Whittier cruise port guide

USA · Ships call at Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is a start and end port for Gulf of Alaska cruises. The only road in runs through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which runs one way at a time on a schedule and closes overnight. Anchorage’s airport is about 60 miles and 90 minutes away by road, including the tunnel.

Getting to the ship in Whittier

Ships leave from Whittier cruise dock, Whittier, Alaska, reached only through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. (Source: Holland America Line)

Airports

ANC · Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
About 60 miles to the port, 90 minutes by car. (Source: Holland America Line)

Rideshare, taxi and transit

The tunnel runs one direction at a time on a fixed schedule and is closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., so time any drive around it. (Source: Holland America Line)

Parking

Prices and drive times were checked in October 2026 and change. Allow extra time on busy sailing days.

What cruisers do in Whittier

What cruisers do the day before boarding or after getting off, collected in October 2026. Each item links to where it came from.

26 Glacier Cruise
A day cruise in Prince William Sound past more than two dozen glaciers.
Book ahead
Source: Alaska.org
Portage Pass trail
A short, steep hike from the tunnel area to a view of Portage Glacier.
On your own
Source: Alaska.org
Prince William Sound Museum
A small museum on Whittier’s wartime history.
On your ownWorks on a rainy day
Source: Alaska.org

Tours you can book

Picked from Viator by reviews and how well each tour fits a port day. Affiliate links — these help keep our site free by earning us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Tours via Viator. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Booking through our links keeps this site free at no cost to you.