Skagway AK USA Cruise Port Guide

Location:

Your ship will dock at one of the city's docks--the Broadway Dock, which is situated at the end of Broadway, the Railroad Dock, which is at the southern end of the town, or at the Ore Dock, which is located at the end of Main Street. Some smaller ships dock at the Ferry Dock. From all docks it's a short walk to the town's shopping, dining and historic areas.

No free wi-fi available at the docks. Purchase an item in specific locations downtown where you will receive code access.

Another option is to take the SMART Shuttle. Wheelchair assessable.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

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Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Skagway AK USA

Sightseeing:

While in Skagway, USA you can easily walk around town, see all of the historical sites along the back streets and stroll down historic Broadway.

The Skagway area today is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and White Pass and Chilkoot Trails. Skagway has a historic district of about 100 buildings from the gold rush era. It receives about a million tourists annually, most of whom (about three quarters) come on cruise ships. The White Pass and Yukon Route still operates its narrow gauge train around Skagway during the summer months primarily for tourists. The WPYR also ships copper ore from the interior. If you intend to take the train ride, book through the ship. It is easier and is about the same price but a lot more convenient. If you go to the train station and pay your own, it is about $120 and you have to get there on your own.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

There are also many local tour operators that are selling local tours and sightseeing events. Practically all of the shore excursions offered by the ship are also available for local purchase, so making advance arrangements may not be necessary in this port.

Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit SMART bus Please pay the driver bus fare: $5 per person – All Day Pass. $3 per person each way. These shuttle buses run in a loop every 20-30 minutes and include stops around the town, including Gold Rush Cemetery and Jewell Gardens. Wheelchair-accessible buses are available (with a ramp).

The 2-hour Skagway Street Car Tour departs from the pier daily, May through September, at 8:30 am, 10:45 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:30 pm. These convenient multiple departures make it very easy to combine the Street Car Tour experience with other tours and activities during your day in Skagway.

Dredge Town is one of the most popular attractions near Skagway downtown located approximately 15 minutes drive from the end of the port Skagway. This incredible place surrounded by mountains allows you to immerse yourself in the Klondike Gold Rush era and more.

Several helicopter tours are available if you would like to explore the sights around Skagway. Be sure that the weather is OK before you book.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.

Nearby Places:

Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry. The trip takes only 45 breathtaking minutes between the two beautiful USA towns of Haines and Skagway. The safe and reliable service, accessible docks and multiple departures throughout the day make it an easy way to explore these quaint, fun-filled USA towns separated by 350 miles of road. The ferry pier is right next to the cruise ship dock.

Kroschel Wildlife Center The refuge offers unique and incredible opportunities for up-close and personal experiences with over 15 species of Alaskan wildlife, including moose, grizzly bear, wolf, lynx, fox, reindeer, porcupine, snowy owl, wolverine, and more!

Shopping and Food

There is no shortage of shops along Skagway's main street (actually State Street, one block from Main), offering an array of standard tourist souvenirs, native/local crafts and imported imitations, jewelry, and other goods.

Currency:

The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.

Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.

Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.

Tipping in America is widely used and expected. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted standard rates are:

Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (Often this is the only income of the wait(ress). Tips are either left in cash or you can add it to the credit card slip) Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill!
Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%
Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total
Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless)
Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab
Shuttle bus drivers: $2-5 (optional)
Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%
Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional)
Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders

Currency Converter

Communication:

Seaport Cyber (336 3rd Ave.) offers Internet access. Buy a time card that's good for online use in three ports -- Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. You can also try the public library for both WiFi and internet terminals.

Emergency 911

Opening Hours and Holidays:

In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays - generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open (with the exception of the most important holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day where stores are generally closed)

Holidays in the USA

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