Icy Strait Point AK -- what to do so late ?

[kam-ky]

I've just noticed that the Nieuw Amsterdam will be at Icy Strait Point from 6-10 *PM*  this year --  so what is there to do there so late, besides eat or shop ?

[idiebabe]

20 minutes ago, kam-ky said:

I've just noticed that the Nieuw Amsterdam will be at Icy Strait Point from 6-10 *PM*  this year --  so what is there to do there so late, besides eat or shop ?

HAL is offering Ship Excursions.  According to my PCC they should be posted this week or next week. 

[luvteaching]

Icy Strait Point/Hoonah isn't a large area and you can find plenty to do. It's a nice walk from the dock into the Cannery area where the shops are (not too many but some nice ones). There is the world's longest zipline if you like that. There was a booth selling fresh mini-doughnuts. It's about a mile walk to Hoonah and there's a wide paved walkway. Not a lot in Hoonah but the walk is worth it. This is also a good port for whale watching and animal looking. 

Karen

[AKJonesy]

I have to wonder also what will be available and I guess we will find out.  September sailings will have earlier sunsets and twilight, but at least it won't be dark on arrival even in September.  

[IPB4IGO]

The zip line, if it's open. It was the high point of the cruise we took that include Icy Strait Point.

[kam-ky]

1 hour ago, luvteaching said:

Icy Strait Point/Hoonah isn't a large area and you can find plenty to do. It's a nice walk from the dock into the Cannery area where the shops are (not too many but some nice ones). There is the world's longest zipline if you like that. There was a booth selling fresh mini-doughnuts. It's about a mile walk to Hoonah and there's a wide paved walkway. Not a lot in Hoonah but the walk is worth it. This is also a good port for whale watching and animal looking. 

Karen

Guess I'll watch the earlier sailings to see if things will be open/offered that late in the nite,  since it'll be totally dark by 7:30pm

 

[atexsix]

We'll probably stay on the ship, with our mobility challenges, it'll take that entire time period just walking on/off the ship. I seem to recall a VERY long gangway.

[luvteaching]

58 minutes ago, atexsix said:

We'll probably stay on the ship, with our mobility challenges, it'll take that entire time period just walking on/off the ship. I seem to recall a VERY long gangway.

There is a long gangway but they have long golf carts to transport you to the first visitor's center near the zipline. From there it isn't too far to the cannery. I'll check it out when we're there on the first cruise. 

 

Karen

[CrabbyPatti]

One of my favorite ports!  Have been on the zip line twice and would do it in a heartbeat if I get back up there!  I really enjoyed walking along the water after the zip line trips.

 

Denise

[atexsix]

2 hours ago, luvteaching said:

There is a long gangway but they have long golf carts to transport you to the first visitor's center near the zipline. From there it isn't too far to the cannery. I'll check it out when we're there on the first cruise. 

 

Karen

It's okay, the chances of me getting on a zipline are up there with winning the lottery, I can't even handle the height from a stepladder.😁

Edited June 2, 2021 by atexsix

[SeeSun&Sea]

3 hours ago, kam-ky said:

Guess I'll watch the earlier sailings to see if things will be open/offered that late in the nite,  since it'll be totally dark by 7:30pm

 

A later sailing means a chance to see the Aurora. Although with the full moon on September 20th, that might not be the perfect week. The new moons are approximately September 6th and October 5/6th.

https://ianajohnson.com/ocean-biolumination-and-the-aurora-borealis/

[LAFFNVEGAS]

50 minutes ago, SeeSun&Sea said:

A later sailing means a chance to see the Aurora. Although with the full moon on September 20th, that might not be the perfect week. The new moons are approximately September 6th and October 5/6th.

https://ianajohnson.com/ocean-biolumination-and-the-aurora-borealis/

That is great news, Not only will be on the July 24th but we will be returning for the September 4th sailing so as long as skies are clear there might be a slight chance. We last sailed to Alaska in September 2018, I got a few pictures of the Northern lights with just a green haze but others stayed up much later and got some amazing pictures the night after we left Juneau. So hoping I can get lucky with taking pictures this year.

 

[rkacruiser]

3 hours ago, atexsix said:

I can't even handle the height from a stepladder.

