A Princess cruise ship docks at Whittier, Alaska, surrounded by deep blue water and forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Whittier, Alaska

Cruises from Whittier

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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.

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  • Green northern lights illuminate a dark winter landscape with snow-covered mountains and a partially frozen stream.

    The aurora borealis paints the night sky green above a snow-covered mountain valley.

  • Black whale tail emerging from calm blue water with forested mountains and snowy peaks in the background.

    A humpback whale's tail fluke breaks the surface against a backdrop of snow-capped Alaskan mountains.

  • Vibrant purple wildflowers in foreground with a serene lake and snow-capped mountains under blue sky.

    Purple fireweed blooms along the shoreline of an Alaskan lake surrounded by glacier-topped mountains.

  • Bright orange seaplane taking off from Lake Hood in Anchorage, Alaska.

    Lift off from Lake Hood in a classic seaplane.

  • Detailed view of Portage Glacier’s ice wall showing jagged blue layers streaked with black sediment and rock.

    Layers of time etched in ice: get up close to Portage Glacier’s textured face.

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Shore excursions to explore in Anchorage

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  • Sunlit view overlooking Portage Valley in Alaska, with a small alpine pond in the foreground, golden fall foliage, and snow-covered glaciers nestled between rugged mountain peaks.

    Chugach Photo Adventure – Roundtrip

    Start your cruise with some serious camera time. This guided photo tour winds through rainforests, mountains and the coastal beauty of Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley. With expert guidance and time to explore natural highlights like waterfalls, rainforests and mountains, it’s a creative and memorable way to kick off your cruise.

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  • Aerial view of downtown Anchorage, Alaska on a clear summer day, showing modern buildings, green residential neighborhoods, and the blue waters of Cook Inlet in the background.

    Anchorage City Highlights & Museum

    If you're spending time in Anchorage before heading to Whittier, this tour is a smart way to dive into local culture. Visit the Anchorage Museum to explore Alaska’s history, including rare Alaska Native artifacts, then tour city landmarks and enjoy time downtown before your cruise begins.

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  • Two caribou with large, tangled antlers engaged in a head-to-head clash on a grassy field at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

    Turnagain Arm, Wildlife Conservation Center & Tram with Airport Transfer

    Begin your trip with a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, followed by a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued animals roam natural enclosures. Then head skyward on the Mt. Alyeska Tram for panoramic views of forested valleys and glacier-fed peaks — a great first look at the kind landscapes you'll soon be seeing from the ship.

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  • Massive blue and white ice formations of Portage Glacier rising above the water, with deep crevasses and dark striations visible in the frozen surface.

    Portage Glacier Cruise Tour

    Ready to feel small and insignificant (in a good way)? Cruise across Portage Lake right up to the massive and ancient Portage Glacier. Feel the brisk air and marvel at the sheer size of this pre-historic ice. It’s an intimate way to experience one of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders.

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  • Whittier Glacier Tour

    26 Glacier Cruise & Anchorage Transfer

    Hop aboard a catamaran and travel 140 miles into Prince William Sound to see 26 "named" glaciers, as well as an abundance of wildlife - both on shore and below the water on this 5.25-hour cruise. A hot meal is included as well as a no-seasickness guarantee and a transfer to select Anchorage hotels and the airport.

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What to know about cruises from Whittier

Whittier is a gateway to the Gulf of Alaska and a favorite departure point for southbound and cross-gulf itineraries. Guests typically fly into Anchorage, then enjoy a scenic 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.

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7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound)

Vancouver, Canada to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska

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14-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

Roundtrip from Vancouver, Canada

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14-Day Alaska & North Pacific Crossing

Seattle, Washington to Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

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Kick off your Alaska odyssey in style

Set sail from Whittier, where snow-draped mountains meet untamed wilderness, creating a backdrop that’s as big, wild and lively as the spirit of Alaska itself.

 

Cruises to Whittier
Close-up side profile of a grizzly bear.

Meet Alaska’s most iconic resident: a grizzly bear.

Aerial view of Eklutna Lake in Alaska, surrounded by forested valleys and snow-covered mountain ranges.

Eklutna Lake stuns with mirror-like stillness and glacier-fed blues.

Ships that cruise from Whittier

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best MedallionClass®-enabled cruises from Whittier. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board all of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

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Coral Princess

Coral Princess®

Perfectly designed for intimate voyages, including scenic glacier views and unique itineraries. With over 700 balcony staterooms, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect view — or a quiet place to sip your morning coffee and just take it all in.

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Island Princess

Island Princess®

Built for exploration, with more balcony staterooms for incredible glacier and coastline views. Whether you're chasing adventure or just the perfect photo, this ship delivers, with gourmet dining and a cozy, welcoming vibe.

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Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess®

A state-of-the-art ship with breathtaking views and top-tier luxury at sea. Relax in the Sanctuary, indulge in creative dining at The Catch by Rudi or enjoy 270-degree panoramas from the exclusive Sky Suites.

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Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

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  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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