Whittier Cruise Terminal information
The unique town of Whittier, Alaska is located approximately 65 miles south of Anchorage.
With a population of approximately 200, Whittier is situated overlooking Prince William Sound, and has an industrial and military feel, due to it playing a key role in Alaska’s defense strategy during World War II. In fact, the majority of the town citizens live in what was army barracks – the 14-storey Begich Towers.
Due to the wild weather that strikes in the winter, town amenities such as the Police Department, Medical clinic, Post Office, grocery store, laundromat, are all located inside the towers so residents don’t have to go outside. There is even an underground tunnel which leads to the school, built behind the condo building, so students don’t get cold.
Though small in size, there are various accommodations, restaurants and activities for cruise passengers to enjoy, and are all within walking distance of the terminal. There is an ATM located at the Harbor Store.
There are public washrooms located at the cruise terminal, but not much else in terms of amenities – no WiFi, no wheelchair rental, and even limited seating.
Cruises from Anchorage/Whittier:
For the 2022 season (May thru September), the following cruise lines are scheduled to be sailing one way either northbound or southbound between Vancouver, Canada and Whittier.
Princess Cruises – Majestic Princess
Holland America – Noordam and Nieuw Amsterdam
Closest Airport to Whittier
Most passengers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which is serviced by major domestic airlines as well as JetBlue, Frontier, and a few international airlines. In addition to cruise line airport transfers, there are other modes of port transportation available in Whittier, such as train, shared motor coach shuttle and car rental. Avis is the only rental agency available in Whittier and is located in the Harbor Store.
Weather in Anchorage
Even though Alaskan cruises are during the summer months, the temperatures are not warm. July and August provide average highs of 62 degrees F and lows of 50 degrees F. The driest months are June and July. In the summer, Whittier enjoys 22 hours of daylight.
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