Whittier Cruise Port Guide
Why Visit Whittier on a Cruise?
Experience the extraordinary charm of Whittier, a remote town nestled in Prince William Sound, where most of the population lives in a single building and a 2.5-mile tunnel is the only way in or out by land.
Whittier offers a truly unique and isolated atmosphere, unlike any other port in the world. Its remote location at the northern tip of Prince William Sound gives it a quiet, secluded feel, while its fascinating history as a secret military outpost has led to an unconventional way of life. The town is famous for the Begich Towers, a single building that houses the majority of its population and includes many essential services. This creates a quirky, tight-knit community feel that is immediately captivating and makes the town a destination in itself.
The cultural significance of Whittier is rooted in its fascinating Cold War past. The town was a top-secret port and military installation during World War II, built to be a strategic, year-round, ice-free port. This military history is still visible in the town's architecture, particularly the two large buildings, one of which is the Begich Towers. The town's unique living situation, combined with the extreme Alaskan weather, has fostered a tough and resilient culture. Its connection to the nearby Chugach National Forest also provides a strong link to the natural environment and a tradition of outdoor adventure.
The local cuisine in Whittier is a testament to its location on the rich waters of Prince William Sound. Fresh, wild-caught seafood is the star of the menu, with many local eateries offering delicious dishes made from the day's catch. You can find everything from succulent seafood chowders to fresh salmon and halibut. The small town's dining scene is casual and welcoming, with many restaurants providing a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the surrounding wilderness.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit is the immediate and direct access to the breathtaking scenery of Prince William Sound. From the cruise dock, you can board a day cruise that will take you through the pristine waters to see tidewater glaciers calving and observe a vast array of marine wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and bald eagles.
Whittier has a subpolar oceanic climate and is one of the wettest places in North America. It is characterised by cool summers with average high temperatures of 14°C and cold, wet winters with average lows of -2°C. The town receives a high amount of both rain and snow annually, with consistent cloud and fog cover.
| Time zone | Alaska Daylight Time (GMT-8) |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Map |
Cruises visiting Whittier
We've found 9 cruises visiting Whittier.
Discover upcoming cruises that include Whittier on their itinerary, with options from leading cruise lines and departure ports worldwide.
Search & Compare PricesCruises to Whittier
Average Cruise Price to Whittier
View cruise prices to Whittier sourced from real-time travel agent pricing.
The table below shows average cruise prices to Whittier, broken down by cruise length and cabin type. Based on live pricing data from cruise travel agents, this information provides a reliable and up-to-date view of typical fares to help you plan your cruise with confidence.
| Inside | Outside | Balcony | Suite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 Nights | ||||
| - | - | - | - | |
| 6-10 Nights | ||||
| £867 | £1,091 | £2,360 | £2,896 | |
| 11-16 Nights | ||||
| £1,868 | £2,223 | £1,562 | £3,579 | |
| 17-30 Nights | ||||
| - | - | - | - | |
| 31+ Nights | ||||
| - | - | - | - | |
How to Cruise to Whittier
Find out where cruises to Whittier usually begin.
The information below provides an overview of where cruises to Whittier typically begin, helping you identify the most suitable embarkation point.
Departure ports are based on live itinerary data from multiple cruise lines and may vary depending on the season and current cruise schedules.
Vancouver, Canada
61 SailingsCruises from Vancouver to Whittier
Fairbanks, United States
27 SailingsCruises from Fairbanks to Whittier
Anchorage, United States
9 SailingsCruises from Anchorage to Whittier
Cruise Lines that Sail to Whittier
Discover which cruise lines include Whittier in their itineraries.
The list below is based on current sailing schedules and provides an accurate overview of which cruise operators currently visit Whittier.
Cruises sailing to Whittier on Holland America Line
Cruising with Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers premium cruises with a focus on elegant experiences, enriching destinations, and refined onboard amenities, ideal for couples and mature travelers.
At a Glance
| Cost | High |
| Style | Traditional, Educational, Couples |
What to Expect
A Holland America Line cruise offers a refined and traditional cruising experience, designed primarily for mature travelers, couples, and solo cruisers who appreciate comfort, culture, and classic service. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and elegant, appealing to guests who prefer sophisticated surroundings over flashy entertainment. While families with children are welcome, the cruise line's core audience tends to be adults aged 50 and over, many of whom are seasoned cruisers looking for a quieter, more immersive holiday.
Onboard a Holland America ship, guests can expect a wide range of enrichment-focused activities. From BBC Earth programming and cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Arts Center to classical music performances at the Lincoln Center Stage and engaging lectures about destinations, the emphasis is on learning and culture. Dining is a highlight, with multi-course meals in the main dining room, specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind, and regionally inspired menus that reflect the ship's itinerary. The décor is timeless, with art collections, spacious staterooms, and attentive service that adds to the premium experience.
Holland America cruises travel to all corners of the globe, with particularly strong offerings in Alaska, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and longer Grand World Voyages. Their mid-sized ships are large enough to offer a variety of amenities but small enough to access ports that larger vessels cannot reach. Whether exploring the glaciers of Alaska, the fjords of Norway, or the temples of Asia, guests enjoy immersive shore excursions curated to connect them deeply with each destination. A Holland America cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, culture, and discovery.
Cruises sailing to Whittier on Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, state-of-the-art ships, award-winning entertainment, and their gourmet dining options.
At a Glance
| Cost | Low/Medium |
| Style | Couples, Family, Party |
What to Expect
A Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cruise offers a relaxed and flexible vacation experience. With its 'Freestyle Cruising' concept, you have the freedom to dine where and when you want, without assigned seating or formal dress codes. Indulge in a variety of dining options, from casual buffets to gourmet restaurants.
Enjoy a range of entertainment, from live music and comedy shows to Broadway-style productions. Stay active with fitness facilities, sports courts, and outdoor pools.
For families, Norwegian Cruise Lines massive ships offer thrilling attractions like multi-story water slides, ropes courses, and go-kart tracks. Adults can indulge in pampering spa treatments, sip cocktails poolside, or try their luck at the casino.
Tourist Attractions in Whittier
Explore the best tourist attractions in Whittier.
Cruise visitors will find plenty to enjoy in Whittier. Here are the top attractions near the cruise port to help plan your visit.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Known as North America's longest combined vehicle and railroad tunnel, this 2.5-mile engineering feat is the only land-based access to Whittier. It is a one-way tunnel with a schedule that alternates between vehicle and train traffic, making the journey an adventure in itself.
Begich Towers
An iconic 14-story building that is a condominium complex for the majority of Whittier's population. It contains a post office, a convenience store, and other services, creating a self-contained community under one roof.
Prince William Sound Day Cruises
Several companies offer day cruises departing directly from the Whittier harbor. These tours take visitors into Prince William Sound to view magnificent tidewater glaciers, towering waterfalls, and abundant marine wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and whales.
Whittier Museum
A small local museum located inside the Anchor Inn. It provides a fascinating look into the town's unique history as a strategic military port during World War II, with exhibits on its military past, the tunnel, and its residents.
Shore Excursions in Whittier
Enhance your visit to Whittier with a range of shore excursions designed to suit every type of traveller.
To explore the full selection of tours and activities available, visit our partner Viator and find the perfect excursion for your time ashore in Whittier.
Shore ExcursionsView shore excursions to Whittier
