Departure port - Wittier, fly in the day before? Where to stay?

Hello guys,

I booked a cruise on Princess leaving Wittier to Vancouver. Should we fly in the night before and stay overnight in Anchorage? What did you do? If you did fly the night before, anything to see in Anchorage in the AM? Which train to take to Wittier? What time?

Any details will be appreciated.

If you have not purchased air through the cruise, I highly recommend flying into Anchorage the night before. You never know what delays may occur with the flights. If you booked air through the cruise, then you are guaranteed to be connected up with the ship if there is a delay. It's better to be safe than sorry.

As far as where in Anchorage, that depends upon your planned arrival time and what transportation you may have available. In the past we have stayed close to the airport to leverage hotel shuttles to and from the airport. Often that does not leave many options for site seeing or for meals.

You mention the railroad. Are you booked with a transfer through the cruise line? If you are doing this on your own, check the Alaska Railroad for travel times. If you are taking the Alaska Railroad, the Comfort Suites Ship Creek is within 2 blocks of the station. The Ulu knife factory is next door to the hotel.

There are bus transportation options from the airport and many of the hotels. Check the internet for those. Expect a 2-hour drive from Anchorage to Whittier.

Thank you @ppekcham for your reply. No , we are booking on our own and I am trying to utilize our miles for the flights. I ahve AA miles and supposedly can book Alaskan Air, but not sure how to do it practically. The only flight AA gives me are AA flights, not Alaska. SO have to figure it out first.

Fly in to ANC will most likly be around 7-8pm their time, so have about the whole day in ANC. Have not booked transfers either, will look into hotels.

Yes, I would not consider flying in on the day of.

Fly in the day before.

Cruisers have to transfer from Anchorage to Whittier, and this really is the only reasonable option.

As far as where to stay... there are so many options.

Is budget a big factor?

This might also depend on whether or not one wants to be right in Anchorage near the water-front, or whether the biggest thing is a nice overnight hotel.

I had mentioned that we are booked at the Embassy Suites. They are not right there in the downtown waterfront area, like the Captain Cook and other hotels.

Our priority is a nice clean newer hotel, convenience, etc....

For us, our destination is Whittier and the Princess Cruise Ship.

There is only one train that I know of.

We will be at the train station at about 9:00a.m. for a 9:45 departure to Whittier.

It is a scenic train ride. It goes thru the tunnel that is closed to cars for when the train is scheduled to come thru.

It arrives at Whittier at about noon.

I am assuming that you can board the ship when you arrive. Even though the ship does not depart until later in the evening.

The Embassy Suites has just been completely and totally renovated.

All new rooms.

Includes the best full, hot, breakfast of almost any hotel chain.

Indoor pool.

Airport transfer shuttle bus.

And shuttle to the area of the Train Station. A visitor area about two blocks away.

I hear rumors that with a nice smile and maybe a tip, the bus driver will take you up to the Train Station itself.

I would go to tourist forums, and hotel booking websites, and put in 'Anchorage' and look at which top hotels show up. Look at the hotels location, photos, reviews, etc....

Have you tried going to the Alaska Airlines web-site and seeing if it allows you to put in your AA miles?

Alaskan also has the companion fare with their credit card, if that might be an option for you.

Not sure if that would help you much, as cardholders do have to pay the Annual fee right away. No 'free' first year.

I think overnight hotel doesnt really matter, but since there is the whole day ahead, maybe nice area to walk around before you take your train.

How do I find out if the we can board the ship? Which ship are you on? And can you point me to a train website?

Thank you!

Alaska Airlines award flights will show up on the American Airlines web site - if they are available. Make sure the box for "AA + AAdvantage Participating Airlines" is checked. If you are trying to book flights for this summer, your lowest mileage awards might not be available.

As far as when to fly to Anchorage, I'd say as many days in advance of the cruise as you can! I can't imagine flying all that way just to get on a cruise ship.

I think overnight hotel doesnt really matter, but since there is the whole day ahead, maybe nice area to walk around before you take your train.

How do I find out if the we can board the ship? Which ship are you on? And can you point me to a train website?

 

Thank you!

You won't have all day in Anchorage if you take the train to Whittier. There is one train from Anchorage at 9:45 a.m. - arriving in Whitter at 11:35 a.m. (Glacier Discovery Train - https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules). However, you would arrive in Whittier early enough to go on a Prince William Sound glacier cruise - such as Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise (https://www.phillipscruises.com) or Major Marine (https://majormarine.com/tour-areas/prince-william-sound/). If you book a glacier cruise, you can also arrange your transportation to Whittier through the tour companies.

Based upon the time the train leaves, you may want to consider taking a taxi to the Comfort Suites Ship Creek that is 2 blocks from the train station. The hotel is clean. Rooms were good size. And the price included breakfast.

