Tendering in Alaska

[jormot]

We are looking at a Princess cruise that tenders in Sitka and Juneau. How often are ports missed because of weather in Alaska? I know there can be quite the issue in the Caribbean but not sure if it was the same in Alaska. We would hate to miss a stop and would rather look at a different option if missing a port is a real concern.

[xlxo]

Hmm.... you might want share your sailing dates.... some months (eg September) may be more statistically stormy.

[sherryf]

We were originally scheduled to tender in Sitka this year, but they are using a new dock outside of town, with shuttles into town. Are you sure you are tendering rather than docking in Sitka?

[jormot]

The cruise is in mid-May. And according to Princess we are tendering. I don't know if that could be different once on the ship.

[sherryf]

The cruise is in mid-May. And according to Princess we are tendering. I don't know if that could be different once on the ship.

 

Don't wait until you are on the ship to figure it out! I don't think next year's port schedules are out yet, but when they are, be sure to check them. HAL is definitely docking this year. Princess doesn't go to Sitka often, but I'm guessing they will prefer to dock there if they can.

[TheCalicoCat]

I've read on CC about ships missing Sitka... (I've never heard about missing Juneau, maybe because it is in the Gastineau Channel. Or Maybe I missed the posts mentioning them being missed.)

 

My ship docks in both Sitka & Juneau...

[zqvol]

If ships miss a port in AK, it is usually because of fog, not rough seas like in the Caribbean. It doesn't happen very often and it won't happen because tendering is involved.

[232271]

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/alaska-cruise-ship-calendar.html

 

Found this, emerald only ship in port, wonder if we will tender instead, may 15,2017

[232271]

Click on the top link for all ports, it's listed on that one

[Sequim88]

Ships listed as OSD are Old Sitka Dock, so not tendered. Ones listed as 2BR and 3BR are tendered. HAL has a contract to dock all its ships so the days where there are multiples the others tender.

 

Article about the dock and impact on the town here.