Making the most of Icy Strait Point AK
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
A new, multi-million-dollar dock began operating in May 2016, establishing this destination in USA. Icy Strait Point is 22 miles from Glacier Bay National Park and immediately outside Hoonah, 1 mile away, with walking and shuttle options between them.
Norwegian Cruise Line built a second pier in 2020.
Immediately beyond the dock's covered trestle stands the 7,000-square-foot Adventure Center. Designed in a wood-beamed Tlingit style, it functions as a welcome centre, departure lounge and booking point for excursions such as whale watching, bear viewing and the ZipRider.
Icy Strait Point AK is served by the Alaska Port Authority.
Keep the printable map with you.
Sightseeing possibilities include:
Icy Strait Point sits close to Hoonah, the largest native Tlingit Indian community in USA, and near Glacier Bay National Park. Its historic cannery reflects a strong relationship with the sea. Humpback whales, orcas, Dall porpoises, seals, sea otters, halibut and all five Pacific salmon species share these waters with local people. Humpbacks and orcas can sometimes be spotted during a shore walk.
Created specifically for cruise ships in 2001, Icy Strait Point is one mile from historic Hoonah village.
The restored historic cannery dates to 1930 and gives visitors an insight into this part of American history. Its original cookhouse has also been refurbished for family-style meals.
Possibilities range from viewing Glacier Bay from the air, sailing among whales and looking for brown bears to hearing Tlingit Native stories, kayaking, experiencing Tlingit culture, charter fishing and wildlife watching. Visitors can also ride the world's longest ZipRider or combine several activities.
Getting around
Huna Totem Corporation, Hoonah's Native village corporation, owns Icy Strait Point. It is Southeast Alaska's only privately owned cruise port, and full tour listings and descriptions are available from the port.
Cruise passengers are encouraged, and may be required, to reserve tours through their cruise lines' websites before arrival.
Hoonah is a small town around 1.5 miles away, reached on foot or by bus from the port. It has several sights and places to eat, plus internet access at a fairly high price. The level walk offers plenty to see en route.
Icy Strait Point has the world's longest zip line. It extends 5,330 feet, drops vertically by 1,300 feet and reaches a top speed of 60 mph, with the entire descent taking under two minutes. Reserve through the ship because places sell out and cannot be purchased independently after arrival.
Food and shopping
A short walk from the berth reaches the cannery shops, all American or locally owned and operated.
Money
Official U.S. money is the United States dollar, identified by $. ATMs are found widely.
Major cards including MasterCard and Visa are taken extensively, even for purchases of only a few dollars, and occasionally provide the only means of payment. Travellers from overseas should note that goods and services can look cheaper than their final cost because displayed prices seldom contain taxes or gratuities.
In most states, sales tax falls between 2.9% and almost 10% of the retail cost, with 4-6% usual. Rather than appearing in the marked price, it is normally calculated and added at payment. Exceptions include gasoline and, in most states, alcoholic drinks consumed on-premises.
Staying connected
Landing Zone Restaurant & Bar provides a free Wi-Fi hot spot.
The emergency number is 911.