Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Anchorage?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a cruise to Anchorage, Alaska? One of the most important aspects of your trip will be knowing where your cruise ship will dock.

Anchorage has multiple ports that cater to different types and sizes of ships. Let’s take a closer look at the various docking options available in Anchorage.

Port of Anchorage

The Port of Anchorage is one of the most popular docking locations for cruise ships. Located in downtown Anchorage, this port is operated by the Municipality of Anchorage and offers easy access to many local attractions such as museums, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Facilities and Services

The port features two berths with a depth of 40 feet, which can accommodate large ships up to 963 feet long. The facilities include passenger terminals, baggage handling services, parking lots, restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, there are various tour operators who provide shuttle services from the port to popular tourist destinations.

Things to Do Nearby

If your ship docks at the Port of Anchorage, there are plenty of things to do nearby. You can visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or explore the Alaska Aviation Museum. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can go hiking or biking on nearby trails or take a scenic drive down Seward Highway.

Whittier Cruise Terminal

Another popular docking location for cruise ships in Anchorage is Whittier Cruise Terminal. This port is located about 60 miles southeast of downtown Anchorage and offers stunning views of glaciers and mountains.

Whittier Cruise Terminal has one berth that can accommodate large ships up to 965 feet long. The facilities include passenger terminals with check-in counters, baggage handling services, parking lots, restrooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Whittier is a small town, but there are still plenty of things to see and do. You can take a cruise to see glaciers up close or go fishing for salmon and halibut. There are also several hiking trails nearby, including the Portage Pass Trail, which offers stunning views of Portage Glacier.

  • Tip: If your ship docks at Whittier Cruise Terminal, plan ahead for transportation to Anchorage as there are limited options available.

Seward Cruise Terminal

Seward Cruise Terminal is located about 125 miles south of Anchorage and is one of the larger ports in Alaska.

The port has two berths with a depth of 35 feet, which can accommodate large ships up to 965 feet long.

Seward offers many attractions such as the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can see marine animals up close. You can also take a scenic train ride through the mountains or go kayaking in Resurrection Bay.

  • Tip: If you’re planning to visit Anchorage after your cruise ends in Seward, consider taking the Park Connection Motorcoach for transportation.

In conclusion, knowing where your cruise ship will dock in Anchorage is an important aspect of planning your trip. Whether you’re looking for a bustling downtown location or a scenic getaway with outdoor activities, Anchorage has something for everyone. Plan ahead and make the most out of your Alaskan adventure!