My June cruise on the Celebrity Infinity included a stop at Icy Strait Point in Alaska. Situated close to Glacier Bay and the passage into Juneau and Skagway, Icy Strait offers a unique glimpse of both native and working class Alaska. This newest Alaskan cuise stop started as a salmon cannery which has been converted into a port and welcome center. This small port accomodates just one ship per day, so it is not swamped by cruise guests from multiple ships---a real plus!

The factory buildings are painted a bright red with white trim, which serves as a very picturesque setting against the evergreen covered mountains and the cold blue water. Inside are the requisite gift shops scattered among the remnants of the salmon canning process. Outside is a walking trail through the forest and a pristine shoreline which begs one to try skipping stones across the water.

Included in the cluster of buildings are a native theater which hosts a program of dance and music relating local tribal lore. The colorful costumes and retelling of the tribal creation story make the show a very good experience.

Upon arriving ashore, guests are given a small cedar chip to add to a bonfire on the beach. Just beyond the fire is the bottom of the zipline which originates on the mountain and affords daredevils a 90 second ride. Beyond that is a casual restaurant offering local seafood and fabulous views of the water.

All shore excursions leave from the welcome center, but guests who want to explore the surrounding area on their own can rent bikes, ride in a shutlebus, or walk the 1 1/2 miles into Hoonah, the only town connected to the port.

Hoonah, whose 800+ residents rely on fishing and tourism for their livelyhoods, is a quiet, friendly place with homes clustered along the main street and tucked into the sides of the hills. Abandoned, rusting cars and other discarded things litter many yards, testimony to the fact that almost everything has to be brought in and out by boat or plane. The village hosts a scattering of small eateries, a marina, a school, at least two churches, and little else except for outstanding views and a peacefulness not found in other ports.