Planning My Alaskan Cruise: How I’m Getting from Anchorage to Whittier with Princess Cruise Lines

I’m in the middle of planning a big bucket-list adventure—an Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruise Lines! The itinerary runs from Anchorage to Vancouver, with scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park, plus stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. I haven’t set sail yet, but I wanted to share my pre-cruise planning process, especially since I’m managing the logistics solo until I meet up with my parents onboard.

This trip is especially meaningful because it’s just the three of us—no grandkids, just adult time. If you’ve ever considered taking a trip with your parents as an adult (minus your own kids), I really encourage it. I’ve got a separate post coming soon on why I think this kind of travel is so important. [Insert link to blog post on traveling with adult parents]

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Why I’m Flying in the Day Before (Even Though the Cruise Leaves Late)

The cruise doesn’t depart from Whittier until 8 PM, but I still chose to fly into Anchorage the day before. Alaska weather can be unpredictable, and I’ve heard too many stories of travel delays cutting it too close. I opted for a red-eye flight to save on airfare and maximize my time without needing to take extra days off work. The goal is to start the trip feeling rested—not rushed.

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Booking Flights Separately for More Control and Better Deals

I decided not to book my flights through Princess. Instead, I booked them independently to have more flexibility with airlines, departure times, and prices. Plus, I knew I wanted a red-eye flight and a specific arrival window that I couldn’t find through the cruise line’s air program.

To keep tabs on fares, I’ve been using Kayak, Google Flights, and Hopper. I especially like setting alerts so I can track price trends and jump on deals when they pop up. If you’re looking for more on how I find affordable flights without losing my mind, I’ve put together a separate post with all my go-to strategies. [Insert link to blog post on finding cheap flights]

That said, if convenience is your priority over cost, booking air through the cruise line might be worth it. They offer flight protection in case of delays or cancellations, which can take a lot of the stress off your plate—especially for international or tight-connection travelers.

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My Anchorage Hotel: Safe, Convenient, and Shuttle-Ready

Because I’m arriving late and traveling alone, staying close to the airport was important to me. I used Trivago to compare prices and ended up booking through Priceline, which gave me a great deal on a hotel with 24/7 shuttle service. Having that shuttle option gives me peace of mind after a red-eye flight, and being close to the airport makes my early morning transfer to Whittier much easier.

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Getting from Anchorage to Whittier: Weighing the Options

One of the biggest pieces I had to figure out was how to get from Anchorage to Whittier, where the cruise actually departs. It’s about 60 miles away, and there are a few options:

• Princess Cruise Shuttle: The cruise line offers direct transfers for around $80–$100 per person, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. It’s convenient, and they handle your luggage.
• Uber or Taxi: If you’re looking for flexibility, you can grab a rideshare or taxi. Just be aware that prices range from $150 to $250, depending on demand.
• Alaska Railroad Scenic Train: This is the route I chose—and I’m so excited about it! The Alaska Railroad offers a 2.5-hour scenic ride from Anchorage to Whittier. It’s supposed to be stunning, with views of mountains, rivers, and glaciers. I figured if I’m going all the way to Alaska, I want to make every leg of the journey part of the adventure. I’ll be sharing more about the train experience once I’m back!

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Final Thoughts Before I Go

Planning this trip has already been an adventure in itself, and I’ve learned so much about Alaskan travel logistics. Flying in a day early, booking flights independently, choosing a hotel with shuttle service, and opting for the scenic train to Whittier are all decisions I made to keep things smooth, safe, and memorable. I’ll be sharing updates and reflections once I return, but for now, I hope this behind-the-scenes look at the planning process helps you if you’re dreaming up your own Alaskan cruise.

Need a pre-planning checklist? Here you go!