royal caribbean icy strait point excursions

Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Itll be hard to keep your eyes on the trail with all the epic scenery around you! Dry too. I mean, you can zip-line in many ports around the world, so is it any surprise that theres an epic zip-lining experience in Alaska? We didn't do the whale watch so can't help sorry, Icy Strait Point, Hoonah: Hours, Address, Icy Strait Point Reviews: 4/5, Icy Strait Point is one of the most authentic and unspoiled ports in an Alaska cruise itinerary. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. Will definitely take rain gear. Look for jewellery made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects and warm winter fashions. Whale Watching 2. If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour, Local Alaska Whale Watching with Bonus Drone Footage of Whales, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching Charters through Icy Strat Alaska. Pasted as rich text. I get a lot of questions about fishing in Alaska. The island is roughly 25 miles from the port town of Hoonah. I really like ISP. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. You soon will be where you can sight humpbacks, Orcas, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and seals, all attracted to the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay. We bought the "unlimited ride" for $50 per person, to find out there was nothing to do at the top unless you are taking the zip line down. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! We choose to make the short trip over to the actual town of Hoonah and truly enjoyed watching and speaking with two local men who were carving a totem pole. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Love your blog. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. #1. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. Hoonay is the first stop of our cruise. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. I agree that the activities are for older children. Your email address will not be published. Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. If you do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. Youll descend from an elevation of 1,330 feet back to sea level along those six zips at times you may be going as fast as 60 miles per hour and at heights of 300 feet above the ground! If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. However, for those of you who are thinking about taking a vacation, The Icy Strait Point is the divider between mainland Alaska in the north and the Chichagof Island in the south. You're in for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you fly above the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph. Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. If youre struggling to choose between Icy Strait Point shore excursions, Im here to help. Posted December 26, 2021. family just booked Alaskan cruise Quantum May 30, 2022 going to Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Juneau, Victoria BC. CHECK SHORE EXCURSIONS IN Icy Strait Point, Alaska, *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Alaska Icy Strait Point Tribe Local Performance, Cuisine Dungeness Crab, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, One of the Many Historic Cannery Buildings, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, View All{{ cards[0] && cards[0]['totalGroups'] ? " Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. Our team personally tests every tour in a destination to select only the best shore excursions for your Quantum of the Seas cruise . Ocean Stateroom. Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. Hoonah 5. An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. But the kayaking was well worth. Head out to Icy Strait Point, to explore the beach, shop, or hike the beautiful trails. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Would have loved to have done the seated zip line but not at 170 USD for one ride! Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. Enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship or exploring the cannery and nature trail at Icy Strait Point. Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. 25422881. Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? So, when I see a good Alaska cruise excursion for fishing, I recommend it! Youll be surrounded in one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska with Glacier Wind Charters small group tours. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Icy Strait Point was a nice place to spend a few hours. At ShoreTrips we are committed to enhancing your shore excursions with small, creative and personal day tours and adventures. I recommend getting in touch with your cruise company to see how they can help. He will take you to his favorite fishing areas for the best halibut and salmon fishing around. Continue on from the post above for some pictures from it and more in the area. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. Required fields are marked *. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! (That means each excursion gets its own number, no ties), I gave each excursion a boost or deduction for being a good value based on the. Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, with inclines. Good Value. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. I would like to know if the zodiac boats and whale watching boats travel in the same waters? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Sitting 1330' above Icy Strait Point, you will descend just over a mile and travel at speeds in excess of 60 mph while soaring 300' above the tree-tops below. I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. 25422881. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. What really makes this tour unique is the Drone imagery. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). Display as a link instead, What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. The bottom part of the profile is nearly flat. From their connection to nature to their tribal dance, the spirit of their people is something to behold. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Icy Strait Point is the only private cruise ship destination in Alaska; we offer over 20 different shore excursions including ATVs, biking, kayaking, nature tours, the best whale watching in Alaska and the world's largest and highest zipline ride. If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. By You can post now and register later. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community, https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/, Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, I went through all of the Icy Strait Point excursions and chose the ones I think are worth doing (the V factor ). Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. We are constantly evaluating ourselves, innovating, and improving to ensure that every customer gets an amazing experience from the first contact to the last touch. Everything was close together and easy. We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Norwegian Communications Center. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. On this 2- to 3-hour excursion, youll board a helicopter, cruise up to the top of the mountain, unload your bikes, and ride back down. Icy Strait Point is owned by the Hoonah Tlingit tribe, so this is a chance to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals who are hosting you on their land. If youve read any of my other lists of cruise excursions, you know that getting active is one of my personal travel priorities. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. . Watch members of the Huna Tlingit Dancers troupe tell the story of their tribal heritage through song and dance at the Native Heritage Center Theater. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, its easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. Reserve your dining now. Have you seen my other Alaska cruise resources? This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . Moreover, our small group tours are purposely smaller than those offered by the cruise ship, giving you a more intimate experience, at a better rate, while visiting Hoonah near Icy Strait Point. Join us on a whale watching tour to see the enormous humpback whales. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. 