Making the most of Metlakatla AK
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Metlakatla, Alaska, is a unique and culturally rich port of call for travelers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Located on Annette Island, approximately 8 nautical miles (about 25 km) south of Ketchikan, it stands as the only Indigenous Tsimshian community in the United States and the sole Indian reservation in Alaska
Cruise ships visiting Metlakatla typically dock at the Port of Metlakatla City Dock, situated in Port Chester Bay. This dock is approximately 610 meters (2,000 feet) southeast of Village Point and offers a berthing space of 122 meters (400 feet) with a depth alongside of 10.6 meters (35 feet), accommodating smaller cruise vessels
Sightseeing
Explore traditional longhouses, totem poles, and the community art center to learn about Tsimshian heritage
Money
The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.
Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.
Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.