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Princess & Holland America from Whittier, 2027
Cruising Princess or Holland America from Whittier in 2027?
The Anchorage-to-Whittier Day, Explained
Princess's Voyage of the Glaciers and Holland America's Glacier Discovery itineraries run one-way between Vancouver and Whittier — which the cruise lines call 'Anchorage.' In 2027, Holland America sails Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam here, and Princess sails Discovery Princess. Whittier is 60 miles from Anchorage through a one-lane tunnel that changes direction every half hour. Both lines dock at Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 on West Camp Road — not the newer terminal across the harbor that burned in September 2026. Here's the timing, the options, and the day we'd build.
Princess and Holland America 2027 Whittier dates
We're adding the published 2027 Whittier turnaround dates for Princess and Holland America here. Until the table is filled, confirm your sailing date in your cruise line's documents.
Schedule from the published 2027 cruise line schedules, last checked 2026-10-24. Ships change schedules — confirm your sailing with your cruise line.
| Date | Ship | Cruise line | Arrives | Departs | Dock | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule not yet supplied | ||||||
The tunnel and your sailing
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is 2.5 miles long, one lane wide, and shared with the train. Traffic runs one direction at a time, in 15-minute openings every half hour; trains have priority and can delay an opening.
| Season | Hours | Toward Whittier | Toward Anchorage (Bear Valley) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1–September 30 | 5:30 a.m.–11:15 p.m. | Half hour (:30) | Hour (:00) |
| October 1–April 30 | 7 a.m.–10:45 p.m. | Half hour (:30) | Hour (:00) |
Your ship's all-aboard time is in your cruise documents. Working backward from it is our job: our tour times the Conservation Center stop and the tunnel opening so you don't have to do the arithmetic.
Your options from Anchorage
| Option | Time | 2027 price | Who's responsible if late |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princess or Holland America transfer | Published by your cruise line | Check your cruise documents | The cruise line |
| Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery | Summer service; confirm your date's timetable | Check current railroad fares | You |
| Welcome Anchorage transfer tour | 6 hours, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | From $217 per person | You — we guarantee arrival at least three hours before departure, but the risk is yours |
| Welcome Anchorage private transfer | Arrange timing when booking | From $767 per party | You |
The full comparison — cruise line bus vs. train vs. independent transfer ↗
The day we'd build
Our Anchorage to Whittier transfer tour picks you up at your Anchorage hotel, the airport or your chosen location at 9 a.m. and reaches your cruise terminal by 3 p.m. — at least three hours before your ship's departure, guaranteed. Along the way: Turnagain Arm and Beluga Point, the 250-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (entrance included), Portage Valley and the self-guided Byron Glacier walk, an optional lunch in Girdwood, and the tunnel itself. Your luggage rides with you and comes out at the pier. From $217 per person, never more than 11 guests.
Getting off the ship in Whittier
Our Whittier to Anchorage tour picks up at the cruise terminal or your Whittier lodging at 9 a.m. and runs about seven hours — Portage Valley, the Wildlife Conservation Center, Girdwood and Alyeska, and Potter Marsh — ending around 4 p.m. at your Anchorage lodging or the airport. Lunch in Girdwood is optional and paid separately, and your luggage travels with you the whole way.
The tour's end time is not your flight departure time. Tell us your flight details before booking an airport drop-off, and consider the private option if your connection is tight.
Princess and Holland America cruisetours
Both lines sell cruisetours that bundle the land portion with the sailing. If you booked one, your transfer between Anchorage and Whittier is probably already included — check your documents before booking anything else. And if your flight lands the day you sail, the cruise line's own transfer is the safer choice, because the ship is responsible for you on their vehicle.
Questions Princess and Holland America passengers ask me
Which Whittier dock does Princess use?
Princess ships use Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1 on West Camp Road — not the newer terminal across the harbor that was damaged by fire in September 2026. Confirm your dock in Princess's joining instructions before you travel.
Does Holland America use the same dock?
Yes — Holland America's Whittier ships also use Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal 1. Confirm with Holland America before your sailing, as dock assignments can change.
What if the tunnel is running late?
We plan around the posted tunnel schedule and arrive at the portal early. Trains have priority and can delay an opening, and we build that into the day — it's one reason the tour leaves Anchorage at 9 a.m. for an afternoon arrival.
Can we see the Wildlife Conservation Center and still make an afternoon sailing?
Yes. The Wildlife Conservation Center is a stop on the Anchorage to Whittier tour, entrance included, and we guarantee arrival at your ship at least three hours before departure.
Does the WELCOME2027 code apply?
Yes, through January 31, 2027, per the terms on the booking page.
