Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

Carnival Panorama 18-Day Transpacific Cruise Long Beach to Yokohama

Ketchikan -- Thursday, August 26, 2024

We finally arrived at our first port on this cruise, Ketchikan, after 3 days at sea. The captain announced yesterday that we would have rain and that Ketchikan suffered great lost because of the rain yesterday. Landslide and heavy rain caused one death and some other damages. Maybe we should not have high hopes for a good day in port. With a port visit in sight, we got up early as usual so we could have breakfast before getting off the ship at around 8:30. The buffet area started being busy early but we managed to get our share of food with a table.

So far, just a little cloudy but no rain.

As soon as the gangway was cleared, we were down there and outside. Went to the shuttle bus and was on with no lines, no wait. This bus was a nice, new double-decker, so it was quite comfortable. The most important part was there was no rain in sight! The sun was shining brightly and it did not look like it would rain any time soon.

Line to get off the ship.

Finally walking on land!

Inside Ward Cove terminal.

On this new bus.

Beautiful sight!

After a 15-minute ride on the bus, it dropped us off at the farthest end of the pier in a big lot and they would pick us up later at the same spot. We walked all the way to town and up to Creek Street. There were so many people there even though there were only two ships so far, with Grand Princess still on her way to the pier. I was hoping to see some salmon in the creek, but no such luck. There were a couple of seals there but only a few salmons swimming in the creek. We did not want to walk up Married Men Trail, just a leisurely walk along the boardwalk was good enough for us since this is our 11th time visiting Ketchikan. Then we walked up to the waterfront, sat and rest to use the wi-fi upstairs at the shopping mall before walking back to the shuttle stop. 

We were dropped off at the parking lot at the farthest pier in town.

Then walked our way to the center of town.

Always beautiful!

Familiar wood carving.

Grand Princess, we will be on her next year.

Zaandam, we were on her a few years ago.

The iconic sculpture.

I have heard about the Jellyfish Donut place where people were claiming a must-eat place in Ketchikan so we walked across the street to check it out. They have different kinds of interesting donuts, but the one that caught our eyes was the ‘Salmon Donut’. As I was wondering how it would taste, a girl who was eating one said it was really good, so I just had to try. We ordered two salmon donuts and it came out to $21 something. I was shocked and said, wow, that’s expensive! And Christian pointed at the sign and said, yeah, $10 each. Supposedly, they use local salmon and made fresh into a cream to spread on the warm donut. Very tasty and interesting indeed! I am glad at least we tried. Then we got back to the shuttle stop and boarded the bus back to the pier at around 12:00. This time, the bus was just a regular old school bus. The woman driver was telling us that the sales tax at Ward Cove is 2%, while the tax in town is 10%. It’s better to buy at Ward Cove. Not sure if it was true since we did not buy anything today.

Inside Jelly Fish Donuts.

The real deal! A $10 donut.

Back at Ward Cove. There are plenty of merchandise and vendors in there that's worth looking at.

And with interesting displays.

Back on the ship just in time for lunch. Lido was empty and we were able to get whatever table we wanted. I had a Big Patty from Guy’s Burger and it was really good. Of course, I also had other items from the buffet. After lunch, we came back and rest in the afternoon before dinner at around 6:30. Now that we have anytime dining, we just go whenever we want. The only problem is there is usually a wait of 20-30 minutes after checking in.

Gorgeous day in Ketchikan!

We had an easy and relaxing day in Ketchikan just walking around town. The perfect weather helped and we were in no rush doing anything in particular. One advice is to get back on the bus with plenty of time to avoid the crowds on the last couple of buses. Next port, Sitka!

For video of this day, please click here.

"By standing firm you will gain life." -- Luke 21:19