 

I completely understand!  I am there with you!  If at all possible, try to visit Icy Point Strait and choose whatever attraction that is available that provides a taste of the Native Alaskan heritage.  

 

2 hours ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

the Northern lights with just a green haze

 

It's a sight that one won't forget.  It's a sight that one cannot anticipate.  

[AncientWanderer]

9 hours ago, atexsix said:

We'll probably stay on the ship, with our mobility challenges, it'll take that entire time period just walking on/off the ship. I seem to recall a VERY long gangway.

 

If you have not been to this port, I'd really encourage you not to miss it.  It is delightful.  They have an excellent walk-through exhibit about the history of the salmon industry there, and a nice cafe for chowder and such, as well as nature walks and local art for sale, etc.   It is not a stop developed by cruise lines.  It was developed locally and they put heart and soul into it.  We had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman who grew up there and participated in the development of the area.  He loves to chat and is full of rich stories.  Maybe you'll run into him and shoot the breeze for the evening in a very charming way.   Just looking at the detail of craftsmanship in some areas shows real labor of love.  It's a unique stop in Alaska.

[CruiseMGM]

1 minute ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

If you have not been to this port, I'd really encourage you not to miss it.  It is delightful.  <snip>

 

Here's a 2nd vote for ISP, it's been our favorite port in Alaska and we can't wait to visit again. It's not commercial, it's unspoiled and really beautiful. Very small town vibe. And as far as things to do in such a short visit for 2021, if anyone has the chance to go out on the water with Glacier Wind Charters, I highly recommend them. We went with them in 2019 and it was fantastic. Looking forward to taking to the water with them again in August. 

 

Best wishes!

[atexsix]

Thanks, I will try and reconsider, I used to work in Alaska, the descriptions sound like every small Alaska town I've been to, the kind of places tourists only stumble on by accident, if at all.

[rkacruiser]

17 hours ago, atexsix said:

the descriptions sound like every small Alaska town 

 

Icy Point Strait is unique that I fear is going to be harmed with an addition of a second cruise ship pier.  

[syesmar]

Here’s a post with link I made after we visited that mentions the Nature Trail and who to contact for canoe rentals and activities in Hoonah: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2581441-sitka-or-icy-strait/?tab=comments#comment-55661300

 

There was also a performance scheduled that day at the Heritage Center: 

https://icystraitpoint.com

 

We loved our time in ISP! Would love to return!

Edited June 4, 2021 by syesmar

[Crazy For Cats]

Yesterday Seth Wayne hosted an hour long discussion on Icy Strait Point.  I found it very interesting and worth the time spent.

[Christine Frances]

On 6/2/2021 at 10:58 AM, luvteaching said:

Icy Strait Point/Hoonah isn't a large area and you can find plenty to do. It's a nice walk from the dock into the Cannery area where the shops are (not too many but some nice ones). There is the world's longest zipline if you like that. There was a booth selling fresh mini-doughnuts. It's about a mile walk to Hoonah and there's a wide paved walkway. Not a lot in Hoonah but the walk is worth it. This is also a good port for whale watching and animal looking. 

Karen

If you walk to Hoonah, just before you get into town, watch for the Office Bar on the water side.  For those that like “local” it’s fun.   Great view of the inlet and real local flavour   We go there every time we get to ISP.  Also no Diamonds International etc.
 

everything has been developed and operated by the local Tlingit band.   Wonderful little port.  

[rkacruiser]

There are two web sites that have been posted on the CC Alaska Message Board relating to Icy Point Strait.  Both provide much interesting information.  The cultural experience that I so enjoyed seems to still be available.  Maybe in a different format.  But, the native Tlinget informative experience still seems to exist.  

[Copper10-8]

Check it out! Did it once; gonna do it again on the 07 Aug 21 voyage of Nieuw A 🙂 The view from up there itself, is worth the ride

 

 

 

 

Edited June 5, 2021 by Copper10-8

[oakridger]

That ZipRider looks so fun!!  It's one that I would actually go on compared to some pretty sketchy zip lines I've seen!!!  Now, to get to Icy Straight Point sometime!!

 

~Nancy