On Day 4 of our 7-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore, Paulette and I were awakened from a much-needed, sound sleep around 5:00 AM by the unmistakable sounds of the ship docking in Skagway. The gentle thrum of the engines and the low hum of the ship's crew preparing for our arrival made their way into our stateroom. I groggily checked my watch and nudged Paulette, who slowly stirred beside me. "Looks like we’re here," I whispered. We both felt a bit rushed, knowing we had to get ready quickly for our first shore excursion of the day—the Skagway Original Street Car Tour, which would start promptly at 9:00 AM on the pier.

Preparing for the Day

After freshening up, we headed to the Taste dining room for a quick but healthy breakfast. The morning air in the dining room was filled with the pleasant clatter of dishes and the murmur of fellow cruisers, many of whom seemed just as excited as we were for the day ahead. Paulette opted for a bowl of hot cereal topped with fresh fruit, while I chose a hearty serving of oatmeal and some berries. We sipped on hot coffee, exchanged glances, and chuckled about how we always seem to be in a mad dash whenever we travel, even when we’re supposed to be relaxing on a cruise!

By 8:30 AM, we had our cameras, rain jackets, and backpacks ready, just in case the unpredictable Alaskan weather decided to surprise us. Skagway, with its rich Gold Rush history, promised to be a highlight of our trip, and we were eager to soak it all in.

All Aboard the Historic Street Car

We made our way off the ship and down the gangway, greeted by the crisp morning air of Skagway and a view of the mountains that seemed to hug the small, charming town. The town had an old-world charm that reminded me of pictures from a century ago, and it felt like stepping back in time. The pier was already bustling with activity, with tourists gathering for their respective excursions. Soon enough, we spotted the bright yellow, vintage 1927 sightseeing bus that would be our chariot for the morning.

Our tour guide and driver, Anna, greeted us with a wide smile and a wave. She was dressed in a delightful 1920s-style outfit, complete with a jaunty hat and an infectious enthusiasm that instantly lifted our spirits. She had a theatrical flair to her, which promised a fun ride. “Welcome to Skagway, folks!” she called out, ushering us onto the bus. “This is not just any tour, this is the Skagway Original Street Car Tour, where history comes alive!”

We took our seats, and as the bus started to roll, Anna began sharing stories about Skagway’s early days, painting vivid pictures of the rough-and-tumble Gold Rush era when hopeful prospectors flocked here in search of fortune.

A Journey Through History

Anna’s storytelling was nothing short of spectacular. She had a knack for bringing history to life with a mix of humor and drama, and her comedic quips at each historic site made the entire experience feel like a performance. We drove past Skagway’s waterfront, where she pointed out old wooden docks and rusting equipment, remnants of a time when the harbor was bustling with activity, filled with ships unloading men and supplies bound for the gold fields.

Next, we entered the National Park Historic District, a collection of well-preserved buildings from the late 1800s. The quaint, colorful storefronts, now mostly gift shops and cafes, lined the streets, and it was easy to imagine what life might have been like during the height of the Gold Rush. As we continued through the town, Anna regaled us with stories of the notorious Martin Itjen, who came to Skagway in 1898, seeking gold but finding a different kind of fortune as the town’s most celebrated storyteller and tour guide. She explained how Martin had given Alaska’s first motorized sightseeing tour to President Warren G. Harding in 1923 aboard his “Skagway Street Car,” a moment that etched his name into Skagway’s history.

We then headed toward a scenic overlook that offered a panoramic view of Skagway. Anna stopped the bus and invited everyone to step out for a better view. The vista was breathtaking, with towering mountains cascading into deep valleys, and the water of the Lynn Canal glittering under the morning sun. Paulette and I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos, capturing the moment and the beautiful scenery around us.

The Soapy Smith Gunfight

One of the tour highlights was a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery, a resting place for many of Skagway’s early residents. As we made our way there, Anna began to tell us about Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith, one of Skagway’s most infamous characters. Soapy, a con artist and gangster, had made quite a name for himself during the Gold Rush by swindling fortune seekers. Anna’s voice took on a dramatic tone as she narrated the story of his demise in a gunfight with town hero Frank Reid.

When we arrived at the cemetery, Anna leaped from the bus with a flourish and guided us to Soapy Smith’s gravesite. In an almost theatrical performance, she reenacted the infamous gunfight, complete with dramatic pauses, gestures, and facial expressions that would have made any Broadway actor proud. The group burst into laughter and applause as she finished with a flourish, bowing deeply. It was a fantastic mix of humor and history that left us all entertained and a bit more knowledgeable about Skagway’s colorful past.

The Scenic Route Back to the Ship

Back on the bus, we continued our journey through the residential neighborhoods of Skagway, known for their beautiful flower gardens. Anna pointed out a few local homes, each with its unique charm and stories that seemed to radiate from their wooden facades. We could see pride in the residents' faces as they waved to our bus. The flowers, in full bloom, added a splash of color against the backdrop of lush green forests and distant snow-capped peaks.

Our tour included a brief courtesy stop in downtown Skagway, allowing those who wanted to shop or explore independently to hop off. Paulette and I opted to stay on the bus, eager to hear more of Anna’s tales and see where the next stop would take us.

Back to the Ship and On to the Next Adventure

The tour concluded back at the pier, and we thanked Anna for a wonderfully engaging and entertaining morning. Her passion for Skagway’s history had made the tour truly special. Paulette and I exchanged knowing smiles—we were both thinking the same thing: this had been one of the best shore excursions we’d ever taken.

With the morning tour behind us, we returned to the ship for a hearty lunch. The lunch buffet was bustling with passengers returning from their own morning excursions, sharing stories of their adventures. We found a quiet corner and enjoyed a delicious meal while discussing our next outing—the White Pass Scenic Railway, set for the afternoon.

Reflecting on the Experience

As we sat in the comfortable dining area, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we were having. The Skagway Original Street Car Tour had not only been fun and educational, but it also offered a glimpse into the spirit and resilience of those who came before us. The streets, the buildings, and the stories shared by Anna all served as a reminder of the rugged determination and indomitable spirit that shaped this part of Alaska.

While the rest of our day still lay ahead, I felt a profound connection to the past, a sense of wonder at the stories that continue to shape our present, and an eagerness to uncover more of Alaska's hidden treasures. Our afternoon ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway would surely add another layer to this rich tapestry of experiences.

But for now, I was content to sit back, savor my lunch, and let the echoes of Skagway’s history linger in my mind. We still had so much to explore, and I was ready for every moment of it, with Paulette by my side, sharing in the adventure of a lifetime.