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Alaska Companion Guides "Cruising Alaska- A Guide To Alaskan Waters"

Sitka - Skagway - Juneau

 

SITKA, ALASKA

 

Unparalleled natural splendor

By Dr. Lew Deitch, destination consultant and semi-retired professor with over 30 years' experience teaching geography.

 

When cruising the Alaska Panhandle, you will find that the major ports of call are becoming quite commercial with a plethora of gift shops and jewelry stores. The main streets of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway are starting to resemble St. Martin or Barbados with the same familiar retail establishments selling diamonds, gemstones and gold watches at so called "bargain" prices.

Of course all this commercialism does not detract from the breathtaking scenery, but it is altering the original Alaskan frontier flavor that once existed. But the one Panhandle port that has not seen this development is Sitka.

Why you might ask. The reason is clear, fewer ships call in at Sitka because because of its location. It is on the west coast of Baranof Island, one of the largest islands of the Panhandle, but a visit requires a detour out into the open Pacific waters, leaving the calm of the Inside Passage.

The city and borough of Sitka includes the entire island with 2,870 square miles of land, making it the largest city in the United States in land area. Yet the population stands at just under 9,000.

There is a peaceful charm to Sitka because it is not on the main tour route for cruise ships. This is the one port in which the large jewelry chain stores found in the other major ports are absent. Numerous excellent galleries that feature both Russian and native art, with many of the artists having their studios right in town. They replace the chain stores found in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. In Sitka there is a definite emphasis upon local quality and not mass production.

The site of Sitka is that of a beautiful bay on the west coast of Baranof Island, and the bay is dotted with small, thickly forested islands. The mountains rising up behind Sitka are snow capped much of the year and rich evergreen forests totally engulf the city. Across the bay is the 3,200-foot volcanic cone called Mount Edgecumbe. This beautiful snow-capped volcanic cone dominates the harbor, but its last known eruption was around 4,200 years ago. However, geologists said it was dormant and not extinct. On the morning of April 1, 1974, an ominous plume of black smoke was seen billowing out of the crater, and this caused near panic in Sitka. The Coast Guard sent up a helicopter to assess whether the city should be evacuated. But to their surprise they found a mound of burning rubber tires. This was the April Fools Day prank of a local resident known as Oliver "Porky" Bickar. He had been planning this for quite some time and a friend of his who had a helicopter helped him place the tires atop the mountain and set them alight just before dawn. His prank garnered worldwide attention for its uniqueness and thus local law enforcement decided not to charge him with mischief.

Sitka has a marine west coast climate, but its rainfall total is higher than either Juneau or Ketchikan because of its direct exposure to the Gulf of Alaska where the warm North Pacific Drift first strikes the coast. Temperatures are cool year around and during winter it is often cold enough right at sea level for snow to accumulate.

The history of Sitka dates back to the early Russian attempt to establish a fort in 1799. This was to become the home base for the Governor of Alaska appointed by the Russian Tsar. He also commissioned the Russian America Company to establish trade with the native Tlingit as well as to trap for furs. The Tlingit, however, were not enamored with these newcomers, and in 1802 they attacked the fort, overwhelming its defenses. They killed many of the Russians and 200 of the Aleuts who the Russians had brought from the Aleutian Islands to help with the work of running the fort and trading outpost. The governor then had to ransom the remaining survivors. Back in Saint Petersburg the authorities were outraged at such an incident. Thus Governor Baranov was returned to Sitka in 1804 with a Russian naval vessel, which bombarded the fort that the Tlingit now occupied. The bombardments did little to damage the stockade, so the Russians launched a full-scale attack that also proved unsuccessful. Fortunately the Tlingit ran out of gunpowder from the reserves within the fort and then abandoned their position, enabling the Russians to claim victory. It was only after this "so called" victory that the Russians actually established the settlement of Sitka, originally calling it New Archangel. The Tlingit built their own fort across the Chatham Strait and kept the Russians from trading or trapping in their territory for years to come.

