Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise

About

The Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise takes you deep into Alaska's Prince William Sound, where towering tidewater glaciers calve enormous chunks of ice into the sea right before your eyes. Over the course of roughly five hours, you'll pass 26 named glaciers aboard the M/V Klondike Express, a high-speed catamaran that cuts smoothly through the protected waters of the Sound.

The journey begins in the small port town of Whittier, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. If you're coming from Anchorage, Phillips offers a coach service that picks you up and handles the scenic drive through the Chugach Mountains and the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, one of the longest highway tunnels in North America. You can also take the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train for a more leisurely approach.

Once aboard, you'll cruise through calm fjords surrounded by steep, snow-covered peaks. Wildlife sightings are common. Keep your eyes open for sea otters, harbor seals hauled out on ice floes, bald eagles, and sometimes even humpback whales. The crew provides narration throughout the trip, pointing out geological features and sharing the history of the region.

The catamaran has indoor seating with large windows, plus open deck areas where you can step outside for unobstructed views and photos. A snack bar onboard serves hot food, drinks, and other refreshments. The vessel's catamaran design provides excellent stability, which helps if you're sensitive to motion on the water.

Prince William Sound is one of Alaska's most spectacular and accessible marine environments. Unlike backcountry glacier hikes that require significant physical ability, this cruise brings the glaciers to you. You'll hear the deep rumble of calving ice, feel the cold air rolling off the glacier faces, and watch icebergs drift past the boat. It's an immersive experience that doesn't require hiking a single step.

The cruise operates seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-September. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for peak summer months in June and July.

Accessibility

The M/V Klondike Express catamaran can accommodate most guests who require a wheelchair during the cruise. Boarding is done via a ramp, and there is an ADA-accessible restroom onboard. A limited number of tables with ADA access are available, so it's important to contact Phillips Cruises ahead of time to reserve one.

The catamaran's design provides excellent stability on the water, which can be helpful for guests with mobility or balance concerns. Indoor seating with large windows means you can enjoy the glacier views without needing to go out on deck in cold or wet weather.

For guests traveling from Anchorage, the Phillips coach service uses full-size motorcoaches that can provide lift access. You'll need to notify them at least 72 hours before travel to confirm lift availability on the coach.

Phillips Cruises asks that guests with specific accessibility needs call ahead to discuss accommodations. Their staff can help coordinate details for boarding, seating, and any other requirements. This advance contact is especially important given the limited number of ADA-accessible table spots on the vessel.

The port area in Whittier is compact and relatively flat. However, conditions at the dock and boarding area can vary, so confirming current setup details with Phillips before your trip is a good idea. Contact Phillips Cruises directly at their main office for the most current accessibility information and to arrange any accommodations you may need.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Whittier (Whittier)
• Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)
• Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
• Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage)
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)