College Fjord, AK

[Cerbiattina]

Hi Everybody!

At the end of May, my husband and I will take a 14-day cruise to Alaska glaciers with Grand Princess. Before getting to Whittier, the Cruise itinerary mentions one two-hour scenic cruise to College Fjord. From the description, "..Upon entering College Fjord, Alaska, passengers on Alaskan cruises may be able to see Harvard as the last of five glaciers in a row, separated by miles and mountains, just as Harriman's scientists could...". It does mention Prince William Sound which we want to see. I was looking for activities in Whittier since the ship will stop there from 12:30 am to 8:30 pm the next day. I  found another 5.30-hour cruise with Phillips Cruise Tour; in particular, the 26 Glacier Tour. It looks amazing; however, I am afraid it is going to be a sort of Deja Vu because Princess already goes to Prince William Sound and Harvard Glacier the day before. However, Phillips Cruises spends three extra hours at College Fjords. QUESTION: Have any of you done both? Could you share your opinion? How different are they? Is it worth going back the next day with Phillips Cruising? Also, as an alternative, I was looking into the Glacier Quest Cruise to Blackstone Bay, always offered by Phillips Cruising. Have you ever done that cruise? Is it worth it? If none of them works, I was thinking about going for a hike and visiting the military museum. We don't want to rent a car, do the tunnel and go to Anchorage. It seems like too much time driving around. Do you know any train-ride round trip from Whittier that is worth doing? Any input is much appreciated. Thank you!

[Wishing on a star]

Some of it might be 'repeat',  but it is a very different experience!!!

The 27 Glacier Cruise will get you more up close and personal... on a smaller boat, which is different than a ship.  You will feel the cold breeze,  feel and hear the boats reinforced base cutting thru the water and chunks of ice, etc...   You will be closer to any seals that are out there on the ice, etc...

You do get to see the smaller areas, and 'Surprise Glacier' etc.   

We did not do a round trip and spend that much time cruising Alaska.  We did Southbound, so for us. yes, we were glad we did it and highly recommend! 

 

I am not familiar with the other toors you mention...  So, I wouldn't know which one might be best for you.  But, if you are so inclined to choose one of these tours, I think you should consider it !   

 

Also, do you have to opportunity to get off the ship and tour Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm on the smaller boat.  That is another excellent opportunity!

 

Edited February 22 by Wishing on a star

[Ken the cruiser]

The discussion that took place in the following thread may be of some assistance.

 
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2981669-timing-question-for-26-glaciers-on-same-day-embarking-princess-cruise-at-whittier/

[ukestrummer]

Been Whittier 3 times, taken that 26 glacier tour each time, WELL WORTH the money, see more stuff-DO IT

[awinte2]

We did the 26 Glacier tour last May. They take you so close where the cruise ship cannot go. Absolutely worth it.

[wolfie11]

Blackstone Bay is also nice and you’ll see glaciers there as well.

[PescadoAmarillo]

18 minutes ago, wolfie11 said:

Blackstone Bay is also nice and you’ll see glaciers there as well.

We enjoyed Blackstone Bay even more than College Fjord, but the entire 26 glacier cruise was wonderful.  

[Donwoods123]

I also recommend that you take the 26 Glacier tour.  As noted above, it gets so much closer to the glaciers.

[Cerbiattina]

Hi all!

Thank you so much for your input! The 26 Glacier tour is going to be!!!! I appreciate all your help 🙏

[Sarnia 432]

We have done both, but the 26 glacier cruise is very different and by far the best