Is there narration during the cruise?
We partner with the Chugach National Forest Service rangers to provide narration on our cruises. The Captain will also point out key areas of interest along our routes. Together, they will share the history, explain the geography, provide facts about the glaciers and wildlife encountered during the cruise.

What is your No Seasickness Guarantee?
Due to the combination of our stable catamarans and the calm, protected waters of Prince William Sound, we guarantee a trip without seasickness or your money back. If you are concerned about motion sickness in the least, we are the choice for you!

How far do you travel?
The 26 Glacier Cruise is 5.25 hours and covers 130 miles round-trip through the glacier-filled fjords in Prince William Sound. We use our fastest high-speed catamarans that travel at 30-34 knots per hour on this route. Both M/V Klondike Express, M/V Bravest, and M/V Chugach Express are used on this cruise so if you are traveling with friends on multiple reservations, let us know at the time of booking so we can make sure you are on the same boat.

The Glacier Quest Cruise travels 45 miles round-trip to Blackstone Bay. This tour is operated on our M/V Glacier Quest which is little smaller and cruises at 19 knots allowing us to take in the views on our way to the glaciers. On occasion, the M/V Chugach Express or M/V Bravest may be used on this tour in place of the M/V Glacier Quest.

Where do you stop?
We spend time in front of several tidewater glaciers on each cruise. The captain will stop for wildlife sightings along the way at the kittiwake rookery and other scenic areas along each route.

Can we stand on the glaciers?
No, we do not stop where our guests would step off the vessel during the tour.

Can I touch glacier ice?
Many guests will be interested in touching the glacier ice. We will provide some glacier ice on display, and our bartender will also prepare some glacier ice that you may put in your drink to enjoy.

How should I dress?
We recommend you dress in layers. That way, you can adjust the layers as the weather requires. Bring a waterproof or windproof jacket, rubber-soled shoes, gloves, and a hat. The vessel moves quickly across the water, which will cause a wind chill factor, especially if you are on the outside decks when we are underway. The interior of the vessel is heated and comfortable.

What is the temperature of the water in Prince William Sound?
The average temperature of the water is only 42’F.

How often does it rain?
The Chugach National Forest is the most northern and western rain forest in the United Stated, so rain is certainly possible. We cruise rain or shine. Photographers prefer cloudy days because the blues of the glaciers are more intense in overcast conditions.

Do you cruise every day? Even if it is raining?
We cruise rain or shine unless the Coast Guard advises that we cancel due to weather. The weather frequently changes in Alaska, and we travel quite a distance on our cruises. If the weather is rainy at the pier as you are boarding the vessel, do not worry. The weather will change once you exit Passage Canal and cruise towards the glaciers.

Meal Service Questions:

What does the meal include, and when is it served?
What does the meal include, and when is it served?
We serve a hot meal for each Adult and Child 2-11 shortly after your cruise leaves the harbor. A meal is not included for infants 0-24 months.

The most popular meal choice is our delicious wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder. If you prefer a vegetarian option, we offer a hearty vegetarian chili. Your complimentary meal also includes oyster crackers, a fresh Julienne vegetable salad, a multi-grain roll, a cheese stick, and a fruit snack. If you require a gluten-free meal, you will be pleased to know that our chili is Gluten-free. Please confirm the lunch choice when you make your reservation.

Young cruisers age 2-11 may have chowder, chili, or choose our kids’ meal that features an all-beef hot dog, a bag of sun chips, and a fruit snack. Occasionally we have a few adults choose this option too. Please keep in mind that the portion sizes were designed for kids.

Due to our remote location, we request your meal choice at the time of booking. Any meal changes must be confirmed at least 24 hours before your cruise departure.

Do you offer special meals for dietary needs?
We offer a Vegetarian option featuring a hearty vegetarian chili. Guests with special dietary needs or traveling with an infant are welcome to bring meals or snacks. If you have allergies or questions about the ingredients, you may consult our Menu Choices and our Meal Nutritional Facts.

Can I bring my food or drinks on board?
We provide complimentary hot tea, coffee, and ice water throughout the cruise.

We have a full-service bar with alcoholic beverages, snacks including trail mix, reindeer dogs, nacho chips, movie theater size candy, and small gift shop items available for purchase. Try our very own Glacier Ice Margarita with ice from the glaciers in Prince William Sound. Warm-up with our signature hot drinks, the Klondike Coffee or Polar Smooch hot chocolate. Both are delicious treats when you come inside after feeling the cool glacier breeze. We stock Alaskan ales and craft beers, wine, and a full selection of spirits and liquors.

