The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau now has a beautiful new totem pole, courtesy of Princess Cruises. Crafted by local carver Kelly White, the specially created totem pole is to celebrate the cruise line’s golden anniversary in Alaska.

Inspired by strong and important sea creatures, the totem pole features a killer whale, a powerful hunter and navigator of the seas; an octopus, a mysterious, intelligent and complex creature of the seas; and halibut, a proven reliable food source throughout the year.  

“We’re proud to dedicate this beautiful totem pole, inspired by the sea, to the community of Ketchikan, visible long after our cruise ships depart each season,” said Lisa Syme, vice president of marketing at Princess Cruises.

“We hope it reminds the local residents of Ketchikan of the key role they play in introducing the culture and passion of Alaska to our guests,” Syme said. “We’re grateful to Kelly White for his incredibly talented craftsmanship.” 

The Masters of the Sea totem pole is now permanently housed at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. In the last 50 years, Princess Cruises has brought more than 5 million guests to Ketchikan, more than any other cruise line.

In Ketchikan, cruisers have enjoyed the colorful galleries, quaint buildings of Creek Street, Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, sea planes and artfully crafted totem poles. 

In addition to his role as a carver, White also serves as Princess Cruises cultural ambassador of its “North to Alaska” program. In fact, as part of the “North to Alaska” program, Kelly carved the totem pole onboard Ruby Princess and Grand Princess for guests to see and learn more about Alaska’s culture. 

A local resident of Ketchikan, White is a Northwest Coast artist who is Teikweidí, Sanyaa Kwáan of Tlingit descent. As a guide at the Totem Heritage Center, located in Ketchikan, he has shared his knowledge of traditional art and culture with visitors from around the world for several summers.

White is a committed carver, teaching himself using books and other research references and practicing independently, as well as receiving instruction of other experts. In 2011, he was invited to help carve the Sitka National Historical Park Centennial Pole. 

As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises just celebrated half a century of sailing to the Great Land with its largest deployment ever and introduced new entertainment, shore excursions and culinary offerings to the award-wining “North to Alaska” program.

Princess Cruises offers a variety of cruise and cruisetour options highlighting the state’s must-see attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and Denali National Park and Preserve. Alaska cruises range in length from seven to 14 days and depart from Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier), Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

The cruise line also owns and operates five wilderness lodges nestled in scenic riverside locations near national parks offering more than 20 unique cruisetour options for guests.

Princess cruisetours highlight the best of Alaska by combining a seven-day cruise with a multi-night land tour and exclusive “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service – giving travelers a seamless Princess vacation experience in the Great Land.

Story by Jackie Sheckler Finch, Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises