
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 84 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive worth booking?
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive is a 5-hour experience in Whittier, United States, from $278 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 84 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (84)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $278 per person
For guests with their own transportation, this 5.25-hour cruise brings you face-to-face with dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. The cruise route c
What you get
About this experience
For guests with their own transportation, this 5.25-hour cruise brings you face-to-face with dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. The cruise route covers 120 miles in Western Prince William Sound while being surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. Your friendly and attentive crew will strive to make this cruise a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee assures every guest will cruise in comfort while enjoying your cruise. All cruises are operated on first-class high-speed catamarans that provide an extremely stable cruise and can smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and ice flows to reach the face of massive glaciers.
What's included
Included
- Smoke-free vessels
- No Seasickness Guarantee - or your money back!
- Lunch
- USB Charging Stations at every table. Wifi is NOT available.
- On-board restrooms
- ADA Accessible providing a safe and comfortable way for everyone to see the glaciers.
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel toll
- Gift Shop items are available for purchase on boat.
- Does not include parking fees of $10-$15.
- Does not include transportation to Whittier.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Travel time from Anchorage to Whittier is 90 minutes. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes. Please plan your day with this travel time in mind. (The cruise portion is 5 hours.) All cruises depart from Whittier, AK. Bring your photo I.D. and check in at least one hour before your cruise departs. Being late may cause the cancellation of reserved seats and/or an entire reservation. To reach Whittier, you will travel through North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel allows one-way traffic access to and from Whittier on a strict schedule. The tunnel opens going to Whittier thirty minutes past the hour (9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM). We recommend the 10:30 AM tunnel opening for your cruise to allow time to park and check in. Transportation to Whittier, tunnel toll, and parking fee are not included. After your cruise, the tunnel will be open hourly, on the hour, until 11:00 PM.
Explore spectacular Prince William Sound to see dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife on our first-class high-speed catamarans. Enjoy narration from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger who shares interesting details about the history, geography, glaciers and wildlife we see during the cruise. Every cruise features our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee! With the calm waters of Prince William Sound and our smooth cruising catamarans, you can enjoy a comfortable experience without worry. We serve wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder with coleslaw style salad, multigrain roll, oyster crackers, cheese stick, fruit snack and a peppermint pattie. If you prefer hearty vegetarian chili (GF), request it when booking or message us at least 48 hours before travel. Paid parking is available in a public lot located on Whittier Street, close to the Cliffside Marina. Photo I.D. is required at check-in to receive your boarding cards. All guests must be on board by 11:45 AM
300 minutes here · Admission included
Whittier
Explore the town of Whittier, Alaska as you stroll along the harbor boardwalk, visit local shops and restaurants, the Prince William Sound Museum (admission not included) or hike a local trail. When you are ready to depart Whittier, the tunnel will be open on the hour, every hour until 11:00 PM.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Whittier
IMPORTANT! Our cruises depart from Whittier, approximately 1.5 hours south of Anchorage. We suggest departing Anchorage by 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to arrive in Whittier 1-hour before boarding begins.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
IMPORTANT! Our cruises depart from Whittier, approximately 1.5 hours south of Anchorage. We suggest departing Anchorage by 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to arrive in Whittier 1-hour before boarding begins.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All crew and guests must wear a mask or face covering per current COVID-19 procedures.
- Be mindful of the space around you for social distancing
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 80 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
80 verified traveler reviews for Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Highlight of the Trip
This was a great experience that exceeded my expectations. Of course, we had stellar weather that day. The boat was relaxing. The meal was okay. The views were amazing and we saw a bit of wildlife. The Harvard Glacier was the highlight of the day—hard to describe the enormity if the ice field.
via Tripadvisor
Ship was overcrowded,...
Ship was overcrowded, windows were steamed over preventing decent viewing, food was ok, glacier viewing was great, wildlife was sparse.
Response from the operator: Thank you James for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We regret to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We appreciate this opportunity to review our operations and see how we may improve.
via Viator
Great trip! Great Value!
You just can’t beat this experience! I have taken many guests out on the 26 Glaciers Cruise and it is always a highlight of their trip!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your continued patronage. We’re honored that the 26 Glacier Cruise has been a highlight for so many of your guests. It means a great deal to know you continue to share Prince William Sound with your guests and choose us to be your guide. We look forward to welcoming you back again!
via Tripadvisor
Great. Weather in...
Great. Weather in Whittier and marine weather very unpredictable. I would recommend checking before going . Pick your weather.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us and for the recommendation! You’re absolutely right that weather in Whittier and Prince William Sound can change quickly. We’re glad you had a great trip and hope to welcome you back for another beautiful day in Prince William Sound.
via Viator
Amazing experience
The Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise is a great experience to go with families. It was very comfortable and well Provided for. The captain is very knowledgable and his commentary is great!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Whittier.
How much does Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive cost?
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Prices start at $278 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Whittier usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Whittier is not rushed.
Is Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 84 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Whittier, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Whittier can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Whittier and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Whittier within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Whittier?
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Whittier, AK packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Whittier by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Whittier experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife&Glacier tour to Anchorage, Whittier to Anchorage Half Day Transit Tour From the Port, Whittier to Anchorage Wildlife Extravaganza. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Whittier?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Whittier, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Whittier?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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