major marine tours - prince william sound glacier cruise

A great family trip. Interesting narration, a chance to get up near the glaciers, and saw some animals and waterfalls along the way. Food was good.

As we drove along the Cook Inlet there were white Buloga whales broaching. You do not see much of their head or tail, but rather just their backs.We entered a WW II super secret naval base = Whittier (60 miles south of Anchorage or 10 miles from the Hotel Alyeska). Turns out back just before the second world war, the military was looking for a naval base that was shaded from enemy aircraft and found that Whittier was an ideal deep water port that was usually covered in clouds or fog most of the time (town receives 15 ft of rain and 20 ft of snow each year, yet because the water front is tidal it does not freeze shut. The only problem was that there was no road to the costal town; so the military cut a 2.6 mile long tunnel through the mountain and set up a train rail to the town, and sure enough during the war many a warship pulled into Whittier to replenish. After the war, the town flourished as a deep water port with ships and barges coming in and the supplies being sent out by train. When the ferries started stopping at Whittier the only way for private cars and campers to leave or to get into town was to have them put on rail cars for the transportation through the mountain. In 2000, the tunnel was slightly widened and one way (shifts every half hour) auto / truck / camper traffic was allowed thus eliminating the need for the rail car transfer. Car transport through the tunnel cost $12.50, and big bus traffic cost $100.Once in Whittier we drove along a little and viewed the remains of the military involvement; the Officers barracks (abandon by the military in 1950) is now the living accommodations for most of the towns summer 300 residence (drops to around 30 during the winter) within this 14 story building, also servicing as the barber shop / bakery / police station / jail / etc. The 1000 man multi story enlisted men’s barracks / hospital is a very dismal sight which sits abandoned and not usable due to damage following the 1964 earthquake and the asbestos contamination in the building.Besides being a major supply and ferry boat port, the port also supports one of the Princess Line ships which travels out of this port (passengers come in and out by train from Anchorage) within travels down and back up to the inside passage. The Coral Princess had big signs up implying this was its last trip for the season as it would next be ported for the winter in Florida. Interesting item – One of the auto ferry boats that goes to Whittier leaving Washington State on a 5 day trip (looks like a neat way to bypass some of the long roads coming up from the lower states).We left Prince Williams Sound boat tour on board Phillips cruises Klondike Express which is a large three deck fast steel catamaran power boat. As we set sail, they provided a great fish lunch, and drinks were available on board. The trip took 5 hours and covered 145 miles. The trip is promoted as “26 Glacier cruise in one day”, and sure enough we saw so many glaciers today, that when we view them again on the cruise ship, we will have had our fill.For information there are three types of glaciers:• Tidewater = Reaches right down to the waters edge and where you will see what they call calving (ice chunks fall in the water with a big splash)• Piedmont = Ice flow stays just away from the waters edge with large streams of melt water run off.• Alpine = Ice flow way up on the mountain and never gets near the waters edge.The day started off very bleak with drizzle going out of Whittier, but about 2/3 through the trip the rain stopped and the fog lifted, thus we were able to see some very beautiful sights (as an example in Harriman Fjord three tidewater glaciers side by side.Animal life sightings included three Bald Eagles, a lot of birds and about 40 otters.They served us a very nice fish and chips lunch and the parks ranger on board provide a running description of all the sights.At the end of the boat trip we picked up our bus and headed back to Alyeska lodge through the one-way mountain tunnel.

We were blessed with the perfect day in July to take the Major Marine glacier tour out of Whittier, AK! The captain showed his expertise and was even able to pilot outside of his cabin in order to get us as close as possible to the sites, especially the hidden waterfalls. We saw lots of glacier calfing, this perfect weather day in July. Our only complaint was the many people who were talking as the captain and ranger where speaking. I do recommend this tour but felt there were too many people. I would search for a smaller tour company in the future.

We had perfect weather- especially enjoyed commentary by the Ranger- he was also available to talk to - lots of fascinating info from him- I was one of the non-diners- was out on the upper deck the entire trip- would have liked to visit a few more glaciers-we spent a long time trying to get near a family of 3 orcas but they did not cooperate. Boat was in good condition-enjoyable afternoon all in all. Price was reasonable

We took the train to Whittier and then the boat tour to Surprise glacier. We saw orcas, sea otters, etc. It was a cloudy, somewhat rainy day, but we thought it was worthwhile. The meal was good. and the boat was not so crowded. The crew was helpful and friendly.

