A tiny fishing village has become Alaska’s newest cruise stop. Oceania Cruises is adding the new cruise port on Alaska’s Panhandle that’s being developed by indigenous Alaska companies to its itineraries for 2023, and larger ships are expected to follow.
The Tlingit village of Klawock, year-round population about 800, features sport fishing, wildlife viewing and a totem park. Built on 16 acres of Klawock Island, the port sits on the Pacific coast side of Prince of Wales Island and is promoted as ideally positioned for both north and southbound Alaska itineraries.
With two separate fjord entrances, sailing in and out of the port treats cruisers to views of the wildlife-rich archipelagos, dramatic mountains and lush islands. The island connects by bridge to the Prince of Wales’ road system to offer tour options to other communities around the island.
The townsite was a summer fishing camp until Tlingit chief Kloo-wah permanently moved his clan here from a village in Moira Sound. Klawock is known historically as the site of the first salmon cannery in Alaska. It’s become a significant center of Tlingit culture whose totem park has 21 poles that are masterfully carved replicas of the original totem poles that stood in Tuxekan, the original winter village of the Heenya Kwaan people.
The raising of new totem poles in the traditional manner has prompted grand celebrations. A heritage center with a longhouse and a carving shed are near the edge of town. Visitors are welcome to see the carving activity and visit with the carvers when they are working.
‘Tourism is the opportunity we need,’ said Klawock Heenya Corp. President Teresa D. Fairbanks. “It’s exciting to now pursue the future for Klawock and our Native shareholders. We know building a tourism-based economy is a process, but we share a similar history of fish canning and timber harvesting with Hoonah. Thanks to the partnership with Na-Dena, together, we know Klawock Heenya will be successful.”
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