In 1808, Sitka became the capital of Russian America and remained so until the Americans moved the territorial capital to Juneau in 1906. During the Russian period, several important structures were built such as the bishop's palace and the Cathedral of Saint Michael, both of which still stand today. By 1840, the Russian Orthodox Bishop for Alaska and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) was based in Sitka. The town became the most important trade center for the entire Russian colony and it did offer many of the comforts to be found in Saint Petersburg so many thousands of miles away. There were many workers in Sitka from the Baltic Sea region, and being protestant they were allowed to build the Sitka Lutheran Church, and after the American purchase in 1867, other denominations came. But Saint Michael's still dominates the town center and gives Sitka that special Russian historical flavor.

Once the Americans purchased Alaska, attention was turned toward the Inside Passage, and with gold discovered in Juneau and then later the Klondike Gold Rush occurring, Sitka became almost forgotten, especially once the capital was moved to Juneau. Sitka continued to serve as a fishing port for the salmon and crab fleets, and some fish canning was done. And on Baranof Island there was some gold mined. But what brought Sitka back to life was World War II. During the war, the U. S. Navy developed an air station on Japonski Island adjacent to Sitka, and this helped swell the population for the duration of the war. Today the island is home to the U. S. Coast Guard Air Station and port facility, and it, along with the base at Kodiak, serve to protect the entire Alaska coast. If you have watched the TV program "Coast Guard Alaska," you will recall that many episodes are partly filmed in and around Sitka.

Today, salmon and crab fishing are still the major employers for the city, although governmental and health services combined provide more jobs. Tourism is still not as major as in Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway because of the more isolated location of Sitka.  Once off the ship, you will only have a day in Sitka if your cruise itinerary includes this port. I highly recommend one of the many tours out into the wilds of Baranof Island or its offshore waters so that you can enjoy the beauty of raw nature and still have some time to walk around the small town center. Here are some of the possibilities, but of course tours will be created by your cruise line based upon what it feels best matches the clientele:

  • The Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park - Located a short distance south of the city center, this federally operated national park combines a series of nature trails through the beautiful maritime rainforest with a collection of traditional totem poles. The park offers both the natural and the historic aspects of Baranof Island and it is a beautiful experience. If you are not visiting the park as part of a tour, you can take one of the limited local taxis to the park visitor's center

  • Fortress of the Bear - Located a few miles out of the city on Sawmill Creek, this sanctuary raises young grizzly bears and offers a chance to see these still wild animals, especially at feeding time. This sanctuary rescues young wayward bears and keeps them from being culled or shot often out of necessity

  • Alaska Raptor Center - This is a sanctuary that cares for birds of prey, especially bald eagles. At the center you can see many of Alaska's great hunting and fishing birds up close. The sanctuary is located just east of the town center, but it is a bit of a walk unless you are visiting on a tour

  • Sheldon Jackson Museum - This small museum features excellent arts and crafts representing native tribes for all parts of Alaska

  • Saint Michael's Cathedral - Right in the heart of Sitka, this small Russian Orthodox Cathedral once served as the home for the Bishop of all Alaska and Kamchatka. It offers a look at the Russian Orthodox faith, as practiced on the remote frontier

  • Russian Bishop's House - Located right on the main street, this old building dating to Tsarist Russia is now a museum of Russian culture. It once was the home to the bishop who ministered to all of Alaska and Kamchatka on the far eastern coast of Russia

  • Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site - This hilltop viewpoint is the spot where the Russian government handed over control of Alaska to the United States. There is little here except a good view of the Sitka region

There are a great variety of options that include kayaking, river rafting, nature hiking, whale watching or fishing. Your cruise line will offer many package tours that you would be hard pressed to try and arrange on your own after arrival. If you are seeking some adventure and a chance to savor more of the wild side of Sitka, there are plenty of opportunities too numerous to mention, as each cruise line will have its own special packages.

Submitted by, Dr. Lew Deitch www.doctorlew.com

About The Author

Dr. Lew Deitch is a semi-retired professor of geography with over 46 years of teaching experience. During his distinguished career, he directed the Honors Program at Northern Arizona University and developed many programs relating to the study of contemporary world affairs. He is an honors graduate of The University of California, Los Angeles, earned his Master of Arts at The University of Arizona and completed his doctorate in geography at The University of New England in Australia. He consider himself to be a globetrotter, having visited 92 countries on all continents except Antarctica. His primary focus is upon human landscapes, especially such topics as local architecture, foods, clothing and folk music.
He enjoys being in front of an audience, and has spoken to thousands of people at civic and professional organizations.

