No fireworks up there either...the bears voted against them. Years ago we visited, non cruise, Fairbanks, Gustavus (smaller boats to see Glacier Bay), Denali, Anchorage, North Pole, Homer and Seward. To really get a feel for how vast and beautiful this state is you should try to see more of it than these mostly touristy ports. Maybe
DCL will expand their cruises up there someday to include some of these towns/crossroads. Also, a bit later this month, the R2AK (Race to Alaska) takes place. It starts in Port Townsend, WA with a shakedown sailing 40 miles to Victoria, BC. The next leg is 710 miles to Ketchikan, AK. The boats, etc. are wind and/or human power (no motors),
unsupported and includes ships/boats/kayaks of all kinds. Last year three paddleboarders even entered. I believe two finished. The first leg starts June 14 and the second June 17. First arrivals in Ketchikan will be in 4-5 days. The rest might drag out for almost two weeks. The finish line is just a stones throw from where the Wonder docks. Our DCL Alaska cruise was during this time and we did not see anyone finish, it is a long shot...some arrive at night However, it might happen if you are in port during that time frame. They ring a bell at the finish. Google "R2AK" to find out all the details. It is about as weird/whacky/challenging as the gold rush must have been up there many years ago. First prize is $10,000 nailed to a tree near the finish...second, a set of steak knives. I told you is was a bit crazy. Just something to think about when in Ketchikan later this month.
