whittier one way rental drop off - help please

[Cruisehiker]

am departing whittier on dawn princess at 2130 on july 4th. TA has arranged for me to pick up tickets at the cruise terminal in whittier, where I am dropping off an avis car. dont want to arrive too early as keen to maximise wildlife spotting but equally dont want to miss the sailing! can anyone give advice on what time to plan on arriving there? tunnel times to whittier are 1230-1245, 1330-1345 etc. also with it being 4 july holiday will this mean more delays at the tunnel?

[Budget Queen]

This ship doesn't sail until late, so no rush to get there mid day, IF you want "wildlife" viewing, possible along the Arm for dall sheep- binoculars necessary. More important is to verify the Harbor Store closing- where Avis is. I would plan on maybe around 4-5 pm?, this gives you plenty of time for other touring, especially if you haven't seen Anchorage?