Exploring Stormwind: Boat Departures And Schedules From The Dock

Stormwind Harbor is located in the northwestern area of Stormwind City, the human capital city and the main hub of the Alliance in the World of Warcraft. The harbor features a new type of boat, an Icebreaker that is steam-powered and includes The Kraken, which runs to Valiance Keep in Northrend. The boats are located in Stormwind Harbor and dock at the southern and northern platforms about every five minutes.

The Kraken boat to Valiance Keep, Northrend

The Kraken is an Alliance icebreaker ship that runs between Stormwind Harbour's northernmost dock and the port at Valiance Keep in the Borean Tundra, Northrend. Its design is specialised for the harsh climate of the frigid continent of Northrend.

The Kraken played a vital role in the war against the Undead Scourge, providing constant transport to and from the base of the Valiance Expedition. The ship continues to serve as a connection between Valiance Keep and Stormwind, with the lonely sound of its bell echoing in the tundra's constant wind.

The Kraken departs from Stormwind Harbour to Valiance Keep every five minutes. The journey takes approximately 1 minute. The return trip from Valiance Keep to Stormwind Harbour takes 1 minute and 30 seconds, with the round trip totalling 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Valiance Keep is a major Alliance settlement in the Borean Tundra, similar to Warsong Hold for the Horde. It is a fortified town that covers two islands, with a barracks, an inn, and the Alliance icebreaker, The Kraken, in its harbour. Valiance Keep is one of the two primary ports of entry for the Alliance in Northrend, serving as the headquarters for the Valiance Expedition, the main armies of the Alliance in Northrend sent by King Varian Wrynn.

The Relentless boat to Boralus Harbor, Tiragarde Sound

The Relentless is a Kul Tiran-crewed vessel that docks at the southernmost dock in Stormwind. Chartered by Boralus's Harbormaster Cyrus Crestfall, the boat transports diplomats between Stormwind Harbor and Boralus Harbor in the Tiragarde Sound zone of Kul Tiras. The boat docks about every five minutes and is entirely crewed by kul tiran humans.

To get to The Relentless from Stormwind, head to the Dwarven District and talk to Hero's Herald to pick up the quest Tides of War. The boat will then be accessible from the southernmost dock in Stormwind Harbour.

There are multiple ways to get to Kul Tiras, including:

• The Alliance Introductory Quests
• Portal from Stormwind
• Teleport: Boralus / Portal: Boralus spells from Alliance Mages
• Boat from Stormwind
• Sailing from the Banshee's Wail boat docked in Dazar'alor (Horde only)

The Rugged Dragonscale boat to Wingrest Embassy, The Waking Shores

The Rugged Dragonscale is a Kul Tiran-styled ship that ferries Alliance adventurers to the Dragon Isles. The ship leaves from Stormwind Harbor, the northwest district of the human Kingdom of Stormwind's capital, Stormwind City.

To find the Rugged Dragonscale, adventurers should look for the southernmost dock in Stormwind Harbor. The ship can be identified by its Kul Tiran style and the fact that it faces north when docked (to your right if you are standing on the dock).

Once aboard, the Rugged Dragonscale will take you to an unnamed Alliance camp on the Wild Coast of the Dragon Isles' Waking Shores. The nearby Wingrest Embassy, located just south of the camp, is the first questing hub of the Isles. The embassy was established by the dragonflights to welcome mortals to the Dragon Isles, teach them about the dragon's charge, and encourage them to stand alongside the dragons in defence of Azeroth.

The Wildhammer dwarf Toddy Whiskers often sends adventurers who are new to the Isles to ride the Rugged Dragonscale from Stormwind City through the quest "To the Dragon Isles!".

The Elune's Blessing boat to Rut'theran Village, Kalimdor

Stormwind Harbor is located in the northwestern area of Stormwind City, with the access point set between the now-destroyed Park and Cathedral Square.

The Elune's Blessing is a boat that connects the Exodar to Ruttheran Village in Kalimdor. This boat used to go to Auberdine but was rerouted to Stormwind Harbor.

The boats from Stormwind Harbor to Ruttheran Village in Kalimdor leave approximately every five minutes. The NPCs on the docks will be able to tell you more about the boats' schedules and destinations.

Steam-powered Icebreaker boats

Steam-powered icebreakers were first introduced in the late 1950s when the Soviet Union commissioned the first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin, in 1959. However, earlier ships designed to operate in icy conditions date back to as early as 1837. These ships, known as icebreakers, are specifically designed to navigate through ice-covered waters and provide safe waterways for other boats and ships.

To be considered an icebreaker, a ship must possess three key traits that most normal ships lack: a strengthened hull, an ice-clearing shape, and the power to push through sea ice. The first of these steam-powered icebreakers, the City Ice Boat No. 1, was built for the city of Philadelphia in 1837. It was powered by two 250-horsepower steam engines and had wooden paddles reinforced with iron coverings.

The Russian Pilot, built in 1864, was another important predecessor to modern icebreakers. With a rounded shape and a strong metal hull, it could navigate through icy waters with greater ease. The ship was used for navigation in the Gulf of Finland, extending the summer navigation season by several weeks. This inspired the construction of similar vessels, such as the Boy and the Booy, built in 1875 and 1889, respectively.

The first true modern sea-going icebreaker, the Yermak, was built in 1899 at the Armstrong Whitworth naval yard in England. It applied the principles of the Russian Pilot to create the first polar icebreaker capable of running over and crushing pack ice. The Yermak served for many decades, making it one of the longest-serving icebreakers in the world.

In the early 20th century, several countries began operating purpose-built icebreakers, with Canada, Russia, and later the Soviet Union constructing oceangoing icebreakers displacing up to 11,000 tons. These steam-powered icebreakers played a crucial role in maintaining navigable waterways and supporting polar expeditions.

Today, most icebreakers are still needed to keep trade routes open in regions with seasonal or permanent ice conditions. They ensure that merchant vessels can safely navigate through icy waters and provide assistance when ships become immobilized by ice. Additionally, icebreakers are used for scientific research support, offshore drilling supply and protection, and search and rescue missions in polar regions.

Frequently asked questions