Overview
We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as the driver guide narrates while you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm.
In Whittier, the Glacier Quest Cruise cruises from the quaint seaside town to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more!
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.
Return to Anchorage by coach.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
Lunch
ADA Accessibility is limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.
Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.
On-board restrooms
A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provide professional narration during the cruise.
Tea and coffee
Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home.
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
At 9:00 AM, present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. to the Phillips Cruises staff outside the Hotel Captain Cook on 5th Avenue to board the coach. The coach departs Anchorage at 9:15 AM. Show I.D. in Whittier at 12:00 PM to receive boarding cards for the Glacier Quest Cruise 1:00 PM - 4:45 PM.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Present mobile ticket and photo I.D. to Phillips Cruises & Tours curbside staff when boarding the coach in Anchorage or Girdwood. In Whittier, present photo I.D. to Phillips Cruises & Tours staff to get boarding cards for the cruise.
9:00 AM COACH ANCHORAGE TO WHITTIER - Meet the Phillips Cruises representative outside the Hotel Captain Cook on 5th Avenue at 9:00 AM with photo I.D. to board the coach. The coach will depart at 9:15 AM. The Phillips Cruises Coach Service representative will be holding a red sign with a yellow triangle logo on it.
Sit back and relax to enjoy the scenic byway that connects Anchorage to Whittier while your driver-guide shares stories about Alaska. The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. The motor coach is restroom-equipped. Photo stops are made as time allows.
12:00 PM GLACIER QUEST CRUISE - In Whittier, proceed directly to Phillips Cruise ticket office "Express Check-In" located on the observation deck behind the ticket office. Present your photo I.D. and mobile ticket in Whittier to receive your cruise boarding pass, meal card for lunch, and a map indicating the location of your reserved seat. All guests must be on the Glacier Quest Cruise to Blackstone Bay by 12:55 PM.
A hot lunch will be served shortly after the cruise departs. Cruise Passage Canal to reach Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and numerous towering waterfalls. Watch for wildlife along the way and learn about Prince William Sound as the Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration. Every cruise includes our No Seasickness guarantee!
6:45 PM COACH WHITTIER TO ANCHORAGE - Meet the coach at 630 PM by the Cliffside Marina for the return to Anchorage. Coach service will drop off at the Hotel Captain Cook at 8:30 PM and the Anchorage Airport by 9:00 PM on request.
If you need assistance, please call us at 907-276-8023.
What to expect
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Turnagain Arm Drive
Traveling between Anchorage and Whittier is a spectacular journey. The Seward Highway is designated a Scenic Byway that follows the shoreline of Turnagain as it winds its way along the base of mountains revealing one stunning view after the next. As time allows, photo stops will be made along the way.
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Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Travel time from Anchorage to Whittier is 90 minutes. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is open thirty minutes past the hour for access to Whittier. The tunnel opens on the hour to depart Whittier, hourly until 11:00 PM. -
Prince William Sound
4 hours
Explore Blackstone Bay on the 3.75-hour Glacier Quest Cruise. See glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife up close.
After the cruise, meet the coach at 6:45 PM for your return to Anchorage. -
Whittier
4 hours
Whittier Alaska is the Gateway to Prince William Sound. This quaint coastal town is home to just 200 residents. Whittier is the place where local Alaskans come to play in Prince William Sound for the weekend.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Anchorage).
Additional Information
- Travelers need to ascend/descend 3-5 steps to board coach. Please call for assistance
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package
Can I cancel Glacier Quest Cruise and Coach Package for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 11 hours.
Where does it start?
At 9:00 AM, present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. to the Phillips Cruises staff outside the Hotel Captain Cook on 5th Avenue to board the coach.
What's included?
- No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
- Lunch
- ADA Accessibility is limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.
- Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.
- On-board restrooms
- A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provide professional narration during the cruise.
- Tea and coffee
What's not included?
- Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home.
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Turnagain Arm Drive, Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, Prince William Sound, Whittier.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC
