Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. Ocean Stateroom. Seeing the humpback whales on our whale-watching tours or spying on the native bears of Chichagof Island will take your breath away. Clear editor. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. It is totally safe! 25422881. Quantum of the Seas Cruise Excursions | ShoreTrips , 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. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. We chose to book Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search when it was on sale last weekend! Here's our itinerary: 11 NIGHT ALASKA GLACIERS CRUISE Vancouver , British Columbia | Sail Away 5 PM Sea Day Sea Day Icy Strait Point , Alaska Arrive 9 AM | Depart 8 PM Sitka , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 6 PM Cruising Hubbard Glacier , Alaska Juneau , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 9 PM Skagway , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 8:30 PM As a company that has been in the business of offering small group shore excursions in the Icy Strait Point area for over a decade, our tour schedules are mindfully constructed around the cruise ships arrivals and departures! Youve finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise youve been dreaming of whether its been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. Only Seabourn offers this one. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska - Royal Caribbean Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. The Cruise ship is telling us if we dont book with them we might get left behind. The gondola and zip line are just outside this building. Five stars arent enough to describe this wonderful production filled with colorful regalia, genuine ritual, deep spirituality, and a sense of humor and play (Raven was a trickster, after all). On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. Required fields are marked *. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Let us show you an untouched Alaskan wilderness. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). Her Husband Died in a Horrific Cruise Zip-line Accident, Now She is 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. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. Local knowledge is king, and having a fantastic team with a wealth of local expertise in our employ, gives us the confidence that well leave you happy and wanting to return! I have heard that whale watching excursions book on the ship are on very big boats that hold a lot of people. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. When comparing all of the Alaska cruise excursions in Icy Strait Point, theres one that stands out as truly special: the Hoonah Sightseeing and Tribal Dance offering that almost every cruise company provides. Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. With a concentration in cruising. 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. By pem309, . What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. 2. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. It can get chilly and rainy in our temperate rain forest, although summertime often sees our coastal city enjoy mild temperatures. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. (One of my past favorites was a flightseeing tour!) Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. 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 Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? Norwegian Communications Center. Yes, there is an excellent exhibit on the fishery and canning industry. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. Yes! While biking and hiking in Alaskas temperate rainforest is certainly cool, hands down the best part is exploring the beach in this trio of experiences; keep your eyes peeled for sea urchin shells and animal prints, which are commonly found on the beaches of Southeast Alaska. Juneau Glacier Excursion with the Blue Bus Glacier Express 2023 - Viator And best of all: the proceeds of this excursion support the Juneau Audubon Society, so your excursion costs are funneled back into supporting the bird populations you get to enjoy. Another major cost factor is the type of stateroom you prefer. This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered on Chichagof Island, a one-of-a-kind location with the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. Royal Caribbean Quantum of The Seas Alaska Cruise - Icy Strait Point We are so excited about it and are beginni. I want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. If you do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. The boat was much smaller than the typical whale watching boats (6 people!) Take a Whale Watching Cruise. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. View Health & Safety requirements. You will then get to see how the birds, fish, mammals, plants, forests, rivers, and climate all weave together to create this lush, vibrant ecosystem! Date of experience: September 2017. 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. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Icy Strait Point ??? - Shore Excursions - Royal Caribbean Blog We love the article! Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. Along the rugged coastline, you can spot humpback whales, brown bears, otters, seals, eagles. Go to site . 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. Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Port: An Honest Review Newbie Needs Your Help - Icy Strait Point Whales, Wildlife & Brown Bear Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? Here is my my last stop in ISP, September 2018: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83835. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates Advanced Search Call Our Brand Specialists Now Learn More About Icy Strait Point, Alaska Older males fight each other for dominance and mating rights with the females, who at times are not receptive and force the male to give chase. This salmon cannery was shut down in the 1970s and now is clean and remodeled with a free museum, beautiful gift shops and a display of the salmon processing equipment. 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. 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'] ? " I'm coming down with FOMO though because this is a big trip to only have 4 days on land and I want to do it justice. As a tourist, you have a lot to do at Icy Strait, thanks to Alaskas rich history, wildlife, and native, The Icy Strait Point in Alaska is a hub for tourists because of the various activities that they can be a part of during their tours. Cunard Unveils Winter 2025 Cruises, Plus World Voyage For critter enthusiasts, there is really no need to book a whale watching tour as youll be able to spot humpbacks, orcas, and harbor seals directly from your cruise ship, especially in the wee hours. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. About Prof. Cruise. View All Results. Lover of books and dessert. We've analyzed this ship's atmosphere, facilities, activities, cabins, cuisine and service, based on ratings from U.S. News & World Report and other expert sources. We booked the gondola and tram ride. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Step into an Alaska experience as you navigate your Jeep or ATV through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island's back roads. Your email address will not be published. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? Your link has been automatically embedded. Cruises to Icy Strait Point, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises Everything was close together and easy. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. For guests with mobility concerns, the following information will help you decide if you will be able to join our tours. If youve read any of my other lists of cruise excursions, you know that getting active is one of my personal travel priorities. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. Best Last Minute Cruise Deals from Seward | GoToSea This is not a mass-market big bus tour. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. 1-888-751-7804 . https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. Learn about the area's other wildlife from your informative guide and about the native Tlingit population. Outdoor Adventures Elevate your adventure on the SkyGlider Mountaintop Gondola's high-speed, eight-person cars which whisk passengers to the top of Hoonah Mountain for Glacier Bay views and a host of nature activities. Do you offer any discounts or promotions? As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . The island is roughly 25 miles from the port town of Hoonah. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? Nicolas LaBarre We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. If youre struggling to choose between Icy Strait Point shore excursions, Im here to help. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. 