If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, Whittier is a great departure port with a lot to offer. This small town is located in the Prince William Sound, a stunning fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. In this destination guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Whittier, from its history to tourist attractions, tips for cruising, costs and expenses, shopping, and more.
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History of Whittier
Whittier is a small town with a fascinating history. It was founded during World War II as a military port and was named after the poet John Greenleaf Whittier. The town was only accessible by sea, and in 1943, the US Army built a railroad tunnel through the mountains so supplies and personnel could be transported more easily. In the 1950s, the tunnel was opened to the public, and Whittier became a popular tourist destination.
Cruise Lines Departing from Whittier
Whittier is a popular departure port for Alaska cruises, and several cruise lines operate from here. Here are some of the cruise lines that depart from Whittier:
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, and it offers several Alaskan itineraries that depart from Whittier. The most popular one is the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers, which takes you to Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its Freestyle Cruising, which means you can dine whenever and wherever you want. Norwegian offers several Alaskan itineraries that depart from Whittier, including the seven-day Sawyer Glacier Cruise, which takes you to Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun and affordable cruises, and it offers a seven-day Alaska cruise that departs from Whittier. The itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is a premium cruise line that offers several Alaskan itineraries that depart from Whittier. The most popular one is the seven-day Glacier Discovery Cruise, which takes you to Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers a unique Alaskan itinerary that departs from Whittier. The 11-day voyage takes you to Sitka, Ketchikan, Wrangell, and Vancouver, and includes scenic cruising in Misty Fjords National Monument.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line that offers an 11-day Alaskan itinerary that departs from Whittier. The itinerary includes stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway, and includes scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is known for its modern luxury and innovative dining experiences, and it offers a seven-day Alaskan itinerary that departs from Whittier. The itinerary includes stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier.
Tourist Attractions in Whittier
Whittier may be a small town, but it has plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy before or after your cruise. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Whittier:
Prince William Sound Museum
The Prince William Sound Museum is a small but informative museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. You’ll learn about the Native Alaskans, the gold rush, the military history, and the fishing industry.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a unique tunnel that’s shared by cars and trains. It’s the longest highway tunnel in North America, and it’s a fun experience to drive through it. The tunnel is only open to cars and trains at certain times, so check the schedule before you go.
Begich Towers
The Begich Towers is a unique housing complex that was built for the military in the 1950s. Today, it’s a residential building that’s also home to a school, a post office, a clinic, and a grocery store. You can take a tour of the building and learn about its history.
Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier is a stunning glacier that’s located about 30 minutes from Whittier. You can take a cruise or a kayak tour to get up close to the glacier, or you can hike to the overlook for a panoramic view.
Blackstone Glacier
Blackstone Glacier is another stunning glacier that’s located in the Blackstone Bay, about 30 minutes from Whittier. You can take a cruise or a kayak tour to get up close to the glacier, or you can hike to the overlook for a panoramic view.
Buckner Building
The Buckner Building is a massive abandoned building that was once a military facility. It’s located just outside of Whittier, and it’s a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers. You can’t enter the building, but you can take photos from outside.
Whittier Harbor
Whittier Harbor is the hub of the town, and it’s a great place to watch the boats come and go. You can also take a fishing charter or a wildlife tour from the harbor.
Passage Canal
Passage Canal is a stunning fjord that’s located just outside of Whittier. You can take a wildlife tour to see sea otters, whales, and eagles, or you can take a kayak tour to explore the fjord on your own.
Tips for Cruising from Whittier
If you’re cruising from Whittier, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Things to do Pre-Cruise
Whittier is a small town, so there’s not a lot to do here. However, you can take a day trip to Anchorage, which is about an hour and a half away. Anchorage has plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.
Eateries and Restaurants
If you’re looking for a bite to eat in Whittier, there are a few options. The Anchor Inn is a popular spot for seafood, and it offers stunning views of the harbor. The Inn at Whittier has a restaurant that serves Alaskan cuisine, including salmon and halibut.
Best Time to Visit Whittier
The best time to visit Whittier is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild, and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds.
Things to do Near the Port
If you have some time before or after your cruise, there are plenty of things to do near the port. You can take a cruise or a kayak tour to see the glaciers and wildlife, or you can visit the Portage Glacier for a stunning view. You can also take a hike to the Buckner Building or the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
Shore Excursions
Most cruise lines offer shore excursions in Whittier, including wildlife tours, glacier cruises, and cultural tours. These excursions can be expensive, but they’re a great way to see the best of the region.
Transportation
Whittier is a small town, and most everything is within walking distance. However, if you need to get around, there are taxis and shuttle buses available.
Costs and Expenses
Cruising from Whittier can be expensive, especially if you’re flying to Alaska from another state. However, there are ways to save money on your trip. Book your cruise early to get the best deal, and look for promotions and discounts. You can also save money by booking shore excursions independently, rather than through the cruise line.
Shopping in Whittier
Whittier is a small town, and there aren’t many shopping options here. However, you can find some souvenir shops and art galleries near the harbor. If you’re looking for more shopping options, you can take a day trip to Anchorage.
What Makes Whittier, Alaska Departure Port a Great Starting Point for Cruises?
The Whittier, Alaska departure port is a great starting point for cruises due to its convenient location and stunning scenic views. From here, travelers can easily access popular cruise destinations like Juneau, Alaska departure port, and explore the natural beauty and unique culture of the region.
Conclusion
Whittier, Alaska may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer for anyone planning an Alaska cruise. From its fascinating history to its stunning scenery and wildlife, Whittier is a great destination for any Alaska vacation. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it here.
