Icy Strait Point Cruise Port: Terminals, Piers and What’s Nearby

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Icy Strait Point Cruise Port, owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, offers a unique and culturally rich experience for visitors. It features the Ocean Landing pier and the newer Wilderness Landing pier, including access to the SkyGlider gondola, nature trails, and the 5,495-foot-long ZipRider!

Located near Hoonah, Alaska, cruise passengers can also enjoy a restored salmon cannery, local shops, and access to authentic Tlingit culture, making it a standout destination for Alaska.

Icy Strait Point Cruise Port Location and Address

As mentioned, Icy Strait Point is located roughly 1.5 miles from the town of Hoonah, Alaska. The town and the remote cruise are both situated on the rugged Chichagof Island.

This remote island is part of Alaska’s breathtaking Inside Passage, approximately 30 miles west of Juneau, Alaska. Although it is inaccessible by road and can only really be reached by seaplane or ship, the port’s address is:

108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, Alaska, 99829.

As of 2024, 85% of the cruise port’s permanent staff live in nearby Hoonah, which makes sense given the port’s remote location. The remaining staff are mostly flown in temporarily to help operate the port during the cruise season.

When you visit, you will immediately notice that the port is surrounded by a dense forest and rugged coastline, which add to the sense of serenity and isolation.

While there is no guarantee of what you will see during your visit, the area is also home to abundant wildlife, helping to immerse you in the Alaskan wilderness the second you take your first steps off your ship.

While it is certainly remote, Icy Strait Point was built to provide visitors with a comfortable and memorable experience. Plus, visiting is a great opportunity to experience the native Tlingit people’s famous hospitality, as the port is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation that directs all profits to the local community and tribe.

With over 1,400 Alaska Native shareholders, the entire port has a deep connection to the local community and people, making visiting feel all the more special.

Icy Strait Point Cruise Port Piers and Terminal

Ocean Landing Pier
Ocean Landing Pier (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

Icy Strait Point features two cruise ship docks: Ocean Landing, also known as Adventure Landing, and the newer Wilderness Landing Dock.

The newer Wilderness pier was completed in 2021 and sits just south of Ocean Landing. Before the 400-foot-long floating Ocean Landing Dock was constructed in 2016, the entire port consisted of a single tendering pier called Icy Strait Point Dock.

The decision to build the Wilderness Landing Dock was a real game-changer for the port. It eliminated the need for tendering, and its location half a mile from the rest of the port meant it could be built in the deeper waters required to dock mega cruise ships.

Wilderness Landing was a joint $17 million project completed by the Huna Totem Corporation in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line. Its construction allowed for both larger ships and higher traffic volume, bringing much-needed tourism dollars to the area and the town of Hoonah.

In 2021, Norwegian Encore actually sailed from Seattle to Icy Strait, providing her passengers with the opportunity to be the first to explore the new Wilderness Landing Dock and the ZipRider Gondola System.

Wilderness Landing Pier
Wilderness Landing Pier (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Having the option to avoid tendering also means passengers can now walk directly onto a dock connected to the land during the disembarkation process. Many who have visited before and after 2020 feel that the Wilderness Landing Dock makes the port much more accessible and convenient.

For those with mobility challenges or even young children, disembarking at the Wilderness Dock is also far less daunting than getting in and out of a smaller tender boat.

Read Also: Your Guide to the Best Alaska Cruise Ports

That said, one advantage of using the older Ocean Landing pier is that it is closer to the short trail leading to the historic salmon cannery. The cannery’s existence is actually the reason the entire cruise port was constructed where it currently sits.

Overall, most people find the port compact and easily walkable. Well-maintained walking paths connect the piers and the main attractions. The Ocean Landing Dock is closer to the historic cannery, while the Wilderness Landing Dock is slightly farther away but has a more modern feel.

Amenities and Facilities

Map of Icy Strait Point Cruise Port
Map of Icy Strait Point Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Although the rugged setting and isolated location are the main draws of Icy Strait Point, the port is also very well-equipped to handle cruise passengers.

