Overview Whittier is a tiny, remote city in the US state of Alaska, located on the west side of the amazing Prince William Sound. Whittier is actually located about 65 miles southeast of Anchorage, at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Until recently, the few residents of Whittier enjoyed a fairly secluded life, as Whittier was inaccessible by road up until 2000.
Most cruisers fly into Anchorage to take a cruise leaving from Whittier, as there is no major airport in Whittier. Likewise, cruisers taking a cruise that ends in Whittier usually fly out of Anchorage to get home. It's about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Anchorage's airport to Whittier.
Because there's not a lot to do for tourists in Whittier many cruisers stay in Anchorage if they'd like to do a land package stay in Alaska before and/or after a cruise involving Whittier as a embarkation or debarkation port. Other cruisers that want to do a land package will book a cruisetour with the cruise line, combining a cruise with a land package.
The vast majority of cruises leaving from Whittier are Southbound Alaska cruises, while many Northbound Alaska cruises end in Whittier. On a rare occasion, a longer cruise will be available to cross the Pacific Ocean to Asia.
Currency The official currency of the United States is the dollar.
Language The official language is English.
Tourist Attractions Whittier is considered by many to be the gateway to the Prince William Sound. The sound features 3,000 miles of shoreline and is a spectacular waterway, featuring an archipelago of glaciers and a vast array of marine wildlife.
Other than its wildlife, there's not too much to see in Whittier for tourists (other than some sport fishing). As mentioned above, that's why most cruisers stay in Anchorage if they're looking to do a pre- and/or post-hotel stay in the area. Another popular option is to book a cruisetour, whereby you combine a cruise with a land package that takes you more inland (north) to one of the national parks and/or lodges (like Denali). In fact, Whittier is the embarkation/debarkation location of the Denali Express, a nonstop rail service that goes to and from Denali National Park (operated by Princess Tours).
Port Location & Parking Fees The Port of Whittier is located at the mouth of Whittier Creek. It has a new 20,000 square foot passenger terminal and floating dock. It's within walking distance of the town. There is a 1 1/2 hour driving distance between Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Whittier (subject to traffic and driving conditions).
The most recommended form of ground transportation between Anchorage's airport and Whittier is via the cruise line's transfer service, as it is reliable and is usually less expensive than independent transfer services.
Parking Fees (subject to change):
$5 per day. There is also a $12 charge if you need to use the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (the second longest highway tunnel in North America) to get to or from Whittier.
Scenic View of Whittier
Shoup Glacier (from Prince William Sound)
Denali National Park
Whittier Harbor
Denali National Park
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (aka Whittier Tunnel)
