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.
