After a relaxing first day and a half at sea, the first port of our Alaskan adventure: Icy Strait, was finally coming into view. As you sail closer to docking, you’re taken aback by the green landscape; the serenity is broken by the sounds of one of the world’s longest zip lines sending adrenaline junkies over the vast woodlands (more on that later!)
The port is very much built for cruise ships, offering a range of activities from the aforementioned zip lining to ATVs and a staple of Alaskan ports: whale watching.
We docked at the Wilderness Landing and once we had disembarked we arrived at the starting point of our adventure. One of the first things you notice is there are two cable cars to take: the red one, known as the Sky Glider, taking you up to Sky Park and the attractions up at the Sky Peak; you’ll need to have an activity booked or buy a gondola ticket to board. The green cable car is free and takes you over to the Hoonah Cannery where there are plenty of shops and restaurants.
Before leaving for the trip we booked the Zip Rider directly through Celebrity Cruises so upon arrival we walked straight into the ‘Departure Den’ to check in, sign, disclaimers, get weighed and collect our tickets. Next was time to join the queue for the red cable car to scale the heights of Sky Park. The queue moved fast and we managed to get a gondola of our own. A word of warning, the Sky Glider likes to stop regularly and on a windy day we can imagine it to be quite the nervy experience. After around 10 minutes we were at the top.
Once disembarking the gondola there are plenty of options including a number of viewpoints including Glacier Bay, Home Shore and Brown Bear Bay or you may opt for the one mile Hidden Lake Trail. We had a short time to explore before heading to the meeting point for the Zip Rider.
We have to admit, we were disappointed with the staff member at this point who told us to come back at a certain time for the safety briefing but it turns out when we went back we missed it and had to catch up with the rest of the group; luckily the safety briefing was given again before heading onto the platform for our rapid descent. From the meeting point down to the launch pad is a quarter of a mile walk. The staff here were fantastic and were very good at putting people at ease whilst being strapped into their harnesses. Once you’re released you can reach up to speeds of 60 mph but make sure you keep your eyes open to take in the unbelievable views! Once at the bottom the super friendly staff detach you from the line and you’re free to carry on with the rest of your day.
After the adrenaline rush of the Zip Rider we took a walk along the beach path and arrived at the Cannery to look around the museum and browse the Alaskan merch.
Once we were done at the Cannery it was time to take in some more views and slowly walk back to the green Transporter Gondola to get back to the port where Celebrity Solstice was waiting to welcome us back. There is also the option to take a woodland walk which is half a mile back to the Wilderness Landing.
Whatever you’re looking to do during your time at Icy Strait Point, there’s plenty of choice!
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