For these of you able to embark on this sort of journey, there’s a good probability your voyage will contain a cease and even an embarkation departure at Whittier Cruise Port. It’s a couple of 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is usually mistakenly known as the Anchorage Cruise Port).
We’re going to take an in-depth take a look at the favored Alaskan port. Not solely will you study the entire important info it is best to know in regards to the terminal and its amenities, however we will even dive into close by facilities and points of interest, seasonal situations, and instructions.
Whittier Cruise Port Location and Transportation Choices
The Whittier Cruise Port is about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. If you’re focused on an Anchorage tour or visiting the town independently, you may have a couple of choices. By automobile, it takes about 90 minutes to journey between the port and Anchorage.
Your cruise line will seemingly present transportation from the port to the varied excursions, and personal sightseeing excursions can be found. You even have the choice to take the Alaska Railroad, which is a couple of two-and-a-half-hour journey.
Cruise Traces Utilizing Whittier Cruise Port
A number of main cruise strains, in addition to others, make use of the Whittier cruise ship terminal, together with ships operated by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. Cruise strains will usually use the port as a departure terminal for Alaska itineraries.
Whittier Port Terminal Services and Accessibility
The lodging at Whittier Cruise Port are considerably sparse. Public restrooms can be found contained in the terminal. There are not any outlets or eating places inside, however there are a couple of shops and small cafes close by.
Seating can be very restricted contained in the terminal, so passengers with mobility issues ought to examine with their cruise strains for help.
As for baggage, whereas there are not any porters at this cruise ship terminal, there are baggage carts out there to be used. When you’re boarding your cruise at Whittier Cruise Port, there will probably be a baggage drop-off within the parking zone, and the cruise line will care for loading your luggage onto the ship. Observe that there is no such thing as a public Wi-Fi on the port space.
Seasonal Climate Circumstances in Whittier, Alaska
Including to the wild environment of the Alaskan expertise is that climate situations can fluctuate dramatically relying on if you go to. Right here’s a fundamental seasonal information so you’ll be able to know easy methods to pack and what to anticipate:
Summer season Season (June to August)
Summer season is the height vacationer season in Alaska, particularly in July. Temperatures throughout this era vary from 50° to 70° F. With days stretching to so long as 20 hours of daylight, you should have loads of time to benefit from the outdoor.
Put on layered clothes, as temperatures can drop abruptly. Whereas it’s a dryer season by Alaskan requirements, you’ll be able to nonetheless count on rain showers.
Fall Season (September to November)
Fall brings cooler temperatures, particularly within the evenings. Anticipate temperature ranges between 30° and 50° F. With the cooler temperatures, you may also count on extra energetic wildlife, particularly bears making ready for winter hibernation. Once more, put on layers and pack a heat, waterproof jacket.
Learn Additionally: The Finest Time to Cruise Alaska: Months to Select
Winter Season (December to February)
Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the encompassing space is chilly. Temperatures are likely to vary between 5° and 25° F, so be sure to pack heat clothes for those who plan on spending time outdoor. You also needs to anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a should.
Spring Season (March to Could)
Spring brings the return of milder temperatures within the 30° to 50° F vary. Anticipate moist situations, each from rainfall and the melting snow. Waterproof clothes and footwear are important.
Cruise Verify-in Course of and Safety Procedures
If you’re boarding on the Whittier cruise port, you’ll want to observe your cruise line’s particular boarding directions. Whatever the cruise line, it is best to be capable to shortly current legitimate photograph identification and journey paperwork upon arrival on the port.
The port adheres to high-security requirements, so it is best to depart loads of time for baggage and bag checks and metallic detector scans. It’s best to know the place your cruise ship is docked and which terminal it is best to report back to forward of time.
Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier
Transportation is comparatively simple for these arriving in Alaska by aircraft however needing to journey to their cruise port. Most cruise strains will present a shuttle service from the Anchorage airport to the port or terminal you have to journey to. The primary means is by way of the AK-1, often known as the Seward Freeway. You’ll head south to Whittier and previous Portage, and there will probably be some beautiful views alongside the way in which!
The closest airport to the Whittier cruise terminal is Ted Stevens Anchorage Worldwide Airport (ANC), a couple of 90-minute drive away. You’ll discover many taxis and ride-share companies on the airport to get you to Whittier, however be ready. They are often costly.
When you exit the Anchorage airport on the North Terminal, you’ll get a taxi close to the arrivals space; from the South Terminal, you’ll get a experience close to departures. Native shuttles supply direct transportation to the Whittier cruise ship terminal or half-day excursions to sneak in a little bit of sightseeing earlier than boarding your cruise ship.
For these reserving cruise itineraries that make stops in varied Alaskan ports, transferring between ports will probably be dealt with for you. When reserving your cruise, you’ll uncover it is a comparatively frequent prevalence on an Alaskan cruise.
Value Studying: Your Information to the Finest Alaska Cruise Ports
These reserving back-to-back Alaskan cruises to get pleasure from all the things probably the most northern state presents will discover a cruise switch comparatively easy. That is because of the well-maintained freeway system, railroads, and short-haul flights.
Throughout your voyage, it’s possible you’ll dock at different ports, like Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Every port will supply its personal distinctive points of interest, from picturesque fjords and glaciers to historic Alaskan landmarks.