2. Get ready for fjords, majestic mountains, vast forests, potential animal sightings, and an experience you will never forget! more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. However there is so much more. There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. Valerie! Skip the hassle of a rental car and admire views during the bus journey to the glacier. My ship gets in at __:__. - More time on the water! Only Seabourn offers this one. If you want to venture over to the wild side, go on a guided nature hike through nearby rainforests or hop into an ATV and explore the backroads of Chichagof Island. Find Matching Tours Adventure Glacier Tours Private Tours Sightseeing Train Excursions Unique to Skagway Adventure Flightseeing Glacier Tours Whale Watching Unique to Juneau Adventure Cultural & Historical Flightseeing When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. This is a small group tour that provides you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature! Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. I loved this port for that very reason. To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. Add in the communication he has with other captains on the other boats, and it's a perfect whale finding system! Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. View below tower 6. And don't forget the fishing. Icy Strait Point 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA Open in Google Maps Confirmation will be received at time of booking Tour Time is Departure time. They have an indoor shopping mall, a salmon cannery museum and a restaurant all under one roof. Don't worry we will definitely be back to Alaska (just after Hawaii and Europe according to my wife LOL). Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Imagine eating delectable halibut harvested directly from the waters of Icy Strait. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. This excursion doesnt have the same wow factor as flightseeing or adrenaline-inducing zip-lining, its by far the most culturally immersive experience you can have in Icy Strait Point and possibly on your whole Alaska trip. We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. A convenient meeting time and place. Be sure to take in the views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait on your way down. Visit the Tlingit carvers and walk about to appreciate the totem poles in town. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, you'll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. Children as young as 6 years old can ride the zipline, and guests must be between the weight of 75 pounds and 275 pounds to enjoy this adventure. In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. In Icy Strait Point, this new excursion which includes both biking and hiking before beachcombing does the trick. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, it's easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/07/17/excursion-focus-alaska-sled-dogs-mushers-camp-juneau-alaska. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. Located in Alaska's largest Native Tlingit village of Hoonah (about 35 miles west of Juneau), Icy Strait Point features 20+ exciting tours, a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, restaurants, 100% Alaskan-owned retail shops, and even a beach! This is not a mass-market big bus tour. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. This Alaska cruise excursion might not be for everyone, but if you love wildlife (and especially birding) this widely-offered excursion might be the one for you in Icy Strait Point. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Visiting in September of 2023. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. We booked the gondola and tram ride. I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. The area near Icy Strait Point, with its proximity to Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay, is home to one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska and the whale watching is second to none. You cannot paste images directly. That said, its not exactly unique to encounter these kinds of excursions, so it doesnt rank particularly high on my personal list of the best Icy Strait Point cruise excursions. Point Adolphus, in particular, is world-famous for its concentration of humpback whales and is located about 5 miles from the southern side of Icy Strait. Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Journey from Icy Strait Point into the wilds of Chichagof Island as you explore the Spasski River Valley in search of local wildlife. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Do you offer any discounts or promotions? Overview. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. The full cancellation policy can be found here. RSSC-Regent, Royal Caribbean International. Lower lift line. Alaska-Sized Adventure We too the free shuttle back into the port area and walked through the old cannery, the museum and gift shops, which were all cool. A CareCart is available to people who cannot make the 300 yard walk from the cruise ship dock to the excursions hub where we meet you. {{card.portName}}, Onboard Wildlife is one of the main draws for visitors who want to cruise in Alaska. Icy Strait Point: Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search - See 1,321 traveler reviews, 1,105 candid photos, and great deals for Hoonah, AK, at Tripadvisor. Explore our Alaska cruises today! What to expect when you get there - Amy will meet up with you at your pre-arranged meeting point (we were off a cruise ship, so Icy Straight Point excursion hub for us). Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. the Excursions Hub is a short 5 minute walk from where the ships dock or tender in to. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. After a drive through (and out of) town, youll leave the crowds behind and head onto Alaska native-owned lands where youll disembark and start your wilderness hike. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Now lets dive into each one! As a souvenir, youll get recipe cards so you can try to prepare these meals once you return home. There are even resident bald eagles that perch on the ships to fish. Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. Heres how I calculated the scores: Based on all that, heres my list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions: While not everyone will agree with this list and it wasnt the original list I wrote back for the 2020 season (ha!). {{card.portName}}, Onboard Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter. Response from Host, Sep 2022. There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. On this 3.5-hour charter, youll board a locally-operated boat and head out onto the waters of Icy Strait. 1. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native owned-and-operated, with all profits directly supporting the community of Hoonah, Alaskas largest Native Tlingit village. You will have to walk up and/or down a potentially steep ramp depending on the tide to access the floats where the boat will be. For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. Hi Everyone! Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. Im grateful Johan allowed me to paint him in his regalia as the dance was incredibly inspiring and definitely worth the short walk through the shops. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. We are so excited about it and are beginni. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, then the ZipRider is for you. CHECK SHORE EXCURSIONS IN Icy Strait Point, Alaska, *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Alaska Icy Strait Point Tribe Local Performance, Cuisine Dungeness Crab, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, One of the Many Historic Cannery Buildings, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, View All{{ cards[0] && cards[0]['totalGroups'] ? " In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. If you love the idea of stretching your legs a bit more than you can on the boat, this is a great excursion it only ranks low on the list because of few companies (okay, one) offering it in 2023. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. This is the real Alaska! The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! July 10, 2007. We disembarked from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas a little after 1:00 pm on a go. With a concentration in cruising. Come experience the birds and nature of Chichagof Island, near Icy Strait Point! FAQ What are the best tours in Icy Strait Point? The Tlingit people have lived in Southeast Alaska for many centuries in what is now Glacier Bay National Park. We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! . {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. Brave the ZipRider, the worlds longest zip line, and enjoy amazing views of the forest as you race from a mountain peak at 60 miles per hour. IMO your best bet is to hike the short nature trails and take the cable car up the mountain for more hiking and scenic views. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. 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