Cruise port Amalik Bay (AK)
Info for port Amalik Bay (AK) on 25 Jul 2028
Port information & tips for Amalik Bay (AK)
Icy Bay is a spectacular natural jewel on the Gulf of Alaska and a highlight of any expedition cruise through the untouched wilderness of the North. The bay impresses with its majestic location at the foot of the Saint Elias Mountains and, thanks to its secluded atmosphere, offers an authentic experience amidst floating icebergs and diverse wildlife. Fascinating highlights include the massive Guyot Glacier, the Yahtse Glacier, and the Tyndall Glacier, which calve regularly and provide a breathtaking backdrop for explorers. As Icy Bay is a pure nature destination without a permanent terminal, ships use the protected Icy Bay anchorage, from where travelers can experience the spectacular coastline during scenic cruising or by Zodiac directly from the water without having to travel long distances.
Icy Bay in Alaska is not a classic cruise port with extensive infrastructure, but rather a breathtaking, remote glacial bay in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. There are no fixed terminals or towns directly in the bay; instead, Icy Bay is explored almost exclusively by small expedition cruise ships for scenic cruising and Zodiac or kayak excursions to experience the glaciers and rich wildlife.
Airplane
Arrival at the Icy Bay area typically occurs by plane via the regional Yakutat Airport (YAK), which serves as the nearest hub. From the DACH region, long-haul flights to major US airports such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) are necessary, followed by connecting flights, often via Juneau (JNU), to Yakutat. Alaska Airlines, for example, offers direct flights from Seattle to Yakutat. Please note that Icy Bay Airport (ICY) is a private airstrip and has not offered regular passenger service since 2012.
Local Transfers & Expedition Entry
From Yakutat, travelers wishing to reach the Icy Bay region directly usually continue by small aircraft or bush planes. Providers such as Yakutat Coastal Airlines or Alsek Air Services charter flights to remote airstrips or lodges in the Icy Bay area. For larger expedition cruises, Icy Bay is an impressive part of the itinerary, with embarkation occurring in established ports such as Vancouver, Seattle, Juneau, or Seward, and Icy Bay being visited during the voyage.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Due to the long journey and specific flight connections, an overnight stay in one of the larger hubs like Seattle or Juneau is strongly recommended before you catch your onward flight to Yakutat. Alternatively, Yakutat itself offers lodges and overnight accommodations, which are ideal for a relaxed start to your wilderness adventure before you cover the final leg to Icy Bay by bush plane.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the postings on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
