If you’re planning an Alaska vacation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between the many Alaska glacier tours. Two of the most popular options are boarding a glacier cruise out of Whittier through Prince William Sound and a Seward glacier cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park.
We’ve done both and we’re here to help you decide which is best for you.
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During one trip, our group of nine (including two families) took the famous 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier with Phillips Cruises and Tours. On a separate visit to Alaska, we went with another couple on the Classic Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward, operated by Kenai Fjords Tours.
(You can read and compare both of our Alaska road trip itineraries here.)
While both Alaska glacier tours offered spectacular scenery and unforgettable memories, they turned out to be surprisingly different experiences. If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s how they compare.
26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier: More Glaciers, Calmer Waters
If your primary goal is to see as many glaciers as possible, a Whittier glacier cruise is hard to beat.
The 26 Glacier Cruise earns its name honestly, as glaciers seem to appear around every bend. On this 5 ½-hour tour through Prince William Sound, large glaciers descend from the surrounding mountains, hanging glaciers cling to the steep cliffs, and tidewater glaciers are scattered throughout the fjords.
Our personal favorites were the massive Harvard Glacier (where we stopped to watch and listen to it calve into the sea), and the beautiful Blackstone Glacier surrounded by numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
One thing we noticed right away was how calm the water felt. Prince William Sound is relatively protected from the open ocean, and the ride was smooth for most of the journey. This was particularly important to us because we were traveling with a large group that included five children. We wanted to minimize the chances of anyone getting seasick, and the calm waters helped make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
While we didn’t spot any whales during our cruise, we saw plenty of other wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, otters, and a bald eagle. One unexpected highlight was watching a commercial fishing boat haul hundreds of salmon aboard from remarkably close range. This became one of our most memorable moments of the day!
We were also impressed by the onboard amenities. The boat offered comfortable seating, excellent viewing opportunities both inside and on the outdoor decks, and an excellent salmon chowder lunch that was served during the cruise.
Overall, the 5 ½ hours passed by quickly. It was a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon (especially after hiking the stunning Portage Pass earlier that morning).
Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward: Fewer Glaciers, Bigger Wildlife Encounters
On our Seward glacier cruise, we chose the 6-hour Classic Kenai Fjords National Park Tour. This took us into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park and included a stop at Holgate Glacier.
The first thing we noticed was the water. Once our boat moved beyond the more protected areas, conditions became considerably rougher. In fact, three of the four people in our group started feeling seasick within the first hour of the cruise.
Rough seas – and the motion sickness that often comes with it – are much more common here than in the sheltered waters of Prince William Sound.
Fortunately, our discomfort quickly faded when the captain suddenly announced that a humpback whale had been spotted ahead. Almost instantly, everyone rushed to the rails to catch a glimpse.
Not long afterward, we encountered a pod of orcas swimming near the boat. The adrenaline rush from seeing these magnificent animals in the wild provided a welcome distraction from the rolling seas and was one of the highlights of the day. Along the way we also saw seals, sea lions, otters and puffins.
Then came Holgate Glacier.
Although we saw fewer glaciers overall than on the Whittier cruise, Holgate Glacier was the single most impressive one we encountered on either Alaska trip. Its visual grandeur was impressive, but what really stood out were the thunderous roars of the glacier calving into the sea. It was a surreal experience that we still talk about to this day!
Overall, this was a great tour with two incredible highs: the whale sightings and the Holgate Glacier calving (although the choppy waters made it less relaxing compared to our Whittier cruise experience.)
Alaska Glacier Tours Cost, Reservations, and Tips
Both Alaska glacier cruises have similar costs: $240 – $270 per adult, with discounts for children under age 12. They both run from May through late September/early October and are extremely popular during Alaska’s short summer season. If you’re traveling in June, July, or August and have fixed travel dates, we recommend booking one to three months in advance (or even earlier around holidays).
For either cruise, you’ll want to:
- dress in layers, even on sunny days.
- bring a waterproof jacket.
- carry binoculars if you enjoy wildlife viewing.
- keep your camera ready at all times.
- bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
- take motion sickness medication if your cruise departs from Seward.
- consider choosing a seat with easy access to outdoor viewing decks.
Which Alaska Glacier Tour Would We Choose?
We often get asked which glacier cruise we’d choose if we could only do one. The truth is, we loved both experiences. The right choice depends entirely on what you’re hoping to see.
Many people describe Whittier as the better “glacier cruise” and Seward as the better “wildlife cruise.” Based on our experiences, we think that’s pretty accurate.
If you want calmer waters, more glaciers, and a more comfortable sightseeing experience, we’d recommend the Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier. And since the risk of motion sickness is less, Whittier may be your best option if you’re traveling with a large group or with children.
For the best chances of seeing whales and the possibility of witnessing a truly unforgettable glacier calving event, we’d choose the Classic Kenai Fjords National Park Tour from Seward. But this typically is the less relaxing option due to the choppier waters, especially if motion sickness is a real concern for you.
In the end, there really isn’t a wrong choice. Whether you choose Seward or Whittier, you’ll experience some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery and come home with memories you’ll be talking about for years.
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