Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise: An Unforgettable Journey
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If you are anything like me, then you’ve probably dreamed of sailing through the chilling glacier waters, looking for whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. I was fortunate enough on my trip to Alaska to embark on a cruise through the Prince WIlliam Sound, and the only word that I can use to describe this entire experience is magical. We boarded the ship in Valdez and sailed to Whittier, and my nephew and I were in complete awe the entire 8-hour sailing. In this post I will share our incredible expereinces, and I hope I am able to inspire you to take a majestic Prince WIlliam Sound Glacier Cruise as well.
Introduction: Prince William Sound
If you aren’t familiar with where Prince WIlliam Sound is located, it is nestled right in the heart of Alaska, and is a haven for those who enjoy nature, the outdoors, adventure, and anyone who enjoys amazing scenery. There are over 100 named glaciers in this area, countless wildlife, and views like you’ve never seen before in your entire life. Are you ready to add Prince WIlliam Sound to your destination list? Ok, let’s dive into my journey, insights, and tips to make your trip to Prince WIlliam Sound unforgettable!
Setting Sail from Valdez
We boarded our large boat in the very tiny town of Valdez. The charm of the city and amazing views really set the tone for our amazing journey through Prince William Sound. As we boarded the boat, the crew was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we couldn’t wait for what was in store for us.
Prince William Sound Glaciers: Nature’s Majestic Sculptures
Columbia Glacier
Seeing the Columbia Glacier was absolutely incredible. All of the ice burgs from the glacier, floating around in the water, and listening to the roars of the glacier that literally sounded like thunder was an experience I have never witnessed in all of my travels. This was my nephew’s first time seeing a glacier like this, and the look in his eyes when he saw it was the best feeling!
Meares Glacier
Meares Glacier is unlike most glaciers. Will most retreat, the Meares Glacier is actually advancing, making it very unique. This glacier was probably the most photogenic in my opinion with its towering face and the waters that surround it making the reflection perfect for photographs.
Blackstone Bay
As our boat made its way through Blackstone Bay, we were able to see views of numerous glaciers, including the Beloit Glaciers and Blackstone. The waters were so calm, and the reflection in the water mirrored these glaciers perfectly, creating photos that you would think were taken by professional photographers.
Wildlife Encounters: Prince William Sound
The amount of wildlife we were able to see on this 8-hour Prince WIlliam Sound Glacier Cruise was absolutely shocking! We were able to see numerous sea otters playing on the floating ice, so many humpback whales flapping their tails in the water, and tons of various birds and bald eagles flying all around us. I am pretty sure my phone died on this boat because they number of pictures I was taking of the wildlife and the scenery, was more than I have ever taken on any excursion.
Cultural and Historical Insights
Another great aspect of this particular glacier cruise was the incredible education commentary that the crew provided to us. They talked about the indigenous people of Alaska, earthquakes, the amazing small communities that surround the sound, and went into great detail about the landscapes, the wildlife, and the Alaskan history, that I wasn’t at all well-versed in.
Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise Tips
Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks: I always recommend bringing a refillable water, especially on excursions, so you a never without. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but it’s always nice to have your own, especially if you want something in particular.
Layers, Layers, Layers: On your journey, we had cold, wind, and rain. Thankfully we were prepared with beanies, gloves, jackets, and umbrella. While it can be cold and wet on deck, it can be warm inside, so dress for all of the seasons and unexpected weather changes.
Binoculars: Having binoculars on this excursion is a must. We were able to see whales and eagles from afar because of them. If you don’t have a pair, I highly recommend getting some. We used ours throughout our entire trip to Alaska in order to see wildlife better.
Book Early: Glacier cruises tend to book up very quickly, especially during the summer, which is their peak tourist season. Plan ahead, and book early so that you don’t miss out on this amazing excursion.
Conclusion: Prince WIlliam Sound
When I look back on my trip through Prince WIlliam Sound, remembering the views and my experiences, almost gives me chills. Between the glaciers, the water, the scenery, wildlife, and the amazing crew, I am still in awe. I hope this post, and my pictures were able to give you a small glimpse of how amazing this expereince was, and it inspires you do want a Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise to your next itinerary.