Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 - (Page 36)

DESTINATIONS The Forest and Nature Tram tour gives guests the opportunity to see active eagle’s nests Cruise Control Although all large Alaska cruise ships are welcome to call at Icy Strait Point, the port is limited to one ship per day. The “one-ship-aday” policy is designed, according to Icy Strait Point CEO Bob Wysocki, “to enable us to show off the best of Alaska culture, nature and history to visitors without unduly burdening the lands that provide for our people.” Five ships, making nearly 60 calls and representing three major cruise lines, are scheduled to dock at Icy Strait Point from mid-May through late September 2008. Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises’ Infinity and Millennium, and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess (in May only) will have an opportunity to explore Alaska’s history, Native culture, wildlife and untamed wilderness at the remote, privately owned Southeast Alaska port, which is adjacent to the state’s largest Tlingit village, Hoonah. PHOTO COURTESY OF ICY STRAIT POINT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Wildlife and Bear Viewing. Visitors travel via bus for 20 minutes through the Tlingit village of Hoonah to the Spasski River Valley in search of Alaska coastal brown bears. Other wildlife that may be spotted on this 2.5-hour tour includes bald eagles, land otters, Sitka black-tail deer, mink and marten. A local driver/guide shares Hoonah’s history and culture and points out areas of interest along the route. Upon arrival, guests take a short walk on gravel and boardwalk paths to viewing platforms. Forest and Nature Tram. A local guide explains Chichagof Island’s geology and the many plants and animals that inhabit its ancient and second-growth forests on this two-hour wilderness tour aboard a tram. Visitors will see an active bald eagle’s nest along the route, but other wildlife sightings are not uncommon, including Sitka black-tail deer, Alaska coastal brown bear and humpback whales, to name a few. ATV Expedition. Visitors explore the rugged backcountry of Chichagof Island on 4x4 Kawasaki Mules during this guided, 2.5-hour adventure tour. Several vantage points along the brush-lined route offer breathtaking views of Icy Strait. The local guide provides a brief tour of the area on the bus ride through Hoonah to the departure point. Glacier Bay Flightseeing. Guests depart from 36 | TravelAgent May 12, 2008 Hoonah Airport aboard a fixed-wing airplane for a bird’s-eye view of Icy Strait and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 3.3 million acres of lush forested mountains, azure glaciers, spectacular waterfalls and deep valleys. Hoonah Bike Trek. This leisurely, eight-mile bike tour gives cyclists an intimate look at Alaska’s largest Tlingit settlement. On the twohour tour, visitors learn how the community survived the 1944 fire that burned the village to the ground, as well as about the dislocation of the Huna Tlingits from Glacier Bay when the glaciers advanced over their village sites. Hoonah Sightseeing. Visitors board a comfortable bus for a 1.5-hour tour of the village of Hoonah, the largest Tlingit settlement in Alaska. A knowledgeable local guide shares personal stories along with the history and culture of the area, which provides a glimpse of life in rural Alaska. Wild Alaska Culinary Extravaganza. Wild Alaska seafood is the heart of this interactive two-hour culinary tour. Participants learn about the seafood in the area, as well as the traditional methods of preparing and storing. Local experts share the art of filleting halibut and salmon, which participants marinate and then barbecue for lunch. Crab and a variety of smoked meats and side dishes complete the meal. ZipRider. In May 2007, the world’s highest and longest ZipRider zip line opened at Icy Strait Point. Guests learn about Hoonah history and culture from their local driver/guide as they travel by bus to the zip line, which starts at 1,330 feet above sea level. Within seconds, riders are securely buckled in and treated to a magnificent aerial view of Icy Strait Point and the surrounding mountains as they soar silently more than 5,330 feet to the base near the beach below. Fishing. Within a few minutes of leaving the Icy Strait Point dock, anglers of all ages cast their lines for halibut and all five species of salmon aboard a half-day fishing charter. Local guides share fishing stories and tips, and will assist in securing processing and shipping for the guest’s catch. Canning Line. The original 1912 cannery and much of its equipment have been restored to its original luster. Visitors learn about the canning

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Travel Agent - May 12, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Bruges Might be One of Belgium’s Best-Kept Secrets Hawaii: Condo Resorts Provide a Plethora of Vacation Choices Pacific/Asia: Manila has Plenty to Offer Visitors of Every Taste Alaska: Icy Strait Point Offers Authentic Alaskan Adventure Pacific Northwest: Airplane Buffs and Wine Aficionados Enjoy Washington Las Vegas: Let Your Hair Down at Some of these Casual Bars Central & South America: History and Culture Beckon in Guatemala Caribbean & The Bahamas: Recent Renovations Have Made the Westin Aruba Resort a Jewel of the Island Cruises: A New Musical is Making Waves on Disney Wonder San Diego Becomes a Major Cruise Port Cover Story: Top Tips for Selling in a Down Economy Rail Travel: Sightseeing and a Gourmet Meal on the Royal Livingstone Express Hotels: There is Plenty to Do at Ski Resorts in the Summer Tours: Photos from the 33rd Annual Mountain Travel Symposium Agent: Eric Ardolino has Won the Technology War Customer Relations: Ensemble Agents use CRM tools Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo Jamaica Will License Casinos Enormous Cruise Ships are Planned ResortQuest Hawaii Continues to Grow 2008 TMU Conference Recap In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - May 12, 2008

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