We are also doing a few days prior to a Whittier departure in July. My plan is to do the train from Anchorage to Whittier the morning of our cruise departure. It's more $ than the bus, but looks really scenic and more fun. We plan to do 1 day of car rental in Anchorage (haven't booked anything yet) to explore outside of the city and we'd drop the car the night before we take the train to the ship.
Our hotel is located in Midtown Anchorage and looks like we can easily uber (and shuttle from airport) for the other day well be spending in Anchorage proper.
