Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer- Port of Whittier

Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer- Port of Whittier

Rating: 5.0/5 (based on 4 reviews)
Price: $399 per person
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Location: Whittier, USA
Supplier: Big Swig Tours LLC

An Honest Look at This Alaska Experience

If you’re arriving in Whittier after a cruise and want to extend your Alaska adventure with a mix of scenic views, local craft beverages, and native hospitality, this Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer might just be what you’re looking for. It combines a comfortable transfer from the port to Anchorage with stops at some of the state’s best craft breweries, distilleries, and scenic highlights.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this experience is how well it balances sightseeing with tasting opportunities. The guides—whose knowledge and friendliness are often highlighted in reviews—do a great job of making every stop engaging and informative.

However, a point to consider is that this is a small-group tour with a fixed schedule, which means flexibility is limited. If you’re seeking a completely private, customizable experience, this might not fit.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Alaska with a focus on local culture, stunning landscapes, and craft beverages. Ideal for those who enjoy a mix of nature and local flavor, and who don’t mind a structured day filled with diverse experiences.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering scenic drives, mountain vistas, and local craft establishments.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with live commentary and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Includes lunch, tastings, and a tram ride—offering a mix of culinary, scenic, and cultural highlights.
• Small group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Focus on Alaska craft beverages like beer, spirits, and cider, showcasing local artisans.
• Ideal for cruise passengers wanting to explore beyond the port with a structured, informative day.

The Full Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point: Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal

The tour kicks off early at 9:45 am right at the Whittier cruise terminal. From here, you’ll be picked up by your knowledgeable guide, Bryan or Roberta, who are praised for their friendly approach and thorough knowledge. With just a small group of up to 8 guests, you’ll feel like exploring Alaska with a knowledgeable friend rather than a large busload of strangers.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

Your first stop is to experience the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. This historic tunnel connects Whittier to the rest of Alaska, and the guided transfer through it is a highlight in itself. As you pass through the 13,000-foot tunnel, you’ll get a sense of the engineering feat that keeps Alaska connected.

Reveling in this engineering marvel, you’ll then reach the Chugach National Forest, where mountain vistas and pristine lakes set the tone for the day’s scenic backdrop. The guide ensures you’re well-informed about the area’s natural beauty and history.

Mt. Alyeska and Girdwood

Next, you’ll hop onto the Alyeska Aerial Tram, a highlight for many travelers. The bird’s-eye view of the Girdwood Valley and Chugach Mountains from 2,300 feet above sea level is breathtaking. The tram ride itself is smooth and offers stunning photo ops, providing a sense of Alaska’s rugged grandeur.

Your lunch is at the Bore Tide Bar and Deli, perched atop Mt. Alyeska. From this perch, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that make the meal extra memorable. The menu is straightforward, but the setting elevates it—literally.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit Girdwood Brewing Co., founded in 2017. Here, you’ll taste a variety of craft beers, while the behind-the-scenes brewery tour adds a layer of authenticity. It’s a chance to mingle with locals and learn about the art of craft brewing in the Last Frontier, with reviews praising the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

An Alaskan Spirit Tour in Anchorage

The journey continues along the scenic Turnagain Arm, often described as one of Alaska’s most beautiful drives. The road itself becomes part of the adventure, with stunning views and photo stops along the way.

Your next stop is Anchorage Distillery, the largest in Alaska. Using locally grown barley, wheat, berries, and glacier water, they craft smooth spirits. You’ll get to sample gins, vodkas, and whiskeys in their tasting room, and some reviews mention how the spirits are sampled either straight or in craft cocktails—adding a fun, hands-on element.

Finally, the tour concludes at Double Shovel Cider Company, a popular tasting room known for its apple and berry ciders. Here, you can relax and reflect on your day while savoring local flavors.

End of the Day & Drop-off

The tour wraps up around 5:30 pm, with drop-offs at your hotel, the airport, or downtown Anchorage. The timing allows you to plan your evening accordingly, especially if you’re catching a flight later that night.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers repeatedly highlight Bryan and Roberta’s expertise and friendly attitude. Their behind-the-scenes insights, especially at the breweries and distilleries, add real value.

Scenic Highlights & Authentic Local Flavor: From the awe-inspiring views atop Mt. Alyeska to the local craft drinks, the tour offers a genuine taste of Alaska’s natural beauty and craftsmanship.

Small Group Intimacy: With a maximum of 8 travelers, it feels very personalized. This size allows for spontaneous questions and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions & Value: The ticket price covers lunch, tastings, tram ride, and transportation—all major expenses that could add up separately. The guided commentary and behind-the-scenes tours enrich the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While many rave about this tour, it’s important to remember it’s a structured day. If you’re looking for complete flexibility or a private experience, you might find the group size and fixed schedule limiting.

The cost of $399 per person might seem high at first glance, but when you consider the included meals, tastings, scenic activities, and expert guidance, it offers good value—especially given the personalized tour experience.

Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes, as required, and prepare for varying weather conditions—layers are always best in Alaska. If you’re flying out afterward, plan at least 1.5 hours for airport check-in.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for cruise passengers with a few spare hours who want to see more of Alaska’s scenic beauty while indulging in its craft beverage scene. It offers a well-rounded mix of natural landscapes, cultural insights, and local flavors that appeal to curious travelers eager to learn and taste.

It’s also great for those who appreciate small-group settings, personalized attention, and guided commentary—making it a more intimate and engaging adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer delivers a carefully curated snapshot of Alaska’s grandeur and craftsmanship. From the engineering marvel of the Anton Anderson tunnel to the panoramic views from Mt. Alyeska, the tour provides plenty of photo-worthy moments and meaningful tastings.

The guides’ friendly nature and local knowledge transform what could be a simple transfer into a memorable journey. The inclusion of lunch, tastings, and scenic rides makes this experience excellent value for those wanting to combine sightseeing with local flavors.

If you’re after a relaxed, friendly, and rundown of Alaska’s scenic and craft beverage offerings, this tour hits the mark—especially if you enjoy a small-group vibe and expert local guides.

FAQs

Is this a one-way tour?
Yes, this is a one-way transfer from Whittier to Anchorage, including sightseeing stops along the way.

What’s the minimum age requirement?
You must be at least 21 years old to join, mainly because of the alcohol tastings.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers tastings of beer, cider, spirits, and craft cocktails, lunch, a tram ride, guide services, and hotel or airport drop-off (if applicable).

How long does the tour last?
It lasts around 8 hours, starting at 9:45 am and finishing around 5:30 pm.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a small group (max 8), it’s quite personalized, but the schedule is fixed. For more flexible options, look for private tours.

Are there any additional costs?
Additional tastings beyond the included samples are not covered and would be extra.

What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required, and dressing in layers is recommended for variable weather.

Will I have enough time for airport check-in afterward?
Yes, but plan to allow at least 1.5 hours for smooth airport check-in if you fly out that evening.

Is it suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, provided they’re comfortable with the physical aspects like tram rides and outdoor sightseeing.

What if the tour doesn’t meet the minimum number of travelers?
It might be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic way to blend Alaska’s stunning scenery with its thriving craft beverage scene—all within a well-paced, small-group setting. Whether you’re a lover of scenic drives, local brews, or simply want to extend your cruise experience in a meaningful way, this tour delivers authentic, memorable moments.