Princess Cruises is one of the most frequent visitors to Ketchikan. Because Princess ships typically dock in the heart of downtown, guests have a significant advantage when it comes to booking independent whale watching tours.
Princess ships (like the Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess, and Grand Princess) almost always dock at the downtown berths. This means you are within a 5-10 minute walk of most independent tour meeting points near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.
Princess itineraries often feature long port days in Ketchikan (e.g., 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM). This allows for a 3.5-hour whale watch and still leaves time for shopping on Creek Street or visiting the Totem Heritage Center.
Princess "Whales & Rainforest" Tour: Typically $200+ per person. Large boat (60-150 passengers).
Independent Adventure: Typically $155 per person. Small boat (6-12 passengers). More time observing, less time loading/unloading.
| Event | Time (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Ship Arrival & Clearance | 7:00 AM |
| Independent Tour Start | 8:30 AM |
| Tour Return (Back at Dock) | 12:00 PM |
| Free Time in Ketchikan | 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
| All Aboard | 2:30 PM |