Glacier Quest Cruise Alaska: Whittier Tour That Delivers Big Views
Prince William Sound features some of Alaska’s most dramatic glacier scenery, and the Glacier Quest Cruise offers an opportunity to see it. This 3.75-hour journey from Whittier’s harbor includes visits to multiple glaciers, cascading waterfalls, with opportunities for wildlife observation.
Run by Phillips Cruises, which also offers the longer 26 Glacier Cruise, the Glacier Quest focuses on Blackstone Bay’s massive, active glaciers.
Our guide provides an overview of the Glacier Quest experience based on first-hand knowledge. Also, we compare the 26 Glacier Cruise on duration, route, and wildlife viewing. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which Whittier glacier tour best suits your Alaska trip priorities.
What Is the Glacier Quest Cruise?
The Glacier Quest Cruise departs from Whittier mid-May to mid-September. There is one daily sailing at 1 pm. The 45-mile route through Prince William Sound offers views of up to 10 glaciers—two tidewater and several valley glaciers.
Cruises may encounter fewer glaciers if significant wildlife is observed. The captain asks guests whether to continue wildlife viewing or proceed to the next area.
Quick Facts: Duration, Route, And No Sickness Guarantee
This M/V Glacier Quest tour lasts less than 4 hours, making it suitable for families or those on tight schedules. The Portage Glacier boat excursion is yet another option and lasts one hour, but since it travels on a small lake, there are few opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Each passenger receives a reserved table seat on the main or second deck. Seat selection isn’t possible, but large windows provide great views throughout. We often stayed on the outdoor decks, favored for photography and wildlife viewing, free of window glare.
Monitors throughout the vessel displayed our current location along the cruise route. Guests should look for sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, kittiwakes, and occasionally whales during the trip.
The high-speed catamaran provides a smooth ride, and the operator offers a no-sickness guarantee. Our trip was incredibly smooth, making it easy to walk around in transit. The vessel is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible washroom.
What To Expect On This Whittier Cruise?
This cruise delivers a comprehensive exploration of Prince William Sound. We found the views scenic from start to finish. We departed from Cliffside Marina in Whittier, passing the Whittier Glacier as we left the harbor and the kittiwake rookery to the left.
The catamaran cruises calm waters, focusing on Blackstone Bay, a deep-water fjord. Weather and icebergs determine how close the vessel gets.
The boat passes by tidewater glaciers where ice meets the ocean and by alpine glaciers higher in the mountains. Tidewater glaciers are more spectacular and often provide calving, when ice breaks and falls into the ocean, sometimes with a thunderous crash.
Glaciers, Wildlife, And Scenic Highlights
The Blackstone Bay area contains numerous active glaciers visible from the water. These ancient ice formations display distinctive blue hues in their compressed ice layers. The surrounding Chugach National Forest provides the backdrop for the glacial features.
A small boat cruise isn’t the only way to see these glaciers. Whittier operators also offer Blackstone Bay kayaking adventures.
We cruised early in the season, so the scenery changed from green near Whittier to white in Blackstone Bay. On the shore, we viewed the shipwreck of M/V Gypsy.
Wildlife encounters occur throughout the cruise and may include:
- Harbor seals resting on icebergs.
- Sea otters floating in kelp beds.
- Bald eagles perched on shoreline rocks.
- Porpoises near the vessel.
- Occasional humpback whales (seasonal).
We saw porpoises, lots of sea lions, eagles, and a few humpback whales.
A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provided live commentary during our journey. The ranger explained glacial formation, movement patterns, and ecological significance. They also identify wildlife species and answer questions about the region’s natural history.
Onboard Experience: Seating, Food, And Drinks
The cruise operates on a stable catamaran designed for Alaska’s coastal waters. The vessel features both indoor heated cabins with comfortable seating and outdoor viewing decks. We sat for the travel portion but went outside for photos and wildlife viewing.
Lunch onboard included smoked salmon chowder (or a vegetarian option), sides, a snack, and a drink. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water were available throughout the sailing.
What To Know Before You Go
Since the cruises depart from Whittier, most guests need transportation from Anchorage. Allow extra time for passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It has one lane and changes direction every 30 minutes.
Getting To Whittier
Whittier is the embarkation and debarkation port for Holland America and Princess Cruises. The Glacier Quest Cruise starts nearby. Since most travelers stay in Anchorage, 60 miles away, they need additional transportation.
Access to Whittier is available by self-drive, coach, or Alaska Railroad. The latter offers a scenic journey, but the bus is more affordable. We used the coach, which dropped us across the street from the Cliffside Marina. The train also stops in the same location.
Best Time Of Year For The Glacier Quest Cruise
The cruise coincides with Alaska’s peak tourism season from May to September, and tours run rain or shine. Don’t worry if it’s raining in Whittier, as the weather changes quickly. Each month offers different experiences.
