Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is teaming up with Huna Totem Corp. to develop a second docking facility in Whittier, Alaska.
Whittier is at the head of the Passage Canal, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Its current cruise port is used exclusively by Princess Cruises and Holland America Line.
Huna Totem and NCLH have signed a memorandum of agreement for their privately funded project. The partners do not have a projected opening date.
Huna Totem and NCLH partnered on a similar project at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. The cruise line's Wilderness Landing at the port welcomed its first ship last August.
The new dock in Whittier is expected to be able to berth ships from all three of NCLH's brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The project will include a cruise ship terminal and facilities for rail and bus service.
"This project integrates the natural beauty of Prince William Sound, its rich history, and diverse cultural experiences into the design of a new turn-port destination in Southcentral Alaska," said Russell Dick, Huna Totem Corp.'s president and CEO.
Huna Totem represents about 1,550 Alaska Native shareholders with indigenous ties to Hoonah and Glacier Bay. Besides owning and operating Icy Strait Point, Huna Totem recently formed a joint venture with Fairbanks-based Doyon, which runs lodges, tours and concessions in Denali National Park.