by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Wed May 8, 2024
A new Indigenous-owned cruise port is changing the landscape of Alaskan cruise itineraries as Port Klawock opened to cruise tourism on May 6.
Port Klawock is owned by Na-Dena, a joint venture between Huna Totem Corp., Doyon Ltd. and Klawock Heenya, the Native village corporation of Klawock. It’s located in the southeastern part of Alaska near the Tlingit village of Klawock.
Port officials celebrated its opening ceremony on May 6 when the Seabourn Odyssey became the first ship to dock in port.
"As we did with Icy Strait Point, we are developing this project with the land and our shareholders in mind and cannot wait to share Klawock with the world,"Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corp. President and CEO told Travel Weekly.
Ships visiting the port will sail between two fjords to arrive at the port, which is located on the Pacific side of the Prince of Wales Island. The port is suited for one ship at a time, but is the first in the region suitable for large cruise ships. It includes welcome facilities, a floating tender dock, a retail center featuring Alaska Native goods and more.
Alaska Coach Tours will be leading the shuttles to Klawock and Craig, while shore excursions at the port include a visit to the local fish hatchery, a paddle along Klawock lake, a marine wildlife tour and a historical tour in town.
“In addition to boosting the local tourism sector, the Port of Klawock is a beacon of economic revival,” said Doyon Limited’s news release on the port’s opening. “Built on the site of the old pulp mill dock, it brings new economic opportunities to the community, replacing those lost when the pulp mill closed. The port infrastructure includes a welcome center, retail spaces, a café, walking trails, historical displays, and essential visitor amenities such as buses and restrooms.”
“The port partnership is gearing up to serve numerous cruise line visits for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, catering to the growing demands of the Alaska travel market,” the release continued. “With its commitment to increasing the number of cultural tour products and sustainable tourism opportunities, the Port of Klawock is set to become a cornerstone of Alaska’s tourism industry.”
According to Seabourn’s destination information for Klawock, it’s home to around 800 individuals and is the site of Alaska’s first salmon cannery, and offers one of the region’s most impressive totem parks.
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