Destination Guide: Whittier, Alaska
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Details
Gateway to Prince William Sound
Tiny in size but massive in scenery, Whittier is one of Alaska’s most fascinating hidden gems and the gateway to the breathtaking beauty of Prince William Sound.
Surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, glacier-filled waters, and untouched coastal wilderness, this quiet harbour town feels remote, cinematic, and uniquely Alaskan from the moment you arrive.
A Journey Through the Mountain
One of Whittier’s most unforgettable experiences begins before you even reach town.
Travel through the remarkable Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel — the longest combined highway and railway tunnel in North America — carved directly through the mountains of the Chugach Range. Emerging from the tunnel feels like discovering a hidden world tucked deep within Alaska’s wilderness.
What Makes Whittier So Special
❄️ Tidewater glaciers and dramatic fjords
🦦 Marine wildlife including sea otters, whales, seals, and seabirds
🏔️ Towering mountain scenery and waterfalls
🚢 A unique gateway to Prince William Sound
📸 Incredible glacier and coastal photography opportunities
With just over 200 year-round residents, Whittier offers a quiet atmosphere and raw natural beauty that feels worlds away from everyday life.
A Town with a Fascinating Past
Originally developed during World War II as a strategic military port, Whittier still carries traces of its frontier and wartime history. Today, the town thrives through fishing, shipping, tourism, and its important role as an Alaska cruise gateway.
Style 4U Insider Tip
Keep your camera close during the drive into Whittier — the scenery through the mountains and along Prince William Sound is absolutely breathtaking and often becomes one of the most unexpected highlights of the journey.
Styled Escape Perspective
Whittier feels like stepping into another world.
Towering peaks rise directly from the sea, glaciers drift quietly through the fjords, and the untouched beauty of Alaska surrounds you in every direction.
From your first glimpse of Prince William Sound to the moment you board Crown Princess, this is where the journey transitions from wilderness exploration to the relaxed elegance of coastal Alaska cruising.
Port Info
Schedule
Start Time
May 15 8:30PM UTC