Note: Due to our liquor license and State liquor law regulations, guests may not bring alcohol or remove any alcohol from our vessels.

Boat Questions:

Which boat is used on the cruise?
The 26 Glacier Cruise uses the M/V Klondike Express, M/V Bravest, and the M/V Chugach Express.

The Glacier Quest Cruise uses the M/V Glacier Quest and on certain occasions, the M/V Chugach Express.

How fast do the boats travel?
The M/V Klondike Express, M/V Bravest, and M/V Chugach Express travel at cruising speeds between 29-34 knots, or approximately 40 miles per hour.

The M/V Glacier Quest travels at a cruising speed of 18 knots, 23 miles per hour.

How many people will be on the boat?
Phillips Cruises and Tours will be following the mandates in place by the State of Alaska for our passengers and crew’s health and safety. The Coast Guard determines the number of passengers and crew each vessel can accommodate. The M/V Klondike Express (332), the M/V Bravest (284), the M/V Chugach Express (149), and the M/V Glacier Quest (149) are used for our daily cruise service. Our vessels’ spacious design provides each passenger an inside seat in a heated cabin surrounded by panoramic picture windows. The vessels also have ample outside observation decks to view the sights.

Is the boat handicap accessible?
Yes, however, there are distinct differences between each vessel and the level of accessibility.

The M/V Klondike Express, M/V Bravest, M/V Chugach Express offer ample room with very low thresholds that enable guests who are reliant on using a wheelchair during the cruise to comfortably and safely travel on board. On the main deck of each boat, there is one handicap accessible restroom. On the M/V Klondike Express, there is a second accessible restroom on the upper deck with a changing table. The bow is open when we stop to observe wildlife and glaciers, with a specific location reserved for guests utilizing a wheelchair to have an up-close view.

The M/V Glacier Quest has higher thresholds best navigated by walking short distances or stepping over raised points. The vessel has multiple restrooms on the main deck, with one accessible restroom on the aft starboard side.

All vessels have two heated seating decks. There are no elevators on board. Our crew is happy to assist guests during the boarding process safely along the ramp to the dock and to get aboard and situated.

Please contact our office if you have additional questions or to advise us how we can assist you during your cruise.

Can I bring my oxygen tank to the boat?
Yes, you are welcome to bring any medical supplies on board that you may need during the cruise. Please notify our office 72 hours before travel to reconfirm arrangements.

Can I bring my dog?
Are you traveling with a service animal? Please contact our office to notify us that (1) the animal is required because of a disability and (2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. Reservations for guests traveling with a service animal are requested 72 hours in advance so we can best accommodate you and the service animal upon arrival to Whittier. Please note that companion and emotional support animals are not allowed.

Can I smoke on the boat?
No. All vessels are smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited on any vessel owned or operated by Phillips Cruises and Tours, including all forms of tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vapors, and marijuana.

Transportation Questions:

How far is Whittier from Anchorage?
Whittier is 63 miles south of Anchorage. Due to varying speed limits and summer construction, we always advise guests to allow 1.5 hours of travel time from Anchorage. Travel times from other communities can be found on the “Getting to Us” page.

Can I drive to Whittier?
Yes, The drive is spectacular along the Seward Highway. Allow 1.5 hours from Anchorage and plan to arrive at the recommended tunnel time to access Whittier via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

What can you tell me about the tunnel?
Whittier is accessible by the Anton Anderson Tunnel. This toll road operates on a one-way schedule, alternating rail and vehicle traffic. The tunnel requires a round-trip fee upon entering the Anchorage/Bear Valley side of the tunnel to reach Whittier. When traveling to Whittier, the tunnel access from the Anchorage/Bear Valley side is open on the half-hour.

We suggest the 10:30 AM tunnel for guests joining the 26 Glacier Glacier Cruise and the 11:30 AM tunnel for guests on the Glacier Quest Cruise. The tunnel access is available from 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM and again at 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM. Please allow time to pay the tunnel toll and get in line before the tunnel access times.

When departing Whittier, the tunnel opens on the hour for 15 minutes. The last tunnel opening is 11:00 PM.

Which cruise fits best with the train or coach schedule?
The 26 Glacier Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the trip from Anchorage to Whittier by coach and then a return to Anchorage from Whittier by rail. If you wish to take a round-trip rail service to and from Whittier then the Glacier Quest Cruise connects easily with the Glacier Discovery train. Our reservation specialists are happy to help you schedule your rail or day coach transportation from Anchorage or Girdwood to Whittier.

