Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitors This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! A popular Alaska cruise port, Skagway is a fascinating place to explore, especially if you love history, unique local culture, and spectacular scenery. During a cruise stop in Skagway, you can step back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush while also enjoying the incredible natural beauty Alaska is known for.Skagway is the northernmost port in Alaska’s Inside Passage, located at the northern end of Lynn Canal. Once a bustling boomtown and the gateway to the Trail of ’98 and the Klondike gold fields, Skagway is much quieter today, with roughly 1,000 year-round residents. During the summer cruise season, however, the town comes alive as more than a million cruise passengers visit Skagway each year.Long before the Gold Rush, the area was used by the Tlingit people as a hunting and fishing ground. In 1896, gold was discovered on a tributary of the Klondike River, about 600 miles from Skagway. When news of the discovery spread, thousands of prospectors headed north, and Skagway quickly grew into a bustling frontier town with a population estimated at 8,000 to 10,000.Many of Skagway’s historic buildings from this era still stand today, along with the town’s distinctive raised wooden sidewalks. On June 28, 1900, Skagway officially became the first incorporated city in Alaska, beating Juneau by just one day. Skagway Cruise Port Most cruise ships visiting Skagway, Alaska, dock at one of the town’s waterfront cruise piers, including the Ore Dock, Railroad Dock, or Broadway Dock. The docks are conveniently located near downtown, making it easy for cruise passengers to begin exploring the historic town.The Railroad Dock has experienced changes in recent years because of rockslide concerns. Depending on current conditions and your ship’s docking location, access to the pier may be limited, so it’s a good idea to check your cruise line’s information before your visit. What You Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port One of the great things about Skagway cruise port is how convenient it is for cruise passengers. The downtown area is within easy walking distance of the cruise docks, making it simple to explore on your own.There are also plenty of Skagway shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass & Yukon Route. If you haven’t booked an excursion before your cruise, you’ll find tour operators and vendors near the port offering options once you arrive. Currency in Skagway Although Skagway is just a short distance from Canada, it is located in Alaska, USA. The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD).Most businesses in Skagway accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making purchases during your visit. Language in Skagway English is the primary language spoken in Skagway. However, you may hear some uniquely Alaskan expressions during your visit.A few you might encounter include: Lower 48 – The 48 contiguous United States Break-up – The springtime period when the ice and snow finally begin to melt Cheechako – A newcomer or someone new to Alaska Skagway Time Zone Skagway is in the Alaska Time Zone. During Alaska’s cruise season, the area observes Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind Eastern Time.Keep this in mind when booking excursions or making plans for your day in port. Your cruise ship will also provide the official onboard time, which is the time you should follow when returning to the ship. Skagway Weather During Alaska’s cruise season, temperatures in Skagway can range from the 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit. While Skagway generally has a drier climate than some of the other Southeast Alaska ports, don’t assume you’ll always have sunshine.I’ve experienced some beautiful weather in Skagway—and I’ve also experienced one of the wettest days I’ve ever had in Alaska. It was POURING!Skagway can also be surprisingly windy because of its location at the end of Lynn Canal and the surrounding mountain valley. Even on a relatively mild day, the wind can make it feel considerably cooler.My Alaska cruise packing tip: Layers are your best friend. Mornings can start out chilly, while temperatures may warm up considerably later in the day. A waterproof jacket is also a smart addition, especially if you’re planning to spend the day exploring outdoors.If you’re wondering what to wear on an Alaska cruise, I recommend planning for changing weather rather than packing one heavy coat. Being able to add or remove layers throughout the day will make exploring Skagway much more comfortable.Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise, dressing in layers is always a good idea. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day. Getting Around Skagway One of the easiest things about visiting Skagway on a cruise is how walkable the town is. The cruise docks are just a short walk from downtown, and the terrain is generally flat, making it easy to explore Skagway on foot.Once you leave the ship, you can stroll along the waterfront and quickly reach the historic downtown area, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to experience Skagway’s Gold Rush history.One thing to watch for is Skagway’s elevated wooden sidewalks. They’re part of the town’s historic character, but the uneven boards can be an easy place to trip if you’re not paying attention. Take your time, especially if you’re wearing sandals or other shoes that don’t provide much support.Overall, Skagway isContinueContinue reading “Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitor”