HX Expeditions makes first commercial cruise call at Old Harbor
The Kodiak Island visit was developed with local organizations and included community fees totaling $18,550.
HX Expeditions has become the first commercial cruise line to call at Old Harbor, a remote Alutiiq community on Alaska’s Kodiak Island. The visit by MS Roald Amundsen was developed with Old Harbor Native Corporation and endorsed through a formal resolution by the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor before the ship arrived.
The cruise line brought 351 guests ashore during the day in the community of 199 residents. HX agreed to contribute a $50 community visit fee for each guest plus $1,000 for shuttle support, bringing its total payment to $18,550.
An HX spokesperson said the company is working with Old Harbor Native Corporation on optional excursions designed locally. These could begin as early as 2027 and become more broadly available in 2028.
One Old Harbor call is confirmed for 2027 on the same Alaska and British Columbia itinerary. A potential visit by MS Fridtjof Nansen is awaiting operational confirmation, while three calls are planned for 2028. HX said future visits are expected to be managed at about 100 people at a time to reflect community preferences and support respectful, sustainable operations.