Cruise port Whittier (Anchorage, AK)
Info for port Whittier (Anchorage, AK) on 20 Jul 2026
Port information & tips for Whittier (Anchorage, AK)
Whittier is the fascinating gateway to Prince William Sound and impresses with its spectacular location surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glittering glaciers. The historic port city offers a unique atmosphere and, thanks to its proximity to Anchorage, serves as a perfect starting point for adventures in the Alaskan wilderness. Absolute highlights include boat safaris into Prince William Sound to observe calving glaciers as well as a visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center at Portage Glacier. Cruise ships dock at the central Whittier Cruise Terminal, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the town center and simultaneously provides direct access to the Alaska Railroad as well as the impressive Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel for onward travel.
Whittier is accessible through the longest combined rail-road tunnel in North America and serves as a spectacular starting point for Alaska cruises south of Anchorage. The port is located approximately 100 kilometers from Alaska's largest city and impresses with its sheltered location in Prince William Sound, right at the cruise terminal.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is via Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which is often reached by direct flight from Frankfurt during the summer season or via convenient connecting flights. From the airport, plan approximately 90 to 120 minutes for the transfer to Whittier; given the long flight time and time difference, an overnight stay in an Anchorage hotel beforehand is recommended.
Train
A particularly comfortable and scenically stunning option is the journey with the Alaska Railroad directly to the port. Special cruise line trains or the Glacier Discovery Train start in downtown Anchorage and bring guests relaxed through Alaska's untouched nature directly to the ship.
Transfer & Tunnel
Travelers reach the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which connects Whittier with the mainland, via the Seward Highway (AK-1) and Portage Glacier Road. Since this tunnel is used alternately for rail and road traffic as well as in both directions, the timed opening hours enable a coordinated arrival by shuttle bus or private transfer services.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and postings on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Whittier is accessible through the longest combined rail-road tunnel in North America and serves as a spectacular starting point for Alaska cruises south of Anchorage. The port is located approximately 100 kilometers from Alaska's largest city and impresses with its sheltered location in Prince William Sound, right at the cruise terminal.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is via Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which is often reached by direct flight from Frankfurt during the summer season or via convenient connecting flights. From the airport, plan approximately 90 to 120 minutes for the transfer to Whittier; given the long flight time and time difference, an overnight stay in an Anchorage hotel beforehand is recommended.
Train
A particularly comfortable and scenically stunning option is the journey with the Alaska Railroad directly to the port. Special cruise line trains or the Glacier Discovery Train start in downtown Anchorage and bring guests relaxed through Alaska's untouched nature directly to the ship.
Transfer & Tunnel
Travelers reach the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which connects Whittier with the mainland, via the Seward Highway (AK-1) and Portage Glacier Road. Since this tunnel is used alternately for rail and road traffic as well as in both directions, the timed opening hours enable a coordinated arrival by shuttle bus or private transfer services.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and postings on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Whittier is located directly on Prince William Sound and, thanks to its compact structure, offers excellent accessibility to the most important facilities directly from the terminal.
On Foot
The entire town center of Whittier and the small marina can be easily reached on foot in about 5 to 10 minutes. The paths are flat and lead directly from the pier to local cafes, small museums, and the town's distinctive residential complexes.
Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad station is located within direct sight of the cruise terminal and allows for a comfortable onward journey to Anchorage. The panoramic ride through the mountain landscape and the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel offers travelers a relaxed experience with spectacular views.
Shuttle Buses & Transfers
Numerous shuttle buses and organized transfer services are available directly at the terminal exit. These buses utilize the regular tunnel opening times for a convenient connection to Anchorage or the international airport and are also ideal for excursions into the surrounding wilderness.
To make the most of your stay in this spectacular natural harbor, you should focus on the bay's impressive glacier landscapes and the unique architecture directly in town.
Prince William Sound
Thanks to its direct location at the harbor, unforgettable boat tours to the massive tidewater glaciers start here, while simultaneously offering the best chances for sightings of whales, sea otters, and playful seals.
Portage Glacier & Valley
Via the famous tunnel, you can reach the nearby glacier valley in a short time, which is ideal for short hikes or a relaxed boat trip to the blue-shimmering Portage Glacier.
Begich Towers & Harbor Area
The heart of Whittier impresses with its extraordinary architecture as a vertical city and allows for short walks between cozy cafes and the picturesque backdrop of the bustling marina.
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is located on picturesque Portage Lake, approximately fifteen minutes by car from the port, and offers deep insight into glaciological history as well as Alaska's unique wildlife. This location is perfectly suited for culture enthusiasts, as the interactive exhibits and short films explain the formation of the surrounding glacial landscape in an impressive way. Furthermore, the surroundings invite you to take light walks with fantastic photo opportunities of the mountain scenery and feature comfortable facilities as well as a well-stocked shop for local souvenirs. Ideally, start your excursion early in the morning to make optimal use of the passage through the imposing Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and return to the ship on time and completely relaxed after an inspiring stay.
The return journey to the cruise terminal in Whittier is particularly easy thanks to the town's manageable size and well-coordinated transport from Anchorage.
Shuttle Buses and Alaska Railroad
The return trip from Anchorage is convenient with the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic or special cruise shuttles such as the Park Connection Motorcoach, which take you directly to the terminal. Thanks to the fixed schedules and coordination with the opening times of the tunnel, you will reach your ship on time and also enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains.
On Foot
Since Whittier is a very compact town, you can walk from local cafes, the marina, or the Begich Towers directly to the ship in just a few minutes. The path is level and takes you safely along the harbor promenade back to the terminal's check-in area.
Taxi and Private Transfer
For an individual return journey from Anchorage or Girdwood, taxis and private transfer services are available to drop you off directly in front of the port building. The drivers are well-acquainted with the schedule of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and will bring you safely and punctually to your cruise ship.
In port on 20 Jul 2026
