Prince William Sound Glacier Tour – Whittier

The big draw here is simple: you get close to multiple Prince William Sound glaciers without spending the day on a small, tippy boat. The stable catamaran and usually calm water make this a smart pick if you want Alaska’s ice without worrying much about seasickness.

I like the smooth ride and the chance to watch for whales, sea otters, sea lions, bears, goats, bald eagles, and busy seabird colonies. I also like that the crew keeps the day comfortable with hot drinks, USB charging, indoor viewing, and a warm lunch. The main drawback is the length: if the narration is hard to hear from your seat, several hours on the water can feel long.

Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise Review

Key points to know before you book

• Stable catamaran ride: Phillips Cruises uses smooth, high-speed catamarans designed for a comfortable trip on the calm waters of Prince William Sound.

• Close glacier viewing: The route is built around getting near several glaciers, with time to watch for ice movement, calving, and floating ice.

• Wildlife is possible, not promised: You might see whales, bears, mountain goats, sea otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and migratory birds.

• Lunch is included: The usual meal is wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder with salad, snacks, fruit, cheese, and a peppermint treat. Vegetarian chili and a kids’ meal require advance notice.

• Plan around the tunnel: The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel controls road access to Whittier, so your drive needs to match its one-way schedule.

• A full day from Anchorage: The cruise itself lasts about six hours, while the overall outing takes roughly ten hours when driving and Whittier time are included.

Six Hours Among the Glaciers

The 26 Glacier Cruise gives you a full day on Prince William Sound, not a quick harbor ride. The catamaran moves quickly between points of interest, which matters because the sound is large and the best scenery is spread out.

The captain provides narration during the cruise, explaining what you are seeing and helping you watch for wildlife. On some sailings, a forest ranger joins the onboard commentary. Captain Chris and Forest Ranger Jim received especially warm praise for their personalities and presentation, but crew assignments can change.

The best part of the trip is the changing rhythm. You may spend one stretch watching a wall of blue ice, then shift your attention to a rocky shore, a rookery, or a distant whale. The crew may slow or stop when wildlife or ice activity appears, so the exact experience depends on conditions and luck.

You should keep your expectations sensible. A glacier cruise is not a wildlife safari with guaranteed sightings. One departure might bring whales, bears, goats, otters, sea lions, and calving ice. Another could offer mainly glaciers and scenery. The views are still the heart of the trip, but wildlife is a bonus.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Sets the Schedule

If you drive from Anchorage, allow about 90 minutes to reach Whittier. From Girdwood, the drive takes about 45 minutes, not counting stops or delays.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a major part of the plan. It is a shared tunnel with scheduled access into and out of Whittier. The tunnel opens 30 minutes past the hour for traffic entering Whittier. Traffic leaving Whittier travels on the hour, continuing hourly until 11:00 PM.

That schedule is easy to overlook, especially if you are coming from Anchorage and trying to arrive just before the 12:15 PM meeting time. Give yourself a cushion. Missing the correct tunnel window could mean waiting for the next one, and the cruise will not wait for a late arrival.

The tunnel toll is not included. You also pay separately for parking and transportation. These are small but important additions when you compare the tour price with your full day’s cost.

Whittier Is More Than a Parking Lot

The meeting point is at 100 W Camp Road in Whittier. The activity ends back there after the cruise.

Whittier is compact and easy to explore before or after sailing. You can stroll along the harbor boardwalk, browse local shops, eat at a restaurant, or take a local trail. The town is worth allowing some extra time for, particularly if you arrive early because of the tunnel schedule.

Do not expect a large city or a long list of attractions. Whittier’s appeal is its small seaside setting and its role as a gateway to Prince William Sound. The harbor gives you a pleasant first look at the boats, mountains, and water before you board.

Because the cruise starts at 12:15 PM, your morning plan matters. Driving in from Anchorage can make this a dedicated day trip. If you are already staying in Girdwood or Whittier, the timing is easier and leaves more room to enjoy town.

