Tiny Alaska village prepares for first visit from luxury cruise ship

KODIAK, Alaska — The Alaska village of Larsen Bay — with a population of 87 — will have its first luxury cruise ship visit this summer.

Kodiak city harbourmaster Lon White said it’s the first time he can remember a cruise liner visiting one of Kodiak’s outlying villages, the Kodiak Daily Mirror reported Wednesday.

Village Mayor Alice Aga said the ship’s stop will allow residents to supplement their income at a time when the Icicle Seafoods processing plant will be closed. Jobs in the village depend almost entirely on tribal and local government administration when the plant is closed.

“The community is really excited,” Aga said. “This is a highend cruise.”

The SilverSea cruise will be a 12-day Alaska trip costing $9,900 per person. It includes luxury ocean-view suites, a spa and fitness centre, fine-dining restaurants and a personal butler.

Aga said village leadership is working with SilverSea to plan activities for the tourists. Officials are considering a tour of the village and fish cannery, a lesson in the preparation of traditional foods, a hike to the village reservoir, a kayak trip and a demonstration of how to process salmon and deer.

“We’re just hoping that we can pull something together that’s presentable and represents our community,” Aga said.