Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise from Anchorage
A catamaran built for glacier viewing reaches faces most shore tours cannot.
The Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise is an 11-hour tour from Anchorage combining coach transport and a full-day cruise through Prince William Sound, where a dual-hull catamaran carries you close to one of Alaska's largest concentrations of glaciers. The route follows the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, passes through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel—and includes lunch, professional narration, and time to watch for marine wildlife and migratory birds.
11h
Step-by-step itinerary
Coach travel and glacier cruise
- Travel Anchorage to Whittier via Seward Highway
- Pass through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
- Enjoy 26 Glacier Cruise in Prince William Sound
The Experience
The day starts with a coach ride south from Anchorage along the Seward Highway, a scenic byway that hugs the shoreline of Turnagain Arm and winds through mountain passes. Photo stops break up the drive as the landscape opens. You'll pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.3-mile shared passage that carries both rail and vehicle traffic—the longest of its kind in North America—before arriving in Whittier to board the cruise.
Once aboard the catamaran, the dual-hull design keeps the boat stable even in narrow fjords and tight passages where single-hulled vessels struggle. The captain navigates toward glacier faces, adjusting the route based on ice conditions and wildlife activity, which shift daily. You watch for calving ice, seals, sea otters, and migratory birds from the deck or from inside the cabin. A professional captain provides narration throughout, explaining what you're seeing as the boat moves through the sound.
Lunch is served aboard: wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie (vegetarian chili or a kids' meal available with 48 hours' notice). Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are always on hand. USB charging stations sit at every table. The restroom is accessible aboard. The operator backs the cruise with a No Seasickness Guarantee, so nervous cruisers board with confidence.
What’s included
- Coach transport from Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway.
- passage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
- full-day catamaran cruise through Prince William Sound.
- lunch with wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, salad, cheese, and fruit.
- coffee, hot tea, and ice water throughout the day.
- professional captain narration.
- USB charging stations at every table.
- onboard restroom.
- and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see glaciers up close without arranging separate transport and cruise logistics—the coach, tunnel passage, and catamaran are coordinated into one day, and the dual-hull design lets the boat reach glacier faces in narrow fjords that larger vessels cannot navigate.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
How many glaciers will I see on the Prince William Sound cruise?
The 26 Glacier Cruise takes its name from the concentration of glaciers in Prince William Sound; the exact number visible on any given day depends on ice conditions and the captain's route, which adjusts for safety and the best viewing experience.
What is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel?
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a 2.3-mile passage you travel through on the coach between Anchorage and Whittier—it's North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel, carrying both train and vehicle traffic through the mountain.
Is lunch included on the cruise?
Yes; lunch aboard includes wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie, plus coffee, hot tea, and ice water throughout the day. Vegetarian chili or a kids' meal can be requested 48 hours in advance.
What wildlife might I see during the cruise?
Marine wildlife and migratory birds are active in Prince William Sound; seals, sea otters, and various bird species are common sightings, though what you see depends on the season and daily activity in the sound.
Will I get seasick on the catamaran?
The dual-hull catamaran design makes it extremely stable and able to navigate smoothly through narrow fjords and passages. Phillips Cruises & Tours offers a No Seasickness Guarantee, so you can board with confidence.
How long is the entire tour from Anchorage?
The full experience takes 11 hours, including the coach drive along Turnagain Arm, the passage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and the full-day cruise through Prince William Sound.
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise from Anchorage
11h · EN
from US$ 368 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8826 reviews
