We LOVED visiting Ketchikan, Alaska… but NOT this part 

I am glad I use Princess in Alaska. Just walk off into the city. Love Ketchikan.

I’m glad I visited Ketchikan when I lived there BEFORE all the cruise ships. I can’t believe how “tourism” has changed it.

Best advice when picking any cruise is your itinerary and how long you are in each port. You’ve got to have time to explore…..that’s why we cruise!

Just back from Alaskan Cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas, Royal Carribean - no issues at all with Meals, docking, getting on/off ship - docked in great places at all ports, Shuttles if needed ran smoothly - never an issue with restuarants included in cruise - defineately go with them again. A smaller and older ship but no complaints - had an amazing time - well organised and run

We have cruised a lot with Norwegian (small & large ships) and have never seen anything like this before, please don’t let it put you off trying NCL again. The Lumber Jack show looked great fun and the town itself looked interesting to wander around.

One of the benefits of cruising HAL is they have priority at the main dock, no bus to get to town. Stay safe and thanks for sharing

Our first trip to Alaska was in 2010 on Princess. My sister forgot to bring a jacket with her. Turned out to be a good thing. We still wear our jackets from that trip. In 2019 we went back to Alaska on HAL, bought new jackets. I still wear mine from our first trip. We'll be going next year on Princess again. New jackets, good prices and they last.

Sorry you had such a poor experience getting back on the ship, but I really appreciate seeing things like this! Ketchikan looks lovely though, great video ☺️

The itineraries I have looked at specify whether they are docking at Ward Cove or Ketchikan. And for the record, Ketchikan is actually a year 'round community. Most of the residents avoid the areas that are overrun by cruisers during the day, so the cruisers may only see the carpet bagger army that runs the cheesy gift shops, but there are 12,000+ people who live there all year. It is actually a pleasant visit during the off season, there are regular flights to Seattle and Juneau and ferry service up and down the coast.

I loved my time in Ketchikan last summer. Enjoyed the lumberjack show. I went on Holland American Eurodam

Just don’t go on NCL, I was a travel agent for 30 years and never had good comments from clients that insisted on going on them due to the price. You get what you pay for. I never wanted to go on them.

I was on the Westerdam relocation b2b from Japan 6 weeks ago. There were 4 cruise ships in the harbor and Ketchican was a zoo. But I've been there before and enjoyed it.

I visited Ketchikan in 2017 on the Norwegian Sun (much smaller ship) and we docked in Ketchikan. I took a flightseeing trip into Misty Fjords and we flew directly over the ship!

We took this same cruise 2 weeks ago. Had Absolutely no problems eating when returning from the bus to Ketchikan. Remember, you are on a ship with 4000 people!!! As for NCL not giving you enough time in a port to do everything you want to, maybe choose another cruise with a different itinerary.

Thank you SO MUCH for this "reality" video, these are the kinds of videos I really need to plan my trip, not some glossed-over versions of Tubers who are getting paid/free cruises by painting a perfect picture. I was sketchy on going to Ward Cove because I wanted more time to see Ketchikan, so I guess it will be Princess or HAL now.

I saw another video saying NCL cannot manage its crowds. There was chaos as well. I was considering trying NCL for my 2nd cruise, but seeing how far they dock at the ports and not able to manage crowds, I don't want to book with them. My first cruise was to Alaska with another cruise line, and I had a wonderful time! I want to go to Alaska again so I can do things I didn't get to do the first time. BTW, I hope things go better on your next NCL cruise!

Part of the problem with the buffet is campers. Some people will eat and eat and eat then just stay there playing on their phones or visiting. I just got off the Encore this morning, and saw this type of behavior many times. Of course, those cruisers are on vacation, and the staff will not ask them to give up their table so someone else can sit. Sometimes it's best to grab some food, put an empty plate over it to cover, and go to another location, like your cabin, to eat it.

We were also part of that mess, too. We were lucky since we’d done the Crab Feast, so we were not needing lunch. There just wasn’t enough time in Ketchikan.

Especially in Alaska, I'd use any other line besides NCL because of Ketchikan. Wards Cove was a bad idea, but ut probably saved NCL money in the long run over docking downtown.

