Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has partnered with an Alaskan corporation to build a second cruise pier at Icy Strait Point in Alaska.
The pier is slated to be completed for the summer 2020 Alaska cruise season and will be built to accommodate Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus-class ships.
NCLH brands – Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line – will also have preferential berthing rights in the port.
In 2019, Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, Seven Seas Mariner, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Joy are all scheduled to call at Icy Strait Point.
According to NCLH, the partnership with Alaska Native-owned Huna Totem Corporation will benefit the local Hoonah community, made up of around 750 people
Around 80% of the 750 people in the Hoonah community are Icy Strait Point’s employers.
Howard Sherman, executive vice president of onboard revenue and destination development of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said: “This partnership marks the latest step in our ongoing efforts to promote economic development in the area and make a positive economic impact on the Alaska tourism industry.”
Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corporation president and chief executive officer, said: “The economic impact that this expansion and Norwegian’s investment will have in Hoonah and the Southeast Alaska region is significant.
“We’re looking forward to how our Alaska Native community can be a sustainable contributor to the future of Alaska’s cruise industry.
“Icy Strait Point is one of the few Alaska cruise ship destinations where cruise passengers can step off the dock and into Alaska wilderness.
“We have the land, the capacity and the hospitality to welcome more travellers into our home in an authentic way while maintaining our heritage and the values of our Native Tlingit culture.”