From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch

When it comes to exploring Alaska’s wild beauty, the Glacier Quest Cruise from Whittier offers a compelling mix of scenery, wildlife sightings, and local storytelling. This high-speed catamaran adventure takes you through Prince William Sound, where you’ll witness massive glaciers calving into icy waters, spot playful sea otters, and capture stunning photos of towering fjords. With options for a full-day experience or shorter excursions, this tour promises a memorable slice of Alaskan wilderness.

One aspect we really appreciate is the live narration by a Chugach National Forest Service ranger. Their stories add depth and context, turning a beautiful boat ride into an educational journey. Plus, the onboard meal options—whether it’s the flavorful salmon chowder or hearty vegetable chili—are thoughtful touches that make the experience feel well-rounded.

A potential consideration is the length of the cruise, which can extend from 4 to 11 hours. While longer trips offer more time to soak in the scenery and wildlife, they might feel a bit too lengthy for travelers with tight schedules or limited stamina. That said, the tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors—whether you’re after a quick scenic jaunt or an immersive day on the water.

This tour suits nature lovers, photographers, and anyone eager to see the glaciers and wildlife in a comfortable, well-guided setting. It’s especially ideal if you want a combination of stunning visuals, engaging stories, and a delicious meal—all in one trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Glacier Views: Witness tidewater glaciers calving and flowing from mountain peaks into the sound.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep your camera ready for sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and possibly whales or bears (season permitting).
• Expert Narration: Learn about the area’s natural history from a knowledgeable ranger onboard.
• Comfort and Convenience: Modern high-speed catamaran, USB charging, onboard restrooms, and included water and coffee.
• Flexible Duration: Choose between shorter or extended trips, with starting times based on availability.
• Delicious Onboard Meal: Options include wild Alaskan smoked salmon chowder or hearty vegetable chili, with snacks for kids.

Detailed Tour Breakdown

Starting Point and Transportation

Most travelers begin their adventure with a pickup in Alyeska or Anchorage, or they can opt to self-drive, which involves navigating the Anton Anderson Tunnel into Whittier. The self-drive route is straightforward but requires some planning—particularly allowing at least 1.5 hours to reach Whittier from Anchorage, given the tunnel’s schedule (preferably at the 11:30 AM entry). Those choosing the guided transportation can store luggage on the bus, simplifying logistics.

Check-in and Boarding

Check-in is a breeze—reviewers mention friendly staff who help with directions and parking. Once in Whittier, you’ll proceed to the Cliffside Marina and Phillips Cruises office for final check-in, usually about an hour before departure. The process is smooth, and the staff go out of their way to make sure everything is clear.

The Cruise Route and Sights

Boarding a high-speed catamaran offers a smooth and fast ride across Prince William Sound. Our reviewers rave about the spectacular scenery, particularly Blackstone Bay, where two tidewater glaciers reside. The glaciers are so close you can see the ice chunks break off (“calve”) in real-time—an unforgettable moment. As one guest describes, “We got to see a Glacier Calving and a bunch of up-close Sea Lions on our way back.”

The route takes you past fjords and alpine glaciers, with panoramic views that make it clear why this area is considered one of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes. The captain expertly navigates through ice-filled waters, providing a sense of adventure without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

Wildlife sightings are a highlight—several reviewers mention seeing sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. The sound is teeming with life, so keeping your camera at the ready is essential. Some lucky guests have spotted whales and bears during the season, especially when salmon migrate.

The live narration from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger, such as Aubry (who is praised for her engaging storytelling), enhances the experience. She offers insights into the glaciers, local ecosystems, and wildlife behavior, making the landscape come alive with stories and facts.

The Onboard Meal Experience

A thoughtful touch is the included meal—either wild Alaskan smoked salmon chowder or vegetable chili, served with oyster crackers, salads, rolls, and snacks. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, noting it adds a comforting element to the trip. The kids’ meal, with an all-beef hot dog, is also well-received. For those with dietary restrictions, there’s an option to bring your own meal, though alcohol is not permitted onboard due to Alaska Liquor Laws.

