Prince William Sound Glacier Tour – Whittier

If you’re dreaming of seeing Alaska’s legendary glaciers up close without feeling queasy or breaking the bank, the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour offered by Phillips Cruises might just be your best bet. This 10-hour adventure combines scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, and a delicious Alaskan salmon chowder—all aboard a stable catamaran designed for smooth sailing. What makes it particularly appealing is its reputation for nausea-free comfort, making it a solid choice for first-timers or those wary of rough seas.

We love this tour’s well-balanced mix of natural spectacle and relaxed comfort. The calm waters of Prince William Sound, combined with the modern catamarans, promise a smooth ride—even for anyone prone to seasickness. Plus, the on-board narration and wildlife sightings often turn this into more than just a boat trip; it feels like a manageable, immersive journey into Alaska’s stunning coastal wilderness. The highlight for many is the chance to witness glaciers calving and hear stories about the abundant marine life.

However, it’s worth mentioning that at 10 hours, this is a fairly long day—though most reviews suggest that the beautiful scenery and wildlife make the time fly by. Also, keep in mind that meals and extras like souvenirs are not included, so budgeting accordingly is wise. This tour suits those eager to see glaciers and wildlife without the fuss of rough waters, and it’s particularly appealing for families or travelers new to cruise adventures.

Key Points

• The cruise is designed for smooth sailing, ideal for first-timers and seasick-sensitive travelers
• It includes a hearty Alaskan salmon chowder lunch and on-board amenities like USB charging
• Glaciers, marine wildlife, and birdlife are the main attractions
• It’s a full-day experience, so stamina and patience are helpful
• The tour balances comfort and adventure, with knowledgeable narration
• Booking well in advance is recommended, as it’s popular and fills up quickly

The Journey to Whittier and the Scenic Waterway

Your adventure kicks off with a 90-minute drive from Anchorage or 45 minutes from Girdwood to Whittier. The journey itself is part of the experience, crossing the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—an engineering marvel that opens on the hour, every hour, allowing access into the town’s quiet harbor. You’ll want to arrive a bit early to navigate the toll fee and parking, which are not included in the tour price.

Whittier is a small, charming seaside town with a few shops, restaurants, and trails—perfect for a brief exploration before or after your cruise. The town’s isolated, rugged atmosphere hints at the wilderness that awaits offshore.

The Cruise: What to Expect

Boarding is smooth, thanks to the modern, stable Phillips Cruises catamarans. These vessels are designed to minimize motion, which is a big selling point for those concerned about seasickness. Once underway, you’ll immediately notice how calm the waters are—this isn’t a rough, adventurous boat ride but a relaxing glide through pristine waters.

The crew’s professional narration provides insights into the area’s geography, wildlife, and glaciers, adding depth to the scenic views. Many reviewers praise the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, noting that they’re eager to answer questions and share stories.

Glaciers and Wildlife Galore

The primary draw is the chance to see glaciers up close. You’ll cruise through the sound, steadily approaching towering ice formations. Several reviews highlight calving—when glaciers crack and break, producing thunderous sounds—as a dramatic highlight. As one traveler put it, “We had a particularly lucky day with calving, whales, bears, goats, sea otters, sea lions… the chowder was delicious!”

Wildlife sightings are plentiful, too. Otters, seals, whales, seabirds, and even mountain goats have all been spotted along the route. The crew’s narration helps you identify these animals when they appear, making wildlife sightings more meaningful.

Food and Comfort

Included in the price is a generous wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, served with oyster crackers, salad, cheese, fruit, and a sweet treat. Vegetarian options are available if requested 48 hours prior. The meal is substantial enough to keep you comfortable for the long day, and many reviews mention how tasty it is—certainly a step above typical cruise fare.

Onboard amenities include coffee, hot tea, ice water, bathroom facilities, and USB charging stations at every table. There’s no Wi-Fi, but that’s not usually a concern with such stunning scenery distracting you.

The Perfect Climate for Sightseeing

Thanks to the design of the catamarans and the calm waters of Prince William Sound, you’ll benefit from a nausea-free experience—no worries about feeling seasick, even if you’re a first-time cruiser. Several guests specifically mention how comfortable the ride was, allowing them to relax and focus on the scenery.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour begins with the drive over the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which itself is an experience—passing through a mountain to reach Whittier. Once aboard, the cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, looping through key sights.

Throughout, the captain provides detailed narration about the glaciers’ history, the area’s ecology, and the wildlife behaviors. This helps turn what could be a simple boat ride into an educational journey.

The cruise’s main highlight is the glaciers. You’ll get multiple opportunities to see large ice formations, listen for calving sounds, and marvel at their scale. Wildlife is plentiful, with many reviews praising the sightings of otters, seals, whales, and birds like kittiwakes.

After the cruise, you’re encouraged to take some time to explore Whittier. The harbor boardwalk, shops, and local trails provide a pleasant, low-key way to extend your Alaska experience.

Reviews: Authentic Perspectives

The majority of travelers rave about the experience. One shared, “It was an amazing boat tour, unbelievably beautiful nature, and a lot of wildlife to see and magical glaciers.” Others emphasize the crew’s helpfulness, noting the attentive service and engaging narration.

Some minor criticisms point to the length of the trip, with a reviewer mentioning it felt long when the commentary was hard to hear. But overall, most reviews highlight the stunning scenery and wildlife as well worth the time.

The “No Seasickness Guarantee” seems to hold true for many, with guests praising the smooth ride and calm waters. It’s clear that the design of the vessel and the sheltered waters make this cruise accessible to all.

The Value of This Experience

At $248.20 per person, this tour is a solid investment considering the length, inclusions, and quality of experience. The guided narration, meals, and the chance to see glaciers calving and wildlife in their natural habitat make it more than just a boat trip; it’s an authentic Alaskan adventure.

If you’re looking for an accessible, comfortable way to see glaciers and wildlife without the stress of rough seas, this cruise offers excellent value. Plus, the advance booking window of about two months shows how popular it is—so planning ahead is wise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Alaska who want a gentle, educational, and scenic experience. It’s also ideal for travelers with concerns about seasickness, families, and anyone who appreciates good food and friendly service in a beautiful setting. If you love wildlife and glaciers but prefer a more relaxed pace, this cruise will suit you well.

However, those seeking a high-adrenaline adventure or interested in a shorter or more specialized excursion might want to explore other options. Keep in mind the full-day commitment when scheduling, and be prepared for a day that’s as much about enjoying the scenery as it is about the journey.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Yes, the vessel is designed for stable, nausea-free cruising, and many reviews highlight how smooth the ride is, even in calm waters.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience from Whittier to the glaciers and back takes about 10 hours, including transportation and sightseeing.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the cruise itself, the wildlife and glacier narration, a hearty salmon chowder lunch, coffee, tea, and onboard amenities like restrooms and USB charging.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian chili and kids’ meals can be requested 48 hours in advance.

What about parking and additional costs?
Parking fees, tolls for the tunnel, gratuities, and any souvenirs are not included. You should budget for these separately.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
Yes, the vessels are ADA accessible, providing a safe and comfortable experience for all guests.

In a nutshell, the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour in Whittier offers a compelling mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and comfort. It’s a well-rounded option for those eager to see Alaska’s icy giants without rough seas or rushed schedules. Whether you’re a nature lover, a first-time visitor, or simply seeking an authentic Alaskan experience, this cruise delivers with style and substance.