Strolling Distance Facilities and Sights
Whittier is a small city and residential to only some hundred individuals, however there are some wonderful issues to do there, like day cruises into the Prince William Sound, the place you’ll be able to see glaciers, whales, otters, and 1000’s of seabirds. There are additionally loads of out of doors journey actions, together with kayaking, jet snowboarding, and mountain climbing.
In order for you one thing extra cosmopolitan, spend a while in Anchorage. You’ll be able to get pleasure from procuring in designer shops and exploring the town’s many artwork galleries and memento outlets. Additionally, you will discover a shocking variety of restaurant choices, from fundamental quick meals chains to independently-owned, world-class eating places.
Downtown Anchorage can be dwelling to the Anchorage Museum, the place you’ll be able to view artifacts referring to Alaska’s native inhabitants, in addition to its pioneer heritage, pure historical past, and even the state’s shocking involvement in World Warfare II. If the climate cooperates, you’ll be able to hire bikes and take a experience downtown or attempt taking within the views alongside the bike trails surrounding the town.
When you journey to Anchorage, you’ll find that the town presents a numerous vary of culinary choices. We strongly advocate sampling some contemporary seafood and traditional Alaskan dishes at ORSO, Ginger Restaurant, and Crush Bistro. Be sure to attempt the contemporary Alaskan king crab and wild-caught salmon!
For extra informal eating experiences, there are many burger joints and breweries inside comparatively shut proximity to the cruise port. forty ninth State Brewing is a superb choice for making an attempt native beer and choosing up a memento.
For procuring, the port space and downtown core supply loads of shops. You’ll not have bother discovering boutique outlets promoting souvenirs and distinctive Alaskan artwork. Anchorage fifth Avenue Mall is situated downtown, and it presents 5 ranges. It may be an ideal choice when the climate isn’t cooperating.
Distances to Well-liked Sights and Out of doors Actions in Anchorage
Day journeys to numerous out of doors actions from the Whittier cruise port to close by Anchorage areas are additionally pretty simple. You would possibly really feel overwhelmed by simply how a lot there may be to do, so listed below are only a few of our prime suggestions:
Kincaid Park
When you go to in winter, you’ll be able to attempt cross-country snowboarding in Kincaid Park. The 20 miles of maintained trails are open to skiers within the winter however are additionally appropriate for a hike when the snow melts. The park is simply over 10 miles from the port, so it’s simple to get to.
Alaska Native Heritage Middle
Situated simply 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, this immersive cultural middle lets you study extra about Alaska’s native inhabitants via demonstrations and interactive reveals. It’s effectively definitely worth the drive or cab experience.
Chugach State Park
Whereas becoming a member of a trailhead immediately from Anchorage is feasible, Chugach State Park presents completely different beginning factors, so you’ll be able to see Alaska’s lush forests, towering peaks, and famed wildlife precisely the way you wish to.
Flattop Mountain can be situated inside the park. Hikers can benefit from the beautiful views of Anchorage and the encompassing wilderness from the highest of the path.
Portage Glacier
If you wish to see this iconic glacier firsthand, you’ll be able to journey to it from Anchorage in roughly 1.5 hours by automobile. Though it’s 50 miles southeast of the town, quite a few shuttle companies supply inexpensive rides to and from the glacier. As soon as there, you’ll be able to even take a ship tour throughout Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself.
Excursions Provided by Cruise Traces
One other draw of Alaskan cruises is the abundance of tour suppliers and actions that reap the benefits of Alaska’s distinctive out of doors wilderness. As at all times, be sure to are reserving via your cruise line if you’re solely making a port of name cease within the space.
These partnered tour suppliers work along with your cruise line to make sure that you and different passengers will return to the ship in time for departure. You will see that almost all cruise strains that routinely cease within the port supply the next shore excursions and actions:
Fishing Experiences
Because of Alaska’s famed salmon fishing, you’ll be able to get pleasure from freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences simply exterior Anchorage. The Kenai River is situated only a few hours exterior the town and presents a few of North America’s most well-known salmon runs. Freshwater lake trout fishing excursions and varied types of fly fishing through the summer season months are additionally standard.
Guided Climbing and Wildlife Excursions
You will see no scarcity of guided shore excursions that allow individuals to view a few of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain. Well-liked excursions embrace mountain climbing to Crow Go Path and Eagle River Nature Middle. Many supply views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains.
Some excursions are aimed immediately at wildlife viewing, so you may be taken by automobile or boat to try to get up-close views of bears, moose, bald eagles, and different species native to the state.
Learn Additionally: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Sea Kayaking and Boat Excursions
Within the hotter months, you’ll be able to guide guided kayak excursions that help you paddle alongside the shoreline. Smaller boat excursions additionally take visitors alongside scenic shorelines and looking for whales and different marine life, like otters, seals, and extra!
Regularly Requested Questions on Whittier Cruise Port
The place in Anchorage do cruise ships dock?
Cruise ships don’t truly dock in Anchorage. They use Whittier Cruise Port or different close by ports, together with Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port.
Do any cruise ships depart from Anchorage?
Cruise ships don’t depart Anchorage immediately, however hottest cruise strains have cruises that depart from one of many ports near Anchorage.
How do I get from Whittier to Anchorage after the cruise?
The most typical technique to get between Whittier and Anchorage is by automobile, which takes about 90 minutes. You can too experience the Alaska Railroad, which is a couple of two-and-a-half-hour scenic prepare journey.