He has been lecturing on board ships for a five-star cruise line since 2008. He loves to introduce people to exciting new places both by means of presenting vividly illustrated talks and through serving as a tour consultant for ports of call.And I hope readers will find them exciting. He has published several travel companion books to aid prospective travelers by introducing them to the countries to which they wish to visit.

"One of the most popular cruise destinations in the world is the coast of Alaska. Each summer the major cruise lines offer a variety of options for cruising the Inside Passage and continuing on to Anchorage. Twice a year there are repositioning cruises when ships are moved either to Alaska in the spring from Southeast Asia and again in the autumn when ships return to cruise South East Asia. These cruises continue on past Anchorage and stop in places like Kodiak, Homer and Dutch Harbor in the remote Aleutian Islands. Thus it is possible to sail from Vancouver all the way from Hong Kong or Tokyo to Vancouver in the spring or to Tokyo or Hong Kong in mid autumn. This traveler's companion edition has been produced to provide you with geographic, historic and cultural detail regarding all of the ports of call between Vancouver and the outer Aleutian Islands. Unlike the major guidebooks, it does not provide hotel or restaurant recommendations. This volume offers you a detailed look at what makes Alaska special, and the text is augmented by many of the author's personally taken photographs. You will find Cruising Alaska a valuable companion to read before departing or to take with you to refresh you on each port you will visit." - Dr. Lew Deitch

 

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Princess Rail is offered on most land & sea vacations, featuring glass-domed rail cars, open-air observation platforms to take in all the wilderness, onboard rail guides providing expert commentary and trademark Princess service. There is also full beverage service and delicious cuisine is available for purchase while onboard.



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Located just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park, this lodge is your base camp for adventure. It features an expansive campus of lodging and amenities, including a Great Room with 30-foot high glass windows for stunning views and a spacious deck overlooking the Nenana River. Here guests can go on tours into Denali National Park, raft the Nenana River, experience a thrilling helicopter flightseeing trip, or just enjoy the main lodge and setting. Shuttle service is offered between the lodge and the Denali National Park Visitors Center, the Wilderness Access Center and Horseshoe Lake.



Fannie Q's Saloon

Princess Cruises is introducing the new Fannie Q's Saloon for the 2019 season at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Named after the famous local Alaska pioneer Fannie Quigley, the restaurant is located in the center of the property and features a modern saloon ambience with indoor and outdoor seating, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.



Fireside Patio

Just outside of Fannie Q's Saloon and in the heart of the Princess Village at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Fireside Patio debuts with three fire pits offering a new gathering place for guests to roast marshmallows, talk about their adventures and have a drink in the midnight sun. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at this new cozy spot.


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Located in Denali State Park just 41 miles from the peak of Denali, the mountain, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness lodge offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range, including both Denali, North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet, and Mt. Foraker. This is the only lodge where you can view Denali, either from its viewing decks, walking trails or in the cozy Great Room, which features a massive freestanding rock fireplace and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the dramatic scenery.



Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge

This lodge, with decor recalling the region's mining heritage, is perched on a bluff overlooking Wrangell-St. Elias - America's largest national park and home to nine of the country's 16 highest peaks. Relax in the spectacular Wrangell Room or on the patio and take in the breathtaking scenery - or fish for the prized Copper River salmon. Located just four miles from the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park visitor's center, the lodge has sweeping views of Mt. Drum, Mt. Wrangell and Mt. Blackburn. Take a rafting trip on the Gulkana River, arrange a flightseeing tour or visit the abandoned Kennicott copper mines.


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Soak in the natural beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, known to locals as "Alaska's Playground." At the lodge, unwind by the wood-burning stove in your bungalow-style guest room or savor the natural beauty from an expansive deck that overlooks the turquoise Kenai River.