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. Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. ATV & Jeep Expeditions | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. The Chichagof Island wilderness hike excursion is a good opportunity. I loved this port for that very reason. Hoonay is the first stop of our cruise. Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. 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. Take in the views on the bus ride to the top, then race to the bottom on the zip line at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, 300 feet above the forest! We care about our beautiful state and want to show it off in a genuine way while protecting and preserving the land and sea at the same time. Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. From land to sea to sky, envelop yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska, and get close (but not too close) and personal with the wildlife, and the locals! See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! Among the huge number of excursions you can book in Juneau - and even on this list of nine - it's hard to choose the best one. Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. The longest ZipRider in the United States, treetop obstacle courses, kayaking, and ATV tours are among some of the activities to help you feel truly alive while you cause heart palpitations in your . Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. Photo credits: Icy Strait Point building (L) Moira Dunworth; Glacier Bay flightseeing (R) Joseph; salmon on grill Didriks; Tlingit tribal dance James Brooks; halibut fisherman Bryan Wilkins; all via Flickr. While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. You can post now and register later. Posted November 23, 2021. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, with inclines. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. T4. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. - Ovation only at Icy Straight Point and Sitka, - Juneau has 5 ships, port load - 11970 guests, - Skagway has 3 ships, port load - 6830 guests. This is your chance to see brown bears, Sitka black tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural scenic beauty of the last frontier. Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Seabourn. Pasted as rich text. The Tlingit community has invested a great deal of money, time, and energy to convert this historic fishing village into a respite for cruisers who wish to learn more about the Indigenous people, their land, and their fascinating culture. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Watch the eagles in the nest right across from the school. Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. Tok River Outfitters (Hoonah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Alaska shore excursion advice - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise The nature trailis pretty short. The home of Icy Strait Point Excursions. If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. Depending on the season, catch the bears coming out of hibernation and looking for food; or later on in the season when the bears are mating and eating grasses on the tidal flats. I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zip line in the world. Fly down the world's largest ZipRider, whale-watch in the nutrient-rich waters of Port Frederick and Point Adolphus, search for the coastal brown bears that inhabit the area, and soar high above in a helicopter. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship or exploring the cannery and nature trail at Icy Strait Point. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! I really like ISP. Fancies herself a bit of a . Beautiful overview with a 1- mile hiking trail loop at the top that required groups of at least 10 and a guide with a gun die to bear activity. The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! Icy Strait Point Stream Fishing | Alaska Shore Excursions This 2.5-hour outdoor adventure is listed as moderate in terms of activity level. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. Perfect for small groups. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. Whether you are looking for a scenic kayaking, adventurous or eating and drinking shore excursion, there's no better site to book your shore tour with than Shore Excursions Group. While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. From the top of the mountain, it's just a short walk (400 meters) through a pristine stand of old-growth rainforest to the ZipRider tower. To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. If you book the Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour through Alaska Shore Excursions, you'll receive an e-mailed ticket along with detailed meeting directions as seen below: Be sure to print it out and bring it along with your other cruise documents. The bottom part of the profile is nearly flat. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. This allows for a great crew to guest ratio, ensuring your experience is personal. There are a few great reasons! Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. Explore our Alaska cruises today! Our team personally tests every tour in a destination to select only the best shore excursions for your Quantum of the Seas cruise . While that doesnt necessarily factor into the way this list is ranked, it means I always include 1-2 Alaska cruise excursions that are more active for those who are physically able. Apr 1, 2014. An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . Or, in the unlikely event you dont sight a whale, well refund you $100. This cruise ship stop is not like all the others with hoards of jewelry stores. 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! 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. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. We have guests that book up to a year in advance as our tours typically sell out well before their departure date. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/07/17/excursion-focus-alaska-sled-dogs-mushers-camp-juneau-alaska. 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! Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Generally speaking, Carnival will be the least expensive and Disney will be the most expensive, with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian at the lower end and Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Cunard at the upper end. The full cancellation policy can be found here. 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. Home port: Seattle. The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. I spent three summers working for one of the major cruise companies, and during that time I had to make recommendations for excursions for thousands of Alaska cruisers. Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search - Review of Icy Strait Point A 5 out of 5 score represents top of the line luxury. Find 9 other excursion options on my guide to the best Skagway cruise excursions. If your ship is docking at the Adventure Dock, after exiting your cruise ship, disembark and proceed up the ramp to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Icy Strait Point was a nice place to spend a few hours. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search 2023 - Hoonah - Viator I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. And don't forget the fishing. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more, form the harmonious . Shore Excursions Group takes you on a journey in the Icy Strait to see the bears, fish, bald eagles, and whales that call Icy Strait home. We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. This is a 90-minute excursion that includes an obstacle course dubbed the Adventure Park, made up of a log bridge, climbing planks, fishermens net, and more. 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. And, we do offer discounts for groups of 4 or more on some of the tours! Currently booked for shore excursions, I have Yukon Adventure & White Pass . Agreed! Favorites. Norwegian Communications Center. 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. Least Favorite Port but Still Pretty Cool, Rainy and cold the day we visited, which changed our excursion plans from kayaking to walking from port to town. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! Valerie! 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'] ? " We want to share the breathtaking sights, the wildlife, and the amazing people of Hoonah Alaska with you. Good Value. He know how to find the whales! At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zip line in the world. Only Holland America offers this one. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. {{card.portName}}, Onboard I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. 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 ). Can multiple families book a tour and be together? Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs.