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Its regional cuisine with an Alaska touch is truly special, highlighting seasonal fresh produce and locally sourced protein such as halibut. The tall chalet windows offer romantic views of the mountainside. About 45 minutes south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a laid-back ski town that relocated inland a few miles from the Seward Highway after the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Choose the 26 Glacier Cruise for an extraordinary cruise that follows the route of the Harriman Expedition in Prince William Sound.
Tours including Whittier
In early May and June, watch for "maternity wards" of otters and seals on the icebergs; the abrasive ice serves to ward off orcas. Watch for "rafts" of otters as well-maybe 300 all together; like synchronized swimmers, they'll flip from floating on their backs and dive into the water all at once. The most common whales in Prince William Sound are humpbacks and orcas, with sightings of minke whales as well. You may also spot wildlife on land, such as bears and mountain goats.
Ships on this itinerary
The time-pressed traveler could make it to Seward and back in one long, full day, logging five-plus road hours alone. We recommend our day cruise guests use the Whittier Parking and Camping $10/day lot on Whittier Street. The Cliffside Marina allows for drop-off and pick-up of our guests and provides clean restrooms for use before or after their cruise. Parking in the Cliffside Marina is reserved for marina slip owners with a few spots designated for our guests with limited mobility for $15 per day. Discover the glaciers of Prince William Sound on an easy day trip from Anchorage. Plan extra time to see the breathtaking scenery along the Seward Highway which is designated a National Scenic Byway.
Which is Better for Seeing Other Sea Life?
At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska. Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory.
Lunch & Other Ship Amenities
No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess. Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.
Things to See from Anchorage to Whittier
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. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess - Upgraded Points
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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.
National treasures
What makes the glacier part of the tour worth it is 2 of the glaciers that we did see up close. And once again you should keep in mind that glaciers also do their own thing and there’s also no guarantee that chunks of ice will fall off when you are there. 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.
Norwegian to Build Cruise Facility in Whittier, Alaska - Cruise Industry News
Norwegian to Build Cruise Facility in Whittier, Alaska.
Posted: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Seward
On the 26 Glacier Cruise, you will see several types of glaciers, including Alpine (hanging), Piedmont and Tidewater. Glacier calvings (when broken pieces of ice fall into the water and become icebergs) are normally seen on each cruise. Many different animals call this area home; bald eagles are commonly seen fishing in the area, it is not uncommon to see humpback whales plus sea otters are almost always present. The five-hour cruise departs from the Cliffside Marina in Whittier. The tiny harbor town is located 60 miles southeast of Anchorage and accessible by road through a single-lane tunnel. Prince William Sound's protected waters ensure the trip is a smooth one.
This renowned 125-mile roadway runs south from Anchorage to the town of Seward. The first portion follows alongside a narrow finger of water called Turnagain Arm. This historic waterway is named for British explorer Captain James Cook, who had to “turn again” when his ship reached its dead end. Are there restrooms near the cruise boarding area or on the cruise? Phillps Cruises and Tours, LLC provides clean restrooms for our guests in the Cliffside Marina parking lot and each vessel has multiple restrooms for your convenience.
And, like the 26 Glaciers Cruise, there is a no-seasickness guarantee, so you can focus on all the wonders around you. 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. 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. Prince William Sound is a nutrient-rich environment for a variety of wildlife. Our captains and crew will keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Additional snacks, hot and cold drinks, and adult beverages are available for purchase. While at the glaciers your captain idles the engine down as low as possible. He'll also rotate the boat so everyone can see, offering a different angle each minute.
Any alcohol served or consumed onboard must be provided by Phillips Cruises and Tours, LLC. Smoking is prohibited on any vessel owned or operated by Phillips Cruises and Tours, LLC, including all forms of tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vapors, and marijuana. Professional Narration Our captain and a ranger from the Chugach National Forest Service will provide narration during the cruise.
Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.
The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation. In 2024, the company will operate four high-speed catamarans on the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests. On an Alaska cruise, unpack once and explore glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage. Visit the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States. Or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and see brown bears, moose and bison living in a protected habitat that perfectly emulates the wild. Each half-day cruise includes narration on the history of the Alaska Natives who ventured into the sound in centuries past.
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