ICY STRAIT
POINT, a port in Alaska that offers wilderness excursions
and cultural attractions, opened what it's calling the "world's
longest zip-line cable ride." The 5,330-foot line takes
thrill-seekers from the heights of a mountaintop to the beach
below. The zip-line consists of a launch pad 1,300 feet above sea
level and a landing platform on the beach at Icy Strait Point, with
no ground contact between the two spots, minimizing the
attraction's impact on the environment. Traveling at speeds up to
60 mph, riders reach the bottom in just 90 seconds. If you're brave
enough to open your eyes, you'll see sweeping views of Port
Fredrick, Icy Strait and docked cruise ships. Six individual cables
allow up to six participants to launch simultaneously or
independently. Participants must be between 90 and 275 pounds. Icy
Strait Point features a restored 1930s salmon cannery with museums,
shops and restaurants just 1.5 miles from the native Tlingit
village of Hoonah. Visit www.icystraitpoint.com.
MAJESTIC
AMERICA LINE said its 48-passenger Contessa will make its
inaugural voyage through Alaska's Inside Passage this summer. The
ship, which spent the last several months undergoing upgrades, will
operate 16 seven-night Alaska Adventures itineraries between
Ketchikan and Sitka. Sailings from June to September cost from
$1,699 per person, double, including select shore excursions, the
services of an onboard naturalist, soft drinks, specialty coffees
and onboard entertainment and enrichment programs. Excursions
include a jet boat tour of the Stikine River and a hiking tour and
kayaking excursion in Katlian Bay. Call (800) 434-1232 or visit www.majesticamericaline.com.
THE ALASKA
AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM in Anchorage opened a new exhibit
this month detailing Alaska Airline's 75-year history of flying in
the state. "Alaska Airlines, a Rich and Storied History Since 1932"
tells the airline's story through a series of colorful displays
that include photos, articles, aircraft models and early airline
memorabilia. Visitors can see a replica storefront of bush pilot
Linious "Mac" McGee, one of the airline's founders, and see early
uniforms worn by the airline's crew. A scaled-down model of one of
Alaska's retired 737-200 Combis is also on display. The museum is
open in summer Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit
www.alaskaairmuseum.org.
THE GREAT
ALASKAN TOURSAVER BOOK is on sale for $99.95, offering
two-for-one coupons on a number of Alaska cruises and tours. The
coupon book can be purchased at www.toursaver.com. There are more than 140
discount offers in the TourSaver booklet, including deals on
accommodations, flightseeing, admission to attractions, rail tours
and hotels. At Glacier Bay National Park, for example, visitors who
purchase a package that includes an overnight stay at the Glacier
Bay Lodge, a Glacier Bay cruise and transfers receive one free
similar tour, worth up to $350. The Great Alaskan TourSaver booklet
includes free shipping to U.S. addresses.
THE
ANCHORAGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU hired Carol B.
Lutz to serve as a sales representative for the bureau in New York.
Lutz will promote Anchorage to meeting planners in the
city.
Alaska
Editor: Jorge Sidron
Phone: (973) 898-0011
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].