Port of Call: Skagway, Alaska
Experience the history of the popular port town Skagway, Alaska. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its wilderness and stroll through historic towns connected to the gold rush era.
Skagway, Alaska harbor (photo courtesy of ncl.com).
Dog Sledding
Family playing with sled dog puppies (photo courtesy of princess.com).
Have you ever wanted to hop onto a sled pulled by 16 Alaskan Huskies? Now you can! Learn firsthand what it’s like to work with and train sled dogs, and what it takes to compete in races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. After the ride, participants can visit with the next generation of sled dogs and talk more with local mushers during a question and answer session. Mush!
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Horseback ride through the Chilkoot Trail (photo courtesy of carnival.com).
This national park offers visitors the opportunity to experience gold rush history and enjoy the beauty of Alaska. The park offers guided tours of the Skagway Historic District and the historic Dyea townsite, once a thriving boom town of the gold rush era with little more than archaeological remnants left in the developing forest surrounding it. Guests can also explore local museums like the Mascot Saloon – an authentic post-gold rush saloon; the historic Moore House and Cabin; and Jeff “Soapy” Smith’s Parlor – one of the oldest museums in Alaska. Looking for a little more adventure? Explore the 33-mile “museum” that is the Chilkoot Trail, where more than 30,000 men, women and children climbed the Golden Stairs during the Klondike Gold Rush.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass (photo courtesy of royalcaribbean.com).
Engineered in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route still operates 118 years later! Journey through a panorama of mountains, glaciers and gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and trestles, all while climbing nearly 3,000 feet in elevation in a matter of 20 miles. The Bennett Scenic Journey travels 67.5 miles between Skagway and Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada, and back along the same stretch as the stampeders of the Gold Rush. For those looking for a shorter journey, and one that doesn’t require a passport, the railroad offers two other rides, both just as historical and breathtaking!
The Alaskan Fudge Company
The Alaskan Fudge Company in Skagway (photo courtesy of google.com)
Nestled away on the corner of 7th and Broadway sits the Alaskan Fudge Company. Be sure to stop by the shop to pick up some of their homemade fudge in true Alaskan flavors such as Motherlode Maple, Chilkoot Chewy, White Pass White Out, Fool’s Gold, and many others before heading back to the ship!
Park West sails on over 100 of cruise ships around the world, including those in Alaska. Join Park West Gallery aboard your next cruise to journey into the world of fine art.
