Whittier offers a spectacular gateway to one-way Alaska cruises through glaciers, fjords and the Inside Passage toward Vancouver.
Cruises from Whittier
Your Gateway to Alaska Cruises
Whittier is one of the main cruise departure ports in Alaska and an important gateway for voyages through the Inside Passage. Located about an hour south of Anchorage, this small coastal town sits at the edge of Prince William Sound, surrounded by glaciers, mountains and dramatic wilderness. Many Alaska cruises begin or end in Whittier, offering spectacular one-way itineraries that connect Alaska with Vancouver.
Cruise and Stay Holidays in Alaska
Cruising from Whittier often forms part of a wider Alaska adventure. Many guests spend time exploring Anchorage, Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula before or after their cruise, creating a memorable land and sea holiday.
Anchorage serves as the main gateway to the region and offers excellent access to Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife. Visitors often explore glaciers, take scenic rail journeys or venture into national parks before boarding their ship in Whittier.
Find your next Cruise & Stay Holiday in Alaska➜
Why Start Your Cruise From Whittier?
Whittier is one of the most scenic cruise departure points in Alaska. Ships depart from the Whittier Cruise Terminal, located along the edge of Prince William Sound.
Starting your cruise here allows you to experience Alaska’s wilderness immediately, sailing past glaciers, fjords and forested mountains. Many one-way cruises between Whittier and Vancouver offer extended time exploring Alaska’s coastline and ports.
Is Whittier the Cruise Port for Anchorage?
Although many people search for cruises from Anchorage, the actual cruise port serving the city is Whittier, located around 60 miles south of Anchorage on the edge of Prince William Sound.
Most cruise guests fly into Anchorage International Airport before travelling to Whittier by road or rail. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing through dramatic mountain scenery and the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America.
Because of its location between mountains and the sea, Whittier offers one of the most scenic cruise departures in Alaska, with ships sailing directly into the fjords and glaciers of Prince William Sound.
Top 3 Things to Do Near Whittier
Whittier itself is a small town, but the surrounding region offers spectacular scenery and outdoor experiences before a cruise.
Prince William Sound
Take a boat tour through Prince William Sound to see glaciers, fjords and wildlife including whales, sea otters and seabirds.
Wildlife Conservation Center
Located between Anchorage and Whittier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center allows visitors to see bears, moose, bison and other native wildlife.
Portage Glacier
Visit one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, located within Chugach National Forest and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Where Can You Cruise to From Whittier?
Most cruises from Whittier sail south through the Inside Passage toward Vancouver. These voyages typically visit destinations such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Glacier Bay National Park.
One-way itineraries between Whittier and Vancouver are particularly popular as they allow cruise lines to include additional scenic cruising areas and glacier viewing experiences along the route.
Cruise Lines Sailing From Whittier
Whittier hosts several cruise lines operating Alaska voyages between Alaska and Vancouver.
Cruises From Whittier – Frequently Asked Questions
If you are planning a cruise from Whittier, these quick answers cover common questions about visiting the region before your sailing.
Most guests spend time exploring Anchorage or the surrounding region before travelling to Whittier for their cruise.
Cruise ships depart from the Whittier Cruise Terminal, located along the waterfront in Prince William Sound.
Anchorage International Airport is around 60 miles from Whittier, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours by road or rail.
Most cruises from Whittier are one-way voyages between Alaska and Vancouver, allowing more time exploring Alaska’s coastline.
Yes. Many guests combine their cruise with visits to Anchorage, Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula, creating a wider Alaska itinerary.
Book Your Next Cruise From Whittier
Whittier offers one of the most dramatic cruise departures in Alaska. Surrounded by glaciers, fjords and towering mountains, the port provides a spectacular starting point for voyages through the Inside Passage. Combine your cruise with time exploring Anchorage and Alaska’s national parks before sailing south toward Vancouver.
