Prince William Sound Tour | ALASKA.ORG Recommends Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises

If you want to see glaciers, Prince William Sound is the best place in Southcentral Alaska for a sightseeing cruise. In fact, the sound offers the state's largest concentration of tidewater glaciers-a type famous for calving off huge pieces of ice. Join Alaska Native-owned Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises on a leisurely journey through calm, protected waters and spend quality time with these icy giants. Enjoy a delicious baked halibut meal, fresh from the sound, and park for free in Whittier-exclusive to Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises guests. Their family-friendly 4-hour cruise even includes an educational marine-science twist that's great for kids.

Upon departing from Whittier, your captain will cruise at a nice, easy pace, allowing you to go out on the bow and stern at any time. The captain, who narrates the tour, will stop for wildlife, so watch for sea otters, harbor seals, a wide variety of seabirds, and more. When you arrive at a glacier, the captain will shut off the engine so you're drifting quietly, listening to the sounds of the ice. You'll get as close as a quarter mile from the glaciers (no closer, for safety reasons).

The 110-mile Wilderness Explorer Cruise (6 hours) visits four tidewater glaciers and numerous others. You'll stop at the Wally Noerenberg Hatchery-the largest producer of pink salmon in North America. In early summer, look down into the nets, where thousands of salmon fry wait to be released. Bald eagles congregate, drawn by the fish, and you may see black bears as well. As the season goes on, see the returning salmon leaping from the water and hatchery workers pulling up nets full of fish.

Your cruise continues through beautiful Esther Passage, where the mountains seem to pierce the sky. The captain expertly navigates the passage as it grows narrower and narrower-less than a quarter mile from shore on either side. You'll head into Barry Arm, around the Harriman Fjord, and right up to majestic Surprise Glacier. This towering wall of ice is hundreds of feet high and nearly a half-mile wide.

The 50-mile Glacier Adventure Cruise (4 hours) is perfect for families. Scientists of all ages can participate in hands-on educational activities: view plankton through a microscope, experiment with ancient glacier ice, and examine animal pelts. The ship travels through Blackstone Bay, where you'll see two massive tidewater glaciers-Blackstone and Beloit-as well as an active alpine glacier.

Whittier tends to be overcast and wet in the summer-that's why the sound has so many glaciers-but this doesn't affect the viewing. Cloudy weather makes glaciers appear even bluer, in fact. You may also find that the weather is nicer out on the water than in town.

Details: No experience necessary. You don't get a lot motion on the sound, which is great for passengers who tend to get seasick. 4-hour cruise is ideal for families with young children.

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Tour Highlights

Comfortable, heated cabins; combination of table/chair and bench seating; two levels w/wrap-around decks; go out on the bow and stern anytime during cruise
Will accommodate up to 149 passengers
Vessels are wheelchair accessible w/restrooms for passengers w/disabilities
Leisurely cruises; drift next to glaciers with engines off
Alaska King Crab cakes, salad, roll, and beverage served. Complimentary coffee, tea, and lemonade served all day. Snack bar available.
Only cruise operator in Whittier with free parking

2008 Times & Prices

Cruise Details	Dates	Depart	Return	Adult	Child (ages 2 - 11)
Wilderness Explorer Cruise (6 hours)	May 13 - Sept 17	11:00am	5:00pm	$129	$64.50
Glacier Adventure Cruise (4 hours)	Thurs thru Mon, June 3 - Sept 4	1:30pm	5:30pm	$99	$49.50

Note:

Taxes and fees not included
Children under 2 are free
Combine Wilderness Explorer Cruise w/roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Anchorage: $188/adult, $94/child
Combine Glacier Adventure Cruise w/roundtrip rail transportation from Anchorage: $171/adult, $85.50 child

What To Bring

For comfort throughout the cruise-both inside and outside the heated cabins and in a variety of weather conditions-guests are urged to dress in layers, including a warm, rainproof coat, hat and gloves, and comfortable, rubber-soled shoes.
Bring binoculars, camera, and film.

Directions

	By Train
	If you take the train, please check in at the Anchorage railroad station at least one hour before departure. The station is located at 431 W. 1st Ave, north of downtown near C Street. The train to Whittier leaves at 10:00am and returns at 9:15pm. Combine rail transportation with the Glacier Adventure Cruise for $171/adult or $85.50/child (total, not including taxes and fees).

	By Bus
	If you take the bus, PWS will pick you up at any major hotel in downtown Anchorage. They stop at the Hilton around 8:30am and return to Anchorage at 6:30pm. PWS will book your motorcoach ride in combination with their Wilderness Explorer Cruise. Total cost (not including taxes and fees): $188/adult or $94/child.

	Drive Yourself
	If you drive yourself, take the Seward Highway south from Anchorage. Approximately 11 miles south of Girdwood, you'll see a sign for "Portage Glacier & Whittier." Turn left on Portage Glacier Road and follow the signs for Whittier. Upon arriving in town, continue past the harbor, and take a right at Pier 1 (you'll see a sign). You'll head into the PWS parking area, and you'll see the office there as well. Please check in at least an hour before your tour is scheduled to depart. The office and dock area is to the right of the ferry terminal.
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Payment Policy

Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises requires a 50% deposit at the time of booking, with the full amount due 30 days prior to your tour. PWS accepts cash, check, or credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Walk-in space may be available, although advance reservations are suggested.
	Cancellation Policy
If you cancel with at least 15 days' notice, you'll receive a full refund. With 14 days or less, the cost of your tour is nonrefundable. You may reschedule without fee, depending on availability.
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