PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

glacier-viewing

GLACIER QUEST CRUISE

May 18 – Sept 15, 2024
1:00 PM – 4:45 PM

$149 + tax/fees | Adult
$89 + tax/fees | Child

Cruising from Whittier, Alaska
11:30 AM Tunnel Recommended

Perfect for Families

Glacier Quest Cruise Highlights

  • See Blackstone Bay, Passage Canal

  • Cruise route features 10 glaciers

  • Watch for otters, seals, whales, and birds
  • Travel 45 miles in spectacular Prince William Sound

  • Cruise on a high-speed catamaran

Glacier Quest Cruise Includes

  • Industry exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee

  • A complimentary hot meal

  • Professional narration by the Captain

  • Vessel access requires stairs and a raised threshold.

Getting to Whittier, Alaska

  • Driving to Whittier for the Glacier Quest Cruise?
    Allow 1.5 hours travel time from anchorage.
    Take the 11:30 AM tunnel to reach Whittier.
    Details on driving to Whittier
  • Phillips Cruises Coach Service from Anchorage depart from the Hotel Captain Cook, 9:15 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Phillips Cruises Coach Service from Girdwood departs the Hotel Alyeska, 10:30 AM – 7:45 PM
  • Alaska Railroad Service from Anchorage departs the Anchorage Rail Depot, 9:45 AM – 9:15 PM

  • Alaska Railroad Service from Girdwood departs the Girdwood Rail Stop, 10:55 AM – 7:40 PM

GetYourGuide | Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC

GLACIER QUEST CRUISE

3.75 HOURS – 45 MILES

The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay. As your Captain departs the Cliffside Marina, look back towards town to see Whittier glacier. More glaciers will come into view as you cruise down Passage Canal. Learn about the Native Alaskans who first settled in this region of Prince William Sound and how the military built the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel connecting Whittier to Interior Alaska.

Continue to Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. The white spray of glistening waterfalls cascading down to the sea from glaciers perched on the mountain peaks catches the light creating a stunning contrast against the dark gray shale and graywacke rocks. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales and more! get an up close view of a kittiwake bird rookery inhabited by more than 10,000 birds nesting on the rocky cliffs in Passage Canal.

You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving.

GLACIER DETAILS

Glacier Quest Cruise - Glaciers

On the Glacier Quest Cruise, we can see Alpine, Valley, and Tidewater glaciers.

  • Passage Canal – Whittier Glacier, Billings Glacier
  • Blackstone Bay – Tebenkof Glacier, Ripon Glacier, Lawrence Glacier, Marquette Glacier, Beloit Glacier, Blackstone Glacier, Northland Glacier, Concordia Glacier
  • Glistening waterfalls cascading from mountains to the sea
GLACIER DETAILS
WILDLIFE DETAILS

Glacier Quest Cruise - Wildlife

Keep your camera handy to photograph wildlife during your cruise.

  • Bald eagles, kittiwakes, cormorants, murres
  • Black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots
  • Sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise
  • Mountain goats, black bears, humpback, Orca whales

WILDLIFE DETAILS
quest-glacier

Passage Canal

Your journey will depart from Whittier, Alaska known as the western “Gateway to Prince William Sound”. Extending nearly 11 miles (18 km) long and approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) wide, the average depth of this narrow passage is 1,128 ft (344 m). Most of the peaks are snow covered late into summer and glaciers begin to come into view. The coastline is trimmed with dark spruce trees flanked by rocky cliffs that make perfect nesting areas for migratory birds. Sea otters, Dall’s porpoise, whales, and bald eagles are often spotted here.

Blackstone Bay

The scenery takes a dramatic turn from the thick forest along Passage Canal to towering mountains, revealing jaw-dropping beauty in Blackstone Bay. Follow the glistening spray of waterfalls from the saltwater sea up the steep rock walks to find alpine glaciers perched on the mountain peaks. Take in all 360′ of the grandeur from the largest waterfalls to the smallest migratory birds or harbor seals resting on bits of glacier ice.

glacier-sea-lions

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 and follow waterfalls from mountain peaks to the sea.

Wildlife in Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is a nutrient-rich environment for a variety of wildlife. The weather and wildlife are two variables that change daily. You can prepare for the weather by dressing in layers. Our captains and crew will keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. It is possible to see sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats or whales on our cruises. Birders will delight at the change to get an up close look at a kittiwake bird rookery inhabited by more than 10,000 birds nesting on the rocky cliffs in Passage Canal.

glacier-quest-cruise-alaska

M/V Glacier Quest Vessel Details (PDF)

The M/V Glacier Quest is an 80-foot high-speed catamaran with large picture windows, comfortable upholstered booths with tables for up to 149 passengers on two heated decks. The third deck is an outside observation deck on the upper level of the boat. A saloon, snack bar, small selection of gifts, and an ADA-accessible restroom with a baby changing table add to the comfortable amenities on board.

Perfect for Families

Families with younger children often choose the 3.75-hour Glacier Quest Cruise to see the glaciers in a shorter time frame. Through our partnership with the Chugach National Forest service, the ranger on board brings activity books keep young cruisers and their parents actively engaged during the cruise. If they complete the book during the cruise, they can earn their Junior ranger badge which is presented at an informal ceremony near the end of the cruise.

our-cruises

Getting to Whittier

Choose LEARN MORE for details on the mode of travel you plan to use to get to Whittier. When you are ready to book, choose BOOK NOW, select your travel date and follow the prompts to add transportation or receive self-drive instructions on your confirmation.

glacier-whittier

GLACIER QUEST CRUISE AND DRIVE

May 18 – September 15, 2024

11:30 AM Tunnel*
*Tunnel toll /Parking not included.

coach-cruise-alaska

GLACIER QUEST CRUISE AND COACH

May 18 – September 15, 2024

9:15 AM – 7:30 PM
Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier

glacier-railroad

GLACIER QUEST CRUISE AND RAIL

May 11, 15, 18 & 19, then daily from
May 25 – September 15, 2024

9:45 AM – 9:15 PM
Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier

Glacier Quest Gallery

whittier-cruises-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. Welcome Aboard!

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.

Complimentary Hot Meal

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)

accessible

These high-speed catamarans provide excellent stability and can more easily accommodate most 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.

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

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)

cruise-tickets

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

GetYourGuide | Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC