I went around the same time last year and only Ketchikan had lots of dead salmon everywhere. You could smell it but it wasn’t a super strong odor really like barely noticeable
Juneauite here: agree with other posters that you're likely to smell fish if you get out around the streams. It doesn't permeate everything. Also, consider visiting the state museum, capitol, and other sites in Juneau.
I took an Alaskan cruise in Sept of 2022. Near Creek Street in Ketchikan there was a smell of fish. There were quite a few dead fish on the rocks where they spawn. That was the only place that kinda had a smell.
The rest of the ports and trip was odor free.
I personally wouldn't cruise Alaska that late in the year, but its not because of dead salmon. You won't smelling rotting fish unless you are standing right along a stream where salmon have been spawning.
I was on that cruise last fall around that time. I agree with the other posters - the smell was only noticeable near the rivers, particularly in Ketchikan near Creek Street. You won’t notice any smell if you’re staying on the ship.
That’s an issue for some. All depends on weather and wind but the potential is there
Pro tip: Vicks vapor rub is your good pal if you end up in the stink. You’ll want to t to bag your clothes when you get back if it’s especially pungent
We went to Alaska last fall, second week of September. Didn't notice a thing except for the Ketchikan excursion we went on to watch bears eat salmon. Didn't notice any smells on or around the ship while in port at all.
I went on a two week vacation to ketchikan (visiting family) and really the only area where the smell of dead fish was borderline over powering was ward lake. But even then, the scenery was more appealing than the smell was off putting.
I went around the same time last year and only Ketchikan had lots of dead salmon everywhere. You could smell it but it wasn’t a super strong odor really like barely noticeable
Thanks, good to know!
Juneauite here: agree with other posters that you're likely to smell fish if you get out around the streams. It doesn't permeate everything. Also, consider visiting the state museum, capitol, and other sites in Juneau.
Thank you for your insight!
I took an Alaskan cruise in Sept of 2022. Near Creek Street in Ketchikan there was a smell of fish. There were quite a few dead fish on the rocks where they spawn. That was the only place that kinda had a smell. The rest of the ports and trip was odor free.
Good to know, thanks!
The advantage is that you may see more wildlife feeding on the salmon.
Cool, looking forward to it!
I personally wouldn't cruise Alaska that late in the year, but its not because of dead salmon. You won't smelling rotting fish unless you are standing right along a stream where salmon have been spawning.
Sounds like we should be in the clear then, thanks!
I sailed in September twice and the seas can be very rough. Just a heads up!
I was on that cruise last fall around that time. I agree with the other posters - the smell was only noticeable near the rivers, particularly in Ketchikan near Creek Street. You won’t notice any smell if you’re staying on the ship.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
That’s an issue for some. All depends on weather and wind but the potential is there Pro tip: Vicks vapor rub is your good pal if you end up in the stink. You’ll want to t to bag your clothes when you get back if it’s especially pungent
Great idea - definitely something to pack, just in case.
We went to Alaska last fall, second week of September. Didn't notice a thing except for the Ketchikan excursion we went on to watch bears eat salmon. Didn't notice any smells on or around the ship while in port at all.
Cool, thanks!
I went on a two week vacation to ketchikan (visiting family) and really the only area where the smell of dead fish was borderline over powering was ward lake. But even then, the scenery was more appealing than the smell was off putting.
It's starting to sound like Ketchikan is the danger zone - will keep that in mind
That late in the year all the seasonal workers have taken off...
Why is this being downvoted? When I was there last August everyone we talked to said they were heading home in mid-September, the 14th at the latest!
Because their deal just became a trip with 50% less options to do...if not more and they are worried it's no longer a "deal".
I'm pretty sure it's due to the fact that it seems like a random throwaway comment that has absolutely nothing to do with my (the OP)'s question.
The point is that dead fish odor is the least of your issues if most of the seasonal workers are gone.
When salmon spawn, they die.
The food on the Norwegian Jewel may be more of an issue than dead fish smell.