Port information & tips for St. Paul (Pribilof Islands, AK)
Thanks to its spectacular location on Prince William Sound, Valdez is known as the "Switzerland of Alaska" and welcomes travelers with a breathtaking backdrop of deep blue fjords and the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains. The port city exudes an authentic charm while offering direct access to untouched wilderness and fascinating icy worlds. Special highlights include the Solomon Gulch Hatchery for observing salmon and sea lions, the informative Valdez Museum, and the majestic Worthington Glacier. Cruise ships dock at the John Hunter Memorial Marine Terminal (City Dock), from where shuttle buses conveniently take visitors to the city center, located about five kilometers away, in just a few minutes.
Valdez in Alaska, as a cruise port, offers an impressive backdrop on Prince William Sound and is easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region thanks to its manageable size and direct berths. Cruise ships usually dock at the John Thomas Kelsey Municipal Dock, located right in the heart of the city, or at the Valdez Container Terminal, from where shuttles are available.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically takes place via Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska's largest airport. From Anchorage, you can reach Valdez Pioneer Field Airport (VDZ) with daily short flights of about 45 minutes, offered by Arctic Legacy. Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is located only about 6 kilometers outside the city. Local taxi services and rental cars are available for transfer to the port or hotel.
Car
For travelers who want to experience a breathtaking drive through the Alaskan wilderness, the scenic Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 1) leads directly to Valdez. This "America's Most Scenic Road" connects Valdez with Fairbanks and offers an unforgettable route from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. In Valdez, parking is available in the city center and near hotels to safely park your vehicle during the cruise.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long flight from Europe and possible flight delays, an overnight stay in Valdez on the day before embarkation is recommended. In the city center, you will find several hotels, such as the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn, which are only a few minutes' walk from the Kelsey Dock and the starting points for shore excursions. This way, you can start your unforgettable Alaska adventure relaxed.
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 the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Valdez in Alaska, as a cruise port, offers an impressive backdrop on Prince William Sound and is easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region thanks to its manageable size and direct berths. Cruise ships usually dock at the John Thomas Kelsey Municipal Dock, located right in the heart of the city, or at the Valdez Container Terminal, from where shuttles are available.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region typically takes place via Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska's largest airport. From Anchorage, you can reach Valdez Pioneer Field Airport (VDZ) with daily short flights of about 45 minutes, offered by Arctic Legacy. Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is located only about 6 kilometers outside the city. Local taxi services and rental cars are available for transfer to the port or hotel.
Car
For travelers who want to experience a breathtaking drive through the Alaskan wilderness, the scenic Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 1) leads directly to Valdez. This "America's Most Scenic Road" connects Valdez with Fairbanks and offers an unforgettable route from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. In Valdez, parking is available in the city center and near hotels to safely park your vehicle during the cruise.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long flight from Europe and possible flight delays, an overnight stay in Valdez on the day before embarkation is recommended. In the city center, you will find several hotels, such as the Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn, which are only a few minutes' walk from the Kelsey Dock and the starting points for shore excursions. This way, you can start your unforgettable Alaska adventure relaxed.
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 the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Valdez impresses with its central location and provides travelers with direct access to the city's natural beauty and attractions. Thanks to the town's compact size, many destinations are easily accessible from the terminal.
On Foot
The city center of Valdez is located right at the harbor and can be easily reached on foot within 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads along the picturesque waterfront and also offers excellent opportunities for spotting sea otters and bald eagles.
Taxi
Local taxis are usually available directly at the terminal upon the arrival of cruise ships. They offer a quick connection to more distant destinations such as the Old Valdez Site or viewpoints and can also be used for individual tours of the surrounding area.
Local Shuttles
During the cruise season, supplementary shuttle buses often operate, taking guests directly to the most important attractions such as the Valdez Museum or the Solomon Gulch Hatchery. The stops are clearly visible on the port grounds and allow for an uncomplicated exploration of the region.
To make the most of your visit to St. Paul, we recommend focusing on the spectacular wildlife viewing spots right on the coast and the history-steeped atmosphere in the center of the small island community.
Lukanin Bay & Seal Rookeries
The wide shores of Lukanin Bay are perfect for observing majestic Northern fur seals due to their proximity to the harbor, while also providing an impressive backdrop for nature photography in the wild Bering Sea.
Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church
With its striking green onion domes, this historic Russian Orthodox church forms the cultural heart of the village and, thanks to its location in the center, is ideal for a relaxed stroll through the eventful history of the Pribilof Islands.
Ridge Wall
These famous cliffs are quickly accessible via short paths and offer bird lovers a fascinating natural spectacle right by the surf, thanks to the countless nesting puffins and other Arctic seabirds.
The journey back to the ship in Valdez is particularly easy and safe thanks to the clear city structure and short distances. Most ships dock directly at Kelsey Dock or are easily accessible via short transfer routes.
Shuttle Bus and Tour Transfer
For guests at the slightly more distant Container Terminal, a convenient shuttle service is available, departing regularly from the Visitor Center on Fairbanks Drive and taking you directly to the pier. Additionally, many local tour providers will drop you off right at the port entrance after your experiences in the glaciers or mountains.
Taxi
Local taxis can be easily ordered by phone or found directly at busy spots like the Small Boat Harbor. Thanks to the compact size of Valdez, you can reach the port terminal from any point in the city within a few minutes, enjoying a stress-free return journey to the ship.
On Foot
From Kelsey Dock, you can walk back to the terminal and North Harbor Drive via flat and well-signposted paths. As the ship is often visible from afar in the harbor basin, it serves as an ideal landmark for a relaxed stroll back on board.
