Whittier Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Departure Guide

Whittier serves as a major Alaska cruise port located 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, accessible through a unique single-lane tunnel. The small town offers stunning glacier views, wildlife watching, and outdoor activities. Most cruise passengers arrive via motorcoach or rail from Anchorage. The port features basic amenities including parking, shuttle services, and nearby attractions like Prince William Sound.

Quick Facts: Whittier Cruise Port

Want to know more about Alaska departure ports and how they compare?

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: Your Gateway to Whittier

This isn’t just any tunnel. At 2.5 miles long, it’s the longest highway tunnel in North America and the only way in or out of Whittier by land. The catch? It’s single-lane and shared with trains, so traffic alternates directions on a strict schedule.

The tunnel operates on a precise timetable that changes seasonally. Miss your window and you’ll wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for the next opening. The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 90 minutes without traffic, but always add buffer time for the tunnel schedule.

Tunnel Survival Tips

• Check the tunnel schedule online before you leave your hotel
• Arrive at the tunnel entrance 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time
• The tunnel fee is $13 for cars (collected on the Whittier side when exiting)
• Keep your headlights on throughout the tunnel
• The road surface is a metal grate with railroad ties underneath, which feels strange but is perfectly safe
• Cell service drops to zero inside, so don’t count on GPS working

Getting to Whittier: Your Transportation Options

Most cruise passengers face a choice: drive yourself, take the train, or book a motorcoach transfer. Each has its merits and quirks.

Self-Driving

If you’re renting a car in Anchorage, you can drive yourself and leave your vehicle in Whittier’s parking lots. The harbor parking area is the closest to the cruise terminal and fills up fast during peak season. Arrive early or risk a longer walk with luggage.

Pros:

• Flexibility with timing and stops
• Can explore things to do in Anchorage before departing
• Often cheaper for groups or families

Cons:

• Tunnel schedule constraints
• Parking for 7-10 days adds up
• You’re responsible for navigation

Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier offers a scenic alternative with massive windows designed for viewing the Turnagain Arm coastline and mountain passes. The train typically runs once or twice daily during cruise season.

Pros:

• Spectacular scenery without driving stress
• No parking fees or tunnel worries
• Comfortable seating with luggage storage

Cons:

• Fixed departure times that may not align perfectly with your cruise
• More expensive than driving
• Limited schedule means less flexibility

Cruise Line Transfers

Most cruise lines offer motorcoach service from Anchorage hotels directly to Whittier. This is the most hassle-free option, especially if you spent the night at one of the best hotels in Anchorage.

Pros:

• Zero navigation required
• Cruise line guarantees you’ll make it to the ship
• Usually includes hotel pickup

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• No flexibility for stops or sightseeing
• You’re on their schedule

What to Expect at the Cruise Terminal

The Whittier cruise terminal makes most major ports look like shopping malls. It’s refreshingly simple: a building, some covered waiting areas, and efficient security screening. Don’t expect boutique shops or fancy restaurants here.

The check-in process moves quickly because Whittier handles far fewer passengers than ports like Vancouver or Seattle. You’ll typically clear security and board within an hour of arriving, though arriving 3-4 hours early gives you cushion for any tunnel delays or travel hiccups.

Terminal Amenities

• Basic restrooms (clean but limited)
• Small café serving coffee, snacks, and light meals
• Gift shop with Alaska souvenirs
• Covered outdoor seating with harbor views
• Free shuttle service from parking lots
• Luggage carts available

Exploring Whittier Before Your Cruise

With a population of around 220 people, Whittier won’t take long to explore. But this quirky town has some genuinely interesting features worth your time if you arrive early.

Begich Towers

This 14-story Cold War-era building houses nearly the entire population of Whittier under one roof. It contains apartments, the post office, a store, the police station, a health clinic, and the school. It’s like a vertical village and represents one of the most unusual living arrangements in America. While you can’t tour inside without knowing a resident, the exterior alone is worth seeing.

Prince William Sound

The waters around Whittier offer some of Alaska’s best wildlife viewing. Even from the harbor, you might spot sea otters, harbor seals, and occasionally orcas. The mountains rising straight from the water create a dramatic backdrop that feels almost unreal.

Quick Pre-Cruise Activities

• Walk the harborfront trail (15-30 minutes)
• Visit the small museum showcasing Whittier’s military history
• Grab fresh fish and chips at a local eatery
• Browse the gift shops for last-minute Alaska souvenirs
• Take photos of the stunning glacial valleys

Weather and What to Pack

Whittier holds the distinction of being one of the wettest places in Alaska, receiving over 20 feet of precipitation annually. The weather famously changes every 20 minutes, and the wind whipping off Prince William Sound can drop temperatures significantly.

Essential Items for Your Day Bag

• Waterproof rain jacket (not water-resistant—actually waterproof)
• Layered clothing you can add or remove quickly
• Comfortable waterproof shoes with good traction
• Hat that won’t blow off (seriously, the wind is intense)
• Sunglasses for when the clouds briefly part
• Small umbrella, though wind often makes them useless

Parking and Logistics

Several parking options exist near the harbor, with the closest lots filling first. The main harbor parking area sits about a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. During peak season, arrive early to snag a closer spot.

