Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise: A Detailed Review & Guide

Thinking about taking a Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise? If so, that’s excellent since it can be quite the awesome way to glimpse some of Alaska’s most breathtaking natural beauty. From colossal glaciers to playful marine life, this cruise promises, really, an experience you’re not likely to soon forget. I’m here to give you, like, a good, honest rundown of what to expect, a few handy tips, and perhaps help you decide if this adventure is spot-on for you, you know?

Why Choose the Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise?

Alright, so there are a bunch of glacier cruises you might pick from in Alaska. Yet, the Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise, well, it has its own special charm. For starters, Whittier is actually pretty conveniently close to Anchorage. I mean, that basically makes it a fantastic choice if you’re starting or ending your Alaska trip in the state’s largest city. Even better, this cruise is generally shorter than some of the others, more or less perfect if you’re on a bit of a tighter schedule or perhaps if you’re not sure you want to be on a boat all day. What makes it truly awesome is the sheer number of glaciers you get to see – yup, 26 of them! Pretty cool, right?

Glaciers Galore: What You’ll See

Speaking of glaciers, oh my goodness, get ready for a treat! On this cruise, you’ll glide past remarkable giants such as the famous Columbia Glacier and the awesome Surprise Glacier, that one’s, very, known for its tendency to calve (which is really when massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the water, that, of course, is breathtaking). Each glacier features its own unique color, shape, and story, anyway. Some are brilliantly blue due to compressed ice, and others display dramatic striations from the rock and sediment they’ve picked up as they very slowly move over the millennia. When you get up close, you might be able to see the deep, beautiful blues, and, maybe even more exciting, watch some calving action yourself, right? It’s like nature’s very own awesome show, I’m telling you!

Marine Life Encounters: Keep Your Eyes Peeled!

It’s, that, not just about the glaciers, you see. Keep an eye on the water, too it’s almost, a certainty! The Prince William Sound area happens to be, quite the hotspot for marine life. You might be lucky enough to spot playful sea otters floating on their backs, maybe even humpback whales breaching the surface (oh boy, that’s spectacular!), plus, various seabirds soaring overhead. The boat usually slows down or stops if there’s something really cool to check out. so it’s a perfect chance to snap pictures and enjoy a closer look. The crew’s generally quite knowledgeable, sharing details about the wildlife and its behavior, like your very own nature show commentator, pretty cool!

What to Expect Onboard

The vessels utilized for the Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise are typically specifically, quite comfortable and set up to offer good viewing spots. They, that, almost always have large windows, outside decks, and indoor seating with, often, food and drink available. It, actually, can be a good idea to get yourself a seat early, notably, if you really want a particular spot, like near a window, or you know, something. Anyway, don’t stress too much – there’s usually plenty of room to walk around and check different angles.

Comfort and Amenities

Expect pretty, almost, comfy seating indoors to protect you from the chill (and sometimes that Alaskan drizzle) as well as open decks where you’re likely to catch great photos (but brace yourself for the wind!). Most boats typically feature restrooms, plus, a snack bar or café area where you’re able to purchase food, drinks, and maybe even souvenirs. Now, the selections here will likely vary between boats. Yet, they usually offer sandwiches, soups, coffee, and other things that are likely to hit the spot when you’re feeling chilly on the water.

Food and Drink

Most tours have, in fact, a selection of, pretty standard, fare. I’m talking stuff that’s pretty convenient and relatively easy to eat on a rocking ship. You will probably be able to grab burgers, sandwiches, soups, or perhaps a chili. Drink-wise, it’s, very, the usual suspects like sodas, coffee, and tea, but do verify the specific tour for what’s offered because they differ a little. You will probably bring your own snacks and drinks, if you’ve got particular favorites, right? That will almost guarantee you’ve got what you prefer.

What to Bring With You

Being prepared can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the cruise. Here’s what you might think about bringing.

Clothing

Oh man, layer up! The temperature can switch pretty quickly on the water, right? So wearing several layers makes it so you’re able to adapt easily. Start, maybe, with a base layer like a moisture-wicking shirt, then add something warm like a fleece, and finish off with, maybe, a waterproof and windproof jacket. And that’s something that is crucial even on sunny days, you understand?

Gear and Accessories

Alright, number one on this list has, naturally, gotta be binoculars! They will allow you to check out all of the glaciers plus all of the wildlife so much better. Number two would probably have to be your camera! Naturally, I’m sure, so you can remember what a great trip you had (obviously), and a good camera means good photos! Shades would also be, super, beneficial since the light reflecting off all of that ice could be intense and, actually, harmful to your eyes! Sunscreen is almost always crucial, regardless, right?

Booking Your Cruise: Things to Consider

If you’ve made up your mind to head to Whittier and see those glaciers, excellent! Let’s get you sorted, though! There, very, are, very, many, cruise providers. Therefore, do shop around for the top value, considering, obviously, dates, times, and specific onboard inclusions, you know? As you check schedules, do try to remember to peek for combination packages with rail or land tours for more experiencing!

Timing and Season

Most glacier cruises in Alaska operate in that season which is summer, right? Often between May and September. If you are after, definitely, lots of daylight and typically the warmest temperatures, target planning your tour between June and August, more or less the height of the summer period.

Price and Packages

Costs could vary hugely. A lot will actually depend on how long that cruise is, what tour group you go with, what extra goodies there are, and what discounts are going on. Keep your eye on discount prices, bundle offers with railroad rides and hotel packages, plus rates that may be decreased should you schedule straight to them.

Final Thoughts

A Whittier 26 Glacier Cruise gives, basically, an awesome possibility of coming face to face with Alaska’s icy majesty in a relatively limited timeframe. You’ll spot numerous glaciers. You’ll potentially observe sea animals. Plus, with suitable preparations, you really could make an already amazing sightseeing experience even better!

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