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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.
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