Alaska’s Old Harbor Welcomes First Commercial Cruise Ship in Historic Visit
HX Expeditions’ MS Roald Amundsen becomes the first commercial vessel to dock at the Alutiiq community on Kodiak Island.
HX Expeditions has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first commercial cruise line to visit Old Harbor, an Alutiiq community on Alaska’s Kodiak Island. The inaugural call took place on August 2 aboard the MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship, during a voyage through Alaska and British Columbia’s Inside Passage and Aleutian Islands.
Old Harbor, located on Kodiak Island’s southeastern coast, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the archipelago. The visit was developed in collaboration with the Old Harbor Native Corporation (OHNC) to offer travelers an authentic experience rooted in local traditions and perspectives.
A Community-Led Cultural Exchange: Old Harbor
In preparation for the visit, local artists and Elders reconstructed a ciqlluaq, a traditional Alutiiq village home, to preserve and share the community’s heritage. The Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor formally endorsed the visit through a resolution, ensuring the experience aligned with the community’s values.
During the stop, guests explored the village with local guides, visiting landmarks such as the Russian Orthodox Church and learning about food security efforts at the community’s hydroponic farm. At the Nuniaq Center, residents demonstrated traditional arts—including beadwork, carving, and jewelry-making—and introduced visitors to augca’aq, a traditional Alutiiq dart game.
Kristina Woolston, CEO of OHNC, called the visit “an important milestone,” emphasizing that the partnership reflects the community’s commitment to sharing Alutiiq/Sugpiaq culture on its own terms. Lillian O’Brien, OHNC’s Board Chair, added that the collaboration creates opportunities that honor Indigenous values while supporting future generations.
To mark the occasion, community leaders presented the ship’s captain with a ceremonial paddle, a symbol of welcome and safe passage, during a celebration attended by guests and crew.
A Model for Responsible Tourism
HX Expeditions framed the visit as part of its broader approach to community-led exploration. Sam Imes, the company’s Alaska Expedition Product Planner, highlighted the importance of partnerships that give communities control over how their stories are shared. “Working alongside Old Harbor Native Corporation has allowed us to create an experience that reflects the community’s vision,” he said.
Following the successful inaugural call, Old Harbor will be included in HX’s 2027 itineraries. As the only expedition cruise line offering dedicated Aleutian Islands voyages, the company continues to expand access to remote Alaskan destinations through collaborations designed to benefit both travelers and local residents.
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