Sunday, March 31, 2024

How to Have the Perfect Port Day in Anchorage, Alaska

anchorage alaska cruise port

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.

anchorage alaska cruise port

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.

anchorage alaska cruise 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.

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