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Planning your cruise vacation with a Certified Alaska Vacation Planner will ensure that you get the best service at an affordable price.
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What are the greatest success stories; those we learn from our guests, as they share their experiences with you. Read what we have done for our Guests, where they were totally awed. Why do people constantly compliment us on or ask for assistance from our Certified Alaska Cruise Travel Experts? You'll find the answers to these and other questions here. We're celebrating 20 years of personal service, so we have many more happy guests than we have room here to list. Call us at 800.365.1445 and we'll share both our own experiences and those of our guests to help you plan your Alaska vacation. Alaskans suggest: "Take a cruise first," says Jennifer Thompson of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. "We have 11/2 million visitors a year, and 900,000 of them come on cruise ships. It's a phenomenal way to introduce yourself to Alaska. Wildlife, glaciers, majestic mountains. It's all there".

 

"Awaken your love of the great outdoors when you experience the boundless splendor of the Alaska wilderness on board a cruise ship. Alaska: Mother Nature's piece de resistance. It is, quite simply, the world in its purest form. Imagine vast glacial fields juxtaposed against immense evergreen forests, infinite fields of wildflowers, and heady rushing waterfalls. Nowhere on earth is as diverse as The Last Frontier as seen in the summertime. Oh, and do not forget to pack your sun block. Summer temperatures in Alaska are mild and the days last well into the night."

 

 


 

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Alaska Sightseeing, Shore Excursions, Activities & Adventures
We invite you to expand the horizons of your favorite activities with new experiences. Explore the culture, sights, and adventures waiting beyond the shore in the most active, engaged, and fun ways imaginable.. Every port gives you a world of possibilities as you interact with the locals and choose the dynamic, interactive activities that appeal to you most. It's Alaska in a whole new way!

Energetic Exploration :
For the Alaskan traveler who thrives on motion and action, explore a broad range of energetic excursions. You might find yourself on a jogging tour through mountain trails, or on a 4-wheeler back country tour around Denali or even on a canoe trip right up close to a glacier. From a heli-landing trek on a glacier to explore crevasses to hiking in the forest, these included excursions pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same
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Nature & Wildlife
Anchorage: Kayaking in Prince William Sound
Glide through pristine waters on this approximately 3 hour kayaking excursion in Prince William Sound.
Copper River: Worthington Glacier Hike
Take a snow day and hike on the ice blue Worthington Glacier. After reaching the glacier, strap on a pair of crampons, then take a hike.
Denali: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
Soar over the Alaska Range for a glacier landing to view icefalls, moraines, ice bridges and glacial pools as well as wildlife.
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Native Canoe Adventure
Be among the select few, under a limited U.S. Forest Service permit, to travel as Native Alaskans once did by canoe and venture within yards of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.
Ketchikan: Alaska Wilderness Survival
This epic journey takes you to a wild and secluded island where you'll learn to build a shelter, collect food, and start a fire. Back on the boat, explore the Inside Passage coast with opportunities to discover a variety of wildlife species.
Mt. McKinley: Three Rivers Tour
Board the fully-enclosed McKinley Queen jet boat and cruise along three rivers that offer panoramic views of Mt. McKinley and breathtaking flora and fauna.
Skagway: Horseback Riding Adventure
Escape the hustle and bustle of port and come discover the awe-inspiring Alaska beauty just as the pioneers did on horseback!
Anchorage: Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Tour
Hop aboard a high-speed catamaran and travel 140 miles into Prince William Sound to see 26 named glaciers, as well as an abundance of wildlife.
Copper River: Copper Country Discovery Tour
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Copper River Country. Enjoy a scenic van ride and interpretive discussion with a professional naturalist guide.
RECOMMENDED
Juneau: Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest
Experience southeast Alaska's incredible scenery and amazing natural history on this exceptional wildlife excursion that offers a whale-sighting guarantee.
Ketchikan: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
Join a 3-hour cruise aboard the Aleutian Ballad from season
two of the TV series Deadliest Catch to learn about the world of commercial fisherman.
Ketchikan: Neets Bay Bear Watch & Flight
RECOMMENDED
After an exhilarating 25-minute flight, embark on a nature walk to Neets Bay in Tongass National Forest, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an up-close view of black bears.
Skagway: Haines Wilderness River Adventure
A jet boat tour deep into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve offers a true wilderness experience where you may see eagles, moose and bears.


