Immerse yourself in the living culture of Nome's Inupiaq community — visit master ivory carvers and artists whose traditions span millennia, and acquire authentic Arctic art directly from its creators.
What to expect
Nome is home to some of Alaska's most accomplished Inupiaq ivory carvers, beadworkers, and skin-sewers, and a guided cultural tour opens studio doors that most visitors never find. You watch master craftspeople work walrus ivory and whale bone into objects of extraordinary beauty, hear stories of subsistence living on the Bering Sea, and have the opportunity to purchase directly from the artists. The Carrie McLain Memorial Museum adds historical depth with its gold-rush and indigenous heritage collections. This is living culture — immediate, warm, and profoundly moving.
Good to know
The Carrie McLain Memorial Museum is a recommended anchor stop (free entry). Artist studio visits are best arranged through a local guide — the Visit Nome Alaska visitor center on Front Street is your first stop off the ship. Allow 3–4 hours for a full cultural circuit. Purchasing directly from artists ensures authenticity and that proceeds go entirely to the community.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Nome — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Nome
- Arctic Tundra Wildlife Safari: Musk Ox, Reindeer & Seabirds
- Last Train to Nowhere: Tundra Ruins & Gold Rush History Hike
- Nome Self-Drive Arctic Expedition: Three Roads to the Edge of the World
- Bering Sea Gold Dredge Tour & Nome Gold Panning Experience
- Nature of Nome: Expert-Led Arctic Birding & Natural History Safari