Whittier welcomes 3 cruise ships at once for 1st time

WHITTIER, Alaska (KTUU) - It was a rather momentous day in Whittier on Wednesday with three cruise ships all in port at the same time.

It is the first time this has happened and likely the last time this season.

A new 30,000-square-foot terminal that recently opened in the port town has given the town the ability to berth three cruise ships at once.

The three ships in town — the Coral Princess, Oceania Riviera and Seven Seas Explorer — have the potential to bring about 4,000 visitors to the city of Whittier. Most of those passengers often get off the ship and head directly to a bus or train.

Jackie Wilde, Whittier’s City Manager, said while that’s true, more and more people are choosing to spend extra time — either before or after their cruise, in this small seaside town.

“We have a fudge shop down the street, and she’s like ‘We keep selling out of fudge, like it just keeps going,’” Wilde said. “Even on a rainy day like this, it’s amazing to see the people, look at the people around. There’s people walking, you just don’t see it. We’re excited.”

Wilde said they average 900,000 visitors each year, and Wilde sees the future in those visitors.

“In the last two years, [we’ve had] five new businesses from taking people out on bike tours, hiking tours, we have a new shuttle company in town, so it’s hustle, and it’s great,” Wilde said.

As for the passengers coming off the cruise ships, sometimes the drive to Anchorage to catch a flight is part of the fun.

Judy and Larry Boppe, cruisers from Richmond, Virginia, were anticipating an enjoyable trip ahead of them.

”We’re excited about taking the ride from here to Anchorage. I’ve read all about the tunnel, single lane. It’s going to be a fun ride," Larry said.

The Boppes are experienced cruisers who haven’t been on a trip since 2019 and said this was a great one to make to return to traveling.

“The highlight wasn’t even really a stop. We got to cruise past the Hubbard Glacier. I’ve never seen anything like that,” Judy said.

And, they got to see state government in action.

“A plug for something to do in Juneau,” Judy said. “We did not have an excursion scheduled there, and we walked to the state House, the Legislature. And everyone was so friendly. We sat in both galleries, and it was fascinating to see state legislature happening.”

“They were conducting real business and we were so impressed how they were welcome to have us there,” Larry added.

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