Anchorage Whittier AK Alaska Cruise Port

Table Of Content

• WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL
• Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal Address
• Public Transit from Anchorage Airport to the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal
• Frequently Asked Questions on Whittier Cruise Port
• Salmon Berry Tours
• Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska
• Celebrity Cruises opens bookings for 2025-2026 Alaska & Australia itineraries

Popular tours include hiking to Crow Pass Trail and Eagle River Nature Center. Many offer views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains. The closest airport to the Whittier cruise terminal is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll find many taxis and ride-share services at the airport to get you to Whittier, but be prepared. Your cruise line will likely provide transportation from the port to the various excursions, and private sightseeing tours are available.

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

What should I expect when boarding for my cruise from Anchorage, AK? Please visit our cruise preparation FAQ for information on how to access or print boarding passes, how to check in online, and to see if you need a passport. In 1964 the city was devastated by an earthquake (aka Good Friday earthquake) and much of the downtown area had to be rebuilt. In 1968 was discovered the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field resulting in a boom in construction and oil companies setting up offices in the city. Anchorage AK serves as Alaska's hub for communications, transportation, and finance. The city has a population of around 300,000, ranking it Alaska's largest, containing over 40% of the state's total population.

Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal Address

Plans Released for New Cruise Terminal in Alaska for Royal Caribbean - Cruise Hive

Plans Released for New Cruise Terminal in Alaska for Royal Caribbean.

Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The port adheres to high-security standards, so you should leave plenty of time for luggage and bag checks and metal detector scans. You should know where your cruise ship is docked and which terminal you should report to ahead of time. At Port Anchorage, passengers can use bus shuttle service (usually complimentary), taxis and rental cars downtown. Shore excursions (by train and bus) also leave from the cruise terminal. Cruise ships don’t leave Anchorage directly, but most popular cruise lines have cruises that depart from one of the ports close to Anchorage. You will find no shortage of guided shore excursions that enable participants to view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain.

Public Transit from Anchorage Airport to the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal

Local shuttle operators offer either narrated direct transfers or half-day tours on your way down to the port. The pick-up location for all shuttles is outside of the baggage claim at both terminals. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the closest airport to Whittier, AK. Another draw of Alaskan cruises is the abundance of excursion providers and activities that take advantage of Alaska’s unique outdoor wilderness. As always, make sure you are booking through your cruise line if you are only making a port of call stop in the area. For shopping, the port area and downtown core offer plenty of stores.

For more information, visit our hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements. Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2022 Port Anchorage was visited by just one cruise ship - Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Port Anchorage handles around 95% of all goods shipped to Alaska. Cargo ships from the US container shipping companies Horizon Lines and TOTE Maritime arrive twice per week from Port Tacoma (Washington).

The Alaska App

For those of you ready to embark on this type of journey, there is a good chance your voyage will involve a stop or even an embarkation departure at Whittier Cruise Port. It’s about a 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Anchorage Cruise Port). The Wilderness Express Train links to Talkeetna AK, from where (via bus) is accessed Denali NP.

Salmon Berry Tours

The accommodations at Whittier Cruise Port are somewhat sparse. There are no shops or restaurants inside, but there are a few stores and small cafes nearby. Whittier is a strange little port town built by the military during World War II that is reached only by boat or through a one-lane tunnel almost 3 miles long. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more. At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska

It's best to arrange wheelchairs and boarding assistance directly through your cruise line. To Whittier, cars typically leave on the half-hour, but the schedule varies depending on the season.

Avis has a location in Whittier about a seven-minute walk from the cruise terminal, near the Small Boat Harbor. Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the surrounding area is cold. Temperatures tend to range between 5° and 25° F, so make sure you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors. You should also anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a must.

During your voyage, you may dock at other ports, like Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Each port will offer its own unique attractions, from picturesque fjords and glaciers to historic Alaskan landmarks. Summer is the peak tourist season in Alaska, especially in July. With days stretching to as long as 20 hours of sunlight, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer. By train, motorcoach or shuttle, reaching the dock in Seward or Whittier, Alaska is a breeze.

If you are boarding at the Whittier cruise port, you will want to follow your cruise line’s specific boarding instructions. Regardless of the cruise line, you should be able to quickly present valid photo identification and travel documents upon arrival at the port. Seating is also very limited inside the terminal, so passengers with mobility concerns should check with their cruise lines for assistance. We’re going to take an in-depth look at the popular Alaskan port.

The 20 miles of maintained trails are open to skiers in the winter but are also suitable for a hike when the snow melts. The park is just over 10 miles from the port, so it’s easy to get to. If you want something more cosmopolitan, spend some time in Anchorage. You can enjoy shopping in designer stores and exploring the city’s many art galleries and souvenir shops. You will also find a surprising number of restaurant options, from basic fast food chains to independently-owned, world-class restaurants.

Note that the tunnel also shares its time with the railroad, so accessibility runs on a timetable. The most common way to get between Whittier and Anchorage is by car, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also ride the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour scenic train journey.

Local shuttles offer direct transportation to the Whittier cruise ship terminal or half-day tours to sneak in a bit of sightseeing before boarding your cruise ship. Travel time is 7-8 hours (by car and bus), 12 hours (by train) and 1 hour (by air). Being the most expensive, this is also the best way to enjoy the region's spectacular scenery as there are special glass-domed rail cars. From Anchorage are offered (as shore excursions) plane tours to Fairbanks.

Although it’s 50 miles southeast of the city, numerous shuttle services offer affordable rides to and from the glacier. Once there, you can even take a boat tour across Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself. Read on for our breakdown of the Whittier, AK, cruise port including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more.