Category: North America

BLACK BEAR and WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Enjoy a guided walk through rainforest terrain as you seek out black bears during this approximately three-hour excursion. You’ll also visit several historic and cultural sites preserved within the sanctuary, including a sawmill, as well as watching a blacksmith at work.

Excursion details

On this excursion lasting about three hours, you’ll travel to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary at Herring Cove. The area provides an important habitat for wildlife, including black bears, and you’ll be trying to spot some of these fantastic creatures during the excursion.

A drive of around 30 minutes takes you from the port to the sanctuary, where you’ll meet your guide for a brief orientation before setting out on a walk lasting approximately 75 minutes. The route follows well-maintained trails through dense forests, arriving at an elevated boardwalk that leads to viewing platforms above Eagle Creek.

You’ll then be on the lookout for some of the black bears that call the area home, plus other local wildlife, but please be aware that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Afterwards, you’ll have roughly 30 minutes to explore some of the sanctuary’s historic sites and buildings. These include the Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, where old machinery survives from Ketchikan’s once-thriving logging era, and a totem park featuring totem poles carved by the Tsimshian people, an Indigenous community of the Pacific Northwest.

You’ll be able to learn more about the significance of the totem poles and find out how they’re carved, and there’s also the chance to observe further skilled craftsmanship while watching a blacksmithing demonstration.

Following this, you’ll have approximately 15 minutes to shop for souvenirs before a drive of about 30 minutes – featuring commentary from an onboard guide about the local area –returns you to the port.

Important Information:It is recommended that guests wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The boardwalk can reach heights of up to 15 feet, and the walking path is on a well-maintained, compact gravel surface. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Guests will be standing for long periods of time. Food is not permitted to be brought on this tour.

The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Please be aware that the boardwalk railing may obstruct the view of wildlife for those using wheelchairs

THE ALASKA YOU CHOOSE: CUSTOM HUMMER EXPERIENCE – YC EXCLUSIVE

Exclusively crafted for MSC Yacht Club Guests, this experience combines luxury, premium service, and exclusive access to make every moment ashore memorable. This excursion of around four hours is a chance for MSC Yacht Club members to craft their own tour of Ketchikan, with tailored recommendations from a guide. The trip could include museum visits, rainforest walks, wildlife spotting and much more, and you’ll be driven between sites in a Hummer H2 off-road SUV.

Excursion details

Experience Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “First City”, on your own terms during this approximately four-hour excursion, which puts you in charge of the itinerary. Together with your guide – who will also be your driver throughout – you’ll create a private tour fully based on your own interests and preferences, with all stops being flexible and optional.

Whether your interests include a city tour, cultural centres or natural activities there are plenty options to choose from. Options include Creek Street, a historic wooden boardwalk overlooking Ketchikan Creek and lined with colourful shops and restaurants. The adjoining downtown area is another option, full of public art, waterfront viewpoints and buildings that reflect Ketchikan’s rich history.

If interested in cultural centres, guests can choose from the city’s many museums and galleries, spending as much or as little time as they wish. These include the Tongass Historical Museum, where you can learn more about local history, and the Totem Heritage Center, which displays art from the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples and explores the region’s Indigenous cultures.

Additionally, there are several totem park options nearby, which you may choose to include in your itinerary. These include Totem Bight State Historical Park, a short drive out of town and home to restored or replicated totem poles, and Saxman Totem Park, a smaller site featuring more than 20 totems crafted by Tlingit communities.

If you’re looking for nature activities, you can choose to include hiking or wildlife spotting. Tongass National Forest offers a wide range of trails, and your guide can advise on routes suited to your preferences. For wildlife spotting, Whale Park is one possible stop, offering access to the water where humpback whales can sometimes be seen. Other trails in the area may also provide wildlife viewing opportunities, although please note wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Important Information:This tour is available for guests who are booked in the Yacht Club only. The listed price is per vehicle (not per person); only one person needs to book, with the tour payment chargeable to only one account.

The name of the companions joining the purchaser must be registered with the Yacht Club concierge desk once onboard. Each vehicle can fit up to 4 guests. This is not a self-drive tour; a driver will be provided. The driver of this tour is also the guide. Entrance fees to attractions are included. The vehicle does not travel off-road. Hiking trails can range from easy to strenuous. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price and are at the guests’own expense.

It is recommended that guests bring cash or credit cards for any additional purchase. The deadline to cancel this tour without any penalties is 48 hours prior to the call. Any cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the call will result in a 100% penalty of the tour price

AUTHENTIC ALASKA FISHING

Find out why Alaska is known for having some of the best fishing in the world during this excursion of around five hours. See if you can get a nibble from salmon, cod or rockfish as you and your guide craft a fishing itinerary while admiring the natural scenery.

Excursion details

During this flexible trip lasting approximately five hours, you’ll get to experience the diversity of Alaska’s fishing first-hand, while travelling through a scenic setting that showcases the region’s rural splendour.

The outing starts with an approximately 15-minute walk from the ship to a nearby marina, where you’ll spend around 15 minutes receiving clothing needed to keep you dry and warm, plus your fishing equipment and a fishing license for the day.

Then set off in your boat for around 45 minutes, arriving at the fishing area that you and your guide have chosen based on the day’s conditions, where you’ll spend approximately two hours and 45 minutes on a fishing quest. If the salmon are “running”(that is, if they are in nearby waters), your guide might recommend trying to catch pink, silver and the elusive king salmon. Other options include rockfish or – if waters are calm on the day – your boat could head further out to look for Pacific cod and lingcod.

Wherever you and your guide end up, enjoy the Southeastern Alaskan scenery during your travels. And please note that although you have a good chance of catching fish on the day, this cannot be guaranteed.

After the fishing, it takes around 45 minutes to return to the marina and another 15 minutes or so to walk back to your ship.

Important Information: Participants must be at least 5 years of age, weigh a minimum of 30 lbs. and a maximum of 300 lbs. Deck or rubber soled shoes must be worn on board.

We recommend that you wear warm, layered clothing. Baranof provides rain gear, rubber boots, comfortable float jackets, wool socks, hat and gloves, as well as all fishing equipment and tackle. Alaska State Law requires a fishing license that can be purchased in cash at the outfitting room for $15. You’ll need a credit card in order to have your catch processed and sent home (U.S. only). Fish cannot be stored on board the ship. -This tour is not recommended for expectant mothers or Guests who have neck, back or heart problems, because the weather can change rapidly, causing the vessel to navigate through some sea swell

ALASKAN CULINARY TASTINGS, TLINGIT TRADITIONS AND LUMBERJACK SHOW

Experience several different facets of Southeast Alaska’s personality during this multi-layered excursion of around three hours. You’ll learn about some of the region’s Indigenous culture at Saxman Totem Park before enjoying local culinary treats, ending with a high-energy lumberjack show.

Excursion details

Lasting approximately three hours, this celebration of Alaskan life begins with a transfer of about 15 minutes to Saxman Native Village. The site was established when residents from two settlements of Alaska’s Indigenous Tlingit people – Cape Fox and Tongass – came together to form one village.

Discover more about Tlingit culture during approximately 15 minutes, as you walk past artefacts, restored totem poles and other objects that delve into Tlingit history and heritage. You’ll also learn about various Tlingit villages in the area, including Cape Fox, whose residents are said to have relocated to the wider Saxman area in order to attend the village’s school and church.

Next, it’s time for a culinary experience at Saxman’s community centre section. Over 45 minutes or so you’ll sample a variety of Alaskan specialities.

Following the tasting, a transfer drive of about 15 minutes, followed by a walk of around 15 minutes, moves the excursion to the site of Ketchikan’s former spruce mill, now an arena that hosts a locally loved extravaganza: the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Lasting approximately one hour, this visual spectacle features real lumberjacks competing against one another in rounds of timber sports and other feats with connections to Ketchikan’s logging industry, formerly a cornerstone of the region’s economy. Axe throwing, tree climbing and speed sawing may be among the events on display.

After enjoying the show, a walk of around 15 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests should inform the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call in case of any food allergies. Tour may operate in reverse order.

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS, DUNGENESS CRAB and MIMOSA BRUNCH

This approximately four-hour excursion begins by exploring Alaskan Indigenous culture at Saxman Totem Park, where you’ll view totem poles and learn about carving styles of the Indigenous Alaskan Tlingit people. Afterwards, continue to a waterside lodge for a Dungeness crab brunch.

Excursion details

During this roughly four-hour excursion, you’ll discover how both historical traditions and coastal landscapes have shaped life around Ketchikan. A drive of about 15 minutes transports you from the port to Saxman Totem Park, home to over 20 restored totem poles carved in traditional Tlingit styles, many based on designs recorded in abandoned villages across Southeast Alaska.

Spend approximately 90 minutes at the park on a guided tour, finding out about different types of totem poles and the significance of the figures carved into them. The visit also includes a photo stop at the Beaver Clan House, a traditional-style Tlingit building, plus a chance to observe a carver at work.

