Westerdam to Alaska: Ketchikan, “Salmon Capital of the World”

One of my favorite Alaska ports, Ketchikan is likely to also become a favorite of my cat Elvis as well. While placing my order for smoked salmon to be mailed home from Salmon Etc, Mel noticed fillet of salmon cat treats. The next time Elvis has a snack attack, he’s in for quite a happy surprise.

For shoppers interested in authentic Alaskan native art, Ketchikan is a treasure trove of shops and galleries. It’s also a very walkable town with colorful Creek Street (pictured here) just a short stroll from the piers. While the buildings are now home to shops, they were once a part of the infamous “red light” district. The creek that runs alongside was full of salmon today—many of them putting on quite a show as they leaped into the air.

Back aboard Westerdam we were treated to a Great Alaska Cook-Out poolside. And we just learned that the after dinner Dessert Extravaganza, which had to be cancelled last night due to rough seas, has been rescheduled for tonight.

With so many activities to choose from, it’s almost difficult to decide how to spend the rest of the day at sea… there’s a digital workshop featuring photo editing, a margarita mixology course, wine tasting, and a Cupcake Tea. One event I don’t want to miss is the Travel Guide Series lecture about Alaska’s Native People.