26 GLACIER CRUISE ROUTE
5.75 HOURS – 150 MILES
The 26 Glacier Cruise departs from Whittier to explore the calm waters and wild sights of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Discover glacier-carved fjords and pristine wilderness around every turn. Watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds along the way. Travel in comfort aboard safe, modern high-speed catamarans.
Prince William Sound boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of tidewater glaciers. College Fjord and Blackstone Bay provide impressive panoramic views of spectacular glaciers flowing down from the mountains to the saltwater. As the Captain navigates a path through the ice-filled waters, watch the dynamic tidewater glaciers closely as massive chunks of ice can calve (break off) at any moment and crash to the sea with a thunderous sound.
Marine wildlife and migratory birds easily outnumber people in Prince William Sound, so the odds are good that you will see a lot more than glaciers on our cruises! Sea otters are a common sight, along with harbor seals, Bald eagles, and kittiwakes. There are five species of wild Alaska salmon in the Sound. When the fish are in, the whales and bears will follow! It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoise, and migratory birds on our 26 Glacier Cruise.
26 Glacier Cruise - Glaciers
The Alpine, Valley, and Tidewater* glaciers listed below can be found on the route for the 26 Glacier Cruise.
- Passage Canal – Whittier Glacier, Billings Glacier
- Port Wells – Pigot Glacier, Cascade Glacier
- College Fjord – Barnard Glacier, Holyoke Glacier, Wellesley Glacier, Vassar Glacier, Bryn Mawr Glacier, Smith Glacier (Alaska), Harvard Glacier, Downer Glacier, Yale Glacier, Baby Glacier, Dartmouth Glacier, Williams Glacier, Amherst Glacier, Crescent Glacier
- Blackstone Bay – Tebenkof Glacier, Ripon Glacier, Lawrence Glacier, Marquette Glacier, Beloit Glacier, Blackstone Glacier, Northland Glacier, Concordia Glacier.
26 Glacier Cruise - Wildlife
Keep your camera handy on the 26 Glacier Cruise to photograph wildlife on the way to the glaciers.
- Bald eagles, kittiwakes, cormorants, murres
- Black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots
- Sea otters, harbor seals
- Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise
- Mountain goats, black bears
- Humpback and orca whales
College Fjord
College Fjord offers a panoramic view of the glaciers named during the Harriman Expedition after the Ivy League Colleges on the East Coast. On the way to Harvard Glacier, the Captain will plot a path through the ice-filled waters up to the front of the glacier to get an up-close view while watching for massive chunks of ice calve into the sea.
Blackstone Bay
Glaciers wrap around Blackstone Bay providing outstanding views from any direction. Waterfalls cascade from the mountain peaks to the turquoise blue waters below. Scan the spruce forest along the shoreline to spot bald eagles. Keep an eye on the icebergs at the glacier to see harbor seals hauled out to rest. As your captain navigates to the face of a tidewater glacier, you’ll get an up close view of these dynamic rivers of ice.
Chugach National Forest
The Chugach National Forest encompasses nearly 3500 miles of shoreline where 3-5 thousand bald eagles soar and five species of salmon flourish. The dense spruce forest provides shelter for a variety of wildlife and migratory birds. Scan the crystal clear water for jellyfish. Let your eyes trace the coastline along the shore.
Wildlife in Prince William Sound
The pristine waters of Prince William Sound provide a nutrient-rich environment for a variety of wildlife. The weather and wildlife are two variables that change daily. We cover 150-miles on our way to view the glaciers, and our Captain keeps an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, and whales. At the end of the cruise, visit a kittiwake bird rookery inhabited by more than 10,000 birds nesting on the rocky cliffs in Passage Canal.
M/V KLONDIKE EXPRESS (PDF)
The M/V Klondike Express is the fastest and most luxurious catamaran in Alaska. This 137-foot high-speed catamaran features two enclosed heated seating areas and a third deck outdoor viewing area. A complete refit in 2017 of the M/V Klondike Express brought modern charcoal, burgundy, and silver colors to the stylish seating with flexible back support and comfortable upholstered seats. USB ports at every table to provide guests an easy way to recharge their phones or cameras during the cruise.
M/V BRAVEST (PDF)
The M/V Bravest is the newest addition to our fleet of first-class catamarans. At a length of 120-feet, Bravest cruises at 32 knots to cover great distances in less time. Outfitted with the same modern style and amenities as the M/V Klondike Express, USB charging stations, and custom art produced by indigenous people of Alaska.
Outstanding Service – Extraordinary Setting
There is a lot to see in Prince William Sound. During the cruise, the Captain will provide professional narration about the geography, the history of early explorers, habitats of the wildlife, and how the glaciers created the fjords in Prince William Sound. Our friendly crew is excited to share the beauty of Prince William Sound with you. The scenery, glaciers, and wildlife are spectacular. We are confident our first-class vessels, knowledgeable Captain, and friendly crew at Phillips Cruises and Tours will be the highlight of your Alaska vacation. THE EXPERIENCE
There is a lot to see in Prince William Sound. During the cruise, a ranger from the Chugach National Forest Service will provide professional narration about the geography, the history of early explorers, habitats of the wildlife, and how the glaciers created the fjords in Prince William Sound. School-age children who complete their activity book during the cruise can earn their Junior Ranger Badge.
We guarantee no seasickness on Whittier cruises. Our smooth cruising, high-speed catamarans are designed to safely and comfortably bring you close to nature on the calm waters of Prince William Sound. From Whittier, the area we cruise is protected by a series of barrier islands and long narrow fjords that help reduce the marine currents. Whether you prefer to relax in your seat and gaze through our large panoramic windows or use the spacious outside observation decks, our vessels provide you with many ways to enjoy the view.
Every adult and child (age 2-11) will receive a complimentary hot meal shortly after departure. Complimentary coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available throughout the cruise. If you wish to purchase one of our specialty drinks during the cruise, we recommend trying our Glacier Ice Margarita, a Klondike Cocoa, or an Alaskan Amber beer during the cruise. We have many other items available for purchase in the saloon, snack bar, and gift shop located on the main deck. MEAL CHOICES (PDF)
These high-speed catamarans provide excellent stability and can usually accommodate guests who require the use of a wheelchair during the cruise. Please contact us to discuss your special physical requirements in advance of your cruise.
Know before you go
Download for directions to Whittier, check-in details, what to wear, and more! Cell phone service is limited on the road system in Alaska so we recommend reviewing this document before you go. Drive safe!
Learn more about our cruises
Download and print a copy of our brochure for your reference offline. Share the link with a friend if you are planning to travel with others. Or give us a call and we’d be glad to mail one too you.
Download Brochure (PDF)
Contact Us
Our cruise experts are enthusiastic and ready to talk about Alaska with you. Call us or send an email if you are currently in a different time zone. We strive to respond within 24 hours. From October to April, our office is open Monday – Friday. During the season, from May to September, we are here seven days a week.
Whittier Cruise Info
- Alaska Residents – Join our Klondike Club and save!
- See where we cruise Whittier Cruise Routes
- Learn more about The Experience – Whittier
- Visit our FAQ’s page for answers to your questions
- Know Before you Go Whittier Cruise Info (PDF)
- Meal Options (PDF) / Food Ingredient List (PDF)
- Download our FREE Brochure (PDF)
