Anchorage AK (Alaska, Denali NP)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Port Anchorage AK cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Anchorage AK, Alaska, Denali NP. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
---|---|---|---|
8 May, 2025 Thursday | ms Nieuw Amsterdam | 08:00 | 17:00 |
17 May, 2025 Saturday | MS Roald Amundsen | 01 Jan, 02:00 | |
23 May, 2025 Friday | Safari Explorer | ||
30 May, 2025 Friday | Safari Voyager | ||
30 May, 2025 Friday | Safari Explorer |
Anchorage AK is Alaska's largest port city, located in Southern Alaska, between Turnagain and Knik arms of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. To the south is Kenai Peninsula, to the north is Denali National Park (aka Mount McKinley).
Most cruise ship tourists visit Anchorage through Seward or Whittier.
Anchorage AK serves as Alaska's hub for communications, transportation, and finance. The city has a population of around 300,000, ranking it Alaska's largest, containing over 40% of the state's total population. The city was founded in 1914 as the headquarters of the Alaska Railroad (Seward and Whittier) and via Anchorage to Fairbanks (north). With a population of around 32,000 (metro over 100,000), Fairbanks is ranked Alaska's 2nd most populous (after Anchorage).
The local economy is based on tourism and air freight. In 1964 the city was devastated by an earthquake (aka Good Friday earthquake) and much of the downtown area had to be rebuilt. In 1968 was discovered the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field resulting in a boom in construction and oil companies setting up offices in the city.
Anchorage is the cruise port to Fairbanks. The distance between both cities is around 580 km (360 mi). Travel time is 7-8 hours (by car and bus), 12 hours (by train) and 1 hour (by air). Train travel is the longest on Alaska Railroad. Being the most expensive, this is also the best way to enjoy the region's spectacular scenery as there are special glass-domed rail cars. From Anchorage are offered (as shore excursions) plane tours to Fairbanks.
The most popular tourist attractions in Anchorage include Resolution Park, Museum of History and Art, Elderberry Park, Native Heritage Center, Earthquake Park, Eklutna Historical Park, Eagle River Nature Center, Portage Glacier. Also very popular are boat tours (via Seward) to Prince William Sound's glaciers or Kenai Fjords Park. Bus and plane tours are offered to Denali National Park.
Port Anchorage handles around 95% of all goods shipped to Alaska. Cargo ships from the US container shipping companies Horizon Lines and TOTE Maritime arrive twice per week from Port Tacoma (Washington). Along with handling cargoes, the port also serves as a jet fuel storage facility delivered from Alaskan refineries and used by the local US military base JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) and TSAIA (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport).
Cruisetours starting in Anchorage AK often include bus travel to Talkeetna (Chugach Mountains), scenic train travel to Denali NP (Denali Education Center), an overnight stay in the Park, return bus travel to Anchorage (via Willow AK - popular for its dogsled- and ATV rides). The Wilderness Express Train links to Talkeetna AK, from where (via bus) is accessed Denali NP.
Following the 2-year cruise shipping pause due to the COVID crisis, in 2022 Port Anchorage AK had scheduled only one ship call - by MS Nieuw Amsterdam (on Sept 15) as part of the 14-day "Great Alaskan Explorer" itinerary (roundtrip from Vancouver BC Canada).
Actually, many cruise ships to Anchorage actually dock in Whittier AK (visited on 7-day itineraries from Vancouver) and transport their passengers to Anchorage on bus excursions. Whittier is approx 100 km (60 mi) from Anchorage, accessible by road and train.
At Port Anchorage, passengers can use bus shuttle service (usually complimentary), taxis and rental cars downtown. Shore excursions (by train and bus) also leave from the cruise terminal.
Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2022 Port Anchorage was visited by just one cruise ship - Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Anchorage AK tours, shore excursions, hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- Fairbanks City tour
- Cruise Industry
HAL-Holland America Line opens bookings for Alaska 2026 cruises
HAL-Holland America Line has commenced bookings for its 2026 Alaska cruise season, deploying 6 ships in the region: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw...
September 1, 2024 - Accidents
Wildfire forces cruise lines to cancel Denali NP tours
A cruise line has been compelled to cancel land tours in Alaska's Denali National Park & Preserve due to a wildfire near the park's entrance. The...
July 4, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Princess Cruises Flash Sale promotion: £1 deposits on 2025 and 2026 voyages
Princess Cruises has launched a flash sale with a special offer of £1 deposits for 1000+ sailings scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The limited...
May 7, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Princess Cruises' 2024 Alaska program features Aurora Borealis experience
This summer, guests sailing with Princess Cruises to Alaska will enjoy an exclusive Voyage to the Stars experience featuring the Aurora Borealis, or...
May 2, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Silversea expands pricing structure to offer more options
Silversea is expanding its fare options to cater to the diverse preferences of travelers, offering 3 distinct pricing structures. In addition to the...
March 27, 2024 - Cruise Industry
HAL-Holland America enhances Alaska Cruisetours with resort upgrades and new Yukon Tour
HAL-Holland America Line is enhancing its Alaska Cruisetours for the 2024 season with upgrades to accommodations at McKinley Chalet Resort and the...
February 19, 2024 - Cruise Industry
HAL-Holland America unveils 4 new 'Legendary Voyages' for 2025-2026
Responding to demand, HAL-Holland America Line expands its collection of 'Legendary Voyages' with the addition of 4 captivating journeys scheduled...
December 17, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Celebrity Cruises opens bookings for 2025-2026 Alaska & Australia itineraries
Celebrity Cruises has officially opened bookings for its 2025-2026 Alaska and Australia itineraries, featuring three ships - Celebrity Edge...
November 29, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Oceania Cruises' ship Riviera debuts in Alaska in 2025
Oceania Cruises has revealed that its extensively refurbished ship, the 1250-passenger ship Riviera, will embark on its inaugural Alaskan season in...
October 4, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Princess unveils 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season
Princess Cruises has revealed its 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season, presenting 3 captivating roundtrip itineraries and an exclusive new...
August 5, 2023 - show more news