The day after the Skagway and Haines port visits, the Radiance pulled into Icy Strait Point, Alaska. I was not familiar with the port, or the nearest town, Hoonah, but the story is interesting. Icy Strait Point is a private cruise port, established in 2001. The company that owns the port, the Huna Totem Corporation, was established in 1971 as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) enacted by Congress. According to their website, "Huna Totem Corporation is currently owned by almost 1,600 shareholders whose aboriginal ties are to the Village of Hoonah in Southeast Alaska." The Huna Tlingit are the residential indigenous inhabitants of the area, and are currently roughly 85% of the staff at Icy Strait Point. While it feels like an Alaskan Labadee, Haiti, I feel exponentially better about it knowing that I am supporting a local native entity that is fully in charge of the facilities. Also, I can assure you that they did not disappoint and the experience was exponentially better than the one I had in Haiti.
When you exit the ship's berth and walk the gangway onto land, you immediately walk into a visitor's center. It was remarkably clean, modern and had a small gift shop available. Out the doors of the visitor's center, you are greeted by a small settlement, complete with a restaurant, other shops, and exhibits. Of note is that originally, this same site was home to a historical salmon cannery. The Huna Totem Corporation made a museum out of the site, so the port has a the feel of a small waterside settlement. I did not see the museum, but would love to on my next visit. Also, they have this very cool statue.
You are also able to take a free gondola to the other end of the port area . It doesn't go very high up, but showcases some of the beautiful lush forest around you. There is also a hiking trail next to it, so I recommend that to anyone. It is a short trail, but it is quite lovely and a good way to walk off the calories you'll likely have consumed in every meal. Just keep on the lookout for bears.
Alas, this green gondola is just a gateway drug, as there is one (red car) that goes up to the top of the mountain that is found at the other end of the green gondola ride. However, it is about $50 to ride to the top. Also, if you need more adventure than going up a mountain in an enclosed car, then you might want to take advantage of the world's largest zipline, the Ziprider, which opened in 2007.
However, the excursion that we had booked for this port was whale watching. If you do not come to Alaska and do some whale watching, then you are doing your visit wrong! I could describe it, but honestly, just experience it for yourself. The boat that we rode in was very clean, very fast and had a very capable crew. One member of our group staked out a spot all the way back aft and we held on to that little spot the whole time, mixing in with people who would pop in and out back there. That is how we got shots like this one.
Again, you should definitely do Icy Strait point, if you have the opportunity. It is worth it. Many thanks to team there and the leadership of the Huna Totem Corporation for a wonderful experience.
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