The privately funded project is being advanced through a partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Huna Totem, which collaborated on Icy Strait Point's Wilderness Landing, inaugurated in 2021.
The groundbreaking took place on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with Huna Totem CEO and President Russell Dick reflecting: 'The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act happened over 50 years ago, and when you consider its vision, it was about the opportunity for Alaska Native corporations to work collaboratively with the state of Alaska and municipalities to build economic opportunities for communities, for our shareholders and for all Alaskans.'
The $80m project includes a cruise terminal and facilities for rail and bus service, with opportunities for retail, dining and a cultural center. 
Cruise terminal, rail and bus facilities, and more
The infrastructure project will include a cruise terminal and facilities for rail and bus service, with opportunities for retail, dining and a cultural center. The dock will be able to berth ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
'This is one of the best arrival experiences you’ll have in Alaska,' Dick said.
Whittier Mayor Dave Dickason introduced the project as 'the new future of Whittier.' He said: 'Huna Totem is an Alaska company that understands the values that Alaskans hold, and they’ve done a good job working to understand the complicated issues that we here in the city of Whittier are trying to overcome. This project is good for the city of Whittier and good for the state of Alaska.'
Authentic experience
NCLH acknowledged its long history in the state and interest to find new ways to develop representative experiences. 'Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to Alaska goes back decades,' SVP Juan Kuryla said. '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 Gov. Mike Dunleavy participated in the groundbreaking, applauding the public-private partnership between Huna Totem and NCLH and the community of Whittier for 'having a vision for what they want to be as a community moving forward.'
''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,' Dunleavy said.
'This makes Whittier more than just a destination for our outside guests but also a destination for Alaskans that live in the region year-round.'
Holland America and Princess ships currently call
Whittier is a community of fewer than 300 year-round residents, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Known for glacier and wildlife day cruises and fishing, it currently receives Princess Cruises and and Holland America Line ships.
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