What to Expect
The cruise terminal is at Whittier Harbor, in a town of roughly 200 year-round residents who live in a single high-rise building (Begich Towers). The surrounding wilderness — Prince William Sound, Passage Canal, and the Chugach peaks — frames the harbor. Two routes connect Whittier to Anchorage (60 miles north): the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train (2.5 hours, $100–130 round trip) threads through Portage Valley with views of Spencer Glacier; the bus is faster (90 minutes, $40–60). The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — moose, bison, brown bears, lynx in large natural enclosures — is 25 miles from Whittier on the Seward Highway, a logical stop for passengers traveling by road. Portage Glacier is 15 miles north on the same highway; boat tours reach the calving face in about 40 minutes.
Getting Around
Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery: Whittier to Anchorage, 2.5 hours, reserve in advance ($65–130 one way). Bus from Whittier to Anchorage: 90 minutes, $40–60 one way. Portage Glacier: 15 minutes by car/taxi north of Whittier; the Begich Boggs Visitor Center (free) overlooks the glacier — boat tours to the face of the glacier operate June–September ($40/person). Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: 40 minutes toward Anchorage on the Seward Highway; entry $20 for a drive-through wildlife park with bison, bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. Taxis from Whittier pier: limited options, prebook.
Kenai Fjords and Anchorage
Kenai Fjords National Park is accessible by boat tour from Seward (60 miles south of Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad). Major Kenai Fjords boat tours run 8–11 hours and include glacier viewing, sea otters, orcas, humpback whales, and Steller sea lions. Only practical if your ship has an overnight stay or a very long port day. Anchorage: the Alaska Native Heritage Center ($24) is the city's most substantive cultural institution. The Chugach State Park trail system begins at the eastern edge of the city. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (11 miles, paved) has mountain and inlet views; bike rental available in the city.
Tipping and Currency
US Dollars (USD). Alaska is a US state; tipping conventions are identical to the mainland: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants. Alaska fishing guides and wildlife tour operators expect 15–20% if the experience is good. Cards accepted in Anchorage; Whittier and small Alaska towns are more cash-dependent. ATMs in Anchorage; limited in Whittier.