Icy Strait Point, Alaska: What to Do at This Unique Cruise Port | Virgin Voyages
What makes Icy Strait Point one of Alaska’s most unique cruise ports? In the final episode of our Alaska series, Billy and Kathy explore Icy Strait Point, where adventure, wildlife and the story of the Huna Tlingit community come together. They hear from heritage guide Herb about his family’s connection to this land, visit the Warrior Poles, take on the world’s largest ZipRider, and experience a destination where the people, history and landscape are as much a part of the journey as the activities themselves. Icy Strait Point, Alaska is a community-owned cruise destination near Hoonah with deep ties to the Huna Tlingit people. Built from a historic salmon cannery, Icy Strait Point is owned by Huna Totem Corporation, with the destination supporting the local community. This episode also explores two signature Icy Strait Point experiences: the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point, a 5,495-foot ride descending from Hoonah Mountain, and Whales & Wild Feast, featuring whale watching at Point Adolphus followed by a waterfront seafood feast. For travelers planning an Alaska cruise, Icy Strait Point brings together Tlingit culture, wildlife, whale watching and outdoor adventure in one distinctive port stop. FAQ What is Icy Strait Point, Alaska known for? Icy Strait Point is known for its connection to the Huna Tlingit community, wildlife and outdoor experiences, including the ZipRider and whale watching at Point Adolphus. Who owns Icy Strait Point? Icy Strait Point is owned by Huna Totem Corporation, which represents the Huna Tlingit community of Hoonah. The destination was developed from a historic salmon cannery, with tourism supporting the surrounding community. What is the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point? The ZipRider featured in this episode launches from 1,330 feet on Hoonah Mountain and stretches 5,495 feet across six side-by-side lines, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph on the descent to sea level. Can you go whale watching at Icy Strait Point? Yes. Whales & Wild Feast visits the feeding grounds around Point Adolphus for whale watching before returning for a waterfront crab-and-shrimp boil. What is the Huna Tlingit story featured in this episode? Heritage guide Herb shares his family’s connection to the area and the story of the Huna people’s journey from Glacier Bay to Hoonah. The episode also visits the Warrior Poles honoring veterans, aunties and grandmothers and explores how community ownership shapes Icy Strait Point today. Explore more: → Book Whales & Wild Feast: https://www.virginvoyages.com/shore-thing?shoreThingId=PSOMLT00001 → Explore Virgin Voyages Alaska sailings: https://www.virginvoyages.com/destinations/alaska-cruises → Watch the full Alaska YouTube series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBjlgoOGDtYU-cLHbTW0Nl7x6Se-CZQ1F&si=CyypJNvm8_4AFWi9 Video Chapters: 0:00 A new co-host: welcome Kathy! 0:15 Icy Strait Point: Alaska’s only privately owned port — and it’s the community’s 0:49 Meet Herb, your onboard culture heritage guide 1:21 The day’s plan: the world’s largest ZipRider + whale watching 1:56 Herb on the beach: how the Huna people came to Hoonah 3:08 From shuttered cannery to community-owned destination (Huna Totem, 1996) 3:55 The Warrior Poles: honoring veterans, aunties & grandmothers 4:58 Up White Alice by gondola: the top of the ZipRider 5:35 Feelings before the drop 6:39 Off the world’s largest ZipRider — a 10/10 day 6:50 Kathy’s pro-tips: binoculars, and don’t miss the heritage guide