Alaska Cruise Port Info for Whittier

Whittier Cruise Ship Transfers, Restaurants and Attractions

Apr 29, 2009
Renee Ruggero

Anchorage Skyline - Alaska Toursim

Alaska cruises through Whittier offer a choice of cruise ship transfers to or from Anchorage, as well as a selection of restaurants and attractions close to the pier.

The port of Whittier is an embarkation and disembarkation port at the northern end of an Alaska cruise. Located 65 miles from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), the pier in Whittier is closer to the airport than the alternate embarkation port of Seward. Here are some choices for cruise ship transfers, and once in Whittier, there are also a selection of restaurants and activities to choose from.

Transportation between Anchorage and the Pier in Whittier, Alaska

Motor Coach Transfer - A two-hour bus transfer between Whittier and Anchorage can be purchased through the cruise line. For example, Princess Cruises offers the transfer at $55 per person.

Shuttle Service - The Whittier Shuttle operates an independent cruise ship transfer in a 16-seat bus from the Whittier Pier to Anchorage. It is fully narrated, costs $45 per person, and takes less than two hours as well.

The Train - Booking the train transfer through the cruise line offers a stop at the Anchorage Airport. Alaska Railroad offers an independent choice, too. The Coastal Classic Train route from Anchorage to Seward (or back) costs $65 per person and takes two hours. The Whittier train stop is across from the cruise terminal, and the drop off is downtown Anchorage.

Car Rentals - All the major rental car companies are represented at the Anchorage International Airport. And Avis is one of the only major car rental companies serving the cruise passengers of Whittier.

Taxi Service - Taxis from Anchorage to the pier in Whittier cost about $150 to $200 for the two hour drive. Note that there are no taxis from Whittier to Anchorage.

Activities and Attractions in Whittier, Alaska

Sea Kayaking - A three hour Bird Rookery Tour is offered by Prince William Sound Kayak Center. Paddlers will see waterfalls, sea cliffs and a bird rookery of 10,000 kittiwakes.

Hiking - The Portage Pass Trail provides views of Portage Glacier. From the trailhead near town, it’s a steep climb of about a mile up to an elevation of 750 feet. From this point, there are incredible views of Portage Glacier.

Glacier Cruise - Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises offers a half day cruise on a small sightseeing vessel for visitors to view a massive tidewater glacier up close. Passengers are also treated to an Alaskan King Crab cake lunch onboard.

Best Restaurants in Whittier, Alaska

Varley’s Swiftwater Seafood Cafe - This is where the locals come for an Alaskan beer and some fresh hand battered seafood. There’s also small deck outback that overlooks the harbour.

The Inn at Whittier - This is Whittier’s newest inn and restaurant. The dining room looks out at the small boat harbour with views of Prince William Sound. And, favorite menu items include the Dungeness Crab Salad, Alaskan Clam Chowder and the Beer Battered Halibut.

Air travel logistics when taking a 7-day cruise to or from Whittier usually means organizing two separate one way flights, one including Anchorage. Although a 7-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver sounds more convenient, those wanting to take a cruise tour to Denali or Fairbanks need to start or end their cruise in Whittier or Seward.

Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver

Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle