Cruise Alaska: 10 Things to Love About Icy Strait Point

Does your cruise to Alaska include a port day in Icy Strait Point?  Upon learning this, did you yell out to your husband in the bathroom from in front of your computer screen in the kitchen: “hey Eric, have you ever heard of Icy Strait Point?”  To which he responded with his standard “I didn’t hear you or don’t understand what you mean” reply: “sorry for whatever I did!”

I applied his blanket apology to his dishes piled up in the sink when the dishwasher is literally one inch away (of course I’ve measured it) and figured he’d never heard of Icy Strait Point either.  If this has been your experience too, there’s a good reason.  Not for the dishes – I’d be on back to back to back to back world cruises with the money I’d make if I figured that one out.  But for never having heard of Icy Strait Point before booking an Alaskan cruise.  Stay tuned.

Today’s lecture will focus on Icy Strait Point and the 10 things I now love about it after having visited four times, once on Holland America’s Ms. Zaandam on an epic 14 day voyage, once on the Norwegian Jewel on a too-short 10 day sailing, and twice on a 14 day b2b on the Celebrity Millennium.

Icy Strait Point, located on Chichagof Island, has a rich and interesting history as a salmon cannery and important fixture of nearby Hoonah, employing and even temporarily housing residents of Hoonah when a fire destroyed the town in 1944.  But today, Icy Strait Point serves solely as a cruise ship destination – that’s probably why you’ve never heard of it – privately owned by Alaskan Natives though the Huna Totem Corporation.  And that fact tops my list of things to love about Icy Strait Point:

10 Things to Love about Icy Strait Point

1: It’s owned and operated by local Native Alaskans, most residents of nearby Hoonah, Alaska’s largest Native Tlingit village.   

2: All cruise dollars spent at Icy Strait Point go back into the local community.

3: Most tour operators have deep ties to the area and can offer a rich and unique account of its history and culture. 

4: Only one cruise ship can be docked at Icy Strait Point at a time, leading to less development and fewer crowds.

5: Prolific wildlife. 

Whales and eagles are regularly seen from shore and the nearby Spasski River valley is known for having one of the highest densities of brown bears anywhere in the world.  Whale watching and wildlife tours are among the most popular excursions in Icy Strait Point.

6: It’s an adventure seeker’s paradise. 

The longest ZipRider in the United States, treetop obstacle courses, kayaking, and ATV tours are among some of the activities to help you feel truly alive while you cause heart palpitations in your overprotective mother standing on the sidelines.  Make sure to yell extra loud for her benefit. 

7: Three restaurants close to the cruise pier specializing in fresh, local seafood. 

Looking for a break from cruise food (said me, never – but you might have more discerning tastes)?  Check out The Crab Station for snow, king, and Dungeness crab. 

Try the historic and casual Cookhouse Restaurant for fresh Alaskan halibut & chips. 

Or grab a cocktail and some seafood stew at the Duck Point Smokehouse.  It’s located just steps from the cruise pier and is situated on the beach with a beautiful view of Icy Strait.

8: Free cannery museum. 

I love a good museum.  And I especially love a good free museum.  Learn about the history of the area and see a 1930’s cannery line display. 

9: Shopping. 

This is actually one of the things I hate most about any port – you’ll never find me in a shop unless I forgot my deodorant again and I’m not traveling with my mom who always packs an extra one for me.  But since my son who doubles as my teaching/travel assistant “H” loves his Gigi more than he loves me because she takes him shopping, I appreciate that others like it.  So, shoppers rejoice!  There are 12 shops in Icy Strait Point.  And while you may see me speed walking past them, dragging my crying kid, feel free to stop into one for a local souvenir.

And finally, the thing I love most about Icy Strait Point:

10: The most beautiful walk in Alaska. 

Well actually, two of the most beautiful walks in Alaska. Pack a good camera!

The Rain Forest Nature Trail on Icy Strait Point

If you turn left upon exiting the cruise pier (or follow one of the signs that say “nature trail” for which there are two – you can start at either end), you’ll find yourself on a short, easy, groomed trail through a tiny parcel of the lush temperate rain forest of the Tongass National Forest.

But if you have more time to explore and boots made for walking, I’d strongly suggest you turn right and keep going and going and going until you reach the town of Hoonah. Here’s what you’ll see (presented with minimal commentary much to the relief of my faithful and patient readers):

Icy Strait Point and The Walk to Hoonah

A campfire to warm your hands.

Tall grasses to play in. Also known as Exhibit A when it comes to why I can’t have a yard. My lawn would look like this and my neighbors would need to stage an intervention in the interest of their property values.

A rock beach with crystal clear waters.

This old boat.

These stacks.

These spectacular views.

This cemetery. Because Prof. Cruise loves her a picturesque cemetery.

And these churches. Because Prof. Cruise also loves her a picturesque church.

And finally, this old wooden pier. I don’t recommend you do a cannonball off the end of it though – that made for a cold walk back to the ship.

Final Thoughts About Icy Strait Point and Hoonah

While it’s impossible for me to pick my favorite port in Alaska – they are all spectacular and unique – Icy Strait Point is a tempting choice for number one. It’s gone from “that place I’d never heard of” to a “must visit” spot when booking future Alaskan cruises. In fact, we’ll be seeing her again in August on our first trip to Alaska on Celebrity.

So, now that you’ve heard of it, grab a pair of binoculars and explore Icy Strait Point. You’ll be very happy you did!

Homework (10 points):

Review my others posts on Alaska here and tell us which port is your favorite and why in the comments.

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Class Dismissed.