New Cruise Port for Alaska
Klawock is poised to be the next cruise ship destination in Alaska. Located near the Tlingit village, destination highlights of the region for cruisers will include sport fishing, culinary experiences, wildlife viewing, and more.
The cruise port is set to open in Spring 2023. Oceania Cruises will be the first cruise line to visit Klawock on May 24 and will make three additional calls in 2023.
Na-Dena` (a joint venture between Alaska Native corporations Doyon, Limited and Huna Totem Corporation) is responsible for developing the port and work with the Klawock Heenya Corporation, an Alaska Native village corporation that represents the Tlingit people from Klawock. The port’s development will be led by the globally recognized model created by Huna Totem Corporation which opened the Icy Strait Point cruise port in 2004. Huna Totem represents more than 1,550 Alaska Native shareholders from the Glacier Bay and Hoonah region.
When complete the Klawock cruise port will share local culture with travelers and promote the employment of a native and local Alaskan workforce and feature an Alaska-only retail program.
“Tourism is the opportunity we need,” said Klawock Heenya Corporation President Teresa D. Fairbanks. “It’s exciting to now pursue the future for Klawock and our Native shareholders. We know building a tourism-based economy is a process, but we share a similar history of fish canning and timber harvesting with Hoonah. Thanks to the partnership with Na-Dena`, together, we know Klawock Heenya will be successful.”
Location of Klawock - Photo by Na-Dena`
The cruise port will be built on 16 acres on Klawock Island, on the Pacific coast side of Prince of Wales Island. Its location will allow for two fjord entrances, treating travelers to scenic views as they sail in and out of the area. The port is very accessible to the surrounding area and is connected by a bridge to the Prince of Wales’ vast road system.
Na-Dena` will assist the Klawock Heenya Corporation to develop a series of guest attractions, embracing local traditions like totem carving, wildlife preservation, and sports fishing.
Port scenery of Klawock. - Photo by Na-Dena`
“Our vision of tourism, balanced with Alaska’s cruise industry, creates meaning for travelers and our Native communities,” said Huna Totem Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Russell Dick. “Huna Totem’s Icy Strait Point incorporates elements of who we are as Alaska Native people, leaving travelers with a better understanding of our culture and the importance of our lands and surrounding environment. While the experience enhances their Alaska vacation, in turn, it also builds economic stability for all Alaska Native people to practice and share our traditions and history with the world. Na-Dena` looks forward to celebrating Klawock Heenya’s values and traditions in Alaska’s newest port.”
The port partnership of Klawock plans to announce additional cruise line visits for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
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