Which PWS Boat Tour?

[stired]

I've searched the threads to see which PWS company people recommend - but haven't really come across strong positive comments one way or the other. Would really like feedback from folks who have actually taken one or more of these tours to see what they thought:

 

Prince William Sound tours - 4 hour Glacier Adventure cruise

Phillips 26 Glacier cruise

PWS Eco Adventures - either Esther Passage/Barry Arm or Blackstone Bay

 

We are also going to do a Kenai Fjords NP tour (at least 6 hours) so would like the PWS trip to concentrate more on glaciers than wildlife

 

Love to hear from those who have done one of these trips. Thanks!:D

[Suzanne123]

We did the 4 hour Glacier Adventure tour in June and just loved it. To be honest, I had a better time on that tour than the one to Kenai Fjords. The water was so smooth, and we saw one beautiful glacier after another. The lunch was small (halibut, chicken, or veggie lasagna), but tasty and they have warm chocolate chip cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and lemonade all afternoon. I think I counted 16 people aboard our very large boat. You could walk around the outside or stay in the heated cabin that had tables and row seating. You'll go to two kittiwake (sp?) nesting sites and stop at a waterfall that you can reach out and touch. The boat is able to go very close to the shore.

We had a naturalist on board, a friendly, young crew, and the boat itself was very clean.

Anyway, it was really a highlight for us. I think you'll have a great time.

[NancyIL]

What time will you arrive in Whittier? The 6-hour Prince William Sound cruise goes to Esther Passage and Barry Arm, and that's probably the one we will take immediately after our cruise ends: http://www.princewilliamsound.com/579.cfm The shorter tour doesn't start until 1:30, and I don't want to hang around Whittier an extra 2.5 hours. However, if you're taking the train to Whittier and arriving after noon, you'll need to choose a cruise that starts later.

 

I saved a thread about PWS cruises that was very helpful:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=285322

[stired]

What time will you arrive in Whittier? The 6-hour Prince William Sound cruise goes to Esther Passage and Barry Arm, and that's probably the one we will take immediately after our cruise ends: http://www.princewilliamsound.com/579.cfm The shorter tour doesn't start until 1:30, and I don't want to hang around Whittier an extra 2.5 hours. However, if you're taking the train to Whittier and arriving after noon, you'll need to choose a cruise that starts later.

 

I saved a thread about PWS cruises that was very helpful:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=285322

 

Thanks for the info - yes we are taking the train from Anchorage so will not get into Whittier until 12:30 p.m.

[stired]

We did the 4 hour Glacier Adventure tour in June and just loved it. To be honest, I had a better time on that tour than the one to Kenai Fjords. The water was so smooth, and we saw one beautiful glacier after another. The lunch was small (halibut, chicken, or veggie lasagna), but tasty and they have warm chocolate chip cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and lemonade all afternoon. I think I counted 16 people aboard our very large boat. You could walk around the outside or stay in the heated cabin that had tables and row seating. You'll go to two kittiwake (sp?) nesting sites and stop at a waterfall that you can reach out and touch. The boat is able to go very close to the shore.

We had a naturalist on board, a friendly, young crew, and the boat itself was very clean.

Anyway, it was really a highlight for us. I think you'll have a great time.

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like you had a great time and I appreciate your review.