Sightseeing & City Tours Special Interests
Fairbanks: Fairbanks Highlights Adventure
Visit Fairbanks' top attractions - The Morris Thompson Cultural Center, Museum of the North and Santa Claus House in North Pole where it's Christmas year-round!
Juneau: Juneau's Exclusive Highlights
Experience Juneau's most scenic, unique and historic sites from the comfort of a deluxe minibus on this small group adventure.
Kenai: Explore Historic Seward
Take a guided tour along Alaska's only National Scenic Byway to the historic town of Seward, where attractions include the Seward Museum, Alaska Sealife Center, Exit Glacier and more.
Ketchikan: Saxman Native Village & Totem Pole Park
Visit fascinating Saxman Native Village, witness Native dancing and see the craft of totem carving before taking a motorcoach tour of historic Ketchikan.
Seattle: Space Needle, Pike Place Market & City Tour
See Seattle's premier attractions, from the soaring Space Needle to vibrant Pike Place Market.
Skagway: White Pass Scenic Railway
Take a thrilling ride aboard the historic Gold Rush-era White Pass & Yukon Railroad.
Victoria, B.C., Canada: Victoria by Horse-Drawn Trolley Experience the beauty of Victoria by horse-drawn trolley, a timeless tradition and wonderful way to view this historic city.
Denali: Music of Denali Dinner Theatre
Delight in a wonderful, feel-good musical comedy paired with an all-you-can-eat Alaskan dinner buffet.
Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs
Experience the "hottest" and "coolest" attractions in Alaska - a natural hot springs, ice museum and great dinner!
Juneau: Salmon Sportfishing Adventure
Fish for salmon in one of the most productive fishing grounds in southeast Alaska.
Kenai: Gold Panning with "Prospector John"
Enjoy a true gold panning experience with Prospector John as he takes you back to the days of the Gold Rush, then through the steps of modern and old-time techniques.
Skagway: Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & Exclusive Scenic Railway Relive life as a prospector on this tour that takes you back in time to the Gold Rush. Ride the vintage railcars on the historic White Pass Railway with a costumed guide and celebrate your adventure at the summit with a one-of-a-kind Klondike toast.
Victoria, B.C., Canada: Enchanting Butchart Gardens
This 55-acre floral wonderland, featuring themed gardens and meandering paths, is illuminated with colored lights and magical effects.

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Every Port leads To New Discoveries


"The rugged grandeur of the last frontier greets you with its jagged peaks, verdant valleys and icy blue glacial waters.

It welcomes you with curious wildlife that frolics in its seas, roams in its valleys and soars in its cobalt blue sky.

It shares with you its genuine people and fresh Alaska seafood.

Say hello to Alaska and find out the many ways it can inspire you."

 

 

 

   

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About The Prices 
Save as much as 10-70% off brochure rates for off peak departures ( select May and September dates ). Other savings available for peak season departures ( June, July August ) Not every ship, not every sailing is discounted. Call us to find out about your cruise selection. 800.365.1445. The prices and descriptions of cruises and tours shown, are suggestions to give you an idea of how much you can do on land and on the sea in Alaska within your budget. The prices shown are just a guide, as there are over 90 combinations of land and/or sea tours to choose from and the cost varies depending upon what cruise line, cruise ship, destination, sailing or departure date you choose. They are meant to serve as a starting point for trip planning, with a variety of options to fit your needs. For example, you can easily combine Gulf of Alaska/Inside Passage 7-day cruise itineraries with a 3 to 7 day land tour to make a 14-day itinerary, from Vancouver to Fairbanks, or reverse the route for most trips.

*Princess Cruises Captain's Circle Launch Savings of up to $200 per person discount is applicable in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. Specific discount amounts vary by itinerary and cruise length. Regional and other past guest promotions or "new booking only" promotions are not combinable with the discount. Princess Cruises Captain's Circle Launch Savings is not applicable to third and fourth berth guests.

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We are here for you with one-on-one support and personalized cruise vacation planning help. Whether you need help finding the right cruise line, cruise ship, destination, ports of call or shore excursions or want to learn more about us, a professional Certified Cruise Vacation Expert is just a toll-free phone call away. Call us today at 800.365.1445. The call is free. The advice is free. And there is never an obligation to book.

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