Just in time for the summer season, a new Indigenous-owned cruise port has opened among the mystical fjords and jagged mountains of southeast Alaska.
Called Port Klawock, the single-ship port is near the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Klawock (population 705) on the Pacific side of Prince of Wales Island and within the Tongass National Forest.
As part of the May 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony, the port welcomed its first ship, the 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey.
Port Klawock was developed by Na-Dena` (a joint venture between the Alaska Native corporations of Huna Totem Corporation and Doyon) and Klawock Heenya Corporation (the Native village corporation of Klawock). The port features a floating tender dock, welcome facilities, and retail outlets showcasing Indigenous art and crafts.
In port, visitors can wander around town or participate in a range of shore excursions with local guides, including a boat tour with the potential to spot humpback whales, sea otters, and other marine wildlife, visiting a river-salmon hatchery, kayaking on Klawock Lake, going on a local food tour, or exploring the totem park (which, with 21 poles, is the largest collection in Alaska). There are also complimentary shuttles operated by Alaska Coach Tours to Klawock and Craig, a nearby fishing community with a population of roughly 1,400 people.
The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey was the first passenger cruise ship to dock in the newly established port.
Courtesy of Port Klawock
Smaller ships, like those operated by Alaskan Dream Cruises, whose largest vessel holds 80 passengers, have been able to visit Klawock in the past by anchoring nearby and shuttling guests into town on a Zodiac. But now, larger vessels can dock at the destination.
The new port “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,” said a press release announcing the port. “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.”
This marks the second Alaska Native–owned cruise port in the 49th state. Icy Strait Point, near Glacier Bay National Park, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer, was the first.
Beyond Seabourn Odyssey, Oceania Cruises’ 670-passenger Regatta and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer will also call at Port Klawock this summer.
“Our guests are always seeking culturally rich and immersive experiences, and Port Klawock stood out to us because it gives travelers entrée to Tlingit customs and traditions,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “Immersing in the culture, guests can participate in whale and marine mammal sightings, explore Klawock’s totem park, learn about the history of Alaska’s first cannery, and so much more.”