We had a wonderful time on the Prince Wm Sound Blackstone Cruise. We went the 2nd week of September, so things had slowed down a bit in numbers. That was nice. Ranger Don was a real asset to the experience. Unlimited Prime Rib and Salmon was delicious. Although as we were the last table served, we found they really did not end up having enough for 2nd rounds of the meats for everyone. But it was still plenty and enjoyable. It was a cloudy and misty day. But that did not effect the enjoyment factor of this cruise for us. Rain jackets and plenty of hot drinks were enough to make any weather seem perfect. All in all a great experience. I recommend Major Marine Tours highly.

We took this cruise at the end of a 2-week trip. It was fabulous. Big Note: The Northern Lights book has a 2-for-1 coupon for the Surprise Glacier tour, and this saved us about $150. Get that book before you go!The crew was great, friendly and helpful. The boat was comfortable. Our trip had a National Forest Ranger on board who provided great commentary about what we were seeing. On board we saw orcas, otters and sea lions.The lunch they served (roast beef and salmon) was restaurant quality and the deserts on the way back were yummy. As an additional treat they prepared Margaritas using 200 year old glacier ice. Make sure you get the schedule for the tunnel to Whittier. If you miss the tunnel opening you may miss your cruise.

This tour was exceptional, the staff did a fantastic job. The US forestry Ranger Don Bernett was very knowledgable and told us everything we wanted to know about glaciers. He also entertained with his rendition of a Willie Nelson song. We sailed up close to the glaciers and they gave us ample time to photograph and see them calving before sailing to the next one.Laura the captain spotted a few Orca and followed them for several minutes hoping that they may surface to allow us to take photos.I would certainly recommend this tour.

Marine Tours helps you get up close and personal with the glaciers. The trick here is to catch sight of a glacier calving( a multi ton piece breaks off, falls in the water, and becomes an iceberg brings you close to the glacier, provides an excellent lunch, and enables you to switch from inside to outside whenever you wish. The crew are friendly, the park ranger is a font of knowledge, and did I say how great the food was great.. Check out the various Alaska discount books for reduced fees on this trip

I drove to Whittier by the car through the tunnel and parked little bit far from the boat for $7. The boat was older, but well mainlined. There was about 40 tourist only because of the end of the season and rainy weather. I enjoyed staying outside, because the deck was covered all around. the captain took us to 2 glaciers and we did a detour to "secret waterfall". we were so close that we could touch the waterfall. Watching glaciers and falling ice was great. We had drink with real ice from glacier. Tea and coffee were free. we could buy buffet lunch for $19 and snacks and drinks.

This tour was just right. It must be spectacular in the high season with blue skies and abundant wildlife… But we visited at the end of the season when its cold and raining and the wildlife has migrated….lol The waters are very calm a pleasant change for our wild ride a couple days prior. This tour was a bit shorter than one we had takes earlier in the week bit it seemed just right. The crew was fantastic and the captain took his time when we were at the glaciers, waterfalls, or saw some wildlife…. We did the lunch buffet and it was fine the food was fresh and hot. Later on they actually served margaritas made with a chunk of glacial ice they pulled out of the water!! That was very cool! Overall it was a great day… I really would recommend this tour company if you are visiting alaska. Their customer service is above and beyond.

Prince William sound despite the heavy rain was beautiful. the cruise was well hosted. We did not partake of the foodservice but brought our own lunches. The glaciers and waterfall were spectacular but the wildlife sightings were extraordinary. Orca's in Prince William sound, porpoises playing on our port side and the American Bald Eagle made the trip worthwhile.

It was a rainy, chilly day that I took the tour, and since it was almost the end of the season, the boat was not crowded at all. You are assigned a table upon boarding, but that was for the buffet. You were free to move around to see the sights at any time. We saw the glaciers up close, we saw whales and eagles, and a couple spectacular waterfalls. I loved it when the crew fished out a big hunk of glacier ice, and then made margaritas with it! (And they were good!) I found the buffet to be good, but nothing fancy. I thought it was worth the extra cost to have a nice hot meal on such a chilly day. This is well worth the money spent--I had come to Whittier via the Alaska ferry, and was waiting for the train to Anchorage that night. The tour was a great way to spend the day.

This is a great way to get up close to the tidewater glaciers! Doesn't matter which option you choose, they're all beautiful and the cruise is a great opportunity to see marine wildlife. I was totally surprised to see Dall's porpoise and orcas right out of Whittier! I've done two cruises with these guys and their crews have been super friendly. The boats are kept well. I'd skip the food and bring your own. Bundle up and bring your rain gear--even on a sunny, warm day it's breezy on the deck of a high-speed catamaran!

Everyone has an opportunity to see the face of the glaciers. Great photo opportunities! Buffet is a great value for Alaska!