer temperatures.

The facility provides guests with immediate access to wilderness excursions, wildlife watching tours, timber history exhibits, and waterfront shopping before heading into Ketchikan.

Ward Cove appeals to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and Alaska cruisers seeking rugged wilderness scenery alongside rich indigenous culture. Log your past or upcoming cruise visiting Ward Cove in your account on The Cruise Globe.