What the Catamaran Ride Feels Like

For many people, the most valuable feature is the smooth ride. The operator provides a no-seasickness guarantee based on the catamaran design and the calm waters of Prince William Sound.

No boat ride can remove every person’s concern, but this setup is less intimidating than a small vessel. You can sit inside in a warm cabin and still look out at the scenery. You can also step onto the outside decks when the weather is agreeable and the view calls for a better angle.

The boat has restrooms, smoke-free interiors, and USB charging stations at every table. Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available at self-serve stations. Wi-Fi is not available, so download anything you need before boarding and treat the day as a break from your screen.

The boat can hold up to 250 people. That is not an intimate sailing, but the size helps explain the stable ride and the range of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. On a full departure, your best view may require moving around rather than staying in one seat.

Bring layers and rain protection. The supplied information does not promise a particular weather pattern, and the experience continues in rainy conditions. A wet, gray day can still bring dramatic glacier views, but you will appreciate a warm cabin and practical clothing.

Glacier Viewing Is the Main Event

The cruise takes you through the calm waters of Prince William Sound to view glaciers, marine wildlife, and migratory birds. The exact glacier route can vary with conditions, so you should think in terms of a broad glacier-focused cruise rather than a fixed checklist of named stops.

Close viewing is what makes this outing worthwhile. From the boat, you can see the height, color, and broken edges of the ice far better than from a distant roadside viewpoint. When a glacier calves, the sound and movement add a sudden jolt to an otherwise quiet day. Calving is never guaranteed, but several departures have included recent ice breaks or active glacier movement.

Blue ice, floating chunks, steep mountains, and quiet water create a memorable setting even when the weather is not perfect. One rainy departure still produced close views of two especially impressive glaciers, the signs of a recent calving, and a large seabird rookery.

You may find that the best view is not always from the front. Look out both sides of the boat, and move between the cabin and deck when safe. The captain may position the catamaran for close-range viewing, but other passengers will also be trying to take photographs.

Wildlife Watching Needs Patience

Prince William Sound offers plenty to look for, but wildlife sightings depend on the day. Keep your eyes on the water and shoreline, and listen when the captain or crew points something out.

Possible sightings include:

• Whales
• Sea otters
• Sea lions
• Seals resting on ice
• Bears
• Mountain goats
• Bald eagles
• Migratory birds and kittiwakes

The most memorable wildlife days can include several species in one outing. A lucky departure may bring whales, bears, goats, otters, sea lions, and calving glaciers all in the same day. Another may produce one bear, a bald eagle, and plenty of birds.

That range is not a flaw in the cruise. It is the nature of watching wild animals. If you need guaranteed wildlife, this is not the right kind of activity. If you enjoy scanning the shore and water while the scenery unfolds, the possibility adds energy to the long ride.

Bring binoculars if you own them. The provided information does not state that binoculars are available onboard, so do not count on borrowing a pair. Even without them, the crew may help you locate animals and adjust the boat for a better look.

Lunch, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort

Lunch is included, which is useful on a cruise lasting about six hours. The standard meal is wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, julienne vegetable salad, a cheese stick, fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie.

The chowder receives especially strong praise and is a fitting meal for a cool day on the water. It is not a restaurant lunch, and one rating compared the overall meal to better-than-airplane food without much extra flair. That is a fair way to view it: practical, warm, and satisfying rather than a reason to book the cruise by itself.

You can request vegetarian chili or a kids’ meal at least 48 hours in advance. Make that request before the deadline if the standard salmon chowder will not work for you.

Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available at no added charge. Alcohol costs extra, including the full-service bar, Alaskan ales, wine, spirits, and specialty drinks such as a Glacier Ice Margarita. The onboard gift shop also sells items separately.

Narration Can Shape the Day

The captain’s narration is an important part of the experience. Good commentary turns a pretty boat ride into a better understanding of the ice, wildlife, and surrounding scenery. Several departures received strong praise for clear, interesting explanations from the captain and forest ranger.

Still, the sound system may not work equally well from every seat. One disappointing experience centered on narration that was difficult to hear, making the long cruise feel much longer. This is worth considering if learning about what you see matters as much to you as taking photographs.

