18 July 2015; Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Holland America Blog

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Holland America Blog Has Just Posted the Following:

By 07.00 hrs. the Statendam was at anchor at Icy Strait Point anchorage for a ¾ day call. The ship cannot really stay much longer as it is a high speed run to get to Anchorage. The city’s port area is tucked away deep in a (wide) fjord and the ship has to sail all the way up. Icy Strait Point was created by the local Indian Tribe who live nearby in Hoonah. It is the only privately owned Alaskan Tourist destination. The Huna Totem Corporation is in turn owned by the locals, many of whom are Tlingit people, a tribe which has always lived around the Glacier Bay area. Originally it came in existence as an alternative for ships that did not have Glacier Bay permits. They could stop there and send local tourists boats in; which they still do. A fast catamaran called the Baranof Wind makes regular excursions into Glacier Bay. As it was very successful, Hoonah & Icy strait Point developed into a destination of its own.* It is great way to immerse oneself into the Native Culture. Apart from that there are whale watching tours, (Sightings Guaranteed), Bear watching tours (Sightings Not Guaranteed) and there is even a zip line experience which lays claim to the fame of being the longest and highest in the world. I have no idea what it has to do with Indian Culture but it is popular. I mentioned already before in my blog that Holland America operates this cruise to offer an extra option to the cruise guest, many of whom are Mariners…… and have already bought the T shirt. *Thus on this cruise we do not call at Glacier Bay but at Hubbard Glacier and the cruise is a full 14 day round trip Seattle – Seattle without a changeover of guests half way. Thus the guests can immerse themselves in the local folklore, either by staying near the tender dock, where there is a museum, restaurant and shops, and from where also the tours are leaving, or walk the one mile distance into Hoonah itself. This is […]

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