ANCHORAGE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Catamarans into the Ice: A Six‑Hour Sweep of Prince William Sound’s Tidewater Glaciers
A detailed field guide to the Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruise — what you’ll see, how the day runs, and the practical logistics for Anchorage departures.
Catamarans into the Ice: A Six‑Hour Sweep of Prince William Sound’s Tidewater Glaciers.
Embark from Whittier for a six‑hour cruise into Prince William Sound aboard high‑speed catamarans, watching tidewater glaciers calve into frigid fjords while a heated cabin and expansive decks make the spectacle accessible in comfort.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Tidewater Glaciers Up Close
The cruise threads through passages and fjords to view alpine and tidewater glaciers — notably the icefields in College Fjord and the dramatic faces in Blackstone Bay — offering sustained glacier sightings from the vessel.
Comfortable, Fast Catamarans
Travel aboard the M/V Klondike Express or the M/V Bravest, Alaska’s fastest catamarans, with heated interiors, large viewing decks and a lunch provided on board for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
Scenic Rail and Coach Routes to Whittier
Choose roundtrip motorcoach along the Seward Highway and Portage Valley or ride the historic Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery to Whittier; there’s also a rail‑plus‑coach combo option to mix the two approaches.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day is a deliberate progression from mainland approach to open fjord: travelers depart Anchorage by coach or train, pass through glacial valleys and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel into Whittier, then board a high‑speed catamaran for a six‑hour sweep of passages, fjords and tidewater glacier faces with a midday lunch aboard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and when to reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise portion is a 6‑hour experience; roundtrip transportation options result in a full‑day itinerary when departing from Anchorage.
Lunch is included on board; the vessels provide heated interiors and large viewing decks for the outing.
Day coach service departs Anchorage from the Hotel Captain Cook at 9:15 AM (returns to Anchorage at 8:00 PM); alternatively, ride the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery from Anchorage or Girdwood to Whittier, or combine rail one way and motorcoach the other.
Published rates list adults (ages 12+) and children (ages 2–11); confirm current pricing and taxes/fees with the operator at booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise portion is 6 hours.
What is included on board?
A midday lunch is included; vessels feature heated interiors and large viewing decks for glacier and wildlife viewing, and the operator advertises a No Seasickness Guarantee.
What are the rates?
Published rates list Adults (ages 12+) at $199 plus taxes and fees, and Children (ages 2–11) at $125 plus taxes and fees.
How do I get to Whittier for the cruise?
Options include roundtrip motorcoach from Anchorage (day coach departs Hotel Captain Cook at 9:15 AM) or the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery from Anchorage or Girdwood to Whittier; you can also combine rail one way and motorcoach the other.
Who operates the tour?
Please note the tour is operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours; confirm operator details at booking.
Are there accessibility or age considerations?
Rate categories are defined for Adults (ages 12+) and Children (ages 2–11); contact the operator directly for specific accessibility or health restrictions before booking.