While waiting for 26 Glacier Cruise?

[Daisy21015]

We are booked on the Island Pricess Vancouver to Whittier. We will arrive in Whittier at 12AM on August 6th.

 

I know we won't disembark until morning but we are looking at the 26 Glacier Cruise which doesn't start until 12 noon - any ideas on what we might be able to do/see while we are waiting for this excursion?

 

The other option is to take the Portage Glacier excursion which leaves at 8:45 with drop off in Anchorage at 2:15PM leaving us some time to see Anchorage before we head to the airport?

 

We have a 10PM flight out of Anchorage so we are open to any ideas for activities in Whittier or Anchorage - Thank you!

[mr green]

Very little to do in Whittier, and have never been to Anchorage, BUT, 26 Glacier tour is very very good!

 

john

[slix1]

We had a similar situation. We rented a car from Avis that had a big charge to return at Anchorage but gave us a little flexibility. This gave us the opportunity to go to the visitor center by Portage and take a short walk that gets very close to Bryon Glacier. We could have actually walked thru a large moraine and up the ice but decided it would be very dirty. We did see a moose just off the nice easy path. You also have to factor the one way tunnel. We popped out the tunnel at 9:00a and came back at the 11:30a. We had planned to visit the small PWS museum at the Anchor Inn but it was a very rainy day and we ran out of time with coffee and hot soup before our tour. All the tours are aware of the tunnel schedule and we get you back in time to rush out at the top of the hour whether it is your vehicle or a group transport. We enjoyed PWS even in a storm.

[Budget Queen]

Is Prince William Sound a priority choice for you? Or it doesn't matter what you do with your time? How are you getting to Anchorage?

 

I would never compromise on my tour choices because of it involving some down time prior. You can expect to be getting off the ship around 9am. Take your time. Are you checking your bags with the tour operator? You'll have to check in.

 

You can take a scenic coastal walk. People will be lining up for the tour up to an hour ahead. Boarding will be prior to the tour.

 

Again, depends on you how you wish to spend your time?

[Daisy21015]

Prince William Sound is not necessarily the priority. If we do this tour, it is through Princess and includes transfer to the airport.

 

This is our first time to Alaska - it will be myself, husband and 21 year old daughter. We just want to make the most of the day and are open to suggestions. We could go first thing to Anchorage and tour from there as well.

 

Thankful for any ideas! Will look into the car possibility too - thanks slix1!

[Budget Queen]

Prince William Sound is not necessarily the priority. If we do this tour, it is through Princess and includes transfer to the airport.

 

This is our first time to Alaska - it will be myself, husband and 21 year old daughter. We just want to make the most of the day and are open to suggestions. We could go first thing to Anchorage and tour from there as well.

 

Thankful for any ideas! Will look into the car possibility too - thanks slix1!

 

IF the PWS is not a "priority" do you have other interests? Why did you choose it?

 

IF you want "most", then that probably would involve getting a rental car with Avis. and packing your day with touring. All kinds of options from glacier trekking, sight seeing Mat Su, spending time along the Arm, packing a bunch of Anchorage activities etc. big advantage, no "down time that isn't scheduled by you. Luggage right with you. ability to have a nice dinner of your choosing, instead of limited choices, cab rides, hauling bags, drop offs hours ahead etc.

 

But, it's up to you, to determine what direction you want to take. So perhaps, take a look at http://www.anchorage.net http://www.alaskavisit.com http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

[DougH]

There is a very nice little museum in Whittier that is worth a visit if you have the time. Its down by the ferry terminal, then walk thru the tunnel under the railroad yard, turn left once on the other side and its down at the end of the street. los a small store if you need to pick up some stuff