Another option is to take http://www.alaskacruisetransfer.com. Rates are reasonable. Cheaper than the train. You will have more options for hotels

As far as air miles, call AA to ask about flights available. Delta helped me out when we did this a few years ago

I would fly in as many days before your cruise that you can. You can rent a car and explore Southcentral Alaska before the cruise.

On the day of the cruise, the train is a great option, coupled with a Prince William Sound glacier cruise out of Whittier for boarding your ship. Avis has an office in Whittier if you want to do a one-way car rental and drop off there.

Guys, you are awesome! Thank you very much.

What are the chances to get upgraded on board? Probably none, but just asking... We have an obstructed view cabin, all others were soldout except suites which we cannot afford. Or does it really matter if you will get on the deck to look at the glaciers and wild life?

Alaska is in high demand right now.. (folks less likely to want to travel internationally, the Zika virus in tropical locations, etc...)

We are sailing soon, and our ship is totally SOLD OUT.

They must have run some last-minute flash sales, a couple weeks ago, the ship went to SOLD OUT, overnight.

One can get the cheapest rates for OV cabins at this time.

But, there are usually no extra perks offered at all.

Keep your eye on the sailing, and prices, and how many cabins remain available. Expect a number of cabins to become available as Final Payment Date nears. You are not locked in to the cabin you have booked. Keep checking your options and prices.

Are you on the Coral or the Island?

Their Obstructed OV cabins are pretty darned 'obstructed'.

But, any view or daylight at all helps!!!!

(unless you want to sleep when the sun is up at midnight in Alaska!)

We could not spring for a balcony, at all.

We are booked into one of the full OV cabins that were added on Fiesta deck during refit 3-4 years ago.

Very little feedback can be found on these.

The location is a bit, well, different. But very very convenient.

I have heard that any negatives, such as noise, of being near the Casino are Zero to None. Hope this is true.

I am not sure, but I think that most all other OV cabins on these ships are like the pictures shown, with the bed against the far wall... and a small window over the bed.

Our cabin should be like a balcony cabin, with the bed against the side-wall. And a larger window there, instead of a balcony.

Everyone is right. If you want to take the scenic train to Whittier, and board early, or take a pre-cruise boat tour, you will want to be at the train station at 9:00a.m. or very shortly after.

Happy Planning!!! : )

I believe this is the link to the Train.

The Glacier Discovery route will take you from Anchorage to Whittier.

https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/route-map/glacier-discovery

Although I agree with most of the posts, that flying in the day before (or a few days before) is less stressful, we did fly in day of two years ago. We booked the coach from the airport to Whittier through Princess and had to wait around the airport a couple hours before we were able to get on one of the buses but that all went smoothly, beautiful bus ride, quick stop at the passport glacier (? memory is sketchy) for photos and then into Whittier in time to board fairly early.

If funds are tight, as they were for us, these options totally work. :)

You won't have all day in Anchorage if you take the train to Whittier. There is one train from Anchorage at 9:45 a.m. - arriving in Whitter at 11:35 a.m. (Glacier Discovery Train - https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules). However, you would arrive in Whittier early enough to go on a Prince William Sound glacier cruise - such as Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise (https://www.phillipscruises.com) or Major Marine (https://majormarine.com/tour-areas/prince-william-sound/). If you book a glacier cruise, you can also arrange your transportation to Whittier through the tour companies.

Have you taken any of those cruises before boarding ? I see that one comes back at 4:45PM, is this enough time to get on board Princess? And what do we do with the luggage if we are to take this Phillipscruise?

We are booked with amex vacations. How do I check if prices have changed?

We arrive to ANC at 7PM and will stay at Embassy Suites. Do they provide free shuttles from the airport and to the railroad station?

Have you taken any of those cruises before boarding ? I see that one comes back at 4:45PM, is this enough time to get on board Princess? And what do we do with the luggage if we are to take this Phillipscruise?

I have taken a Prince William Sound glacier cruise, but not before a cruise. However, Princess ships don't depart from Whittier until 8:30 p.m., so you have plenty of time to board with a 4:45 tour return. I'm not sure about luggage, but you should be able to drop it off at your ship.

We are booked with amex vacations. How do I check if prices have changed?

 

We arrive to ANC at 7PM and will stay at Embassy Suites. Do they provide free shuttles from the airport and to the railroad station?

Call the Embassy Suites about transportation from the airport and to the train station. The Homewood Suites where we stayed did provide a shuttle to the train station.

We arrive to ANC at 7PM and will stay at Embassy Suites. Do they provide free shuttles from the airport and to the railroad station?

They don't list it on their website: http://www.embassysuitesanchorage.com/en/

I would call the front desk and ask. (907) 332-7000

Interesting... Here is another link to a web-site for this hotel.

http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/alaska/embassy-suites-by-hilton-anchorage-ANCESES/about/amenities.html

We are also booked here in just a few weeks.

It is not stated clearly on the front pages of these web-sites. (as one might expect it would be)

But, does mention local transportation service.

I have always understood that they had van(s) providing airport transfers, as well as transfer to the area of the train station. Many reviews on trip advisor mention this.