Duration and Flexibility

The tour duration varies from 4 hours for shorter trips to 11 hours for full-day adventures. This flexibility allows you to tailor your experience—whether you want a quick glimpse of glaciers or a full immersion in the sound’s wilderness. Longer trips tend to include more wildlife spotting and glacier viewing, with some guests commenting on the “perfect number of glaciers” seen during their day out.

Comfort and Amenities

Modern catamarans are equipped with USB charging stations, restrooms, and areas to sit comfortably while enjoying the scenery. Water and coffee are provided, ensuring you stay hydrated and warm. The boat’s stability and speed make for an enjoyable ride, even if you’re prone to seasickness—some reviewers note that the boat’s design minimizes motion, making it accessible for most.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

One guest shared, “The cruise was outstanding with wildlife sightings as well as a perfect number of glaciers. The lunch was tasty as well!” Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the “outstanding crew”—elements that elevate the experience from just sightseeing to an engaging adventure. Several reviews mention how close they got to the glaciers, witnessing calving and seals lounging on icebergs, which makes the experience feel incredibly immersive.

A traveler who spent a full 11 hours praised the scenery and wildlife but also noted the length might be a bit much for some, suggesting that shorter trips could be more suitable for families or those with limited time. The overall consensus is that the value for money is solid, considering the inclusion of meals, narration, and transportation.

Why This Tour Works Well

This cruise is well-suited to those seeking a combination of adventure and education. The scenery is breathtaking, and the chance to see glaciers calving is a highlight many mention. It’s also great for wildlife enthusiasts eager to snap photos of eagles, seals, and potentially whales.

Travelers who enjoy a comfortable, guided experience will find the onboard narration engaging and informative. The included meal and amenities make it a convenient choice for a full day of exploration. However, those looking for an ultra-short trip or a very intense wildlife safari might find it a tad lengthy or less focused on pure wildlife.

The Sum Up

The Glacier Quest Cruise from Whittier offers a compelling way to explore Alaska’s iconic glaciers and abundant wildlife without the stress of self-driving or complicated logistics. The combination of stunning scenery, expert narration, and delicious onboard food makes it a well-rounded experience that will appeal to nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers alike.

If you’re after a relaxed yet immersive adventure in Prince William Sound, this tour provides excellent value and plenty of wow moments. The knowledgeable guides, scenic beauty, and wildlife sightings ensure you’ll leave with a camera full of memories and stories to tell.

It’s particularly perfect for visitors who want to combine comfort with authenticity, and who appreciate a good story along with their scenery. Just remember, if you’re prone to seasickness or short on time, choose your trip duration wisely.

FAQs

What is the price of the Glacier Quest Cruise?
The tour costs $206 per person, which includes the boat ride, onboard lunch, narration, water, and all the included amenities.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Depending on your booking, you can start from a designated meeting point in Alyeska or Anchorage, or self-drive to Whittier and check in at the Cliffside Marina and Phillips Cruises office about an hour before departure.

How long does the cruise last?
The duration can vary from 4 to 11 hours, depending on the specific trip you book. Check availability for your preferred start time.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, waterproof shoes, gloves, scarf, and a camera. Plus, a passport or ID is necessary for the tunnel crossing. Luggage and large bags are not allowed onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, there is a kids’ meal option, and children under 2 can sit on laps. However, the length of some trips may be a consideration for younger children or families with limited stamina.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
If the meal options don’t suit your needs, you can bring your own food. Note that alcohol is not permitted onboard.

Is wildlife guaranteed to be seen?
Wildlife sightings depend on the season, weather, and chance. Many guests see sea otters, seals, and eagles, and some report whale and bear sightings.

What amenities are available onboard?
The boat has restrooms, USB charging stations at each table, and provides water and coffee. Inside seating is available for comfort and safety.

Can I bring my own meal or alcohol?
You can bring your own non-alcoholic food if the provided meals don’t suit your diet, but alcohol cannot be brought onboard or taken off due to Alaska Liquor Laws.

How scenic is the route?
Absolutely stunning—think towering glaciers, deep fjords, and rugged mountain peaks. Reviewers emphasize how photogenic and immersive the scenery is.

This detailed guide should help you decide whether the Whittier Glacier Quest Cruise fits your Alaska adventure plans. Whether you’re after awe-inspiring glaciers or a memorable wildlife encounter, this trip delivers on many fronts—just pack your sense of adventure and a good camera!