Precious Memories: Ward Cove, Ketchikan

Pandemic Cruise on NCL Encore, Round trip Seattle

September 23, 2021 -- Ketchikan, Alaska

Just as Juneau, we have been here in the port of Ketchikan many times in the past. This is also a 'must-stop' for all the Alaska cruises. One thing that will be different this time around is that NCL built a new cruise terminal at Ward Cove, a 20-minute bus ride from downtown Ketchikan. This move was not appreciated by many on the first few cruises stopping here. I believe on the first Encore cruise, NCL was charging $8 per person for the round-trip shuttles without being well-planned. Passengers had to get in the long line for the shuttle tickets and then get in another long line to board the shuttle to town. A very frustrating process causing a lot of criticism. They quickly changed that idea and started to provide complimentary shuttles to town. Not sure if this will still be the case next year though.

Ward Cove is quite scenic but just too far from everything. It is actually between downtown and Totem Bight State Historic Park, which is a fascinating spot to visit, along the Tongass Highway. We had taken the city bus from downtown to Totem Bight park once and enjoyed the ride and the trip. The problem is there are very limited public access going through this part of the highway, making it difficult to navigate on your own. The cruise terminal is actually an 'abandoned' old mill which is off the main highway. Some passengers were reported that they do not allow other tour vendors or buses to come onto the property for pick-ups, making it even more difficult to arrange private excursions. Walking out from the cruise terminal to the highway could be a problem. I was a little disappointed at this new port arrangement but also curious to find out what it is all about.

Our ship arriving at Ward Cove, far away from town.

Getting off the ship and walking up to the cruise terminal

...in the rain.

Line to board the shuttle wasn't that bad. It was very organized.

The very old warehouse that turned into the cruise terminal. Waiting on the bus for more passengers to board.

After the 20-minute ride, our shuttle arrived at the dock in downtown Ketchikan where a HAL ship was the only one in town that day. So envious of them.

Empty Ketchikan!

Front Street by the docks.

Iconic statue near the Visitor's Bureau.

Welcome to Ketchikan sign.

Walking up toward Creek Street and admiring the shops.

Chief Johnson Totem Pole near Creek Street.

Ketchikan Creek

Such a pretty scene!

Only a few salmon in the creek.

Shops on Creek Street.

Many dead salmon got washed off.

Quiet

Sign posted on Dolly's House.

The other end of Creek Street.

View of Dolly's House from Stedman Street.

With the not-so-desirable weather, after doing our share of shopping near the docks, we decided to take the shuttle back to the ship. I must say that it was easy to get on the shuttles, it was just the time wasted being on a bus instead of exploring the town itself. I guess you can look at it as a bus excursion to see what's outside of downtown Ketchikan if the weather is better.

Ward Cove

Back at the cruise terminal. It's a huge facility with many vendors selling different wares.

Good last minute shopping.

There is also a cafe and a chocolate shop.

Local

We were a little hungry so once we were back on the ship, we headed over to Local, the 24-hour eatery, for a late lunch. We just needed some food to last us through dinner which we have planned for specialty dining at Le Bistro tonight.

This was the first and only time we dined at Local on this trip.

Excellent Buffalo Wings.

Cream of Mushroom soup

Ship camera of Ward Cove.

Le Bistro

We were very much looking forward to have a special dinner at Le Bistro, the French restaurant. We have enjoyed all of our dining experience whenever we ate there on other NCL ships. Again, this is a complimentary specialty dinner that was awarded to Platinum members.

One interesting thing was our server that night was Rachele, whom we have met on our last transpacific sailing on NCL Jewel in 2018. She was our server in the main dining room for the long sailing days. What a nice surprise!