May and June bring long days and wildlife activity as animals emerge from winter. Newborn animals and migrating whales appear, though glaciers may have more ice. The glaciers looked whiter this time.
July and August offer the warmest temperatures and the most stable weather. These months offer the highest likelihood of calm seas and clear views of Blackstone Glacier and surrounding peaks.
September brings fall colors, wetter weather, and fewer crowds, with a higher chance of seeing whales during their migration. Temperatures drop slightly, and daylight hours decrease.
What To Wear And What To Bring
Layered clothing is essential for this cruise, as temperatures on the water remain significantly cooler. Essential items to wear or pack:
|
Waterproof jacket |
Warm hat and gloves |
|
Sunglasses |
Warm shoes |
|
Sunscreen (peak months) |
Binoculars |
The M/V Glacier Quest features both indoor and outdoor viewing decks. We moved around a lot and removed layers as the day warmed up.
Glacier Quest Cruise Vs. 26 Glacier Cruise
The Glacier Quest Cruise explores one fjord on a smaller vessel. Phillips Cruises’ 26 Glacier Cruise covers 140 miles and visits multiple glaciers. Both cruises depart from Whittier and include wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder as part of the onboard dining experience.
Travelers often ask whether to choose Glacier Quest or the longer 26 Glacier Cruise. Glacier Quest is 3.75 hours, while the 26 Glacier Cruise lasts 5.25 hours. Factoring in the extra travel time to and from Anchorage, the longer tour makes for a much longer outing. Consider tour length, including sightseeing, and logistics when comparing the options.
The longer cruise overlaps the shorter one on the Blackstone Bay segment. However, because the longer cruise visits College Fjord first and spends more time there, you will see less of Blackstone Bay. This means the cruises differ in both the route sequence and the extent of each area visited.
|
Glacier Quest Cruise |
26 Glacier Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Glaciers visited |
Up to 10 |
Up to 26 |
|
Length of tour |
3.75 hours |
5.25 hours |
|
Meal included |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Wheelchair accessible |
Yes |
Yes |
Deciding between the two tours may come down to time, pace, cost, and the distance you want to cover. The Glacier Quest Cruise costs USD 50 less without transportation.
The shorter cruise offers a nice excursion, but we found the longer one more scenic and saw much more wildlife. However, wildlife sightings can change day by day and month by month.
There was more travel time to reach College Fjord, but once there, the experience was spectacular. Sea otters, harbor seals, porpoises, and whales gave us a premium wildlife-viewing experience, even though it was advertised as a glacier tour.
Harvard Glacier was very active, and we saw lots of calving. Not so in Blackstone Bay.
Which Cruise Is Right for You?
Choose the Glacier Quest if you prefer a shorter commitment, smaller crowds, and a relaxed viewing experience. This cruise works well for travelers with limited time or those with children who don’t want a longer day.
The 26 Glacier Cruise suits travelers who want to maximize glacier viewing and don’t mind faster transitions between locations. Book this option if you have a full day available and want comprehensive coverage of Prince William Sound’s glaciers.
To ensure your spot, consider booking at least 2 months in advance and avoid days when large cruise ships dock in Whittier, as both tours fill up quickly and feel more crowded on those days.
Who Should Choose The Glacier Quest Cruise
The Glacier Quest Cruise is best for travelers who don’t want a full-day commitment. Guests taking a Gulf of Alaska cruise may not want to repeat College Fjord on the 26 Glacier Cruise, so the shortened tour makes sense.
Ideal candidates for this cruise include:
- First-time Alaska visitors seeking an introduction to glacier viewing.
- Travelers with limited time in the Whittier area.
- Families with younger children who may not handle extended boat trips well.
- Budget-conscious tourists.
Passengers who appreciate a more intimate setting will find value in the typically smaller passenger capacity. The vessel includes onboard monitors that display your location along the cruise route, helping you stay oriented throughout the journey.
This cruise suits travelers who value quality over quantity when exploring glaciers. We didn’t need to see 26 glaciers to have a memorable Alaska experience.
Final Verdict: Is Glacier Quest Worth It?
The Glacier Quest Cruise delivers solid value for anyone seeking a closer glacier-viewing experience. Phillips Cruises’ pricing is among the best in Alaska, and we’ve taken many small-boat cruises.
We find the Glacier Quest sufficient for most visitors. Once you’ve witnessed several glaciers calving and towering over the water, the experience becomes familiar. The shorter duration prevents fatigue while still delivering the iconic Alaskan glacier experience.
This tour suits first-time Alaska visitors, families, and anyone wanting a balance between scenic beauty and comfort. Skip it if you prefer extended wilderness immersion or have already experienced similar glacier cruises.
