Things to do in Anchorage
Although your ship departs from Whittier, most guests spend time in Anchorage before boarding — and there’s plenty to see and do. Like the gold that attracted early settlers, the city offers a treasure trove of activities. Dive into Alaska’s rich history at the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center. For a closer connection to nature, walk or bike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, spot wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or explore the dramatic landscapes of Chugach State Park. And, for a truly unique experience, the Portage Glacier Cruise offers an up-close look at one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers. Cruises from Whittier give you the best of both worlds — a laid-back port surrounded by natural beauty, and the chance to explore Alaska’s biggest city before you ever set sail.
Shore excursions to explore in Anchorage
What to know about cruises from Whittier
As one of the primary Gulf of Alaska embarkation ports served by multiple major cruise lines, Whittier is the departure point for Princess's signature Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries — typically one-way 7-night southbound sailings between Whittier and Vancouver. Guests typically fly into Anchorage — about 60 miles north of Whittier — then transfer by rail or motorcoach through glacier-carved valleys and the historic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to reach the port. Fun fact: It's the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America. It’s the unofficial start to your Alaska adventure, where even the journey to the port feels like an integral part of the story.
Kick off your Alaska odyssey in style
Set sail from Whittier and cruise past the towering face of Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park, where snow-draped mountains meet untamed wilderness in a backdrop as big, wild and lively as the spirit of Alaska itself.
Meet Alaska’s most iconic resident: a grizzly bear.
Eklutna Lake stuns with mirror-like stillness and glacier-fed blues.
A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.
Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.
Discover our ships
Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards.
No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.
Cruises from Whittier FAQs
*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.
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The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.