There are clean restrooms and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas, and all visiting passengers can easily access free Wi-Fi outside and inside the terminal.

If you want to stay connected, the signal is surprisingly decent for such a remote location, though it can get spotty when lots of people are online at once. The closer you stay to the building at the end of the Adventure Dock, the better the signal.

The beautifully restored historic cannery building now serves as a free museum with exhibits showcasing the region’s history and the native people who have called it home for hundreds of years. This museum is one of the highlights of the port. Inside, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and exhibits detailing the area’s history.

Accessibility is also excellent throughout the port, with ramps and paved or gravel-lined walking paths making it easy for everyone to navigate.

If you are just looking to take in the views rather than participate in any of the many shore excursions available to visitors, you can see a lot without needing to travel far. The thick forest and wildlife-filled waters surrounding the port are an attraction.

ZipRider

ZipRider in Icy Strait Point
ZipRider in Icy Strait Point (Photo Credit: Iryna Makukha)

One of the port’s more unique features is the nearby ZipRider, one of the longest zip lines in the world. This attraction starts high in the mountains and offers stunning views as you zoom down at speeds up to 65 mph.

It can be accessed via a gondola or hiking trail. Just be prepared for an adrenaline-fueled descent, as the 5,495-foot-long zipline cable has a vertical drop of 1,320 feet!

As we will discuss in further detail later, you can enjoy several restaurants and eateries while you visit Icy Strait Point, so you will not have to travel far to grab a bite to eat.

Cruise Lines that Visit Icy Strait Point Cruise Port

Celebrity Cruises Ship Docked at Icy Strait Point
Celebrity Cruises Ship Docked at Icy Strait Point (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)

While the remote location might make you think it’s a cruise port that few ships visit, Icy Strait Point is an incredibly popular stop on a wide range of Alaskan cruise itineraries.

In fact, in 2024 alone, the port welcomed just over 240 cruise ships, bringing roughly half a million visitors to Icy Strait Point.

With its array of shore excursions and a stunning backdrop, some of the world’s most recognizable cruise lines include a visit to Icy Strait in their schedules. These cruise lines include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International

For the most part, these cruise lines tend to include a stop at Icy Strait Point as part of their Southeast Alaska itineraries. These cruise voyages often include stops at Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Cruise Port, and Skagway Cruise Port. Their itineraries often incorporate other hugely popular Alaskan attractions like Glacier Bay National Park.

How to Get to Icy Strait Point

Cruise Ships at Icy Strait Point
Cruise Ships at Icy Strait Point (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)

Aside from a single land, two-mile road, and sidewalk that connect the port to the town of Hoonah, the only way to reach Icy Strait Point is by cruise ship or passenger ferry.

This is actually a huge part of the charm of Icy Strait Point Cruise Port. Its remote and difficult-to-access location makes you feel like you are stepping into a different world when you arrive at either dock.

Since it is a private port owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, it is only open when a cruise ship is docked or will dock shortly. This means the entire port and its experiences are tailored to visiting cruise passengers.

While some passengers have complained about it seeming too touristy, the fact you will not have to worry about the port and its attractions being crowded with tourists who did not arrive by cruise ship should be seen as a major plus.

What Can You Do Nearby?

While Icy Strait Point is packed with things to do and see, some amazing attractions are just a short distance from the port. Whether you are planning to book a shore excursion or simply walk into nearby Hoonah, the following are just some of the many activities you can enjoy:

Book a Wildlife and Nature Tour

Cruise Passengers Watching Wildlife at Icy Strait Point
Cruise Passengers Watching Wildlife at Icy Strait Point (Photo Credit: JohnHancockPhoto)

Thanks to its remote location and pristine nature, Icy Strait Point is one of the best places in Alaska to spot wildlife.

Whale watching is probably the most popular option, as it allows visitors to spot humpback whales, orcas, belugas, porpoises, and more in their natural habitats.