Your ship was parked at the Mill where I used to work. Which is also about 1/2 mile from where I grew up in Ward Cove. Good video.

You asked if this was normal for NCL. It very much is on their larger ships. I try to stick their smaller 2400 passenger ships. Added benift is that the smaller ships can dock closer to town. I have been on the Bliiss before and didn't like the crowds whatsoever. The Food Republic you tried to go to is the silver lining of the ship. Fantastic Food

This was my first cruise ever, I was disappointed in the amount of time in port and long lines and wait to get on shuttle . I actually saw myself on your video 😅. That day we went to America Cafe and had a wait cold wait but food was good. I agree more restaurants should be open on short days at Port.

We went last summer to Alaska on Viking Orion. It was amazing! Never trouble getting amazing food. Never waited in lines to get on or off the ship.

We’re sailing to Alaska the 1st week of September. On the Celebrity Edge. We have been on many Celebrity cruises and never had any issues. Hopefully all will go well. We sailed several years ago on NCL Epic and had the same crowd problems. We’re trying NCL next year for our Canada New England cruise. Our travel agent said it’s a small ship. NCL Gem, so she doesn’t think we will have the same problems as the experience on the Epic. I really wanted to do Celebrity CL for Canada New England but it’s 12 Nights & 12 Nights is too long for my husband.

We just went beginning of may with Celebrity and everything was amazing! We had a sunny warm day in Ketchikan and went kayaking, absolutely beautiful! Took an NCL last year and never again, terrible food.

We were on he Bliss a few weeks later, but were in The Haven. We had some business at home to take care of first thing that morning that delayed us disembarking early. By the time we disembarked the line to get to town was extremely long and we would’ve only had a coupe of hours before coming back. I was terribly disappointed. We made the best of it and walked around and did some shopping in The Mill, then decided to order crab from the little truck outside The Mill…best decision of the cruise! It was so good, the view of the ship docked in front of us and a relaxing few hours made for a great plan B. Plus, we weren’t hungry when we got back on the ship. Just sharing so your other viewers have an idea of what to do if they end up in our predicament. 😊

I have been enjoying your videos because I will be on the same cruise next April on the Bliss. First cruise of the season but it is 10 days. The ship arrives in Ketchikan at 7AM but departs at 6PM so I'm guessing this is longer than your stay? The shortest seems to be Juneau, arrives at 7A departs a 2PM. But Victoria arrives at 11:30 and departs at 7:30PM. But I am anticipating rain, snow, fog and knowing it is VERY early in the season that many attractions that are popular will not be operating. Thanks to your video, I will be anticipating somewhat rough seas that first night which seems to be normal. Thank you for your videos and insights! This makes me very excited for my trip next year!

So, I took the same cruise as you last year. We did not have the same issue with food as you did, but I was very unhappy with where NCL docks in Ketchikan or Juneau. Ketchikan is my favorite port (it was our 3rd trip) and because of the distance from the port and the amount of people on the ship having to be shuttled, we had very little time in town. I was not happy. Needless to say, I will never cruise on NCL to Alaska again. We have an Alaska Cruisetour booked for next June, but this time on Royal Caribbean. I should have stayed loyal to Royal!

The Aleutian Ballard boat is a great experience if you like watching Deadliest Catch tv show. Quick view of it when heading back in on the left..

I had a similar shuttle issue on the week of 5/11. Got in line at 11:15 to catch the shuttle, took more than an hour. Couldn’t find food when I got back.

We travelled on NCL to Ketchikan on its inaugural Alaskan Season and at that time they docked in town. It is unfortunate that they are now in Wards Cove. It is unfortunate that you had a difficult time getting back on ship in a timely manner and getting some food. It sounds like everyone decided to go back onto the ship at the same time and eat at the same time. Just like rush hour traffic, one can only go so fast when everyone else decides to do the same thing at the same time. I hope your Christmas cruise is a better experience.

We were on the Oceania Regatta at the same time as your cruise. The dining problem existed on a small ship too! Everyone seems to eat at the same time, and there is not enough seating. We sat outside as well, which is not great in colder weather. I believe cruises to warmer climates will not have such a major dining/seating problem. Alaska beauty makes these problems seem small!

