Why the 26 Glacier Cruise In Whittier is Totally Worth It!
When I went to Alaska in 2016 for a work trip, I didn’t think I’d end up standing on the deck of a huge day cruise ship, bundled up, watching massive glaciers crash into the water. But that’s exactly what happened—and let me tell you, it was unforgettable. The 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier is such a great way to spend a day in Alaska!
I had one free day, and after way too much Googling and back-and-forth with myself, I booked the 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier. Phillips Cruises and Tours is the only tour operator for this cruise. I’d heard great things and figured a glacier cruise sounded very Alaska. It ended up being one of my favorite experiences from the entire trip.
Planning Ahead: Getting There and What to Expect
I was staying in Anchorage, so getting to Whittier meant a road trip! The drive to the entrance to the tunnel is 1 hour, but that can easily creep to 1.5 hours during the summer. Plan accordingly.
In order to get to Whittier, you have to drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This is a sorta spooky one-lane tunnel that flips direction every half hour. That drive felt like a mini adventure in and of itself.
There is no penalty for arriving early. Whittier is such a charming town. If you do arrive early, there are a few great places to grab a snack or early lunch. Just don’t be late!
The cruise itself leaves around noon and lasts just over five hours. This is perfect for a day trip if you’re based in Anchorage, Girdwood, or even Seward. When I went—Mother’s Day weekend in May—it wasn’t peak tourist season yet, but the boat was still pretty full. If you’re going in June, July, or August, definitely book ahead.
Related: The Kenai Fjords Tours Wildlife and Glacier Cruise in Seward is awesome too!
A Few Surprises Onboard
When I imagined a glacier cruise, I expected cold weather and beautiful scenery, but I didn’t really think about what the boat would be like. Turns out, it was super comfortable. Heated indoor seating, big windows, and even USB chargers at every table. (That part felt like a luxury after hauling around half-dead phone batteries all week.)
There is a hot lunch served during the cruise. I picked the salmon chowder, which was surprisingly good for cruise food—and there was coffee and tea to keep warm. It’s not a luxury yacht or anything, but it was cozy, clean, and had everything I needed. You don’t have assigned seating, but because you will see glaciers pretty much everywhere, that’s not a problem.
Related: Check out this 3-day itinerary for Kenai Fjords National Park!
Glaciers, Wildlife, and the “Wow” Moments
Now, the real reason you go on this cruise? The glaciers. Twenty-six of them, all packed into one scenic route through Prince William Sound. Some are tucked between mountains, others stretch down toward the water in massive frozen rivers. The glaciers that really blew me away were the tidewater glaciers—the ones that calve right into the sea. You won’t always see a calving event.
However, you will definitely see the effects of calving. When you get close to some of the larger glaciers there are big chunks of ice just floating all over Prince William Sound. It’s really cool.
I also spotted sea otters floating on their backs, looking way too relaxed, and a few seals lounging on the ice. The captain announced over the speakers when someone saw whales, and we all dashed to the railing like giddy kids. I’m pretty sure I saw a humpback tail flick up out of the water, but I’ll be honest—it happened fast, and I was too busy fumbling with my phone to get a picture.
Related: Spend 3 glorious days in Valdez, Alaska
Tips for First-Timers (From Someone Who Was One)
If this is your first time doing a cruise like this, here’s what I wish I’d known:
Dress in layers. I wore a fleece, waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat—and I still spent half the time running in and out to warm up between glacier views.
Don’t skip the outside decks. It’s tempting to stay warm inside, but the real views (and best photos) are from the railing.
Bring a camera with zoom. I relied on my phone, which worked okay, but I was definitely jealous of the people with real cameras.
Snag a seat by the window. Even when you’re inside, you’ll want that view.
Also, the ranger onboard (from the Chugach National Forest) was awesome. He shared facts about the glaciers and wildlife as we floated by points of interest. This really added depth to the whole experience.
Related: Pan for Gold in Girdwood at the Crow Creek Mine Experience
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat.
Even though I’ve only done this cruise once, it made a lasting impression. It is unique even among the other wildlife and glacier cruises you can go on in Valdez and Seward. There are just so many glaciers!
So, if you’re planning an Alaska trip, I would definitely recommend the 26 Glacier Cruise. It’s totally worth your time and money? Whether you’re into photography, wildlife, or just want to sit back and soak in Alaska’s wild beauty without hiking for miles—this cruise is an incredible way to do it.
Related: Check out all the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!
Pin For Later!
