Cruise port Whittier (Anchorage, AK)
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.