Try to sit where you can hear the announcements clearly, and move closer to the source of the narration if needed. The supplied information does not identify a guaranteed seating area, so arrive ready to choose a practical spot rather than assuming every table has the same view and sound.

The crew’s service is another consistent strength. Staff members help with food and drinks, answer questions, and assist with wildlife spotting. The experience works best when you treat the crew as partners in the day, not just people serving lunch.

Is $248.20 a Good Value?

At $248.20 per person, this is a substantial day-trip expense. The price becomes easier to justify if you want a long, comfortable glacier cruise and do not want to arrange several separate activities around Whittier.

Your fare includes the six-hour cruise, lunch, coffee, tea, ice water, onboard narration, restrooms, and access to indoor and outdoor viewing. The catamaran also covers a large amount of Prince William Sound in one outing, giving you more scenery than a short harbor tour.

You still need to budget for parking, transportation, and the tunnel toll. Alcohol and gift shop purchases cost extra. If you are driving from Anchorage, fuel and the time spent getting to Whittier are part of the real cost.

I see this as a strong value for a first-time visitor who wants a comfortable, organized glacier day. It is less compelling if you have already taken several Prince William Sound cruises or prefer a small, private boat with fewer people.

The 93 percent recommendation rate and 4.7 rating from 838 ratings suggest a dependable experience, but they do not erase the practical drawbacks. Weather, wildlife luck, sound quality, and crowd size can shape your day.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would choose this cruise for a first Alaska visit, families, older travelers, and anyone nervous about motion sickness. The stable catamaran, indoor viewing, included lunch, and accessible design make the outing easy to manage.

It also suits photographers who want many chances at glaciers, birds, and wildlife. You will need patience and flexibility, since the best sighting may happen when you are not ready with your camera.

The cruise is a good fit for anyone who wants to see Alaska’s ice without hiking onto a glacier. It is also useful for a tight itinerary because one organized trip covers Whittier, Prince William Sound, glaciers, wildlife, meals, and narration.

I would pause if you dislike long boat rides, want guaranteed whale or bear sightings, or prefer a quiet trip with very few people. Six hours on the water is a long time when the narration is hard to hear or the wildlife stays out of view.

Accessibility is a strong point. The tour is ADA accessible, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Current health procedures may require masks or face coverings, so check the rules that apply to your sailing.

Booking and Cancellation Details

The tour is booked about 58 days in advance on average, so do not wait until the last minute if your Alaska dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided at booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.

Should You Book the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour?

Book it if you want a full-length glacier cruise on a stable boat, with a warm meal and a real chance to see wildlife. The combination of close ice views, indoor comfort, lively crew service, and calm water makes it one of the easier ways to experience Prince William Sound.

Just plan the tunnel carefully, allow for the extra cost of parking and transportation, and accept that nature sets the schedule for wildlife and calving. If you can handle a six-hour cruise and value comfort over intimacy, this is a strong choice from Whittier.

FAQ

Where does the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour start?

The tour starts at 100 W Camp Road in Whittier, Alaska.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 12:15 PM.

How long does the cruise last?

The Prince William Sound cruise lasts about six hours. The overall outing takes about ten hours when the drive and other time are included.

How do I reach Whittier from Anchorage?

The drive from Anchorage to Whittier takes about 90 minutes. You must pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which has scheduled access times.

What are the tunnel hours for entering Whittier?

The tunnel opens 30 minutes past the hour for access into Whittier.

What are the tunnel hours for leaving Whittier?

The tunnel opens on the hour for departures from Whittier, hourly until 11:00 PM.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The standard lunch includes wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, julienne vegetable salad, a cheese stick, a fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie.

Are vegetarian and children’s meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian chili and a kids’ meal can be requested at least 48 hours before the tour.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

No. Wi-Fi is not available, but USB charging stations are provided at every table.

Is the boat accessible?

Yes. The vessels are ADA accessible, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate.

Are drinks included?

Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are included. Alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages are available for purchase.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.