I was there in September 2022 and love Ketchikan. Used to work on Princess ships and always loved Alaska. We used to do 19 or 20 cruises per season and once I was there for the entirety. Last time I nearly had a heart attack when I ordered a Flat White coffee and it was over USD 7.00. It wasn't even that great either.

We went last October on Celebrity. We docked at Ketchikan...we did not have to bus in to town.

The breakfast looks delicious

New sub here from Arizona. Our upcoming trips are: A Princess cruise in Oct out of NY to cruise New England and Canada to hopefully see the fall colors. Then Christmas Eve fly to London for a week. Really enjoyed your video and look forward to seeing more!

We got the same bus driver! We were on the Encore though last week.

We did Holland America and docked close to the city makes a big difference.

NCL docks at Ward Cove quite a ways from town. Lines for bus to Ketchikan was 25 minutes long. Return line was just as long. With 4.5 hours in port it is definitely not worth going into town. Just go to the Mill and get some t-shirts & magnets. Very touristy location. Will not bother to disembark ship next time.

thanks. going there next year Sep 25 and will be on carnival Spirit. This is one of the towns that i really want to tour.

In Ketchikan early May 2024. Loved it even with the ubiquitous liquid sun. Nice people, quaint historic town. 'Touristy' of course. Don't miss the saloon and have a Duck Fart.

I've been to Ketchikan several times on various cruise lines. (BTW, HAL is the best for ALASKA) Ketchikan is my absolute least liked cruise port. Nothing but shops of junk and touristy crap. One should go to Alaska for the NATURE, not the shopping. It's an artificial village made just for tourists and actually closes down in the off season. Many shop keepers don't even live in Alaska. It's just a major rip off for many people.

I'll be on the Bliss in two weeks. I've got that lumberjack show booked. With the $50 Free at sea credit, it's a steal.

I watched your video, and it brought back both good and bad memories. Our very first cruise was from Seattle to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice in August 2016. Our very first port was Ketchikan. Like you. we did not have an excustion, but just wanted to explore the town..We did a Duck Boat tour and it was both informativie and fun. Our driver pointed out some shops and restaurants that were run by locals, and were highly recommended. We were very happy with everything we did and saw, and have wonderful memories of Ketchikan. Also, we thoroughly enjoyed Celebrity and everything about our cruise. We have taken several more cruises over the years, and never experienced any "chaos" like you did, unntil..... In January 2023, we booked a Panama Canal cruise on NCL, on the Norwegian Bliss, and our chaos experience began at LAX, when NCL did not have enough buses or trucks to pick up passengers and luggage for the passengers that they booked our flights. We waited in line for about 3 hours before heading out to the terminal where more chaos awaited us. When we got there, we found thousands waiting in line. Supposedly, we had "priority" boarding and a scheduled time, but it didn't matter. Everryone was in the same chaotic line. When we got to the check-in station, they could not find our room keys. So, they sent us to board with a note to make the keys at the boarding. It was difficult to get thru security, then when we boarded, we had to wait more that 1/2 hour to get our room keys. Of course, we were not alone. We got to wait and discuss our frustration with about 20 other passengers. We were on a 15 day cruise from LA to Miami through the Panama Canal. Going through the Canal was a wonderful experience.. We had several other chaotic experiences, that I will not discuss. There were several things that we liked, especially the shows like Six and Jersey Boys, and the other entertainment. Mostly, the food and service in Savor and Taste and the Main Dining Room were very good. The Observation Lounge was wonderful. We especially enjoyed Antigua in Guatemala, and Cartegena. Then, when we got to Miami, unbelieveably more Chaos awaited us, in NCL's brand new beautiful multi-million dollar terminal. It took hours of waiting in the theater, then in line to exit the Bliss, and even more lines to get through customs. Like, they didn't know how many people they had to process out. Our Miami tour, then run to the airport was cut short as we departed 2-3 hours late. I firmly believe the the "C" in NCL definitely stands for "chaos". We will take another NCL cruise. We did another 15 day cruise earlier this year on Holland American from Sydney around New Zealand to Aucklund. What a wonderful experience. Embarcation Day was a breeze. From when we exited our taxi, we were on board the ship in less than 15 minutes. Leaving the ship in Aucklund was just as easy. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience so much, our next cruise next month to Norway, Iceland, and Scotland are also on Holland America. If I were you, I would reconsider your NCL plans. Good luck!

