Coastal Cheers Connection - Ketchikan to Ward Cove

[nordicacres]

I’m wondering if anyone has utilized the service and will share their thoughts? I understand it may be new in 2024. TY!
 

Per NCL:

 

Cruise the sheltered waters of the Tongass Narrows and observe the boundless natural beauty on the way back to your ship. This alternative means of reaching Ward Cove offers express boarding, allowing you to bypass the long lines often associated with other modes of transportation. Ambient music on board will set the mood while you sample locally crafted beer or champagne, but majestic scenery is the real attraction of cruising versus driving from downtown to Ward Cove. Along the way, you will pass uninhabited islands, densely forested shorelines, and countless boats – both recreational and commercial – as the waterway is part of the Alaska Marine Highway and the Inside Passage. You may even see floatplanes taking off and landing with splash in the harbor. Be sure to look for wildlife such as sea lions and bald eagles. You may even spot a humpback whale breaching the water’s surface. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS 
• Cruise to Ward Cove instead of driving and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way.
• Admire the natural beauty that comes right to the edge of Ketchikan’s city limits. 
• Look for wildlife such as sea lions in the Tongass Narrows and bald eagles overhead.

 

[ChiefMateJRK]

We did it once.  It was free for two of us.  It was worth about that.  You may see more wildlife on the bus....

[jrt.mom]

Well, I signed up for it on my cruise in October.  Not sure why since I'm gonna be on the dang boat for 15 days...

It's one way and you still gotta ride the bus back, right?

[dmwnc1959]

10 minutes ago, jrt.mom said:

Well, I signed up for it on my cruise in October.  Not sure why since I'm gonna be on the dang boat for 15 days...

It's one way and you still gotta ride the bus back, right?

According to the NCL shore excursions listing it can be in either direction. Keep in mind that passenger #1 gets the $50 discount. 

 

Edited May 19 by dmwnc1959

[nordicacres]

How are the lines for the bus back to Ward Cove in high season? It will only be the Jewel docked at Ward Cove when we visit. My primary reason for booking would be if it saves time and avoids waiting in long lines. I am leaning toward FAS+ so it would be $49 each. 

[Cruise4usnow1]

Aug and Sep 2024 on the Jewel there was no problem with long lines for the bus either direction at the times we chose to go into town or return. The bus was about a 20-30 min ride depending on wild life in the way and the trips were free. 

[YVRteacher]

On 5/19/2024 at 4:20 PM, nordicacres said:

How are the lines for the bus back to Ward Cove in high season? It will only be the Jewel docked at Ward Cove when we visit. My primary reason for booking would be if it saves time and avoids waiting in long lines. I am leaning toward FAS+ so it would be $49 each. 

It will take you longer to take the boat than it will to take the free shuttle.  The free shuttle actually consists of many buses of all types that the city of Ketchikan purchased from bus companies throughout the US. At the end of the day when the majority of people want to return to Ward Cove there will often be 5-6 buses ready and waiting. We have never had a long wait either at Ward Cove or at Berth 4 for the return trip.