Even experienced cruisers may not have heard of Whittier before. It's one of Alaska's most important ice-free deep-water ports and, as of 2025, home to two major cruise ship docks.
So why might you have missed Whittier? Because most cruise itineraries that begin or end in Whittier list Anchorage, with only a tiny asterisk to denote that it is, indeed, this tiny little port town instead. Have you booked a seven-day, one-way Alaska cruise on Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, or Regent this year? You're going to Whittier.
This presents a logistical challenge if you've made the fantastic decision to plan a land tour that complements your Alaska cruise. Whittier is 58 miles southeast of Anchorage, your primary transportation hub. The good news? There are many cruise transfer options to get you from Anchorage to your cruise ship in Whittier. The bad news? You'll miss out on seeing Alaska's beautiful Kenai Peninsula, the popular destination of Seward, and Kenai Fjords National Park without a time-consuming and budget-stretching backtrack through Anchorage.
Until now!
Your Whittier Cruise Transfer Solution
With the addition of the second cruise dock and both Norwegian and Regent planning to use Whittier for turns, this year the Park Connection Motorcoach added a new Whittier-Seward Cruise Connection route. This service runs roundtrip between Whittier and Seward on Saturdays, Sundays, and every other Monday from May 17 to September 14, 2025. The schedule serves select Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, and Regent Seven Seas turn days in Whittier.
This enables you to travel directly between Whittier and Seward without backtracking to Anchorage. Both efficient and affordable, it's the best way to kick off or complete your land package.
Some Sample Land Tour Itineraries
Consider these itineraries just a starting point. Plan with us and everything you see is customizable to your interests, budget, and timeline. Add a rental car and go off the beaten path, fit many memorable experiences in fewer days, swing by Fairbanks. Let us know!
Grand Parks Pre-Cruise Land Tour - Starts in Anchorage. Visit Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park over six days and five nights.
Alaska Post-Cruise Highlights - Starts in Whittier. Visit Seward then travel to Denali National Park over five days and four nights.
So Who is the Whittier-Seward Transfer Perfect For?
Not sure if you need it? One last nudge:
- Train Enthusiasts - The Alaska Railroad's especially beautiful Coastal Classic route runs between Anchorage and Seward and well over half of that route winds through landscapes you'll only see by train.
- National Park Stamp Collectors - Ice fields, tidewater glaciers, and temperate rainforest. You can't miss Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Marine Wildlife Watchers - Resurrection Bay is home to migrating humpbacks, both transient and resident orcas, porpoises, otters, seals, and a beautiful variety of seabirds. There's a good chance you'll see more marine wildlife on a day cruise out of Seward than on your entire seven-day Alaska cruise.
How to Book/Plan
- Train & Bus Express Checkout - Book tickets online
- Alaska Trip Finder - Search for more itineraries
- Contact Us - Skip all that and give us a shout!
More Like This: How to Get From Anchorage to Your Cruise Ship
At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, give us a call at 800-208-0200.
Posted in: Getting Around