Glacier Quest Cruise Whittier Alaska Phillips Cruises Alaska Glacier Tours Whittier Prince William Sound

glacier cruise whittier

The five-hour cruise departs from the Cliffside Marina in Whittier. The tiny harbor town is located 60 miles southeast of Anchorage and accessible by road through a single-lane tunnel. Prince William Sound's protected waters ensure the trip is a smooth one. The 140-mile voyage passes sea lion haul outs, rafts of clustered otters, kittiwake colonies, and icebergs inhabited by shy spotted seals. Each half-day cruise includes narration on the history of the Alaska Natives who ventured into the sound in centuries past. Listen as the crew explains how the fjords have been transformed over the past 15,000 years.

Which is Better for Seeing Other Sea Life?

Temperatures tend to range between 5° and 25° F, so make sure you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors. You should also anticipate snow and ice, so winter-appropriate footwear and outerwear is a must. With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. Seating is also very limited inside the terminal, so passengers with mobility concerns should check with their cruise lines for assistance. On the Glacier Quest Cruise, we can see Alpine, Valley, and Tidewater glaciers.

Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises from Whittier

Our Prince William Sound Cruise and Sea Kayaking Tours are featuring excellent wildlife viewing, magnificent scenery and calving tidewater glacier. Accessed from Whittier, Alaska, 60-miles south of Anchorage, Prince William Sound is the more protected area with generally calmer seas. In fact, one tour company operating a catamaran in the Sound guarantees no seasickness upon a money-back return. The pristine waters of Prince William Sound provide a nutrient-rich environment for a variety of wildlife.

Trip Planning Help

Waterfalls cascade from the mountain peaks to the turquoise blue waters below. Keep an eye on the icebergs at the glacier to see harbor seals hauled out to rest. As your captain navigates to the face of a tidewater glacier, you’ll get an up close view of these dynamic rivers of ice.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Fascinating Local History

It’s about a 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Anchorage Cruise Port). Our guide explains everything you need to know about the port and surrounding area. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest – but my heart will always be out West. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge.

How to See 26 Prince William Sound Glaciers in One Day From Anchorage - Matador Network

How to See 26 Prince William Sound Glaciers in One Day From Anchorage.

Posted: Wed, 05 Oct 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Because the glaciers are so huge—some go 18 miles back and a mile across—however, it will seem like you're even closer. Your cruise line will likely provide transportation from the port to the various excursions, and private sightseeing tours are available. You also have the option to take the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour journey. Both Seward and Whittier have other activities in town, but the reality is that Seward is better if you want to enjoy other activities in addition to a glacier viewing/whale-watching cruise. While visiting Seward, there are loads of things to do, including hiking, tide-pooling, and tours – like helicopter sightseeing, dog-sledding, and fishing. The crown jewel of Seward attractions is the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can get up close and personal with rehabilitated and rescued animals from the area’s waterways.

To Anchorage (Whittier), stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way, enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. To make the most of views on the exterior decks, bring a rain jacket, hat, and gloves. Even on a sunny day, the breeze coming off tidewater glaciers can be quite chilly. Klondike Express and Bravest, the two modern catamarans that host this popular tour, were built with the enjoyment of day cruise passengers in mind. Spacious and clean, the boats boast large picture windows and ample outdoor deck space to ensure every guest gets the opportunity to enjoy Alaska's iconic coastal landscapes.

glacier cruise whittier

Prince William Sound boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers. College Fjord and Blackstone Bay provide impressive panoramic views of spectacular glaciers flowing down from the mountains to the saltwater. I grew up in Alaska, and though my family has since moved away, I try to visit at least once per year (twice in 2021!). I’ve seen humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and many, many glaciers.

There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Sea otters are a common sight, along with harbor seals, Bald eagles, and kittiwakes. It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoise, and migratory birds on our 26 Glacier Cruise. The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from Whittier to a neighboring Fjord where two tidewater glaciers await you. Blackstone Bay is a dramatic deep water fjord, and as you cruise towards the head of the bay, you will notice Tebenkof Glacier towering on the left. As you pass this valley glacier, you will see the destination ahead of you as the valley becomes deeper and closes off more.

Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. Canada's third largest city feels like a North American metropolis mixed with a small European town. — Stanley Park — and visit the continent's second largest Chinatown during your Alaska cruise vacation. Soar above the city's lush natural environment in a sky gondola for panoramic views, or get up close to the local sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium. Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage. Visit the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States.

I was doing the 26 glacier tour after arriving in Whittier from Vancouver to Anchorage on a Princess cruise ship. From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess. Expe­ri­ence the awe of Prince William Sound with Sound Adven­ture Char­ters.

You can enjoy shopping in designer stores and exploring the city’s many art galleries and souvenir shops. You will also find a surprising number of restaurant options, from basic fast food chains to independently-owned, world-class restaurants. Unsurprisingly, winter in Whittier and the surrounding area is cold.

At a length of 120-feet, Bravest cruises at 32 knots to cover great distances in less time. Outfitted with the same modern style and amenities as the M/V Klondike Express, USB charging stations, and custom art produced by indigenous people of Alaska. They use Whittier Cruise Port or other nearby ports, including Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness from the top of the trail. If you visit in winter, you can try cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park.

In the end, there’s no right answer to whether you should visit Whittier or Seward – on a day cruise or as a cruise port. Seeing glaciers is one of the experiences I think most Alaskans overlook or underestimate how much visitors enjoy. Families with younger children often choose the 3.75-hour Glacier Quest Cruise to see the glaciers in a shorter time frame. Through our partnership with the Chugach National Forest service, the ranger on board brings activity books keep young cruisers and their parents actively engaged during the cruise. If they complete the book during the cruise, they can earn their Junior ranger badge which is presented at an informal ceremony near the end of the cruise.

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