Cruise port Alpena (MI)
Info for port Alpena (MI) on 21 Jul 2027
Port information & tips for Alpena (MI)
Kupreanof Island is an untouched jewel in the middle of Alaska's Inside Passage, offering an authentic wilderness experience far off the beaten path. The island fascinates with its dense rainforests of the Tongass National Forest and a deeply rooted Tlingit culture, which lends the region a special flair. Impressive highlights include the majestic Kake Totem Pole, one of the world's tallest of its kind, and spectacular whale watching opportunities in Frederick Sound. Cruise ships typically use the central Kake City Dock, located in the immediate vicinity of the town center, providing visitors with convenient, walkable access to cultural sights and the warm local community.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Kupreanof Island in Alaska is an exceptional destination for expedition cruises and smaller vessels. Access to this remote island, particularly to the main town of Kake, is exclusively by plane or ship, as there are no road or rail connections to the mainland and traditional cruise terminals for large ships are absent.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually requires long-haul flights to major US hubs such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC). From there, continue with domestic flights to regional airports in Southeast Alaska, primarily Juneau (JNU) or Sitka (SIT). From Juneau, Alaska Seaplanes, for example, offers flights to the small Kake Airport (KAE) on Kupreanof Island, which take about 50 minutes and operate several times a day in summer. Flight connections to Kake are also available from Sitka with Harris Air. Due to the often limited flight schedules for smaller aircraft, flexible travel planning is an advantage.
Ferry & Water Taxi
As an alternative to small aircraft, Kake on Kupreanof Island is accessible via the Alaska Marine Highway System. Ferry connections exist from Juneau to Kake, among others, and take around eight hours. Routes via Petersburg or Sitka are also possible. The ferry terminal in Kake, newly built in 2016, is located only about a quarter mile south of the town. For specific destinations on Kupreanof Island, water taxis can also be used from Petersburg on the neighboring Mitkof Island to the Kupreanof State Dock or other landing sites.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Travel Planning
Given the long journey and the remote location of Kupreanof Island, it is strongly recommended to book a pre-cruise hotel in one of the larger travel hubs such as Juneau, Sitka, or even Seattle at least one day before the scheduled embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival and provides a buffer for possible flight delays. Since Kupreanof Island has no traditional cruise terminals and is visited exclusively by small expedition ships, embarkation usually takes place by tender boat from the anchored ship to the community dock in Kake. Parking facilities in the sense of "Park & Cruise" providers do not exist on the island.
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 no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arriving on Kupreanof Island offers direct access to the untouched wilderness of Alaska and usually takes place via small landing stages for tender boats. From here, the tranquil surroundings can be wonderfully explored thanks to the manageable size and the idyllic location.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are the primary connection between Kupreanof and the neighboring town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. The boats dock directly at the local piers and allow for a comfortable crossing of the Wrangell Narrows for further exploration in the region.
On Foot
Getting around the island is done exclusively on foot, as the entire path network consists of picturesque wooden boardwalks and nature trails. The small settlement as well as the adjacent forest areas can be reached in just a few minutes thanks to these paths and invite you to take relaxing walks in nature.
Excursion Boats and Kayaks
Small motorized boats and kayaks are available on the shore to flexibly explore the island's coastline. This transportation option also offers you the opportunity to observe the local wildlife directly from the water while safely reaching remote bays.
To make the most of your stay on Kupreanof Island, we recommend a combination of active nature experiences in the island's direct wilderness and a visit to charming, Norwegian-influenced Petersburg on the opposite shore.
Petersburg & Hammer Slough
The picturesque center of Petersburg is known as Little Norway and delights with its colorful stilt houses on Hammer Slough; furthermore, the bustling fishing harbor invites you to take a relaxed stroll through the region's maritime history thanks to its authentic atmosphere.
Kupreanof State Marine Park
This pristine natural paradise on the island includes the Petersburg Mountain Trail and, thanks to hiking trails through dense coastal rainforest, enables the ascent to spectacular viewpoints that are perfect for a panoramic view over the glinting Wrangell Narrows.
LeConte Glacier
A guided boat trip to LeConte Glacier is an ideal destination for a day trip thanks to the harbor's location; additionally, the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America fascinates with its imposing blue icebergs while simultaneously offering excellent opportunities for spotting seals and eagles.
Sons of Norway Hall at Hammer Slough
The iconic Sons of Norway Hall at Hammer Slough is the cultural heart of the region and is located just a short, pleasant walk from the harbor area. This historic building on stilts impresses with its traditional Norwegian construction and also offers a first-class view of the colorful fishing boats and the surrounding mountain scenery. Thanks to the cozy atmosphere and small, owner-managed cafes, the surrounding area is perfect for relaxed exploration and authentically conveys the charm of "Little Norway". Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the water and return to the ship in the early afternoon without any time pressure.
Returning to the ship at the port of Kake on Kupreanof Island is very safe and stress-free, thanks to the friendly atmosphere and short distances. Since the port area forms the central heart of the community, it is easy to maintain your orientation throughout your time ashore.
Shuttle and Tour Transfers
For excursions to cultural sites such as the impressive totem pole, guests usually use the shuttle buses provided by local operators, which take you directly back to the pier. In addition, individual trips can easily be organized through local lodges, ensuring you reach the pier comfortably and on time.
On Foot
The path through the village of Kake is manageable and leads safely along the coastal road directly to the harbor at Keku Strait. Thanks to the high visibility of the ship and the clear structure of the town, the way back to the berth is easy to find at any time.
Water Taxi and Port Facilities
For those returning from excursions on the water, the central floating docks in the harbor area serve as a fixed arrival point right next to the cruise pier. Coordination with local boat operators works smoothly and ensures a punctual arrival before the ship departs.