Parking Lot Options

• Harbor Parking: Closest to terminal, $10-15 per day, cash or card accepted
• City Lots: Slightly farther but usually has availability, similar pricing
• Private Lots: A few businesses offer parking with shuttle service

Most lots don’t require advance reservations, though calling ahead during peak summer weeks provides peace of mind. Payment is typically per 24-hour period, so plan accordingly for your cruise length.

Comparing Whittier to Other Alaska Ports

Whittier operates differently than Alaska’s other major cruise ports. Understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations. Check out this departure port comparison for more details.

Unlike Seward, Whittier has minimal tourist infrastructure. There’s no bustling downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. What Whittier lacks in amenities, it makes up for in authentic Alaska atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.

Many Gulf of Alaska cruises either start or end in Whittier, making it a popular choice for one-way Alaska cruises. This routing allows cruise lines to maximize time in Prince William Sound and access to the College Fjord glaciers.

Bonus Tips: Things Nobody Tells You

• ATM access is limited: Bring cash before arriving in Whittier, especially for parking and small purchases
• Cell service is spotty: Download any boarding documents, tunnel schedules, or maps before you lose signal
• The tunnel is cold: Even in summer, the temperature drops noticeably inside because it’s carved through a mountain
• Restroom stops: Use facilities before entering the tunnel. The next restrooms are at the other end
• Wildlife on the road: The drive from Anchorage often features Dall sheep, moose, and bears along Turnagain Arm. Drive carefully
• Photography spots: The pullouts along the Seward Highway before Whittier offer incredible photo opportunities. Budget extra time if you’re a photographer
• Luggage handling: Unlike major ports, Whittier’s terminal is compact. You’ll handle your luggage more here, so pack smart and use wheels
• Food options are limited: Eat a good meal in Anchorage or pack snacks. Whittier has a couple of restaurants, but choices are minimal
• Glaciers visible from town: You can see multiple glaciers from the harbor area without booking any excursions
• Military history: Whittier was a secret military port during World War II, and the town still has that utilitarian, fortress-like feeling
• Nome connections: Some travelers combine their Alaska cruise with trips to remote ports like Nome for an extended adventure

Common Questions and FAQ

Can I store luggage in Whittier if I arrive a day early?

Luggage storage options in Whittier are extremely limited. A couple of businesses offer this service, but capacity is minimal. Your best option is staying overnight in Anchorage where hotels provide secure luggage storage, then traveling to Whittier on your cruise day.

Is there Wi-Fi available at the cruise terminal?

Public Wi-Fi at the Whittier terminal is available but unreliable and slow. Don’t count on uploading photos or streaming anything. Use it for basic text messages or checking email if necessary.

What happens if I miss the tunnel schedule?

You’ll wait for the next opening, which typically occurs every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day. This is why arriving with plenty of buffer time is critical. The tunnel schedule is posted online and at the entrance, and it’s strictly enforced.

Are there medical facilities in Whittier?

Whittier has a small health clinic inside Begich Towers that handles basic medical needs. For serious medical issues, you’d need to travel back to Anchorage. Once you board your cruise ship, the ship’s medical facilities become available.

Can I walk around Whittier with my luggage?

The distances are manageable, but Whittier’s waterfront can be wet and uneven. Luggage with good wheels helps tremendously. Free shuttles run from parking lots to the terminal if you prefer not to walk with bags.

Do I need to make reservations at Whittier restaurants?

The handful of restaurants in Whittier rarely require reservations. However, during peak cruise departure days, they can get busy around lunch. Arriving slightly off-peak hours (before 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM) usually means no wait.

Is the tunnel drive scary?

Most drivers find it more interesting than frightening. The metal grate road surface creates a distinct rumbling sound, and the narrow width feels tight for larger vehicles, but it’s well-maintained and safe. Just maintain a steady speed and follow the vehicle ahead at a safe distance.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Whittier?

Theoretically yes during winter months when darkness returns, but Whittier’s frequent cloud cover and summer cruise season timing make aurora viewing unlikely for most visitors. Whittier’s cruise season runs from May through September when Alaska experiences nearly 24-hour daylight.

Personal Experience

We arrived in Whittier about three hours before our cruise departure, which turned out to be just right. The town is tiny – basically a cruise terminal, a few buildings, and stunning mountain views – so there’s not much need to show up super early. We parked at the lot near the harbor, which was easy to find and reasonably priced at around $10 per day. The walk to the terminal with our luggage was manageable, maybe five minutes, though they do have shuttles running if you’ve got a lot of bags or mobility concerns. One thing nobody warned us about: the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel on the way there only allows one-way traffic at specific times, so check the schedule before you leave Anchorage. We nearly missed our window and would’ve been stuck waiting another hour.

The actual departure process was surprisingly smooth. Security moved quickly, and the staff were genuinely friendly – that small-town Alaska vibe is real. We grabbed coffee at a little spot near the terminal while waiting to board, and honestly, just standing outside watching the fog lift off the water was worth the trip alone. If you have extra time, take a quick walk along the waterfront. The local tip we picked up: bring layers, even in summer. The weather changes every twenty minutes in Whittier, and that wind coming off the Prince William Sound is no joke. Having a rain jacket in your day bag is basically essential, not optional.