One very recent reviewer states:

"The hot breakfast buffet is really good, and their airport shuttle service is very efficient."

Another states:

"... the van driver was a doll! He took us to and from downtown with a smile and good humor."

And there are numerous others...

I will have my husband call to double check when he gets home this afternoon.

Have you taken any of those cruises before boarding ? I see that one comes back at 4:45PM, is this enough time to get on board Princess? And what do we do with the luggage if we are to take this Phillipscruise?

The Southbound Princess Ships do not depart Whittier until later in the evening. So, this should work out fine.

The Railway told us that they will transfer our luggage to the Princess ship. No problem. I believe one just has to make sure it is tagged, and have the porter place your luggage with all the other Princess luggage.

I am not sure if it will be in a hold area waiting for you to check-in? Not sure of specific policy with todays TSA, etc... But, you can have your luggage transferred right to the ship (just walking distance) and then it will be delivered to your cabin.

We are booked with amex vacations. How do I check if prices have changed?

You can pull up your sailing and look at prices on the AMEX vacation web-site... And also right on the Princess web-site.

If you decide to change to a different cabin, or make any other changes, you will need to do this thru AMEX, not Princess. When you use an agency, most everything must be done thru them.

Until final payment date, you can request an adjustment (re-book) for any possible price drops. But, for these Alaska cruises. I don't think that any real price drops are likely. If this happens, it will probably be last minute, new booking, rates that will come out AFTER final payment date.

We booked thru an agency, and when the price came down after final payment, we did try and call them. No price adjustment, but they did manage to find us another $100.00 in onboard credit. That was nice on their part.

We used our AA miles and Alaskan air was one of the airlines

Have you taken any of those cruises before boarding ? I see that one comes back at 4:45PM, is this enough time to get on board Princess? And what do we do with the luggage if we are to take this Phillipscruise?

We typically fly in a day or two before the cruise and stay at the Comfort Inn Ship Creek. It's no frills but comfortable, with full breakfast included. Free shuttle to/from airport and they will even shuttle you to other locations if not too far away (at least as far as downtown). There are "nicer" hotels around the same rate but we enjoy being away from downtown (we get enough of that in Dallas!) and watching people fish in Ship Creek, which is right behind the hotel. There is also a nice, paved walking path. (Also pretty close to train station so you may hear trains throughout the day/night.)

If taking the train, you can check the bags with Princess tags at a counter inside the tent that is outside the train station. You don't have to touch those bags again till you arrive at your stateroom! You'll want to keep your binoculars and cameras with you for the train ride, as you never know what you'll see along that route.

The train departs at 9:45 and arrives in Whittier 11:45 to 12:05, across the street from the ship terminal. Can't recall if ship starts boarding at 12, 12:30 or 1!

On June 29, we're taking the Philips 26 Glacier Cruises, which departs from the same dock where the ship will be moored. Since it departs at 12:30 (not sufficient time to check in at the ship), we will give them our carryon luggage to lock in a secure area (they do this all the time). The cruise returns at 5:30, which will leave lots of time to board the ship, locate your stateroom and familiarize yourself with the layout!

Which departure/ship will you be on?

We typically fly in a day or two before the cruise and stay at the Comfort Inn Ship Creek. It's no frills but comfortable, with full breakfast included. Free shuttle to/from airport and they will even shuttle you to other locations if not too far away (at least as far as downtown). There are "nicer" hotels around the same rate but we enjoy being away from downtown (we get enough of that in Dallas!) and watching people fish in Ship Creek, which is right behind the hotel. There is also a nice, paved walking path. (Also pretty close to train station so you may hear trains throughout the day/night.)

 

If taking the train, you can check the bags with Princess tags at a counter inside the tent that is outside the train station. You don't have to touch those bags again till you arrive at your stateroom! You'll want to keep your binoculars and cameras with you for the train ride, as you never know what you'll see along that route.

 

The train departs at 9:45 and arrives in Whittier 11:45 to 12:05, across the street from the ship terminal. Can't recall if ship starts boarding at 12, 12:30 or 1!

 

On June 29, we're taking the Philips 26 Glacier Cruises, which departs from the same dock where the ship will be moored. Since it departs at 12:30 (not sufficient time to check in at the ship), we will give them our carryon luggage to lock in a secure area (they do this all the time). The cruise returns at 5:30, which will leave lots of time to board the ship, locate your stateroom and familiarize yourself with the layout!

 

Which departure/ship will you be on?

We loved the Coral when we sailed on her in 2007! We prefer that class of vessel over the much larger ships. Also...unless something has changed in the last year, there are small-ish forward viewing areas on Decks 10 and 11 on both the Coral and Island. The doorways may appear as though you shouldn't use them (you may see signs warning of the possibility of high winds) but passengers are allowed in those areas. Not everyone is aware of those spaces so they tend to not be too crowded. Even with a balcony room, we spent a lot of time on those "secret decks."

Enjoy!