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Sitka: when your ship stops here

Totem poles in the oldest park in Alaska, the Russian cathedral and Castle Hill, and the eagles at the Raptor Center.

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Sitka, on Baranof Island, was the capital of Russian America, called New Archangel. On 18 October 1867 Alaska was handed from Russia to the United States at a ceremony on Castle Hill here. Most big ships tie up at the cruise terminal about 5 miles north of downtown, and a free shuttle runs to town during port hours; some ships anchor and tender passengers straight downtown.

Sources: Wikipedia: Sitka, Alaska; Wikipedia: Castle Hill (Sitka, Alaska); Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal: Visitor essentials; National Park Service: Sitka National Historical Park, directions

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Sitka National Historical Park

    Alaska's oldest federally designated park, on the site of the 1804 battle between the Tlingit and Russian fur traders. Totem poles stand along two miles (3.2 km) of wooded paths by the Indian River. The Russian Bishop's House, built from 1841 to 1843, is about half a mile away and one of only a few Russian colonial buildings left in the Western Hemisphere.

    Tip: The Park Service says most of the park is an easy walk from downtown. From the cruise terminal, the free shuttle drops you at 330 Harbor Drive; the last one back leaves downtown 30 minutes before your ship's all aboard time, and on busy days you need a reservation.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Sitka National Historical Park; National Park Service: Sitka National Historical Park, directions; Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal: Visitor essentials

  2. 2. St. Michael's Cathedral and Castle Hill

    The Russian Orthodox cathedral, finished in 1848, was the first Orthodox cathedral in the New World. It burned down on the night of 2 January 1966 and was rebuilt from 1961 drawings; most of its treasures were saved from the fire. Castle Hill, a short walk away, is where Alaska changed hands in 1867 and where the first 49 star flag in Alaska was raised in 1959.

    Tip: Castle Hill has an accessible trail with panels to the top and a commanding view over the town.

    Sources: Wikipedia: St. Michael's Cathedral (Sitka, Alaska); Wikipedia: Castle Hill (Sitka, Alaska)

  3. 3. The Alaska Raptor Center

    Founded in 1980 when two Sitka residents nursed an injured bald eagle at home, the center treats roughly 200 injured birds a year and has an eagle flight training center. Birds too hurt to be released live there as avian ambassadors that you can meet.

    Tip: It sits beside the Indian River and the Tongass forest, beyond the historical park; a tour or a taxi is the easy way.

    Source: Alaska Raptor Center: About

What to skip

  • Mount Edgecumbe

    The 3,200 foot (980 m) volcano in Sitka's skyline is on Kruzof Island, about 15 miles west, and the trail to its top is seven miles (11 km) long: a boat and a full day, not a shore stop.

    Source: Wikipedia: Sitka, Alaska

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Sitka

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Sitka, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 1, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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