Petersburg, Alaska

Little Norway in the Heart of the Tongass.

Overview

Petersburg, Alaska Cruise Port

Petersburg, Alaska, affectionately known as "Little Norway," is a charming and authentic fishing village nestled in the heart of the majestic Tongass National Forest. Located on Mitkof Island, its strong Norwegian heritage is immediately evident in the architecture, the colorful murals, and the bustling working harbor, where a significant portion of the town's livelihood is tied to the rich fishing grounds of Frederick Sound. Petersburg offers a genuine glimpse into Southeast Alaskan life, free from the overwhelming crowds often found in larger ports.

A visit here is an immersive experience in a pristine natural environment. Surrounded by towering mountains, dense rainforests, and active glaciers, Petersburg provides incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, from humpback whales and seals in the surrounding waters to eagles soaring overhead. Its friendly, tight-knit community, vibrant fishing culture, and stunning natural backdrop make Petersburg a unique and memorable stop on any Alaskan cruise itinerary, inviting visitors to experience the true spirit of the Last Frontier.

Top Things to Do in Petersburg, Alaska

Explore the Harbors and Fishing Fleet

Petersburg's heart lies in its bustling harbors. Take a leisurely stroll along the docks, where you can currently see a vibrant fleet of fishing boats – from purse seiners and trawlers to gillnetters – bringing in their daily catches. This offers a true glimpse into the town's primary industry and its deep connection to the sea.

Tip: Look for local fishermen mending nets or offloading their catch; it's a great way to observe authentic Alaskan maritime life.

Discover Norwegian Heritage at Clausen Museum

Delve into Petersburg's unique history and strong Norwegian roots at the Clausen Museum. The museum showcases artifacts from the town's Tlingit Native heritage, its pioneering Norwegian founders, and its vital fishing and canning industries, offering a comprehensive look at the community's past.

Tip: Pay attention to the exhibits detailing the early settlement and the influence of Peter Buschmann, the Norwegian immigrant who founded the town.

Walk or Bike the Hammer Slough

Experience the picturesque charm of Petersburg by walking or biking along the Hammer Slough. This iconic waterway is lined with colorful, stilted houses and fishing sheds that perch precariously over the tidal waters, reflecting the town's unique architecture and close relationship with the sea.

Tip: The Slough is particularly photogenic during high tide when the water laps at the stilts, or at low tide when the mud flats are exposed.

Observe Wildlife in Frederick Sound

Petersburg is ideally situated for wildlife viewing in the nutrient-rich waters of Frederick Sound, renowned as a summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Local boat tours offer incredible opportunities to see these majestic creatures breaching and feeding, alongside sea lions, seals, and various seabirds.

Tip: Even if not on a dedicated whale-watching tour, keep an eye out from your cruise ship's deck as you approach or depart the port, as sightings are frequent.

Hike or Stroll through the Tongass National Forest

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Several accessible trails lead directly from town into the temperate rainforest, offering opportunities for peaceful walks amidst towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock, and a chance to spot local birdlife.

Tip: Check with the Visitor Center for trail maps and current conditions. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes as trails can be muddy.

Indulge in Fresh Seafood

Given its status as a major fishing port, Petersburg is the perfect place to indulge in fresh Alaskan seafood. Look for local restaurants serving halibut, salmon, crab, or shrimp – often caught just hours before arriving on your plate.

Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like a fresh crab melt or a hearty seafood chowder. Many eateries proudly display their daily catch.

Cruises to Petersburg

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit*+ 1 more offer

TCW EXCLUSIVE

21-night Alaska In-depth Exploration & Summer Solstice Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

Seymour Narrows

Queen Charlotte Sound

Ketchikan

Snow Pass

Decision Passage

Sitka

Petersburg

Stephens Passage

Haines

Lynn Canal

Inian Islands

Hubbard Glacier

Valdez

Chiswell Islands

Holgate Glacier

College Fjord

Whittier

Harriman Fjord

Hubbard Glacier

Juneau

Tracy Arm

Stephens Passage

Decision Passage

Wrangell

Stikine Strait

Behm Canal

Misty Fjords

Prince Rupert

Grenville Channel

Whale Channel

Princess Royal Channel

Alert Bay

Johnstone Strait

Seymour Narrows

+29 more

Aboard

Seabourn Encore

From

Vancouver, British Columbia

1 Sailing

Jun 9, 2028

Published prices from

$21,398

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

Sea lion colony on rocks in Whittier, Alaska.

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit*+ 1 more offer

TCW EXCLUSIVE

11-night Alaskan Fjords, Summer Solstice & Canada's Channels Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

Seymour Narrows

Queen Charlotte Sound

Ketchikan

Snow Pass

Decision Passage

Sitka

Petersburg

Stephens Passage

Haines

Lynn Canal

Inian Islands

Hubbard Glacier

Valdez

Chiswell Islands

Holgate Glacier

College Fjord

+10 more

Aboard

Seabourn Encore

From

Vancouver, British Columbia

1 Sailing

Jun 9, 2028

Published prices from

$10,898

per person*

taxes & fees included

Cruise Details

View All Petersburg, Alaska Cruises

The reviews are in

Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.

[Our Cruise Expert] and his team were absolutely amazing to work with! Our original trip was unexpectedly canceled by the airline, so we decided at the last minute to go on a cruis...

Julia K.

Google Reviews

I've booked several cruises with [Our Cruise Expert] in the past 15 years and continue to book with her for my family of five. We just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on...

John C.

Google Reviews

Friendly and professional attention by my senior cruise consultant. Perfect assistance. Thank you

Jose M.

Google Reviews

I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very...

Camille G.

Google Reviews

We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.

Linda F.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.

Sharon E.

Google Reviews

I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I...

Priscilla B.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.

Sheralyn H.

Google Reviews

Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!

Wendy F.

Google Reviews

[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.

James C.

Google Reviews

4.9Google

Petersburg, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Petersburg, Alaska

Explore the Harbors and Fishing Fleet

Tip: Look for local fishermen mending nets or offloading their catch; it's a great way to observe authentic Alaskan maritime life.

Discover Norwegian Heritage at Clausen Museum

Tip: Pay attention to the exhibits detailing the early settlement and the influence of Peter Buschmann, the Norwegian immigrant who founded the town.

Walk or Bike the Hammer Slough

Tip: The Slough is particularly photogenic during high tide when the water laps at the stilts, or at low tide when the mud flats are exposed.

Observe Wildlife in Frederick Sound

Tip: Even if not on a dedicated whale-watching tour, keep an eye out from your cruise ship's deck as you approach or depart the port, as sightings are frequent.

Hike or Stroll through the Tongass National Forest

Tip: Check with the Visitor Center for trail maps and current conditions. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes as trails can be muddy.

Indulge in Fresh Seafood

Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like a fresh crab melt or a hearty seafood chowder. Many eateries proudly display their daily catch.

Petersburg, Alaska

Petersburg, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Petersburg, Alaska

Explore the Harbors and Fishing Fleet

Discover Norwegian Heritage at Clausen Museum

Walk or Bike the Hammer Slough

Observe Wildlife in Frederick Sound

Hike or Stroll through the Tongass National Forest

Indulge in Fresh Seafood

Cruises to Petersburg

21-night Alaska In-depth Exploration & Summer Solstice Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

$21,398

11-night Alaskan Fjords, Summer Solstice & Canada's Channels Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

$10,898

Petersburg Cruise Lines

The reviews are in

Destinations

Departure Ports

Cruise Lines

Deals

Land Vacations

All About Cruising

Petersburg, Alaska Cruise Port

Top Things to Do in Petersburg, Alaska

Explore the Harbors and Fishing Fleet

Discover Norwegian Heritage at Clausen Museum

Walk or Bike the Hammer Slough

Observe Wildlife in Frederick Sound

Hike or Stroll through the Tongass National Forest

Indulge in Fresh Seafood

Cruises to Petersburg

21-night Alaska In-depth Exploration & Summer Solstice Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

$21,398

11-night Alaskan Fjords, Summer Solstice & Canada's Channels Cruise From Vancouver, British Columbia

$10,898

Petersburg Cruise Lines

The reviews are in