Going on an Alaskan cruise? Shopping Guide:
When you first arrive in an Alaskan Port you will be blown away by how quaint the boutiques are. Because I was blown away when I started working on Holland America’s Old Noordam in 1996. When I stopped working on ships my first job was for a Jewelry boutique in Alaska. This is your ultimate Shopping Guide to Alaska.
The best shopping ports are Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Sitka is a great place for Alaskan galleries, walking and sightseeing. Click this link for direct port information and maps.
1. Check your Alaska Cruise Schedule so you can plan your shopping times.
Plan your days ahead of time. It’s surprising how many cruise ships only have half-day calls. If you are on tour, you will not have much time to shop. Whichever port you are docked the longest is the port you should plan to shop. See below where to shop in each port. Book a FREE call with me to discuss your specific cruise itinerary and how you can get the most out of your time in port. Click here to access my calendar and book a time that is convenient for you.
2. Your Alaska Shopping Guide Top Tips.
Ketchikan: You will find everything in Julie’s Fine Jewelry. A wide variety of Alaskan Art and handmade totem poles, made by local Alaskan Artists. One-of-a-kind Orocal Gold Quartz pieces, gold nuggets and quartz specimens. Scanlon Art Gallery, South East Alaskan art located right next door is Arctic Gallery providing northwest coast art, Scrimshaw, Qiviut and Jewelry.
Juneau: One of the not-to-be-missed locations in Juneau is Caribou Crossings. They represent over 60 Alaskan Artists. The locally-owned store showcases unique handmade crafts from all over the state. For Fifteen years this company has been nurturing artists’ talents. Caribou Crossings prides itself on providing the opportunity to shop locally and buy Alaskan.
Skagway: Broadway Jewelry is a third-generation family-owned business that manufactures and designs one-of-a-kind fine jewellery using natural gemstones. An array of MADE IN ALASKA PRODUCTS from locally made jewellery to art and prints. Fused and blown glass, Ulu knives, and Eskimo dolls. Locally sourced honey, and smoked salmon.
3. Know where your Ship is docking in Alaska.
Ask onboard where the ship will be docked or tendered (anchor offshore, guests must get small boats arranged by the cruise line to get into the port which can take up more of your time).
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Skagway dock or tender, if the ship docks, it is within easy walking distance no matter where the ship docks. Download your Skagway Map here.
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Ketchikan can dock or tender. Check onboard; if the ship docks, you can rest assured that you are within easy walking distance of the shops. Download your Ketchikan Map here.
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Juneau can dock or tender; most docks are within walking distance. Except for AJ Dock, quite the walk into town, most cruise lines will provide shuttle service. Ask front desk personnel onboard your ship where the ship docks and ask them to mark it on the map. Download your Juneau Map here.