Huna Totem Corporation has announced that it has broken ground on an $80-million infrastructure project that will bring a second docking facility to the gateway of Prince William Sound, Whittier, Alaska.
The privately funded project is being advanced through a collaboration between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Alaska Native corporation—a partnership that has proven success with its most recent collaboration at Icy Strait Point, Wilderness Landing.
The infrastructure project will include a cruise ship terminal and facilities for rail and bus service, with opportunities for retail, dining and even a cultural center. The dock will be built to be able to berth ships from all three of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Port project partner, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings acknowledged its long history in the state and consumer interest to find new ways to develop representative experiences. “Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to Alaska goes back decades,” said Juan Kuryla, the line’s senior vice president. “We were the first cruise line to sail to Alaska from Seattle. That commitment continues today here in Whittier and we could not be prouder to once again partner with Huna Totem. This project will expand sustainable tourism, providing
guests with an authentic experience, which is very important to all of our passengers.”
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said, “This $80 million project will create jobs, economic activity, and revenue for the City of Whittier. This is a smart phased development approach, over time it will add housing, hotel rooms, cruise berths, boat launches and harbor infrastructure.”
Whittier is a community of less than 300 year-round residents, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Known for glacier and wildlife day cruises and fishing, the community currently receives Princess and Holland America cruise ships.
For more information, visit hunatotem.com.
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