How to Have the Perfect Port Day in Anchorage, Alaska

Table Of Content

• Anchorage Assembly votes to secure expanded port terminals, financed partially with higher tariff
• Rent a Car One-Way
• Opening Hours and Holidays:
• Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
• Whittier Cruise Port: Terminal, Directions and Info

Just don’t nap on the ride down; you’ll miss one of the most scenic trips in... At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Taxis are readily available outside of the airport terminals, as are rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.

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

Only one cruise ship is scheduled to stop in Anchorage this season - Anchorage Daily News

Only one cruise ship is scheduled to stop in Anchorage this season.

Posted: Sun, 15 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Several major cruise lines, as well as others, make use of the Whittier cruise ship terminal, including ships operated by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises. Cruise lines will often use the port as a departure terminal for Alaska itineraries. Whittier is 60 miles southeast of Anchorage off the Seward Highway. The town has 300 fulltime residents, and is on the far end of North America’s longest combined automobile/railroad tunnel. On the Whittier side of the tunnel, you’ll find not just a cruise terminal, but a gateway to the wildlife and glaciers of Prince William Sound.

Rent a Car One-Way

The official currency in Anchorage and the rest of Alaska is the U.S. If you plan on heading into more remote areas around the city, it’s best to get cash out beforehand. Anchorage was a bit late to the Gold Rush population boom because of its location so far north and the difficulty of arriving there. That all changed in 1915 when the nation’s first (and only) federally owned railroad was constructed to get newcomers from the tidewaters of southeast Alaska to Anchorage.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

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. 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. 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. There is no direct bus from the Anchorage airport to the Whittier cruise ship terminal, but the Municipality of Anchorage bus stops at the airport and the Anchorage downtown area.

How many days are cruises from Anchorage?

By car, it takes about 90 minutes to travel between the port and Anchorage. Many cruise companies provide transportation from these ports to Anchorage, and many local companies offer cruise transfers as well. Consider planning a little extra time for the transfer day; there are many attractions and activities worth visiting along the way. It's a nice ride from Anchorage to Whittier on the train, and takes about two-and-a-half hours. If you are on a cruise tour, chances are a ride on the Alaska Railroad will be part of your journey on the way to the cruise port or on the way back.

Another specialty you might want to try on a port call to Anchorage is reindeer sausage, while a frosty beer is also easy to come by in the city’s friendly and welcoming microbreweries. Anchorage also benefits from its proximity to the fertile soils of the Matanuska Valley, which supplies a steady stream of farm-to-table produce to the city’s kitchens. Fresh greens, rhubarb and berries are among the delicacies the Matanuska Valley serves up in abundance, and it’s not unusual to find these ingredients heavily featured on Anchorage menus. If you want to alleviate any risk of getting wet, you can also go on a bike tour along the pretty coastal path in Anchorage. If you’re interested in finding out more about the culture of Native Alaskans, head to Anchorage’s Alaska Native Heritage Center while in port.

Those with mobility concerns should look into assistance from their cruise lines or check-in during less crowded times of day (typically mid-afternoon or closer to all aboard time). There are no restaurants or shops inside the Whittier cruise ship terminal. If you want to grab a quick bite or buy last-minute essentials, there is a small assortment of cafes and shops around the Small Boat Harbor. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the closest airport to Whittier, AK. Also very popular are boat tours (via Seward) to Prince William Sound's glaciers or Kenai Fjords Park.

When the rare sunny day comes along (and even when it doesn't), Anchorage puts on its outdoorsmen's hat. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the ocean, the city is ideally situated for outdoor play. On Flattop Mountain, blueberry-pickers, trail-runners, dog-walkers and even the occasional moose test themselves against the steep climb to the summit (or linger on the gentler, bottom slopes).

Restaurants Near the Whittier Alaska Cruise Port (Plus Shopping and Other Services)

Regardless of the cruise line, you should be able to quickly present valid photo identification and travel documents upon arrival at the port. Not only will you learn all of the essential information you should know about the terminal and its facilities, but we will also dive into nearby amenities and attractions, seasonal conditions, and directions. For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer. Holland America Line Flight Ease® offers specially negotiated low prices, a convenient and worry-free way to book air travel, late-arrival protection, and the freedom to change your flights with no change fees. 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).

