Disney Cruise Line bets bigger on Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Disney Cruise Line just made a long-term bet on one of Alaska's lesser-visited ports — Icy Strait Point — and the deal locks in 15 more years of family adventures in the destination.
Disney and Huna Totem Corporation, the Alaska Native-owned company behind Icy Strait Point, signed a new 15-year agreement on July 22, securing preferential access at Icy Strait Point. The deal ensures that Disney cruise passengers will continue to visit the Indigenous-owned destination through at least 2041.
The agreement guarantees Disney a weekly docking slot at the port and includes a minimum passenger commitment, according to Huna Totem's press release .
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Icy Strait Point will continue to be a fixture on at least one Disney ship's itineraries
"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," said Huna Totem Tourism Group President Howard Sherman.
He added that each Disney ship visit helps support local jobs, businesses, and economic opportunity in Hoonah while creating meaningful connections between cruise passengers and the people who call the place home.
Related: Disney Cruise Line adds more 'Frozen' fun in Alaska
Disney Cruise Line's Vice President of Port Strategy, Development & Operations Jose Fernandez echoed that Icy Strait Point has offered guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Hoonah and the broader Southeast Alaska region for nearly 10 years.
"This agreement will help ensure our guests can continue to enjoy the unique experiences that have made Icy Strait Point a fan-favorite destination," he added.
For families already comparing Disney's two Alaska itinerary options for future cruises, this news is a signal: Icy Strait Point isn't going anywhere, and it's worth understanding how it stacks up against Juneau before you book.
The Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic sail similar itineraries in Alaska, but one port differs.Disney Cruise Line
Two Disney ships, two different Alaska itineraries
Disney expanded its Alaska presence with two ships sailing in the region in summer 2026 and summer 2027 . Each one sails a seven-night route roundtrip from Vancouver. Both itineraries visit Skagway and Ketchikan, but differ on the third port of call.
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Disney Wonder's Alaska itineraries: Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan
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Disney Magic's Alaska itineraries: Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan
Both itineraries include a scenic cruising day to one of Alaska's tidewater glaciers.
The real difference — and the one that should drive your booking decision — comes down to the middle port: Juneau or Icy Strait Point.
Juneau vs. Icy Strait Point: what families should know
Juneau is Alaska's capital and its most-visited cruise port, with a walkable downtown, a wide range of excursion options, and easy access to Mendenhall Glacier. It's the port to pick if your family wants:
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Glacier flightseeing by helicopter or floatplane, or a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and hike to Nugget Falls
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A wider range of shopping, dining, and whale-watching excursions
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A busier, more built-up port town with more tour options, offering opportunities to pack multiple activities into one day
During my family's May 2026 Alaska cruise, Juneau stood out thanks to the highly rated whale-watching tour we booked with an Alaska Native-owned company. While cruising around picturesque Auke Bay, we saw multiple humpback whales as well as a pod of orcas.
Related: A wildlife lover's guide to seeing whales on an Alaska cruise
Icy Strait Point sits near the Tlingit community of Hoonah, and offers Native-owned tours at a port built on the site of a historic salmon cannery. It's the port to pick if your family wants:
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A quieter, more remote destination designed to connect visitors to the Huna Tlingit people
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The chance to ride what's billed as one of the longest ziplines in the world, the ZipRider
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Smaller-scale whale watching in protected waters and other wildlife-, nature-, and adventure-focused excursions
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Fewer crowds and a slower pace than a bigger cruise port
Neither port is better for a family cruise — they're built for different priorities. Families chasing bucket-list glacier access and maximum activity variety tend to gravitate toward Juneau on the Disney Wonder. Families who want a quieter day centered on wildlife, culture, and one standout adventure activity may prefer Icy Strait Point on the Disney Magic.
A travel advisor who specializes in Disney cruises can help you choose the right sailing
Whether you're weighing Alaska itinerary options or comparing ships, a travel advisor who specializes in Disney cruises can help guide you to the right vacation choices for your family.
"Disney cruises should be booked early, ideally 12–18 months out, to lock in preferred itineraries and staterooms," Melissa Mullett, CEO of David's Vacation Club Rentals , a travel company that specializes in Disney resort stays and cruises, told Come Cruise With Me.
Mullett says the company's team of cruise specialists is always happy to provide guidance tailored to each family's needs and preferences. Travel agents provide personalized support to help coordinate your vacation, streamlining what can otherwise be an overwhelming process.
Related: What not to do in port on a cruise
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Jul 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
