Whittier Cruise Port

History

Whittier's existence was born of wartime necessity rather than organic settlement. Founded in 1943 during World War II, the site was chosen by the U.S. Army for its deep-water port that remains ice-free year-round and its surrounding peaks that provide natural cloud cover—perfect for a secret military fuel and supply port. The Army carved the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel through Maynard Mountain, a 4-km (2.5-mile) feat of engineering that remains the longest combined vehicle-rail tunnel in North America. Following the war, the military constructed two massive structures: the Buckner Building (completed in 1953) and the Begich Towers. The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the second-most powerful recorded in history, decimated much of the port's original infrastructure with a 13-meter (43-foot) tsunami, yet the core concrete structures held. Today, the 14-story Begich Towers remains the focal point of local life, housing nearly the entire year-round population of approximately 270 residents under one roof. When you look at the towers from the harbor today, you are seeing the literal heart of a community that functions as a single vertical village, a direct legacy of its Cold War military architecture.

The Verdict

Those who make the most of Whittier tend to be the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt to the Alaskan weather. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. Choosing an excursion that guarantees your return to the ship lets you match the day to your mobility and pace without worrying about departure time. No two travelers want the same day in the Sound.

Whittier's culinary identity is defined entirely by the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Prince William Sound. This is the heart of the Copper River Salmon and Halibut country. Unlike Anchorage, where fish is shipped in, here it is landed. You should look for 'Spot Prawns'—a local delicacy known for their sweetness, often available in late spring and early summer. The local drink of choice is unsurprisingly Alaskan craft beer, specifically from the Alaskan Brewing Co. or 49th State Brewing. Do not expect farm-to-table vegetables here; almost all produce is shipped through the tunnel at great expense. Locals eat heavily preserved foods like smoked salmon and pickled 'fiddlehead' ferns during the winter. One honest note: tourists often expect 'King Crab' to be cheap because they are in Alaska; in reality, most King Crab is frozen and shipped from the Bering Sea, so it remains expensive even at the source. Stick to the Halibut and Rockfish for the truest 'local' flavor.

Getting back to the ship

To guarantee your return before a typical 6:00 PM all-aboard, you must be back through the tunnel on the 4:30 PM inbound opening at the latest. This gives you a 60-minute buffer for any terminal processing. If you are in Anchorage, depart by 2:30 PM to account for traffic and the potential for tunnel queues. A taxi from the Portage side of the tunnel back to the pier costs roughly $25 (~$28 USD) and takes 15 minutes once through the mountain. Public transit via the Alaska Railroad is exceptionally reliable, but it only runs on a specific daily schedule. If you miss the ship, your only option is to take a shuttle to Anchorage and fly to the next port (typically Hubbard Glacier or Skagway), a process that is both logistically difficult and expensive. Contact the Port Agent at +1 907-472-2327 if you are delayed.

Cultural etiquette

Locals in Whittier are direct, hardworking, and deeply private. Because they live so closely together in the towers, they value their space. A simple nod or a 'good morning' is the standard greeting; effusive American-style small talk can sometimes be met with brevity. When dining, be aware that service may be slower than in the Lower 48; staff are often seasonal and working multiple jobs. Photography of the harbor and mountains is encouraged, but please do not take photos of residents inside the Begich Towers without permission—this is their home, not a tourist attraction. Queueing for the tunnel is a strict local protocol; do not attempt to bypass the line or argue with the tunnel attendants—it is a safety-critical operation. Tipping follows standard U.S. norms (18–22% for restaurants), but for fishing guides, a tip of $50–$100 per person is customary for a full-day charter. A common misunderstanding is that Whittier is a 'ghost town' because it looks industrial; in reality, it is a tight-knit community that takes great pride in their unique isolation.

Practical tips

Whittier is effectively a cash-friendly town, though all major restaurants and gift shops accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller local vendors or the post office may prefer cash. Tipping 20% is expected for good service in the harbor cafes. To earn goodwill, learn the name of the tunnel (The Anton Anderson) and express interest in the history of the 1964 earthquake—it is a core part of the local identity. The most common scam is the 'Airport Transfer' price gouging; always confirm your rate before entering a vehicle if you haven't pre-booked. Pickpockets are virtually non-existent, but wildlife safety is real—do not leave food on benches as it attracts aggressive ravens and the occasional bear. Dress code is 'Alaska Casual' everywhere—jeans, boots, and a waterproof jacket are appropriate for the finest dining in town. The best time to visit the harbor for photography is during the 'blue hour' just after sunset when the lights of the fishing fleet reflect on the still water of Prince William Sound.