A transfer of around 15 minutes then brings you to George Inlet Lodge, where the next 90 minutes or so are set aside for a meal of steaming Dungeness crab – a favourite across Southeast Alaska – and a selection of side dishes, plus mimosas, all served amid the lodge’s smart décor. The building itself was originally constructed in the 1940s for use as a salmon cannery bunkhouse and was later relocated by log raft to its present waterfront setting.

Following the meal, a drive of about 30 minutes returns you to the port.

Important Information: Guests should inform the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call in case of any food allergies. Guests must be able to transfer 2 to 3 steps into smaller shuttle at the George Inlet Lodge. There are 89 steps from parking lot to the main dining floor. Tour may operate in reverse order

HISTORIC CANNERY, DUNGENESS CRAB MEAL and BEER FLIGHT

This approximately four-hour excursion explores Ketchikan’s salmon-canning heritage with a guided visit of the historic George Inlet Cannery. Afterwards, continue to a nearby lodge for a Dungeness crab brunch paired with local craft beers.

Excursion details

During this excursion lasting about four hours, you’ll travel south of Ketchikan to George Inlet, an area long connected with Alaska’s commercial fishing industry and coastal communities.

A drive of around 30 minutes brings you to the George Inlet Cannery, which opened in 1914 and operated intermittently until the 1950s. After meeting your guide, follow a short trail through rainforest landscapes to the cannery grounds, pausing briefly at a waterfall along the way.

About 75 minutes are then set aside for a guided visit of the cannery complex, where original buildings and preserved equipment illustrate how the salmon industry operated during its peak years. Explore the different areas while learning how salmon moved from the fishing boats to the processing line. Displays of historic tools and machinery help bring the daily routines of cannery workers to life. You’ll also get to taste the cannery’s smoked salmon dip.

A transfer of about 15 minutes then moves the excursion to George Inlet Lodge, where you’ll be served a meal of Dungeness crab, accompanied by a tasting of local craft beers. After approximately 90 minutes at the lodge spent enjoying the food and drink, a transfer of about 30 minutes returns you to the port.

Important Information:Guests should inform the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call in case of any food allergies. Tour may operate in reverse order. Guests must be able to transfer 2 to 3 steps into smaller shuttle at the George Inlet Lodge. There are 89 steps from parking lot to the main dining floor. Tour may operate in reverse order.

RAINFOREST ISLAND ADVENTURE

Explore the wilds of Southeast Alaska on this excursion of around four hours, which begins with a cruise to a remote island. Once ashore, you’ll take a guided nature walk through the forest to learn about local flora and fauna, before enjoying a snack by a campfire.

Excursion details

Experience Alaskan nature up-close throughout this approximately four-hour excursion. Begin with a transfer of around 30 minutes to Knudson Cove Marina while enjoying commentary about Ketchikan from an onboard guide.

Once at the marina there’s about 15 minutes for an orientation and safety briefing, including time to change into all the necessary gear. Then walk to the dock and board your vessel, a motorised inflatable boat called a Seahawk.

As you sail through the waters of Clover Passage for around 30 minutes, keep a lookout for local wildlife, but please note that, although common in this region, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

You’ll land at a beach on Betton Island, where you’ll spend about 90 minutes. The island is part of the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest and the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. Learn about biodiversity in the area during a walk through the rainforest with a naturalist guide, who will tell you about some of the species that inhabit the island. Your guide will also help you try and spot wildlife during the walk, but again please be aware that sightings are not guaranteed.

After the walk, your time on Betton Island ends with an Alaskan-style snack around a campfire. Then return to your Seahawk for the scenic trip of approximately 30 minutes back to Knudson Cove Marina. From here, it’s a transfer of around 30 minutes to the port.

Important Information: the spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate. Moderate to good physical condition is necessary for participation in this excursion. The trail has a gradual slope and is well maintained. Guests must weigh at least 40 lbs. in order to fit into life jackets, which are required to be worn. Restroom facilities are limited. Protective rain gear, boots and life jackets are provided

TOTEM BIGHT AND RAINFOREST CANOE COMBO

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s past before enjoying the great outdoors on this excursion of around four hours. Begin by viewing totem poles at a state park – carved by two Indigenous Alaskan communities – then head to Harriet Hunt Lake for a canoe trip and nature walk.

Excursion details

This approximately four-hour excursion starts with a transfer of around 25 minutes to Totem Bight State Historical Park, where you’ll have about 70 minutes to explore. Within the grounds of the park – which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 – you can view a collection of restored and replica totem poles, many crafted by carvers from Indigenous Alaskan Tlingit and Haida communities. Learn more about both Tlingit and Haida history and culture as you view the totem poles and get to understand the significance of these intricate carvings.

