Plan a CruiseSkagway Cruise Port Guide
Your cruise ship will dock at one of Skagway's piers: the Broadway Dock, Railroad Dock, or Ore Dock. Smaller vessels may use the Ferry Dock. All docking locations are just a short walk from Skagway's downtown area, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Skagway is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, preserving about 100 gold rush-era buildings. It's a popular destination, with most of its million annual tourists arriving by cruise ship. Be aware that free public Wi-Fi is not available at the docks; you may find access downtown by purchasing an item at specific locations.
Getting Around from the Port
From any of the cruise docks, the town's main attractions are easily accessible on foot. For destinations slightly further afield, the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART) bus offers a convenient option. This wheelchair-accessible shuttle runs on a loop every 20-30 minutes, stopping at key locations including the Gold Rush Cemetery and Jewell Gardens. An all-day pass costs $5 per person, or you can pay $3 per person for a one-way trip. If planning to take the iconic White Pass and Yukon Route train ride, it's highly recommended to book this excursion through your cruise ship. While the price is similar (around $120), booking via the ship offers greater convenience compared to arranging your own transport to the train station and purchasing tickets directly.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Historic Downtown: Skagway's historic district is very walkable. Stroll down Broadway and explore the back streets to discover sites within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
- White Pass and Yukon Route Train: Experience a scenic journey on this narrow-gauge railway, originally built during the gold rush. Booking this popular 3-hour excursion through your cruise ship is convenient and typically costs around $120.
- Skagway Street Car Tour: This 2-hour tour departs directly from the pier multiple times a day (8:30 am, 10:45 am, 1:15 pm, 3:30 pm) from May through September, making it easy to combine with other activities.
- Dredge Town: Located about a 15-minute drive from the port, Dredge Town offers an immersive experience into the Klondike Gold Rush era, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Helicopter Tours: For breathtaking aerial views of Skagway and the surrounding wilderness, several helicopter tours are available. Always check weather conditions before booking.
- Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry: Take a 45-minute ferry ride to the nearby town of Haines. The ferry pier is conveniently located next to the cruise ship dock, offering an easy way to explore another charming Alaskan community.
- Kroschel Wildlife Center: Venture out to this unique refuge for up-close encounters with over 15 species of Alaskan wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, wolves, and lynx. Many shore excursions offered by cruise lines can also be purchased directly from local operators in Skagway, allowing for flexibility. It is always wise to compare prices and options from your cruise line with third-party providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Skagway's main shopping area is located along State Street, one block from Main Street. Here you'll find a variety of shops offering standard tourist souvenirs, local crafts, imported goods, and jewelry. For internet access, Seaport Cyber (336 3rd Ave.) sells time cards valid in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Alternatively, the public library offers both Wi-Fi and internet terminals. If you need Wi-Fi downtown, some establishments offer code access with a purchase.
Safety
No specific safety concerns beyond general travel precautions are noted for Skagway.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are readily available throughout Skagway. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Remember that posted prices for goods and services in the U.S. typically do not include sales tax (which is usually 4-6% in Alaska, but can vary by state) or gratuities, which will be added at the time of payment. Tipping is customary and expected for most services:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (often the primary income for staff). Check your bill, as some establishments may include an automatic service charge.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per inexpensive drink, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a minimum of $3-5.
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if assisting), $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less; $10-20 per person for longer tours, depending on quality and group size.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping (hotels): $1-2 per day for extended stays, or a minimum of $5 for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery: $2-5, potentially more for large orders. In case of emergency, dial 911.