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 wish to park a trailer, you will need to utilize the private long-term parking lot located across the tracks from the waterfront. This parking lot, as well as camping and RV parking, is accessed by turning right just over the bridge as you approach the waterfront area. From gold panning and salmon fishing to microbrewery hopping and museum trails, Anchorage is a place to immerse yourself in Alaska’s culture through and through.

Once or twice per season, a cruise ship will call on the Port of Anchorage, but this is an exception. And, if Anchorage's multiple facets don't suit, the surrounding natural areas are available to anyone who doesn't mind spending a few hours on a bus, train or small plane. South of the city, Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords beckon with their dramatic glacial ice and variety of sea life. North of town, Talkeetna offers a glimpse into Denali National Park and the lofty Mt. Denali, especially if you can take to the skies. Wilderness hikes, salmon fishing and even bear watching are accessible in one very full day from Anchorage. There’s a viewing platform on Potter Marsh boardwalk that affords great views of this natural migration or, alternatively, watch the action unfold from the bridge over Ship Creek in the city’s downtown.

If a glacier expedition is at the top of your Alaska cruise bucket list, Anchorage is a great place to achieve it. There are over 60 glaciers located within an hour’s drive of Anchorage. If you’re on one of our Alaska Cruisetours you’ll be escorted between the two cities on a comfortable tour bus.

Discover the burgeoning craft beer scene of Anchorage with a tour guide, who will give you an inside look at local breweries and the people behind them. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions.

The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Anchorage AK, Alaska, Denali NP. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Anchorage has a wider selection of shops than you’re likely to find at other Alaska cruise ports, so if you’re looking for an original keepsake from your travels to take home, Anchorage is a good place to source it. Contact your cruise provider to find schedule and rate information. If that’s not an option, experienced van, limousine or scheduled bus services can be hired at affordable rates and can handle large or small groups, families or individuals. There’s more to it that getting from A to B; many companies offer narrated trips that highlight the area’s history and wildlife.

Starting at just $199, choose the perfect cruise from Anchorage that fits your traveling desires. Anchorage cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. Most commonly, cruises from Anchorage go to exciting destinations such as Transatlantic, Alaska, World Cruise, Trans-Ocean, and Japan. With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life.

THE 18 BEST Cruises to Anchorage, AK 2024 with Prices Anchorage Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Best Things to Do in Anchorage During a Cruise Port Day
• Sip Some Craft Beer While in the Anchorage Cruise Port
• Chugach State Park
• Night 7 Nt Southbound Alaska & Hubbard GlacierDetails

Although the wildlife is reason alone to cruise to Anchorage Alaska, the culture of the city itself is worth exploring. Almost half of the state’s residents live in Anchorage, a population that largely comprises military members, Alaska Natives, adventurous transplants from the “lower 48,” and oil industry workers. Coffee and espresso huts dot every corner and fresh halibut, smoked salmon and reindeer dogs are among the local eats.

Best Things to Do in Anchorage During a Cruise Port Day

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:18:30 GMT [source]

By train, motorcoach or shuttle, reaching the dock in Seward or Whittier, Alaska is a breeze. Just don’t nap on the ride down; you’ll miss one of the most scenic trips in Southcentral Alaska. Anchorage cruise port is situated on the shore of Cook Inlet, which helps to provide a calmer area of water that’s more ideal for kayaking and canoeing.

Sip Some Craft Beer While in the Anchorage Cruise Port

Many offer views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains. As for luggage, while there are no porters at this cruise ship terminal, there are luggage carts available for use. If you’re boarding your cruise at Whittier Cruise Port, there will be a luggage drop-off in the parking lot, and the cruise line will take care of loading your bags onto the ship. Read on for our breakdown of the Whittier, AK, cruise port including address information, cruise line terminals, directions, services and more. Also, be sure to check out Cruise Critic's ranked cruise deals from the Whittier cruise ship terminal as well as the tips, tricks and secret advice our Cruise Critic members have about cruises from Whittier. The port does not offer a cruise terminal or any facilities, as it's mainly an industrial port with very little cruise ship traffic.

Chugach State Park

If you visit in winter, you can try cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park. 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. For more casual dining experiences, there are plenty of burger joints and breweries within relatively close proximity to the cruise port. 49th State Brewing is an excellent option for trying local beer and picking up a souvenir. If you want something more cosmopolitan, spend some time in Anchorage.

