Where does my cruise ship dock in Whittier?

Your ship docks directly at the Whittier cruise terminal in United States.

Can I walk from the cruise port into Whittier?

Yes. Whittier is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.

How do I get from the cruise port to Whittier centre?

Typical options include On foot, Local bus, Taxi. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.

How much time do I need in Whittier?

Plan for at least 2 hours ashore to see Whittier independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.

What currency is used in Whittier and are cards accepted?

Whittier uses the US Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.

Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?

Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Whittier cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.

When should I be back at the ship?

Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.

Whittier Cruise Port

Whittier, United States · Alaska

Cruise ships dock at Head of the Bay Cruise Dock, Whittier.

Plan my port days

DIY 6/10

Small, remote turnaround port with a short walk into town and onward tunnel access to Anchorage.

🚢 Docked port0.4 km / 0.2 mi to city centre

⚠️Anton Anderson Tunnel runs on a shared single-lane schedule with the Alaska Railroad — build buffer for any independent Anchorage trip.

Get the full port plan for your entire cruise

At a glance

Walk-off possibleFamily friendlyMobility friendlyTourist info at dockSouvenir shops at dockIndependent tours at dockWheelchair accessible at dockMin. 2h neededAllow 60 min return buffer

Port summary

Whittier is primarily a turnaround port. Most passengers embark or disembark here and transfer to Anchorage via the single-lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. On-day sightseeing is limited to the town itself and Prince William Sound glacier cruises.

Cruise docks

🚢 Head of the Bay Cruise Dock

Primary Whittier cruise berth at the head of Passage Canal. Operated by Princess and used for turnaround calls by most major lines. Walk-off straight into the Harbor Triangle.

📍 Latitude: 60.778754, Longitude: -148.697237

See dock on port map →

🚢 Glacier Creek Terminal - NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line berth, north of the main cruise berth. Occasionally used when the Head of the Bay Dock is in heavy turnaround use.

📍 Latitude: 60.78506, Longitude: -148.713581

See dock on port map →

Getting to Whittier

From the cruise terminal to the city centre

🚶 On footRecommended

⏱ 5 min💶 Free

A small local fleet serves petroglyph and airport runs. Confirm cars by phone ahead for tight windows.

📍 Small taxi stand near the dock when ships are in.

🚌 Local busRecommended

⏱ 150 min💶 $85-$110 (≈ €79–102)

Useful only if you plan to drive to Rainbow Falls or further out. Book in advance as fleet is tiny.

📍 Wrangell rental agencies deliver near the dock by arrangement.

🚕 Taxi

💶 $150+ (≈ €139)

Pier II is a five-minute walk from the Baranov Museum and downtown shops. Flat and well-signposted.

📍 Exit Pier II and walk straight along Shelikof Avenue into downtown.

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Map & things to do

Money & payments

💱 Currency: US Dollar ($)💵 Cash needed: sometimes💳 Cards widely accepted

Cards work for tours and shops; carry small USD cash for tips and quick buys.

Things to do

Begich Towers

Short stop

⭐ Highlight

Massive 14-storey former Army building where nearly every Whittier resident lives

⏱ 20 min💶 Free exterior viewing👨‍👩‍👧 Family♿ Accessible

🕐 Anytime during the day

Whittier Small-Boat Harbor Walk

Short stop

🚶 Walk

Easy flat loop along Whittier's small-boat harbor with glaciers rising behind

⏱ 30 min💶 Free👨‍👩‍👧 Family♿ Accessible

🕐 Morning or early afternoon

Smitty's Cove

Short stop

🏖️ Beach

Small sheltered cove a short walk from the harbor popular with locals for a quiet break

⏱ 45 min💶 Free👨‍👩‍👧 Family

🕐 Clear afternoons

26 Glacier Cruise

🎯 Activity

Five-hour high-speed boat tour across Prince William Sound passing dozens of glaciers

⏱ 300 min💶 From $189 adult (≈ €175)📋 Book ahead👨‍👩‍👧 Family♿ Accessible

🕐 Morning departures for best conditions

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Frequently asked questions

Where does my cruise ship dock in Whittier?: Your ship docks directly at the Whittier cruise terminal in United States.
Can I walk from the cruise port into Whittier?: Yes. Whittier is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
How do I get from the cruise port to Whittier centre?: Typical options include On foot, Local bus, Taxi. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
How much time do I need in Whittier?: Plan for at least 2 hours ashore to see Whittier independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
What currency is used in Whittier and are cards accepted?: Whittier uses the US Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?: Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Whittier cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
When should I be back at the ship?: Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.

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