Most tour operators will take a small number of passengers out to the waters off Point Adolphus, one of the state’s most fruitful whale-watching locations. While whales are the main attraction, these tours also provide ample opportunities to view other species, including sea otters and seals.

Bear viewing tours are also popular, as Chichagof Island has an incredibly high concentration of coastal brown bears. Most tours visit the Spasski River Valley, where participants can safely view these unique bears as they eat and sleep in their natural habitat.

You can also book a bird-watching nature hike with a local Native guide. With a high concentration of bald eagles calling the area home, these tours are a great opportunity to spot one of the country’s most iconic animals while simultaneously learning about the history of the region.

Sea kayaking lessons and tours are another way to explore the area’s pristine coastlines and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat.

Visit the Town of Hoonah

Welcome Sign for Hoonah, Alaska
Welcome Sign for Hoonah, Alaska (Photo Credit: Iryna Makukha)

While there is a nice nature trail that links the port and the town, as well as a sidewalk that lines the service road, plenty of visitors will opt for a short shuttle ride to Hoonah to maximize the amount of time they have to explore the town.

When you arrive in Hoonah, you will discover plenty of ways to embrace the town’s Tlingit heritage and culture.

Visit the Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center to learn about the culture and view authentic Native art, or grab a pint of beer at the Icy Strait Brewing Company, where brewers focus on using locally-grown ingredients wherever possible.

Hike the Nature Trails

Nature Trail
Nature Trail (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

There is a risk of bear encounters, so it is recommended that hikers travel in groups and bring noise makers. Several truly incredible and scenic walking trails can be hiked from the port.

These include the Cannery Trail, which offers beautiful views of the shoreline. If you are concerned about bears or just want to learn about the area from a local, there are guided hikes that can be educational, rewarding, and incredibly memorable.

Dining in Icy Strait Point

While you might assume that such a remote and relatively small cruise port would lack dining options, Icy Strait Point has several must-try spots for visiting cruise passengers.

Most focus on showcasing Alaskan cuisine, including some of the best seafood you will try anywhere in the world. Here are just a few of the most popular options.

The Crab House

The Crab House
The Crab House (Photo Credit: Vintagepix)

As you have probably guessed, The Crab House is the place to visit if you want to indulge in some fresh-caught crab dishes. This casual spot is famous for its fresh Dungeness crab, which is only available when in season, between October and January.

If you are lucky enough to be in port while it is available, the crab is served steaming hot and covered with melted butter. It may sound a little odd, but do yourself a favor and order it with the grilled beach asparagus.

The asparagus is locally grown, and when I had it served with meaty snow crab legs, it was easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had on an Alaskan cruise.

Even if you just want to grab a drink, The Crab House’s signature Bloody Mary cocktail is hugely popular and features plenty of local ingredients.

The restaurant is located in the port just to the right of the Adventure Dock, so it’s incredibly easy to find and access. With warm indoor seating and outdoor seating that offers an incredible view of the water, it’s a must-visit.

The Cookhouse Restaurant

Cookhouse Restaurant
Cookhouse Restaurant (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

Located on the other side of the dock from The Crab House, the Cookout Restaurant offers visitors an opportunity to order from a more extensive menu.

One of the coolest things about this unique waterfront restaurant is that it has been in this location for nearly 100 years. It used to be the dining hall for the salmon cannery, which employed hundreds of locals.

Unsurprisingly, seafood steals the show, with British-style fish and chips made with Alaskan halibut being one of the most popular items on the menu.

Not into seafood? Don’t worry; they also serve burgers, sliders, nachos, and other pub food favorites. If you are up for something totally new, I recommend ordering the Alaskan salmon sliders or the reindeer meat burger!

If you just want to relax with a cold beverage, they also have a variety of local beers from the nearby Icy Strait Brewing Company on tap.

Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant

Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant
Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant (Photo Credit: RUBEN M RAMOS)

Located just to the side of the Wilderness Landing Dock near the gondola for the ZipRider attraction, this newly renovated restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The huge windows look out onto the pebble beaches that line the island’s coastline.

