About the Port
Tucked beneath steep, glacier-carved mountains at the head of Prince William Sound, Whittier serves primarily as the maritime gateway for cruises embarking or disembarking in this part of Alaska. The town is reached by a single-lane tunnel shared with rail traffic or by train from the interior, a passage that underscores the remoteness of the surrounding wilderness. Waterfalls streak the cliffsides above the harbor, and much of the small community's life centers on the port itself.
Most travelers arrive by motorcoach or by rail from towns such as Talkeetna, stepping almost directly from the journey onto the waiting ship. The pier sits within easy reach of the town's compact center, though Whittier's real draw lies in the approach: forested slopes, hanging glaciers, and the cold blue waters of the Sound framing the start of a broader Alaska itinerary.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Anchorage .
Ride the Wilderness Rail from Talkeetna
The rail journey into Whittier cuts through glacier-carved valleys and dense forest otherwise inaccessible by road, making the final approach part of the adventure. Board in Talkeetna for a scenic multi-hour transfer straight to the pier.
Scan the Cliffs for Waterfalls
Snowmelt streaks down the sheer rock faces ringing the harbor, often visible right from the ship's deck or the small waterfront. Worth a few minutes on deck before boarding or departure.
Spot Wildlife in Prince William Sound
Sea otters, harbor seals, and occasional whales frequent the cold waters around Whittier's harbor. Keep binoculars handy during embarkation for an early taste of the Sound's marine life.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Anchorage
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 7 | $9,699 | |
| Aug 6, 2026 | Ritz Carlton | Luminara | 11 | $17,900 | |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 7 | $11,549 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 7 | $11,349 | |
| Aug 24, 2026 | Ritz Carlton | Luminara | 10 | $16,200 | |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 7 | $15,099 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Princess | Discovery Princess | 7 | $1,039 | |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 7 | $10,249 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Ritz Carlton | Luminara | 11 | $16,400 | |
| Sep 21, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Jade | 16 | $1,488 | |
| Sep 30, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Explorer | 20 | $15,099 | |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 129 | $23,790 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 110 | $19,034 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 114 | $20,242 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 67 | $31,649 | |
| Mar 31, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 45 | $9,275 | |
| Apr 5, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 38 | $14,049 | |
| Apr 23, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 22 | $3,052 | |
| Apr 23, 2027 | Princess | Coral Princess | 18 | $2,652 | |
| Apr 27, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Riviera | 16 | $5,499 |
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