Icy Strait Point without excursion.

[edhopper]

On the celebrity northbound at the end of the week.

Icy Strait seems to be a stop solely to sell expensive excursions. Trouble is we are on a tight budget and just can't afford another $300 or more. So what can we do there to make it enjoyable without spending the big $$?

Thanks

[jjlasolas]

In ISP, we had a whale watching tour booked in the evening, so during the day, we got off the ship and just walked towards downtown Hoonah along the water. Very very small town but something to do without any cost. Along our walk, we actually saw 3 bald eagles, and a pod of whales as well.

 

In addition, although it costs some money, we went to The Office Bar and ate some of the best dungeness crabs for lunch. We are originally from Maryland, so we love our blue crab...but these were awesome and such a memorable experience. If you eat crab-this is a definite!

 

 

 

 

On the celebrity northbound at the end of the week.

Icy Strait seems to be a stop solely to sell expensive excursions. Trouble is we are on a tight budget and just can't afford another $300 or more. So what can we do there to make it enjoyable without spending the big $$?

Thanks

[mapleleaves]

The google key is a very useful resource. I googled 'icy straight point alaska', and found information. ie http://www.icystraitpoint.com/

There's a map in this link; seems like it would be enjoyable to wander around town, the waterfront, or a trail. Since there are whales in the area, there will be salmon and where's there are salmon there are bald eagles. Hoonah is a short bus ride or 1 1/2 mile walk and as a small fishing village it might be interesting to see what's happening at their local pier. My experience is that any waterfront port can be very interesting.

[edhopper]

Thanks. That's great info.

[Cruising Carol]

In 2008, we walked through the salmon canning exhibit. Looked and bought in the shops. Had a picture taken with two men in native dress. Walked through the rain forest on a nice wide trail to the beach. Walked along beach to end of ziprider. Stopped and watched the riders come in for a while, continued along beach to boardwalk. Stopped at bonfire to take pictures of fire and ship. Strolled back along boardwalk to tender pier. We enjoyed our stop at Icy Strait!

[edhopper]

In 2008, we walked through the salmon canning exhibit. Looked and bought in the shops. Had a picture taken with two men in native dress. Walked through the rain forest on a nice wide trail to the beach. Walked along beach to end of ziprider. Stopped and watched the riders come in for a while, continued along beach to boardwalk. Stopped at bonfire to take pictures of fire and ship. Strolled back along boardwalk to tender pier. We enjoyed our stop at Icy Strait!

 

That sounds very nice. Thanks.

[Budget Queen]

There is a loop walking trail along the coast, with a good look at your cruise ship. Also the dock museum is very interesting. There isn't a lot in Hoonah, but walking back and forth will eat up time, and along the coast, sometimes, some humpbacks make the area. Beach combing is another possible.

[JanetAlice]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/30/alaska.police.shot/?hpt=Sbin

 

Very sad. We were there a couple of weeks ago and met a couple of police officers.

[outatuune]

One word -- Eagles.

 

We got the best shot of eagles in Icy Straight point, and the only thing we spent was a quick bite at the cannery.

 

Once you get off the tender, take a left and head down the path. Once the path turns, look down the coast and up -- the trees lining the bay are filled with eagle nests.

 

There is also a very nice, relaxing stroll through the woods on the way back to the cannery.