Did the Bliss last September to Alaska. We were in the Haven and it was fabulous!!

Thank you for the warning. I will pay attention to time big time when we are docked there. Not sure if I should use surprised or sad face here. Going to see if other modes of transportation are available there just in case.

We love NCL. on our B2B Alaska from Vancouver they kept mdr open an extra hour to get every one in. Princess from Galveston was the disappointment.

I have gone on 13 cruises. NCL WAS ONE OF MY FIRST CRUISES. Never went back to NCL

What time of year did you go as I can see everyone is wearing heavy coats. We go end June and hoping to take rain coats and layers?

When comes to shuttles in Alaska it on same level as a tender to use that as an example. Many times people such as Captain and Cruise Director be like please don't wait for last tender and or shuttle due to this. Many times it about 50/50 some people can't help it due as that when there tour comes back, while others usually wait till last minute. While on the Falkland Islands the last tender was at 4:00 p.m. (16:00) as was a huge long line like you experience. It pushed back their sail away time 2 hours due they had to shuttle so many people back to the ship as the travel time was 20 minutes. I would said if you got back to the shuttle an hour earlier you wouldn't have experience this. I am not sure if you guys were delay in town for some reason. That as also what you experience in the dining room it was same reason everyone went back to the ship and went for lunch at the same time.

I just got back yesterday from princess in Alaska and it was amazing and not at all like this. I recommend princess for Alaska hands down.

I have been on eight cruises with seven different lines. NCL was absolutely the worst. Indifferent service, constant crowds at ALL food locations, tiny entertainment venues, and constant chaos and disorder. I am booked for two cruises in Alaska this September - - seven days on Celebrity and fourteen days on Holland America. I have had only great experiences on both. And BOTH cruises were priced at $55-80 per night. My DW says that she would go on Costa again before another NCL cruise..

The Mill had a clearance section with great prices. Stuff was probably less than half price.

I have never sailed NCL to Alaska so I can't comment on that itinerary, I can say though that I've never had this experience on an NCL Caribbean Cruise, and I've taken several.

Holland, Princess or Celebrity only in Alaska. Or anywhere else.

Is there a shuttle to cross the bridge? Thanks for a great review.

You went in April? Was the ship full? Did your boys enjoy the cruise? What time did you get off the ship in Ketchikan (without breakfast)? We’re thinking of going on first Alaskan cruise with Encore with our 15 yr old son but now seriously considering other ships…thank you for sharing your experience!

Cruisers have commented that Cruise lines don't spend enough time in ports but if so you have to plan. Other people obviously had the same idea as you and that's why the mass of people at the shuttle / ship venues.

What fates were you there? How was the weather? We are thinking of going next May

Wow NCL really parks super far from downtown!

You all got lucky with the short bus lines in Ketchikan! Yes, those were short lines for the Ward Cove shuttles. Usually they extend well beyond the boarded walkways and shops to the tune of 20-40 minute waits before arriving at the covered shed in the video.

I was on the NCL Encore last October. It took us over an hour waiting in line to get on a bus to get into Ketchikan. The worse disembarkation for a port I ever experienced. Wouldn’t go back again.

wow we always docked down town

Ncl, beautiful ships but they can't organize anything efficiently. Took a panorama canal cruise with them, it was a gong show getting people off the ship onto the waiting buses. The ship was at fault and we lost time off the ship because of them.

We were on Crown Princess May 4-15. It was complete disorganization. Staff were not as friendly as we’re used to, the food was so-so, the shows were not very good, left hand didn’t know what right hand was doing, and I’m still waiting to hear back from them about our folio. Extremely disappointed!

Our FB organizer hired a private shuttle and we were able to get seats.

