Checking in with Princess in Whittier

[lawahoo2001]

Has anyone sailed on a southbound Alaska cruise with Princess? Do you have to check in at the hospitality center in Anchorage, or can you go directly to the pier in Whittier? What if you want to book a pre-cruise day trip through Princess, such as a Prince William Sound tour? Would you need to leave for that Princess tour from Anchorage?

 

Thanks!!!

[Italy52]

Has anyone sailed on a southbound Alaska cruise with Princess? Do you have to check in at the hospitality center in Anchorage, or can you go directly to the pier in Whittier? What if you want to book a pre-cruise day trip through Princess, such as a Prince William Sound tour? Would you need to leave for that Princess tour from Anchorage?

 

Thanks!!!

 

 

We took a southbound cruise with Princess a couple of years ago. We were doing an independent pre-cruise land tour and took the train from Anchorage to Whittier. Got off the train, proceeded to the ship and checked right in with Princess - easy.

 

We didn't book any excursions with Princess so I can't answer your 2nd question.

[H2O babe]

We sailed southbound on the Island Princess - we just checked in at Whittier. We also had taken the Alaskan Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier.

 

We took a Prince William Sound cruise, but it was booked independently, not through Princess. When we checked our bags with the train in Anchorage we didn't see them again until they arrived in our cabin. It was nice not to have to worry about the luggage.

[jfer1270]

We sailed southbound on the Island Princess - we just checked in at Whittier. We also had taken the Alaskan Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier.

 

We took a Prince William Sound cruise, but it was booked independently, not through Princess. When we checked our bags with the train in Anchorage we didn't see them again until they arrived in our cabin. It was nice not to have to worry about the luggage.

 

Did the railroad folks handle delivery of the bags from the train? That would be wonderful!

[Italy52]

Did the railroad folks handle delivery of the bags from the train? That would be wonderful!

 

We took the Island Princess out of Whittier. At the train station in Anchorage we told the baggage handlers that we were on the Island Princess and they told us they would handle the transfer for us. We got off the train and didn't have to deal with any luggage - it just magically appeared in our cabin later on in the day. Don't know if this is the same procedure for all cruise lines.

[AkSusan]

Did the railroad folks handle delivery of the bags from the train? That would be wonderful!

We booked the train independently this year (had a Northern Lights coupon 2 for 1) to transfer to our Sapphire Southbound out of Whittier.

 

So you put your cruise baggage tags on your luggage, get in line where they are accepting the luggage (they will ask for a copy of your cruise ticket and ID), hand off your luggage. Then actually your luggage doesn't get put on the train with you, Princess comes down later with a truck and trucks it down to Whittier. The Alaska Railroad just doesn't have the staff or baggage cars to take all the luggage. Next thing you know, you get off the train, check on to yourself, and a couple of hours later, there are your bags.

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[Rosieo]

What time does Princess let you board their ship. Can you get on and then get off again. Our ship doesn't leave until 9:30 at night. I'd like to get on, get settled and then get off again if possible. Can you do that?

[adstz]

Yes, you can get off after you check in.

We took the Diamond southbound in July 2008. Arrived in Whittier on the train around noon. Checked in and had lunch. We decided to stay on board as there isn't much in Whittier to keep you occupied.

[Rosieo]

Is there a little town within walking distance from the port, just some little shops or something?

[AkSusan]

Is there a little town within walking distance from the port, just some little shops or something?

Yes you can easily walk to town, actually the dock is right there in town.

 

Whittier is very small and there isn't a whole lot there. I mean the residents all live in one big building called Begich Towers. It was originally built to be a fuel depot during WWII.

 

Here's a link to their Chamber of Commerce http://www.whittieralaskachamber.org/business_directory.htm

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[ARRTrain]

The fuel depot wasn't built until 1966. Whittier was a main port during WWII for the military.

[Chat Noir]

Has anyone sailed on a southbound Alaska cruise with Princess? Do you have to check in at the hospitality center in Anchorage, or can you go directly to the pier in Whittier? What if you want to book a pre-cruise day trip through Princess, such as a Prince William Sound tour? Would you need to leave for that Princess tour from Anchorage?

 

Thanks!!!

 

If you are interested in a PWS tour, you can book one independent of Princess if you prefer. Book the train for transfer from Anchorage to Whittier... your luggage is checked in at the depot and outta sight, outta mind 'til it's deposited at your cabin door on the Sapphire. The train arrives in time to take an afternoon PWS tour, and will get you back to the port in plenty of time to check in prior to the ship's departure.

[Iwannabeatraveler]

WOuld that give time for the 6 hour PWS tour before departure??

ALso, how many days in advance can you check luggage with princess?

We are going to do 5 days of touring pre-cruise and would love to ditch a bag with "cruise only" stuff. Would hate for it to get on the wrong ship though!

[Chat Noir]

WOuld that give time for the 6 hour PWS tour before departure??

ALso, how many days in advance can you check luggage with princess?

We are going to do 5 days of touring pre-cruise and would love to ditch a bag with "cruise only" stuff. Would hate for it to get on the wrong ship though!

 

I don't know of any 6 hour tours that fit with the railroad, however several 5 hour and less fit nicely.

 

http://www.majormarine.com/alaska-day-cruises/prince-william-sound-glacier-cruise/

 

http://www.princewilliamsound.com/736.cfm

 

http://www.26glaciers.com/travel/arc.cfm?tab=a

 

There may be more that would fit...I just did a quick Google for those.

 

I haven't a clue where you could ditch luggage for a few days, likely not with the cruiseline. The railroad just helps you ditch 'em for a day.:)

[jfer1270]

We took the Island Princess out of Whittier. At the train station in Anchorage we told the baggage handlers that we were on the Island Princess and they told us they would handle the transfer for us. We got off the train and didn't have to deal with any luggage - it just magically appeared in our cabin later on in the day. Don't know if this is the same procedure for all cruise lines.

 

Thank you - this is sooooo helpful. Just realizing that the time of year we are going (September 14) is causing some issues with tours in PWS, i.e, many are not available. BUt, will keep searching.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

[Italy52]

Thank you - this is sooooo helpful. Just realizing that the time of year we are going (September 14) is causing some issues with tours in PWS, i.e, many are not available. BUt, will keep searching.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

 

 

You're welcome. Hope all your travel plans work out for you. Use this board as much as you possibly can. We have all been through the planning process and want everyone to enjoy their experience as much as we all did. Good luck.