Plan a CruiseAnchorage Cruise Port Guide
Most cruise ships visiting this region dock in the small, unique hamlet of Whittier, located 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Whittier is a former military port from World War II, notable for its approximately 180 residents, many of whom live in a single apartment complex. Access to Whittier by land is exclusively through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a nearly 3-mile long, one-lane tunnel shared by vehicle and rail traffic, which operates on a timed schedule, switching directions every half hour. This unique access point is a critical factor in planning your day.
Only Holland America Line ships typically dock directly at the Port of Anchorage, which is much closer to the city center (3.2km or 2 miles). For passengers docking in Whittier, a common choice is a cruise-organized excursion to Anchorage, or independent travel via bus or train, which will involve navigating the tunnel. Whittier itself offers stunning views of Prince William Sound, renowned for its deep fjords, tidewater glaciers that calve before your eyes, and abundant wildlife, and is surrounded by the vast Chugach National Forest.
Getting Around from the Port
From Whittier: If your ship docks in Whittier, reaching Anchorage (60 miles away) requires transit through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel's operation, with traffic switching directions every half hour, means travel times can be extended. Bus and train services are available for transport to Anchorage; booking these in advance is recommended. Given the distance and tunnel logistics, many passengers opt for cruise line excursions to Anchorage for convenience. Independent car rental is not a practical option from Whittier for a short port call.
From Port of Anchorage (if applicable): If your ship docks directly at the Port of Anchorage, you are approximately 3.2km (2 miles) from downtown. Shuttles, taxis, and charter vehicles are available at the port to transport passengers quickly into the city center.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, especially if docking in Whittier, careful consideration of travel time to Anchorage (60 miles, plus tunnel waits) is essential.
From Whittier (Local Exploration):
- Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Tour: Experience the stunning beauty of Prince William Sound. Take a boat tour to see deep fjords, tidewater glaciers calving, and diverse wildlife. This is Whittier's signature experience.
- Chugach National Forest Hiking: Explore the area's wilderness with trails such as Portage Pass, Salmon Run, or Horse Tail Falls. You can also enjoy beachcombing and berry picking along the harbor.
To Anchorage (Day Trip - plan for travel time from Whittier):
- Alaska Native Heritage Center: This cultural center offers profound insights into the rich history and traditions of Alaska's indigenous peoples through exhibits, live performances, and traditional crafts.
- Downtown Anchorage Exploration: Discover a city that uniquely blends modern conveniences with a wild natural environment. You might spot moose, explore vast city parks, and observe the world's second-highest tides. Anchorage serves as a gateway to adventures like flightseeing over Mt. McKinley, wilderness fishing trips, or visiting grizzly bears via air taxi.
Dining & Shopping
Whittier itself has limited dining and shopping options due to its small size. If you travel to Anchorage, you will find a wide variety of restaurants, including opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood, and extensive shopping facilities.
Shopping in the U.S.:
- Hours: In major urban areas, many large retailers and shopping centers typically operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays (generally 11 a.m./noon to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.). Some drugstores and supermarkets may be open 24/7. Most stores close on major holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Sales Tax: Be aware that prices displayed for goods and services in the U.S. rarely include sales tax (exceptions include gasoline and on-premises alcoholic beverages). Sales tax, typically ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% (4-6% is common), will be added to your total at checkout.
- Souvenirs: In Anchorage, you can find a range of Alaskan-themed souvenirs, local art, and crafts.
Dining and Tipping in the U.S.:
- Tipping: Tipping service staff is a deeply ingrained custom in the U.S. and is expected, as tips often form a significant part of service workers' income.
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% of the total bill.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive drinks, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag (with a minimum of $3-5 regardless).
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less; $10-20 per person for longer tours.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping (hotels): $1-2 per day for long stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery (e.g., pizza): $2-5, potentially more for very large orders.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for Whittier or Anchorage. It is always wise to exercise standard precautions and be aware of your surroundings as you would in any unfamiliar city.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD, $). ATMs are widely available throughout Anchorage. Major credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are broadly accepted, even for small transactions, and may sometimes be the only payment option. Please remember that listed prices typically do not include sales tax or gratuities.