Icy Strait Point FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers planning this call.
Is Icy Strait Point the same place as Hoonah?+
No. Icy Strait Point is the cruise destination complex (historic cannery site, docks, shops, and tour staging) on Chichagof Island. Hoonah is the nearby Tlingit community — Alaska’s largest Tlingit village — a short shuttle or roughly 1–2 miles away. Many tours pass through or visit Hoonah; the cruise pier itself is not downtown Hoonah.
Do cruise ships dock or tender at Icy Strait Point?+
Most modern calls use one of two floating docks — Ocean/Adventure Landing or Wilderness Landing — so passengers usually walk off the ship rather than tender. Industry berth codes still list occasional tender assignments, so always confirm your ship’s daily program. If you dock at Wilderness Landing, the free Transporter Gondola links you to the main Adventure Center / cannery area.
Who owns Icy Strait Point?+
Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native village corporation representing shareholders with aboriginal ties to Hoonah and the Glacier Bay area. It is widely described as an Indigenous-owned cruise destination. Earnings support Huna Totem shareholders and the Hoonah community.
Will I see whales or bears?+
Icy Strait is a strong summer area for humpback whales, and Chichagof Island has a dense coastal brown bear population — but wildlife is wild. No ethical operator (or this guide) can guarantee sightings. Build your day around habitat and timing, not promises.
How far is Hoonah from the cruise docks?+
Hoonah is close — typically described as about 1–2 miles / a short shuttle from the Icy Strait Point complex. Walking is possible for some guests but rain and time pressure make a shuttle the practical choice for many. Do not assume the pier village and downtown Hoonah are the same walkable waterfront.
What is the difference between the Transporter Gondola and the SkyGlider?+
The green Transporter Gondola connects Wilderness Landing with the main port/Adventure Center area and is generally free for ship guests needing that link. The SkyGlider is a separate paid mountain gondola experience. Do not buy a summit ride if you only need pier-to-hub transport.
Can I book tours on this website?+
Not yet as live checkout. This site is an independent editorial and enquiry guide. Explore options, then email hello@icystraitshoreexcursion.com with your ship date and interests. We do not invent inventory, prices, or instant confirmation.
What should first-time cruise passengers prioritize?+
Know your pier (Adventure vs Wilderness), allow gondola/shuttle buffer, and pick one clear focus: whales, bear/wildlife search, Hoonah culture, or on-site adventure. Combining whale + bear searches can fill a long window; short calls favor one high-confidence activity plus time to return early.