Port information & tips for Astoria (OR)
Astoria is the oldest permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains and is picturesquely located at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River in the state of Oregon. The charming port city delights with its rich maritime heritage, impressive Victorian architecture, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Cultural highlights include the iconic Astoria Column with its spectacular panoramic view, the renowned Columbia River Maritime Museum, and the historic Flavel House Museum. Cruise ships dock directly at Pier 1 of the Port of Astoria, from which the vibrant city center is easily accessible in just a few minutes thanks to short shuttle rides or the nostalgic Astoria Riverfront Trolley.
The cruise port of Klawock on Prince of Wales Island impresses with its location close to nature and the modern terminal on Klawock Island, which was specifically designed for cruise ships in Southeast Alaska. Travel from the DACH region typically takes place by flight and is often supplemented by regional connecting services that provide the first spectacular views of the Inside Passage.
Airplane
For travel from Europe, flight connections via the international hubs of Seattle (SEA) or Vancouver (YVR) to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) are available. From Ketchikan, guests can reach the port comfortably in about 30 minutes with regional airlines such as Island Air Express to Klawock Airport (AKW) or use the direct connection by seaplane, which lands directly in the bay in front of the terminal.
Ferry & Rental Car
A charming alternative to air travel is the Inter-Island Ferry Authority, which connects Ketchikan daily with the port of Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. After the approximately three-hour crossing, the route leads via the Prince of Wales Island Highway (Route 929) through untouched nature directly to the terminal in Klawock, with the driving distance of about 35 kilometers covered in approximately 45 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the more complex logistics in the remote regions of Alaska, an overnight stay in Ketchikan or Seattle before embarkation is highly recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to the cruise and also offers the opportunity to visit the local Tlingit culture and the impressive Klawock Totem Park with its 21 historic totem poles without time pressure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Klawock on Prince of Wales Island impresses with its location close to nature and the modern terminal on Klawock Island, which was specifically designed for cruise ships in Southeast Alaska. Travel from the DACH region typically takes place by flight and is often supplemented by regional connecting services that provide the first spectacular views of the Inside Passage.
Airplane
For travel from Europe, flight connections via the international hubs of Seattle (SEA) or Vancouver (YVR) to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) are available. From Ketchikan, guests can reach the port comfortably in about 30 minutes with regional airlines such as Island Air Express to Klawock Airport (AKW) or use the direct connection by seaplane, which lands directly in the bay in front of the terminal.
Ferry & Rental Car
A charming alternative to air travel is the Inter-Island Ferry Authority, which connects Ketchikan daily with the port of Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. After the approximately three-hour crossing, the route leads via the Prince of Wales Island Highway (Route 929) through untouched nature directly to the terminal in Klawock, with the driving distance of about 35 kilometers covered in approximately 45 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the time difference and the more complex logistics in the remote regions of Alaska, an overnight stay in Ketchikan or Seattle before embarkation is highly recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to the cruise and also offers the opportunity to visit the local Tlingit culture and the impressive Klawock Totem Park with its 21 historic totem poles without time pressure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The modern, indigenous cruise port on Klawock Island offers travelers a comfortable starting point to discover the rich culture of the Tlingit and the untouched nature of Prince of Wales Island.
Complimentary Shuttle Service
A regular shuttle bus conveniently connects the terminal with the town center of Klawock and the neighboring community of Craig. The buses run approximately every 20 minutes throughout the entire docking time and stop directly at the famous Totem Park as well as central shopping facilities.
On Foot
Directly at the port grounds, picturesque nature trails invite you to enjoy relaxing walks through the coastal rainforest. The village center, located about 2.5 kilometers away, is accessible via a connecting bridge and simultaneously offers wide views over the bay and the dense forests of the island.
Taxi and Private Tours
Local taxis are available at the terminal and allow for flexible onward travel to individual destinations on the island. In addition, numerous organized excursions start directly at the port, offering quick access to whale watching, fishing spots, or historical cultural sites thanks to short distances.
To make the most of your stay in Astoria, a combination of the historic city center on the riverfront and an excursion to the impressive viewpoints and the famous natural wonders of the Pacific coast is recommended.
Astoria Riverfront
The picturesque Riverfront Trail runs directly along the Columbia River and, thanks to the historic Old 300 Trolley and the numerous breweries and galleries, offers the perfect introduction to the city's maritime way of life.
Astoria Column
This impressive monument towers high above the city and rewards visitors after a short climb with a magnificent panorama over the harbor and the mouth of the river; additionally, the hand-painted frescoes on the column tell the gripping story of the American West.
Cannon Beach
This world-famous coastal section is a first-class destination for nature lovers thanks to its good accessibility and impresses with the majestic Haystack Rock as well as the charming art galleries in the adjacent town.
Klawock Totem Park
The impressive Klawock Totem Park is located in the heart of the community and is easily accessible in about ten minutes thanks to the free harbor shuttle. This site is home to 21 intricately carved poles, one of the world's most significant collections of Tlingit culture, and offers you deep insights into Alaska's indigenous history. A visit to the neighboring Carving Shed is also particularly worthwhile, where you can watch local artists at their traditional carving work and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the place. Ideally, plan your excursion for the morning to experience the carvers at work, and return relaxed to the ship at least ninety minutes before departure using the regular shuttle.
Returning to the Klawock Island Dock is particularly relaxed and safe thanks to the excellent organization of local partners and the manageable distances.
Shuttle Buses
The most important way back is via the complimentary shuttle buses, which run at a convenient 20-minute interval throughout the entire layover. You will find the stops directly at Klawock Totem Park as well as at the Klawock Mall in the town center, from where you can reach the terminal directly within a few minutes.
On Foot
Within the compact town center of Klawock, the sights and small art galleries can easily be explored on foot. Thanks to the provided buses, guests can complete the journey across the industrial bridge back to the ship on Klawock Island particularly safely, as these guarantee a comfortable connection between the town and the pier.
Taxi and Private Transfers
Since classic rideshare apps are not available in this natural region, the return trip is often coordinated directly with local tour guides or taxi providers at the AC Value Center. The drivers are well acquainted with the ships' departure times and will also take you directly to the security gate at the harbor, so you can enjoy your stay until the last minute.
