PRIVATE CHARTERS
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Phillips Cruises and Tours, LLC is an experienced tour operator in the private charter business. We have serviced many national conferences, family reunions, weddings and other special events onboard our morning, full-day or evening charters. Tour Operators wishing to transit Prince William Sound by private charter have also contracted us to travel between Whittier and Valdez. Our fleet of custom sightseeing catamarans is available from May through early October. Charter service provides your group exclusive access to the entire vessel and crew.
OUR FLEET
M/V KLONDIKE EXPRESS
The M/V Klondike Express is the largest, fastest, and most luxurious catamaran in Alaska. This 137-foot, high-speed catamaran holds 332 passengers on three decks, two of which are enclosed and heated providing an inside seat and table for every passenger on board. Large picture windows provide a view from every seat onboard. The M/V Klondike Express provides excellent stability and can easily accommodate most guests who use a manual or motorized wheelchair at a limited number of tables. Charter service is a popular way for conferences to provide a unique opening reception, networking, or team-building event or wrap up the conference by dining in front of a glacier.
Learn more about the M/V Klondike Express
M/V BRAVEST
The M/V Bravest is a 127-foot high-speed catamaran that carries 284 passengers on two enclosed and heated passenger decks. The M/V Bravest is a high-speed catamaran providing excellent stability and can accommodate most guests using a manual or motorized wheelchair at a limited number of tables. This vessel is ideal for corporate receptions, weddings, family reunions, and more. Only a short drive from Anchorage and Girdwood, the M/V Bravest is an ideal choice for your private event.
Learn more about the M/V Bravest
M/V GLACIER QUEST
The M/V Glacier Quest is an 80-foot catamaran that carries 149 passengers which also has three decks, two of which are enclosed and heated. This vessel is ideal for smaller groups of 70 – 125 looking for a special event that guarantees mountains, glaciers and spectacular scenery. The M/V Glacier Quest has booth-style seating for all guests and can accommodate guests who can walk short distances, ascend stairs, or step over a raised threshold. Just 1.5 hours south of Anchorage, a private charter is an easy evening event that can follow a day of meetings.
Learn more about the M/V Glacier Quest
M/V CHUGACH EXPRESS
The M/V Chugach Express is a high-speed and long-range eco-tour catamaran which arrived in Whittier, Alaska, and began operating in the summer of 2024. Built specifically for Phillips Cruises & Tours by All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington, the M/V Chugach Express was designed with our guests in mind. Featuring top-of-the-line amenities, the M/V Chugach Express prioritizes customer comfort and satisfaction throughout their journey exploring Prince William Sound. Coast Guard rated to carry 150 passengers, the M/V Chugach Express boasts an 84.5′ x 30.7′ aluminum catamaran hull and can maintain an estimated fully laden cruise speed of 32 knots. The hull and hull components are designed to break up wave action and ensure reduced drag while enhancing passenger comfort. The M/V Chugach Express is utilized for our cross-sound transfers as well our 26 Glacier Cruise and private charters.
Learn more about the M/V Chugach Express
CHARTER SUGGESTIONS
Charters are available May – September
Morning charters are a great way to start the day and get a head start on everyone else heading out of Whittier. We will nudge up close to waterfalls, look for bald eagles and harbor seals, and pause at the face of a massive tidewater glacier in Blackstone Bay.
Evening charters bring the glow of the midnight sun on the water late into the day with Alaska’s abundant hours of summer daylight. Many of our evening charters are arranged by meeting and event planners who take care of all the details for a special event with options that range from casual to black-tie events. Whether you choose to hire an event planner or do the steps on your own, we will be here to provide a safe and memorable private charter just for you!
Regardless of the time of day that you cruise with us, you will find the beauty of Prince William Sound will delight your guests. Charters depart from Whittier and travel to Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and numerous waterfalls that sparkle against the black rock exposed by the glaciers. The Captain will navigate through the ice-filled waters to get up close to a tidewater glacier. Listen and watch for it to calve – it is a truly astounding sight!
Morning Charters
8:00 AM – 10:45 AM, 2.75 hours
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 3.5 hours
Evening Charter
6:15 PM – 9:45 PM, 3.5 hours
7:00 PM – 9:45 PM, 2.75 hours
Let’s plan your private charter today!
Phillips Cruises & Tours Alaska-based cruise experts will come to your rescue when planning your next special event.
Professional meetings and event planners choose our safe, clean, and spacious high-speed catamarans to create unforgettable events surrounded by glaciers and the beauty of Prince William Sound. Arrange door-to-door service for your guests by adding coach service from Anchorage or Girdwood to Whittier. Choose a local catering company to make your special event into an incredible memory for your guests. Need assistance in putting it all together? We can recommend a local company to take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying the event.
Looking for a romantic way to say “I Do”? Book a private charter and get married in front of a tidewater glacier. Or celebrate a special anniversary or milestone birthday with the glaciers of Prince William Sound in the background.
We have worked with groups from all over the world to make their incentive trips, team-building and networking receptions, and grande finale events a success.
Let’s start planning your private glacier cruise now!
✆ 907-276-8023
Arranging an exclusive charter for your guests to experience the beauty of Prince William Sound will be the highlight of their Alaska experience. Although each private charter is unique, to assist you in the planning process we have prepared a reference list of the most common questions and answers.
FAQ’S
- When is payment due? We require a 25% deposit to reserve your charter. Final payment is typically due 60-days prior to your charter.
- Are there taxes and fees? The City of Whittier tax is $6.00 per person. This tax will be calculated on the final manifest based on the number of passengers on the vessel. The tax will be invoiced after the charter to reflect the final passenger number. Payment will be due within 15 days of the charter completion.
- What is included? Charter service includes the Captain, crew and the use of the vessel for a designated timeframe. Additional charges may be incurred for transportation service, food and alcohol, taxes and fees along with any special requests.
- Can I bring my food or drinks on board?
We provide complimentary hot tea, coffee, and ice water throughout the cruise. If your charter does not include meal service, a licensed catering business may provide the service. Meal service is typically arranged directly between the client and the catering company. Due to our liquor license and State liquor law regulations, guests may not bring their own alcohol or remove any alcohol from our vessels. Alcohol must be purchased and served by Phillips Cruises & Tours staff. - Is there narration during a charter? Our Captain will provide a customized level of narration to fit the needs of your group.
- Does the No Seasickness Guarantee apply to charters? Due to the arrangement for a charter, a refund will not be available for the charter if a guest falls prone to seasickness during the charter. Our crew will do their best to make the guest comfortable until we return to shore. Our charters go to secluded areas to view the glaciers where the likelihood of any seasickness occurring during the cruise is rare due to the calm waters in Passage Canal and Blackstone Bay.
- Can we decorate the boat? Since we are on a moving vessel, we do not allow balloons, streamers, confetti, or other types of decorations that would distract from the view or cause an environmental concern if they were to make their way off the boat. Successful decorations have included low, stable floral arrangements, battery-powered candles, linens, sponsor logo placemat/route maps, and small window clings.
- What music options are available? We have had guests bring their own background music that we will play during the cruise. Keep in mind, our speakers were selected for providing the best quality during the Captain’s narration, so our sound system may not meet your ideal range.
Please contact us using the form above so we can plan your private charter today!