Port Day I Didnt Know Cruises Sailed To Homer
Theres a good reason for that, because very few Alaska itineraries include it. We were lucky enough to be on one of the rare calls to Homer aboard Holland Americas Ms Zaandam in September 2018.
If, after reading this post, you decide you simply must book a cruise to Homer, Bill, turn off the Simpsons and check out this 14 day Alaska cruise I just charged to your credit card, here are the ships currently scheduled to dock in Homer in 2019 and 2020:
2019
Biden Signs Bill Authorizing Alaska Cruise Season
- The Holland America Star Princess is seen docked in Whittier. Cruise companies have announced sail dates and started selling tickets after legislation allowing ships to bypass Canada was approved by the U.S. House and Senate. The Holland America Star Princess is seen docked in Whittier. Cruise companies have announced sail dates and started selling tickets after legislation allowing ships to bypass Canada was approved by the U.S. House and Senate. However, because of seven-day limits on cruises set by the CDC, there wont be any cross-Gulf cruises to ports such as Whittier, Seward, Homer or Anchorage this season.
- President Joe Biden signs the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act on May 24 as Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young look on. The bill will allow large foreign-flagged cruise vessels to bypass Canada for the 2021 season. Three major cruise companies immediately announced sailing dates from Seattle to Southeast in response to the legislation passing.
It took several months of educating and vote wrangling, but President Joe Biden signed the Alaskas congressional delegations legislation on May 24 to salvage the latter half of this years cruise ship season, in Southeast, at least.
The large cruise companies that have had their Alaska operations stalled since the start of the pandemic promptly responded to the activity in Congress by resuming ticket sales for Alaska cruises and announcing their schedules for later this summer.
Misty Fjords National Monument
A great gem of the wilderness outside of Ketchikan is Misty Fjords National Monument. To visit this remote location, youll need to take a boat tour or a floatplane when choosing excursions, youll find that excursions of both kinds are offered by most cruise lines.
All told, this wild area covers 2.2 million acres it was proclaimed a national monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Trips to Misty Fjords include wildlife viewing, photography, and fishing. Experienced guides will explain the ecology of the area and youll witness breathtaking views on your journey.
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Best Things To Do In Homer
Nestled on Alaskas Kenai Peninsula, Homer is focussed around the central point of the Homer Spit. A long strip of land where you will find shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants and beaches.
There are plenty of things to see and do and a wealth of history and natural spaces to explore.
The town is also famous for being featured in the Discovery channels Alaska the last frontier and some episodes of the deadliest catch. This indicates the kind of wilderness you will find here.
When visiting Homer, you can expect lots of opportunities for adventure and there are so many local tours and friendly people who will be more than willing to point you in the right direction.
Lets explore the best things to o in Homer, Alaska:
Travel To The End Of The Road
The most southerly tip of Alaskas Highway 1, the bustling city of Homer might be the last stop, but its certainly not a destination to be overlooked. Protected from harsh winds by the Kenai Mountains, Homers mild temperature makes it a favorite amongst tourists. Nestled between mountain bluffs and Kachemak Bay, downtown Homer is a hillside mecca for unique, local goods. Stroll down the peony-lined Pioneer Avenue to discover a variety of upscale restaurants, cafes, art gallerieseven a local brewery and winery.
Stretching from the citys downtown into Homer Bay, the 4.5-mile long Homer Spit is the site of much activity. With a multi-use trail that runs the length of the spit, its a great spot for beachcombing, biking, and birding. Its also the best place to cast a line or catch a charter tour to deeper waters in search of the regions best catcheshalibut and king salmon.
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The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a fun event that the whole family can enjoy. The venue for this spectacle is within walking distance of the cruise ship port and every ship offers excursions for people who wish to attend a show. The show is one hour long and there are three to five opportunities to see the show each day.
Youll be amazed at the strength, skill, endurance, and enthusiasm of the lumberjacks as they climb trees, chop and saw wood, balance on rolling, floating logs and more.
These men and women are professional lumberjacks and jills and most have appeared on ESPN and hold national and world titles in this intriguing sport. A visit to the lumberjack show will be something youll never forget!
Visit Homer Alaska For The Halibut On Your Alaskan Cruise
Written by Linda Brandt. Posted in Alaska, Destinations, Did you know?, Informative
Homer claims to be the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World
Be ready to catch a big fish. The record weight of a Halibut caught in Homer is 459 pounds. But its more likely the big boy you catch will be in the neighborhood of 100-300 lbs. not a bad day fishing. This big catch of the day for the group pictured was a 115-pounder. Regardless of the size of fish you catch youll have a great day catching Halibut in Alaskas wilderness. The best part is that at the end of the day you can then leave it up to the fish processor to filet, vacuum pack and flash freeze your catch and have it shipped home.
Jane W.
Where is Homer?
Homer is on the Kenai Peninsula at the southernmost edge of Alaska at the very end of the famed Alaskan Highway. The easiest to visit this authentic fishing town is on an Alaskan cruise that stops in Homer, or by adding a cruisetour to the beginning or end of your Alaskan cruise that that stops or starts in Seward or Whittier. So fishing is not your thing? Theres much more to do in Homer than fish for Halibut.
If you love being surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges, have an eye for wildflowers and wildlife then youll love this town. There are many trails, but the most popular is the Homer Spit.
What is the Homer Spit?
So how can I get to Homer on an Alaskan cruise?
Norwegian Cruise Lines 13-Day Authentic Alaska cruise plus land tour
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Relax And Enjoy A Meal
At the end of a long day, or even amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy vacation, sometimes its nice to just sit down with your travel companions to relax and enjoy a good meal and a tall drink. One great way to help support small businesses in Ketchikan is to visit and patronize local restaurants.
There are a wide variety of these establishments near the cruise ship docks. Many or even most of them offer Alaskan fare including caribou burgers and a vast variety of local salmon and seafood dishes. Bon appetit!
One Week Early June 2022 Anc To Homer
Hello! I’m hoping y’all can help me decide on an itinerary. Flying in and out of ANC, primary reason for trip is to spend a few days in Homer with family. We’ve never been to AK so want to see some cool stuff while we’re there.
– car rental – I read a lot about problems last summer. Are those problems/shortages expected again next summer? As of now it looks like $1200 for an economy car for a week. Really? Any chance prices will come down , or is that the going rate now?
– hiking on a glacier – Where to do this? Should we add an overnight in Anchorage and do a Nova tour to Matanuska Glacier? The negative is that it’s not on the way to Homer, and looks like a 2 hour drive from Anchorage. Or are there glacier tours on the Kenai Peninsula that would be about the same?
– Prince William Sound glacier cruise – When I was researching a while back someone mentioned the 26 glacier tour and that’s on my list. If we spend the night in Whittier, what else might we do around there? Is it possible to do a glacier hike at Portage glacier? Is the 1 hour boat out to see the glacier worthy if we also do the 26 glacier tour?
– bears – I pondered a day trip from Homer to Katmai to see bears but am not sure about that. I read that early June isn’t the best time, and it’s super pricey. Do you think it would be a super cool experience worth the $ , or is there a way to see bears without spending a fortune ?
Edited: 04 December 2021, 21:19
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Homer Alaska For Motivated People
Contact Makos Water Taxi and arrange a water taxi ride over to Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park to do the hike to Grewingk Glacier lake. For $75/pp they will drop you off near the trail head and you can hike to the lake and then back down a side trail for a later pick up. Plan to arrive at Makos Water Taxi by 10am you should be back on the Homer Spit by around 3:30pm, which would leave you enough time to grab some quick halibut before getting back on the ship.
While I cannot give a first-hand recommendation of Makos Water Taxi as we clearly didnt do this hike because we were not being motivated people, I can tell you that all communication with them was great. They were friendly and helpful and understanding when I cancelled at the semi-last-minute.
Up next: my last Alaska Cruise Ports On Your Own and On a Budget blog and vlog post, featuring Sitka. Stay tuned!
Alaska Cruises From San Francisco
While Alaska cruises departing from San Francisco are not as readily available as other closer ports, Celebrity and Princess do offer some extended cruises that allow you to sample Alaska and the beautiful Pacific Coast.
Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42496CST No. 2100614-50
International Callers
WMPH Vacations and AlaskaCruises.com are located in Delray Beach, Florida. You may book online or contact us directly. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below:
Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents.
All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
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Alaska Islands And Ocean Visitor Center
Source: Hillebrand Steve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Wikimedia
This is a partnership between the US Fish and Wildlife Services Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve. Offering information and displays explaining the important work and research taking place in Homer.
Find the centre on Sterling Highway, where you can explore the exhibit hall, watch informative videos, and perhaps even take a Ranger led walk or presentation.
Both fun and educational to explore for all ages and interests. Another way to learn about the importance of nature in Alaska.
Noon Gull Island Tour
TRIP DURATION 12:00 TO 5:00 P.M
Starting from the picturesque Kenai Peninsula town of Homer, the cruise aboard the Kachemak Bay Ferry, the Danny J, sails through some of the most scenic and vibrant waters anywhere.
Ferry fare and Gull Island Tour is $66 plus tax. We offer a $10 discount for kids ages 3 to 13. Children under 3 are no charge. Meals are paid for separately at The Saltry.
One of the highlights of the cruise to Halibut Cove is a visit to Gull Island, a bird sanctuary, a short twenty minutes from Homer.
Gull Island is home to nine nesting species of birds. Many, many other species may be found here during migration, and before and after nesting. Binoculars and camera gear are a must! In addition to the fabulous birds on Gull Island, Kachemak Bay is teeming with sea life – sea otters, seals, whales, porpoise and more!
You will have 3 hours to explore Halibut Cove. The Homestead island is dressed with many hiking trails and spectacular views. There are opportunities for breathtaking photographs. There is 1/2 mile of handicap-accessible boardwalk owned by the Tillions. Stop in and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage at the Halibut Cove Experience Gallery, and dine at the Cove’s local restaurant, The Saltry. At 4:00 pm, it’s time to head back to Homer!
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Best Cruises For Homer
Homer, Alaska cruise port counts at least twenty thousand passengers every year. In particular, July is the month when the most ships come in. The harbor is reached by cruise lines like Holland America Line, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. A frequently visiting ship is the Amsterdam, visiting Homer more than ten times per year.
If your cruise is coming from , Icy Strait Point , Alaska, Ketchikan or Seattle, Homer is likely to be on your route.
Typical trips take fourteen or thirteen days.
Visit Homer On An Alaska Cruisetour
Located on Kachemak Bay on Alaskas Kenai Peninsula, Homers reputation as a fantastic destination for kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing is well earned. Aside from its varied outdoor opportunities, Homer is also popular for the many shops, seafood restaurants, and art galleries that line the busy Homer Spit strip, as well as its lovely coastal views and beautiful gardens, which are often blooming with peonies.
This small city, known as the eco and adventure tourism capital of Alaska and the halibut fishing capital of the world, is one of our new Alaska Cruisetour stops for 2021. Visit Homer before or after embarking on one of our 7-night Northbound or Southbound Glacier cruise itineraries, by extending your vacation with a Cruisetour that visits Homer and other exciting destinations in Alaskas expansive interior.
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Yurt Camping In Kachemak Bay State Park
This is an amazing trip for any traveler who really wants to get away from it all and just soak up the incredible scenery of southcentral Alaska. Yurt camping is a great option for Alaska since it offers protection from weather and bugs and gives you some space to spread out inside a shelter. Yurts are NOT appropriate storage for food from bears. It is extremely important that you use the food caches provided for all your food and toiletries. You will receive details about this when you book. This is important for your safety as well as the safety of bears and future human visitors.
Alaskan Yurt Rentals offers camping at 8 yurts in Kachemak Bay State Park. They must be reserved in advance. The yurts have sleeping bunks and pads, a wood stove and a propane burner. Everything else you need to bring yourself . You should bring everything you would normally bring for camping . You are in a completely remote area so you need to bring everything with you, including extra food and water in case weather delays your pick up time.
Ive stayed at the Kayak Beach Yurt, which is fantastic! There was a bear cache conveniently located near but not TOO near the yurt. The yurt was super comfortable with plenty of room for four adults. There was also a firepit on the beach for campfires. We enjoyed exploring the beach by the yurt as well as kayaking.
This was one of the best experiences Ive ever had in Alaska in seven years of living there and many visits! I highly recommend it.
Known To Alaskans As The Blue Canoes
Want to have a great time and see the real Alaska up close and personal? Try the Blue Canoes . The Alaska Marine Highway System achieved the nations highest designation for a scenic route. It is one of only 27 highways in the country that have been designated as an All-American Road. The 3,500-nautical-mile ferry route connects 33 ports and stretches from Bellingham, Wash., to the Aleutian Islands. Alaska Marine Highway ships run for 8,834 miles from Bellingham north to Skagway, across the Gulf of Alaska, into Prince William Sound, and out to Dutch Harbor, the tip of the Aleutians.
Additional service is offered across the Gulf of, Alaska stopping in Valdez and Whittier. The M/V Tustumena provides service from Homer, Seward, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor. The super fast ferry, M/V Chenega runs in Prince William Sound.
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Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Seattle
If it’s Small Ship Alaska cruises from Seattle you’re searching for, look no further than Lindblad Expeditions & National Geographic.
The Lindblad Expeditions Alaska Adventure cruises allow you to see, do, & learn more than any other cruise line.
Choose between a 14 or 15 day adventure cruise aboard their expedition ships, the National Geographic Quest or Venture. These small ships have access to many more places than a larger cruise ship, giving the feeling ofbeing on a private yacht.
With only 100 guests on board, you have almost limitless access to the expedition staff, naturalists, and seasoned crew.
Oceania Cruises has another Small Ship Alaska Cruise option – The Oceania Regatta offers an experience that’s close to luxury without being all-inclusive. With only 684 passengers on board, 5 Star Dining, & an excellent Spa, what could be better?!
And oh boy, do you have options! There are many Alaska cruises from Seattle options available for a luxury Alaska cruise on the Oceania Regatta:
Prices for a 7 day Cruise begins around $2,000 per person and goes up from there.
Check out their fantastic eBrochure and be sure to check for special offers.