About the Port
Set on Alaska's western edge along the Bering Sea, Nome traces its origins to the 1898 gold rush that drew thousands of prospectors to this remote coast. Traces of that era remain visible around town, from rusting dredges and old steam engines to abandoned railroad tracks scattered across the tundra. Gold panning still continues here today, giving the town a lived-in, frontier character rare among American ports.
The town also holds a notable place in polar exploration history, having served as the destination for three of Roald Amundsen's early twentieth-century expeditions. Its small-town center sits within easy walking distance of the pier, with local shops and museums offering insight into the region's mining and Indigenous heritage. Surrounding waters and skies often reveal seabirds and marine life, making the approach by sea as memorable as the stop itself.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Nome.
Pan for Gold
Try your hand at gold panning along the beaches and creeks where prospectors once worked; several spots near town welcome visitors to sift the sand themselves.
Explore the Gold Rush Relics
Wander past rusting dredges, old steam engines, and abandoned railroad tracks scattered across the tundra, tangible remnants of the 1898 stampede, most within a short walk or drive of the pier.
Visit the Local Museums
Stop into the small museums in town to learn about Nome's mining boom, Amundsen's polar expeditions, and Indigenous heritage, an easy add given the walkable center.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Nome
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 29, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | NG Resolution | 22 | $48,248 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 24 | $27,648 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | HX | MS Roald Amundsen | 25 | $23,436 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | HX | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 25 | $22,423 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | HX | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 25 | $22,423 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 24 | $28,698 | |
| Sep 6, 2026 | HX | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 17 | $11,072 | |
| Jun 6, 2027 | Holland America | Noordam | 28 | $6,059 |