Where do I check in after I arrive by train or coach?
Our ticket office is in the Cliffside Marina at 100 West Camp Road, Whittier, AK. The train stops across from the Cliffside Marina parking lot, a short walk to our ticket office. Use the crosswalk and walk along the left side of the white-covered awning toward our ticket office. The coach service stops in front of our ticket office, and the driver will assist you with check-in.

You can identify our building by the red roof with a big yellow triangle on top. We are at the back of the parking lot near the boarding gate for our cruises. Guests with pre-booked tickets will use the Express Check-In on the left side of the ticket office to access the observation deck on the back side of our ticket office. This is where you will receive your boarding cards for the cruise. Please have photo I.D. available.

Is there food on the train or bus?
The Glacier Discovery train has a cafe car with light menu items available for purchase that may include sandwiches, salads, chips, and more.

The coach service will make a brief stop in Girdwood if we have additional guests to pick up. It is best to plan ahead and bring any snack items with you.

WILDLIFE

What wildlife can be found in Prince William Sound?
Sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, 200 different species of birds, including Eagles, black-legged kittiwakes, glaucous-winged gulls, oystercatchers, storm petrels, Jaeger’s, arctic terns, marbled murrelets, pigeon guillemots, arctic loons, Arctic warblers, Pacific loons, red-faced cormorants, bluethroats, surf scooters and on a rare occasion a puffin makes its way into Prince William Sound.

Is this a whale-watching cruise?
We see a variety of wildlife, including orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales. Whales are not guaranteed, but we do see them 50-60% of the time.

When is the best time to see whales?
Whales are more often in May, June, and September when they are migrating to and from California and Hawaii.

For a full list of the wildlife we see, please visit our Wildlife page.

How many Glaciers will I see?

The 26 Glacier Cruise route has 26 named glaciers as well as many unnamed glaciers. You will see tidewater, piedmont, and alpine glaciers.

The Glacier Quest Cruise travels through Passage Canal to explore Blackstone Bay.

For a full list of the glaciers we see, please visit our Glaciers page.

How close do we get to the glaciers?
Our Captains will navigate a safe distance from the face of the glaciers. At times, we can get within 1,000 feet of these massive glaciers, but in general we stay about ¼ mile back.

What is glacier calving?
Calving occurs when pieces of the tidewater glacier break off and fall into the water. The resulting pieces are known as icebergs, growlers, and Bergy bits, depending on their size.

Do we see glaciers calve every day?
Glaciers are moving fields or ice that can calve at any time. As the captain pauses at the face of the glaciers, listen closely for signs of movement in the glacier by the echoing sound of a snap, crackle and splash that signals the glacier calving.

What is a fjord?
A deep-water channel carved out by a receding glacier, bordered by cliffs.

Alaska Information Questions:

When does it get dark? Can I see the Northern Lights?
During the summer months, we do not typically experience enough darkness at night to see the northern lights. Northern Lights are best viewed during the darker, clear nights between August 21st and April 21st.

Average Daylight

May 19 Hours

June 21 Hours

July 21 Hours

August 17 Hours

September 14 Hours

What cruises do you offer and when do they depart?
26 Glacier Cruise: The 26 Glacier Cruise has one cruise daily from 12:00 PM to 5:15 PM. We recommend self-drive guests arrive in Whittier via the 10:30 AM tunnel opening. Rail and coach options are available. The 26 Glacier Cruise gets up close to glaciers and wildlife in Prince William Sound on a route that covers 130 miles of spectacular scenery visiting Esther Passage, College Fjord and Harriman Fjord.

Glacier Quest Cruise: The Glacier Quest Cruise has one cruise daily from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM. We recommend self-drive guests arrive in Whittier via the 11:30 AM tunnel opening. Rail and coach options are available. The Glacier Quest Cruise covers 45 miles exploring Passage Canal and Blackstone Bay.

Do you offer a child fare or any discounts for adults?
Infants age 0-24 months travel for free when noted on our manifest per Coast Guard requirements.
Children age 2 – 11 receive a discounted fare for our cruises.

Guests, age 12+ may qualify for one of the following discounts: Alaska Residents who are members of our Klondike Club, AAA Discount Rewards members, or active duty Military. Discounted fares cannot be booked online. If you qualify for one of the discount fares we offer, please call our office to make your reservations. Discounts must be applied at the time of the original booking before payment is collected.

Do you accept cash or credit cards?
Yes, we accept U.S. Dollars and credit cards from VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.