As a Tour Driver in Ketchikan I can tell You Norwegian docking at nasty Ward cove and Bussing Passenger's to Dock 4 is a joke, There docking there because it saves them Money that's not how to treat Your Passengers. Everyone of there Ships that comes in is always on tight turnarounds, Other ships spend a lot more time here and still run the very same runs. I think its because the Ship want You back on the ship to sell You Alcohol and Bingo cards during Your FUN DAY AT SEA

If you go on Alaskan cruise always go on holland American they are the best or Princess

As far as chaos on the big ships, some of that has to do with Alaska, things are different in Alaska. Some has to do with being on a big ship. I prefer the smaller NCL ships. They are allowed to dock closer and stay long in most of the Alaskan ports, plus we've always done one direction Alaskan cruise. As for Christmas cruises, you will need to book things as early as you can. Not sure of your ship but smaller ships have the Great Outdoors on the fantail for breakfast - faster than the main buffet. Bused, tendor ports are more chaos. Those you can walk on and off are less chaotic

I liked Wards Cove. It is better with the smaller ships since the larger ships crowd the ports. I went on the double-decker bus just for the round trip sightseeing. I went on an excursion to a park near Wards Cove. When I was n Alaska in 2018 I went on an all day excursion so don't remember anything about the town. I did not know that the main dining rooms were ever open on a port day. When they are open on sea days the closing time is to give the crew enough time to get the venue cleaned up and ready for dinner with hopefully some time for the staff to get a little bit of a break. You folks seem to like being negative so that attitude will negatively affect your cruise experience.

Is there not room service? i agree that it is way too early to leave the port and they should have more eating places open.

Seems like the moral of the story is to cruise on a line that ports near the place everyone is going to, versus miles away? NCL tries to make this out like a benefit but as you've been able to document - not so much 🤔

Your video has me concerned. We will be taking this ship on our very first 7 day cruise, and to Alaska. 1) Did you experience chaos through the whole cruise or just Ketchikan? 2) Would you recommend NCL cruises? 3) Is mealtime like that every time? 4) What changes did NCL make in your itinerary? We are going at an even busier time of year and now I'm worried we made a mistake. 😬

We went to The Lumberjack Show. I would have rather walked around the town. Very campy and a waste of time. We also toured Totem Park. Tourist trap.

Holland America next time

We were on Norwegian Bliss about a week before your journey, and had the exact same problems! Not enough time in the ports, not enough buses, and very crowded restaurants. Also, a lot of us got very sick…. Horrible, hacking, cough and cold and some got Covid….

Have you ever had experiences like this with Norwegian Cruise Line? Please let us know, we want to know if this is normal or not!!!

Obviously a NCL glitch in their programming. A bit confused why they would charge you, or why you would choose a charter, around Ketchikan when you can walk.

Use Holland America , best. Cruise to Alaska, and less hassle

Guess you should have booked Royal

So what happened?! What was going on?! Is this just a one off? So weird

I’m not a fan of the ships docking at Ward Cove. I love Ketchikan and am very disappointed with the short time we are given there. I think you said you are on the Prima next. time? We’ve done Alaska on the Bliss and it was similar to your experience both times. We made the best of it. The Prima (in the Caribbean) was totally different! Lots of interesting choices of where to eat and a whole different experience. I hope you love it!

This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I think Tony should do all the talking. I rarely understood a word that Beth said.

Ok so you miss a meal? You are ready to bail off NCL? I've been on 27 cruises and it does happen. Have a cocktail and relax, we all could stand to miss a meal or two. All cruises are like that on short days. EVERYONE wants OFF and then then EVERYONE wants back on. It's vacation relax.

That is so NCL does not pay the head tax / person…I love NCL but don’t think that is very fair.

Never a good idea to be plan to return on the last shuttle as crowds and waits are likely.

Do a Disney Cruise! Much better!

NCL - my least favorite cruise line. NCL’s Prima - my least favorite ship.

What a depressing viedo…I go to the gym almost everyday..sweat…remember sweat?….im 72…can’t take the crowds of people walking around , remind me of a flock of sheep…looking at the group trying to get back to ship….with all the long lines…what a waste of time…can’t wait to see all the viedos of your vacation….nice couple….going to the gym…..

You do not use the word “Eskimo” it is old European and derogatory. They are indigenous or if further up north they are Inuit.

Every cruise video I see says Norwegian is the worse cruise line there is. How are they still in business?

We have cruised a lot with Norwegian (small & large ships) and have never seen anything like this before, please don’t let it put you off trying NCL again. The Lumber Jack show looked great fun and the town itself looked interesting to wander around.