Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package

Exploring the Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package: An Honest Review

Taking a day out to see Alaska’s incredible glaciers can be a highlight of any trip to Anchorage, and the Glacier Quest Cruise combined with a scenic coach ride offers a well-rounded way to experience this icy wonderland. Offered by Phillips Cruises & Tours, this 11-hour package packs in a scenic drive, wildlife spotting, and a close-up glacier cruise—making it a popular choice for those wanting a comprehensive Alaskan adventure.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the combination of comfort and nature. The smooth catamaran provides a stable, seasickness-free cruise (a relief for many), while the narrated coach ride along Turnagain Arm Drive adds a layer of storytelling and local insight. On the flip side, the duration (around 11 hours) can feel quite long, especially if you’re not used to day-long excursions, so it’s best suited for travelers with a flexible schedule and a love for outdoor exploration.

This tour caters well to curious travelers eager for glaciers, wildlife, and scenic views—offering solid value with its inclusive lunch and accessible transportation. If you’re after a well-organized, enjoyable day immersed in nature, this might just be your ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery along the Turnagain Arm Scenic Byway makes the coach ride memorable.
• Close-up glacier views in Blackstone Bay provide exceptional photo opportunities.
• The ranger narration enriches the experience with expert insights.
• Comfortable, smooth cruise is designed to eliminate seasickness concerns.
• The lunch—featuring smoked salmon chowder and other Alaskan treats—is included.
• The entire experience is geared toward providing value and convenience in a single day.

How the Tour Is Structured: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The Scenic Drive from Anchorage to Whittier

Your adventure begins with a narrated coach trip from the centrally located Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. The journey takes about 90 minutes via the Turnagain Arm Drive, a Scenic Byway famous for its breathtaking mountain views, sweeping shoreline, and occasional wildlife sightings. Many reviewers appreciate this part for the photo opportunities and engaging commentary, often delivered by knowledgeable guides like Maggie, who makes the ride lively and informative.

Traveling along this route, you’ll pass stunning landscapes, and depending on the timing, there are several photo stops to capture the natural beauty. The drive itself sets the tone for the day—highlighting Alaska’s rugged wilderness and pristine coastlines.

Transfer through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

The trip includes a crossing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, an engineering marvel that connects Whittier to the mainland. The tunnel operates on a schedule, opening on the hour and allowing about 30 minutes of access. This feature is more than just transportation; it’s an experience in itself, offering a glimpse inside Alaska’s impressive infrastructure.

Arrival at Whittier and Departure for Blackstone Bay

Once in Whittier, a tiny coastal town with just 200 residents, the tour group reconvenes to board your comfortable catamaran for the 3.75-hour Glacier Quest Cruise. Whittier acts as the gateway to the wild beauty of Prince William Sound, and many reviewers comment on the town’s quaint, “dormant” charm—best appreciated on a quick walk before heading out into nature.

The Glacier Quest Cruise: Nature Close-Up

The main event takes place in Blackstone Bay, where you’ll come face-to-face with glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The cruise is designed to be smooth and stable, eliminating seasickness worries, which is a significant plus for many travelers.

A forest service ranger provides live narration, sharing fascinating facts about the glaciers, local ecosystems, and the wildlife you might see, including seabirds and possibly marine mammals. Reviewers like JoAnn found that the captain “went out of his way to make sure we had the best views,” emphasizing the crew’s dedication to a quality experience.

Wildlife and Glacier Viewing

Expect awe-inspiring glacial calving (if lucky), massive ice formations, and pristine waterfalls cascading into the sound. The views are described as “like a postcard”, and many visitors—like George—upgraded to the 26 Glaciers cruise for even more extensive glacier encounters. Some guests have noted that wildlife sightings might be limited depending on the day’s conditions, but the scenery alone often makes this a worthwhile outing.

Return and Reflection

After the cruise, you’ll meet your coach at 6:45 PM for the return trip to Anchorage. The entire experience, from scenic drive to glacier viewing, promises a full day of outdoor adventure with plenty of photo ops and memorable moments.

What Travelers Are Saying: Real Insights and Highlights

A variety of reviews offer a well-rounded picture of what to expect. Many praise the stunning scenery and knowledgeable staff. For example, JoAnn calls the views “amazing,” and Sheila highlights the delicious salmon chowder included in the lunch, noting it as “filling and tasty.” The ranger’s narration during the cruise is often praised for adding depth to the experience and helping visitors understand what they’re seeing.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some travelers mention engine problems that caused delays or shorter cruises, with one reviewer expressing frustration over a partial refund. Others found the long duration tiring, especially if you prefer shorter excursions.

Price-wise, at $295.07 per person, many regard this as good value, considering the inclusive lunch, transportation, and guided cruise. The experience is particularly appealing for those who want to see glaciers up close without the physical exertion of hikes or camping.

The Experience’s Strengths and Considerations

The Strengths:

• Breathtaking scenery along both the scenic drive and the cruise.
• Expert narration by forest service rangers, providing engaging insights.
• The smooth, seasickness-free cruise makes for an enjoyable water experience.
• Inclusive lunch featuring local Alaskan flavors, notably smoked salmon chowder.
• The convenience of round-trip transportation from Anchorage simplifies logistics.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities add an extra element of excitement.

The Considerations:

• The duration of around 11 hours may be lengthy for some, especially those with limited stamina or young children.
• The weather can impact the experience—rain or fog might limit wildlife sightings or obscure views.
• The limited ADA accessibility might not suit travelers with specific mobility needs.
• Some reviews mention engine issues or delays, so it’s worth checking updated reports or considering travel insurance.
• Whittier’s dormant atmosphere might feel dull to some, especially if you have extra time but no plans to explore.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers eager to see glaciers and wildlife in a single day, especially those who appreciate a well-organized, guided experience. It works well for travelers seeking comfort and convenience—the coach to cruise transfer minimizes logistical hurdles, while the inclusive lunch keeps things simple.

If you’re someone who enjoys photography, the chance to capture glaciers, waterfalls, and marine life makes this trip worthwhile. It’s a good fit for families with older children, groups, and solo travelers looking for a comprehensive Alaskan day trip.

However, those who prefer shorter outings or are sensitive to weather variations should consider the longer Glacier Cruise options or alternative tours. If you’re on a tight schedule or have mobility concerns, verify accessibility details beforehand.

The Sum Up

The Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package offers a well-rounded way to experience Alaska’s icy giants without the hassle of complex logistics. The combination of a scenic drive, expert narration, and a smooth, close-up glacier cruise provides immersive, photo-worthy moments that many travelers find worth the price. The included lunch and round-trip transportation make it a convenient full-day adventure, especially for those eager to explore Prince William Sound.

While it might feel a bit long for some, the breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings more than compensate. It’s a tour that suits nature enthusiasts, photographers, and curious travelers who want a balanced, comfortable, and enriching experience.

If you’re prepared for the length and possible weather surprises, this trip is a solid choice to see some of Alaska’s most iconic natural wonders without overextending your schedule or budget.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Yes, the cruise is on a smooth catamaran designed to minimize seasickness, making it accessible for most visitors.

How long is the coach ride from Anchorage to Whittier?
It takes approximately 90 minutes from Anchorage via the Turnagain Arm Scenic Byway, with potential for photo stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transportation, the 3.75-hour glacier cruise, narrated by a forest service ranger, and a lunch featuring smoked salmon chowder, vegetables, fruit, and a snack.

Are there any accessibility limitations?
Limited ADA accessibility applies—it’s best to call ahead if you have specific needs, as assistance may be available.

Can I see wildlife during the cruise?
Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, but many reviews mention seeing seabirds and marine mammals, with the scenery being a major highlight.

What if the weather is poor?
Weather can impact visibility and wildlife encounters. The cruise is scheduled for calm waters and clear views, but rain or fog could affect the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers with older children should find it appropriate, but the length and weather considerations are worth noting.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 11 hours, including the coach ride, cruise, and return trip.

What if engine problems occur?
Some reviews mention engine issues causing delays; it’s wise to check recent reviews or confirm the schedule when booking.

Can I upgrade to a longer glacier cruise?
Yes, some guests have upgraded to the 26 Glacier tour for a longer, more extensive glacier experience, often rated as worthwhile.

Overall, the Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package offers a satisfying blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and educational narration—perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Alaska’s glaciers in a single, well-organized day.