With a huge menu that changes with the seasons and the availability of various ingredients, there is always something new to try. Whether you order it as a main or appetizer, their in-house smoked salmon is a must-try item. The crab tater tots, reindeer steaks, and brick-oven baked pizzas are also hugely popular semi-permanent menu options.

If the incredible menu and atmosphere weren’t impressive enough, you will find it has a 4.5 rating on Google Reviews, and plenty of reviewers rave about the incredible service. If you want to treat yourself during your visit to Icy Strait, don’t miss out on a visit to Duck Point!

Shopping in Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point Store
Icy Strait Point Store (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

It goes without saying that you are not going to find the same range of duty-free stores, boutiques, and outlet shops you would find in the major cruise ports in the Caribbean, but there are still some interesting shopping opportunities available for those looking to purchase a souvenir from their time in Icy Strait Point.

Most of the options available to visiting cruise passengers tend to be handcrafted goods and various locally made products. If you are interested in shopping while you are in the port, you can find the following items available inside the cannery building itself:

Alaska Native Crafts

Given its ownership and location, the store heavily focuses on promoting authentic Tlingit goods. Look for intricately hand-carved totem poles, pieces of jewelry, Christmas ornaments, woven baskets and beach bags, and other items made by local Tlingit artists and artisans.

Locally Made Goods

If crafts and trinkets aren’t your thing, you can also find items celebrating the area’s long-standing link to the fishing industry. Canned smoked salmon and dried fish are also available inside the historic cannery building just steps from the Ocean Landing Dock.

You can also purchase local honey, sea salt, dried seaweed, birch syrup, dried berries, and more. Handmade knives and seal fat soaps are also popular items available inside the cannery building.

Worth Reading: How Much Does an Alaskan Cruise Cost?

No matter what you are looking for, what many visitors appreciate most about shopping in the port is that most of the items for sale here are genuinely made locally, so you’re supporting local artists and the community that lives in the area.

I get tired of seeing the same cookie-cutter goods available in most ports. Purchasing something unique to the area and supporting its residents has always seemed like a way better souvenir than a plastic magnet or factory-made knickknack.

Best Time to Visit Icy Strait Point

Cruise Passengers Enjoying Icy Strait Point
Cruise Passengers Enjoying Icy Strait Point (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Icy Strait Point Cruise Port is only open during the Alaskan cruise season, from late April to early October. Here’s what you can expect during each part of the season:

Spring (April to May)

Spring is generally the best time to view the area’s famous wildlife, including bears and whales, as both are active after the long winter months. I recommend dressing warm and packing a raincoat, as you can anticipate temperatures between 40° and 55° F and semi-frequent rain showers.

Summer (June to August)

Alaska’s warmest weather occurs during summer, but daytime highs rarely exceed the mid-60s. Therefore, you should still bring warm clothes, especially if you visit later in the day.

Read Also: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska

Summer is also the busiest time of year for the cruise port, so expect larger crowds. If you are looking forward to a particular shore excursion, I highly recommend booking ahead of time if you visit during the summer months. Luckily, most can be booked online ahead of time, so it is fairly easy to secure your spot.

Fall (September to October)

Icy Strait Point tends to be less busy during the cooler fall months. Fewer ships visit the port, making it easier to book excursions, tours, or even tickets for the ZipRider.

Keep in mind that rainfall increases in autumn, so outdoor activities and chartered fishing trips can be subject to cancellation. Still, the vivid fall colors and crisp air can make for some truly stunning scenery and an authentic Alaska experience.

While temperatures can dip as low as 30° F in the early fall, you also get 14 hours of daylight during these months, making it a unique time to cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Personally, it’s my favorite time to cruise Alaska, but it’s worth taking the extra time to make sure you pack properly!

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Emrys Thakkar
Emrys Thakkar
The founder of Cruise Hive, Emrys has been reporting on the cruise industry since 2008. Expert insights and tips featured on a number of publications including The Express, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel and more. Worked for Carnival for 8 years and traveled to more than 34 countries and been on over 100 cruises.

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