West coast residents love their canine companions and you can hang out with some of Alaska’s four-legged residents on a dog sledding shore excursion through Alaska’s wilderness. At this special center, you’ll learn about Alaska’s indigenous people and their history in Alaska as well as how they keep their culture alive today through the arts. In addition, you can see a setup of a historic village while walking around the outside area of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Popular glaciers to see or hike on while in port in Anchorage include Mendenhall Glacier, Matanuska Glacier, and the icy peaks in Glacier Bay National Park.

From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Anchorage is connected to both Seward and Whittier by the Seward Highway and the Alaska Railroad. Once south of Anchorage, both highway and railroad – follow the coast of Turnagain Arm and skirt the Chugach Mountains. If the timing is right, you may also see a bore tide, a tidal change that rushes along in a wave at 10 miles an hour and can be 6 feet tall.

Cruises to Anchorage call south of the city at Seward cruise port. From here you can take a connecting bus or train to reach Anchorage. But Anchorage isn’t only for those who feel at home in the outdoors.

One of the best things about Anchorage is its close proximity to state parks and coastal trails. Head to the Chugach Mountains and discover Eklutna Lake, a gorgeous spot where you can kayak on serene waters while surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas. On your cruise to Alaska, extend your vacation with a Cruisetour to experience Anchorage’s natural and cultural attractions. While joining a trailhead directly from Anchorage is possible, Chugach State Park offers different starting points, so you can see Alaska’s lush forests, towering peaks, and famed wildlife exactly how you would like to. If you are boarding at the Whittier cruise port, you will want to follow your cruise line’s specific boarding instructions.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Otherwise, there will be a luggage drop-off point in the parking lot. If you're looking for more than a ride to Whittier, Salmon Berry Travel & Tours offers a six-hour tour from Anchorage to Whittier in the summer. The tour includes lunch, sightseeing and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. 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. Cargo ships from the US container shipping companies Horizon Lines and TOTE Maritime arrive twice per week from Port Tacoma (Washington).

Once there, you can even take a boat tour across Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself. The small boat harbor where glacier and wildlife tour boats depart is less than a mile south. Enviably positioned between mountains and sea, the city enjoys some of Alaska’s finest scenery on its doorstep; from the coastal trails of Cook Inlet to the west, to the snowy peaks of Chugach Mountains to the east.

When a swathe of oil companies chose to headquarter in Anchorage in the 1970s, the city grew yet again. This time expanding to accommodate a host of new cultural venues, museums and restaurants, the likes of which Anchorage is famed for today. The city is now home to 40% of all Alaska residents, with a higher concentration of chefs, artists and musicians than anywhere else in the state. One more thing to consider on your Alaska cruise to Anchorage is what kind of ocean views you want to be able to see from the ship. If you live near the coast you may not think a veranda stateroom is necessary since you can see views of the Pacific Ocean every day.

The Matanuska Valley is under an hour away and the nearest national park just a twenty-minute drive. Hikers will adore the wild and untamed beauty of Far North Bicentennial Park, while renting a bike and cycling the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers chance encounters with moose and Beluga whales. Thanks to Alaska’s famed salmon fishing, you can enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences just outside Anchorage. The Kenai River is located just a few hours outside the city and offers some of North America’s most famous salmon runs. Freshwater lake trout fishing excursions and various forms of fly fishing during the summer months are also popular.

From ice-blue glaciers to beluga whales and the famous bore tide, a single cruise to Anchorage, Alaska will considerably shorten any nature-lover’s bucket list. Nestled between mountains and the Cook Inlet terminus, near many national and state parks, this hospitable haven is one of the best places to see Alaska wildlife. A city moose roaming the streets (there are about 1,500) is a regular sight and views of whales, puffins, otters, and Dall porpoises going about their days is just a short excursion away. Cruises to Anchorage are a must for those that want some of the most incredible bear viewing in the country. You will find no shortage of guided shore excursions that enable participants to view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain. Popular tours include hiking to Crow Pass Trail and Eagle River Nature Center.

It wasn't until World War II, however, that Anchorage’s population truly boomed, helping to turn it into the large Alaskan city it is today. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, two military bases were built near Anchorage. The city’s growth continued in the 1970s with the discovery of oil. Simon & Seafort’s is an Anchorage landmark offering visitors an unrivaled dining experience. Order beer-battered fish and chips, fish tacos, or sea scallops while admiring the gorgeous panoramic views of Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and the Alaskan Range.

Surrounded by the snow-capped Chugach Mountains, Alaska’s largest city is an exciting cosmopolitan destination with all the natural wonders and quintessential hospitality you’d expect in the Last Frontier. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.