Next, a transfer of about 20 minutes takes you to Lake Harriet Hunt, a forest-fringed body of water to the northeast of the park. You’ll spend around 15 minutes receiving a safety briefing and orientation, and you’ll also hear how traditional Alaskan canoes were carved by Indigenous communities.

Then head out onto the lake to begin paddling in your canoe for approximately 20 minutes, which you’ll share with other guests. Make your way across the lake, where you’ll stop for approximately 30 minutes for a snack and – for those who want to participate – a nature walks. The finally spend around 20 minutes paddling back to the starting point. From here, you’ll return the canoe before a drive of around 40 minutes transfers back to the port.

Important Information: Participation in the nature walk is optional. Rain gear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. It is recommended that guests dress warmly, in layers, and wear comfortable shoes. The minimum age to participate is 7 years old

RAINFOREST CANOE AND NATURE TRAIL

Canoe across a remote Alaskan lake in this outdoorsy excursion of around three and a half hours, with stops to soak up the surroundings. You’ll then enjoy a nature walk through a forest, with your guide pointing out further sights.

Excursion details

Get a taste of Alaskan scenery from both land and water in this excursion, lasting around three and a half hours. Begin with a transfer drive of around 45 minutes to Harriet Hunt Lake.

This secluded lake north of Ketchikan is set within the Tongass National Forest – the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – and its waters are bordered by thick, green vegetation, making for an impressive setting.

Once at the lake there’s an orientation and safety talk for about 15 minutes before setting off on your canoeing adventure, lasting approximately one hour. As you and fellow guests paddle the large, traditional-style canoe across the calm waters, there’ll be stops for your guide to point out local flora and fauna.

After journeying to the far side of the lake and enjoying the scenery, you’ll stop for around 30 minutes and disembark the canoe for a well-deserved rest and a snack. During this time, you’ll also head off on a guided nature walk, with your guide highlighting more natural wonders as you stroll through some of the old-growth forest that you paddled past earlier.

Then head to your canoe for the return trip across the lake, lasting around 30 minutes. Once ashore, give back your gear and then relax on the approximately 30-minute transfer to the port.

Important Information:The minimum age to participate is 7 years old. Restroom facilities are limited. Raingear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. This tour is not available for women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy

BACKCOUNTRY JEEP AND CANOE SAFARI

Take control in this approximately four-hour excursion, which lets you experience Alaska by self-driving a Jeep and paddling a canoe across a remote lake. You’ll also embark on a guided nature walk to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.

Excursion details

Navigate two very different forms of transport during this excursion of around four hours: a Jeep Wrangler and a traditional-style Alaskan long canoe. Start with a drive of around 20 minutes, which transfers you to a nearby base camp venue to pick up your Jeep.

You’ll be given a short safety talk and orientation, and will sign waiver forms, before starting up your sturdy Jeep Wrangler and heading out to follow your guide in the lead car. Then enjoy the ride of approximately 80 minutes, as you navigate your Jeep – built to handle off-road conditions – across rugged terrain and former logging roads, passing stretches of green forest along the way. As you drive, your guide will supply insights about the region’s history via two-way radio.

Your destination is Harriet Hunt Lake (set amongst the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world), where you’ll park your vehicle and get ready for the next part of the excursion: a canoe trip. Spend a short time getting kitted up and then launch gently into the water.

The next section of the excursion lasts about 80 minutes. You and fellow guests will paddle the canoe across the lake, soaking up the peaceful setting and Alaskan scenery, before disembarking at the other side and refuelling with a snack. Then your guide will lead a nature walk through old-growth forest, pointing out plant species and potentially any local wildlife that might be visible, although please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Following the nature walk, you’ll paddle back across the lake, marking the final part of the 80-minute section.

Climb out of your canoe for a transfer of around 20 minutes back to the base camp, before a return drive to the port, also lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Important Information:This is a self-driving tour. The tour order may vary. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Child seats for children aged 5-8 can be provided upon request and are subject to availability. Please inquire with the Shore Excursions Desk at least 48 hours prior to the call date. It is recommended that guests are dressed in warm layers. Rain gear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour.

Each jeep can take up to four (4) guests. However, if your party is smaller than 4, you may be required to share the vehicle with other guests. If you wish to have your own jeep, you will be required to pay for its full capacity of 4 guests. Please inquire with the shore excursions desk onboard should this be the case so that the remaining spaces can be charged to your onboard stateroom account.

This tour is not available for guests in their third trimester of pregnancy. Guests with back/neck issues should use caution as this tour travels over rough terrain. Guests must be at least 25 years old to drive, and are required to show a valid driver’s license, must provide the name of their insurance company, and sign a waiver