Choosing an Alaska cruise often comes down to the itinerary. With several cruise lines competing to visit the same popular destinations, however, travelers can’t always count on their favorite destinations staying on future schedules. Schedules change as cruise lines add ships, vie for limited docking space, and negotiate access with individual ports.
Disney Cruise Line has now made a long-term commitment to Icy Strait Point, an Indigenous-owned cruise destination on Alaska’s Chichagof Island. The company has included this port, operated by Huna Totem Corporation, in its itineraries for nearly a decade. The agreement ensures Disney Cruise Line passengers can continue visiting the destination for at least another 15 years.
Disney Cruise Line Secures Access To Icy Strait Point Through 2041
On July 22, Disney Cruise Line announced that passengers will continue visiting Icy Strait Point for years to come. According to a joint announcement from Disney and Huna Totem Corporation, the companies have reached an agreement that runs through at least 2041.
The deal gives Disney preferential docking access for one ship each week. This doesn’t make Icy Strait Point exclusive to Disney, since the destination still welcomes vessels from other major cruise lines. However, it does give Disney priority when scheduling regular visits.
Its 2026 ship calendar includes:
- Azamara Pursuit
- Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Solstice
- Crystal Symphony
- Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
- Holland America Line’s Eurodam
- MSC Poesia
- Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Spirit
- Oceania’s Riviera
- Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess
- Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara
- Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas
- Seabourn Encore
- Silversea’s Silver Whisper
- Viking Orion and Viking Venus
- Windstar’s Star Seeker
Disney has also said it will bring a minimum number of passengers to Icy Strait Point each year, although neither company has disclosed that number.
Jose Fernandez, Disney Cruise Line’s vice president of port strategy, development, and operations, said the destination remains an important port for the company. The new agreement suggests that Disney plans to maintain that relationship.
“Icy Strait Point has been a valued part of our Alaska itineraries for nearly a decade, offering Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region. This agreement will help ensure our guests can continue to enjoy the unique experiences that have made Icy Strait Point a fan-favorite destination,” said Fernandez.
Disney’s decision to secure long-term access comes as the cruise line brings more ships to Alaska.
Disney Is Bringing More Ships To Alaska
The partnership comes during Disney Cruise Line’s largest Alaska season yet. According to the joint announcement, the company increased its Alaska deployment to two ships in 2026, giving its customers more opportunities to visit the region.
Select seven-night itineraries on both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder include a stop at Icy Strait Point. However, the agreement doesn’t guarantee that every Alaska sailing will visit the port. As a result, passengers should check their itineraries before booking.
The move to increase its presence at Icy Strait Point also aligns with Disney’s wider plan to expand and attract multiple generations of travelers. The cruise line currently has eight ships and plans to add five more by 2031. Disney hasn’t shared how many ships it will send to Alaska after 2026.
Disney Cruise Line’s Icy Strait Point Agreement:
|
Agreement length: |
15 years |
|---|---|
|
Access period: |
Through at least 2041 |
|
Docking arrangement: |
Preferential access for one Disney ship each week |
|
Passenger commitment: |
Minimum annual guarantee |
|
Alaska ships in 2026: |
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder |
|
Included sailings: |
Select seven-night itineraries |
The long-term agreement not only secures space for additional ships and itineraries, but it also gives Disney passengers continued access to one of Alaska’s unique cruise destinations.
What Disney Passengers Can Experience At Icy Strait Point
For passengers, the stop provides several ways to experience the region beyond viewing its wooded, mountainous scenery from the ship. Travelers can go whale watching, ride a gondola up Hoonah Mountain, or descend 5,495 feet on the world’s largest ZipRider. Moreover, the port was developed around a former salmon cannery, where visitors can explore a free museum, walk coastal trails, and browse local shops.
Icy Strait Point also introduces passengers to Huna Tlingit culture through performances, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, and other guided experiences. Any excursion can be reserved through the passenger’s cruise line, and Icy Strait Point recommends booking early because tours may sell out.
“Disney Cruise Line has been an important part of the Icy Strait Point story for nearly a decade, and we’re grateful to build on that relationship through this agreement. Each Disney Cruise Line visit helps support local jobs, businesses and economic opportunity in Hoonah while creating meaningful connections between guests and the people who call this place home,” said Howard Sherman, Huna Totem Tourism Group President.
As the company adds more ships and expands into new regions, this agreement raises the question of whether Disney will seek similar long-term access at other popular destinations.
