Whittier Cruise Port and Terminal Information

Table Of Content

• Home Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips
• Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier
• Anchorage Assembly votes to secure expanded port terminals, financed partially with higher tariff
• Whittier Cruise Port: Terminal, Directions and Info
• Travel Is Our Tradition
• Whittier Cruise Port Terminal: Parking, Address and Amenity Info
• Wheelchairs and Accessibility at 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.

Home Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips

The city was founded in 1914 as the headquarters of the Alaska Railroad (Seward and Whittier) and via Anchorage to Fairbanks (north). With a population of around 32,000 (metro over 100,000), Fairbanks is ranked Alaska's 2nd most populous (after Anchorage). Most cruise ship tourists visit Anchorage through Seward or Whittier. Anchorage AK is Alaska's largest port city, located in Southern Alaska, between Turnagain and Knik arms of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. To the south is Kenai Peninsula, to the north is Denali National Park (aka Mount McKinley). Taxis are readily available outside of the airport terminals, as are rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.

Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier

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.

Anchorage Assembly votes to secure expanded port terminals, financed partially with higher tariff

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 Port: Terminal, Directions and Info

Start your cruise from Anchorage (the actual cruise port is in Whittier), a city where the summer days can stretch to almost 19 hours in July. In Anchorage, you'll find plenty of active things to do and attractions to hike, bike and see wildlife. Take a day trip and explore the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail by bike, or the Flattop Mountain Trail inside Chugach State Park, or choose from our broad selection of Anchorage excursions. A popular destination to stop into on cruises leaving Seattle, you can find a coffee shop (or espresso shack) anywhere. Among its wildlife, its museums and its airplane "Flightseeing" tours, your adventures and cruises from Anchorage will leave you with an unforgettable experience. If you exit the Anchorage airport at the North Terminal, you’ll get a taxi near the arrivals area; from the South Terminal, you’ll get a ride near departures.

You will not have trouble finding boutique shops selling souvenirs and unique Alaskan art. Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall is located downtown, and it offers five levels. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities, including kayaking, jet skiing, and hiking.

Travel Is Our Tradition

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.

Whittier Cruise Port Terminal: Parking, Address and Amenity Info

Construction Begins on New Alaska Cruise Port Destination - Cruise Hive

Construction Begins on New Alaska Cruise Port Destination.

Posted: Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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.

Wheelchairs and Accessibility at the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal

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.

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.

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.

Luggage storage is not available at the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, but you can arrange luggage storage charters or individual tour operators if you are booked on a day tour. If you are arriving by car and you're not dropping it at a rental facility, you can park at a supervised lot along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the Small Boat Harbor and cruise dock. Cash, checks and Visa, Discover and Mastercard are accepted (but not American Express). With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation.