10 hours
$269 + $ 29 Taxes & Fees – Per Person
May 6 – September 16, 2020
Return: 9:15 pm
Ride the historic Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train from Anchorage to Whittier
The Glacier Discovery route hugs the shores of Turnagain Arm, where the tide can change 27 feet in just a few hours. The route winds its way through the Chugach National Forest, home to Dall sheep, numerous moose, and black bear. As the train makes a turn away from the shore, it enters the glacially carved Portage Valley. A series of small tunnels lead up to North America’s longest shared tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This one-way tunnel is the only way to access Whittier on land. Once through the tunnel, the cruise adventure begins!
The Cruise
The 26 Glacier Cruise departs from Whittier and travels through the pristine passageways and fjords found in Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Upon leaving Whittier, the vessel heads east out Passage Canal toward Egg Rocks or Perry Island in search of migratory Steller sea lions. From there it proceeds to the very scenic area called Esther Passage where only small ships can navigate the waterway. High mountains protect this narrow channel from rough seas and winds. Many different animals call this area home; bald eagles are commonly seen fishing in the area along with occasional black bear sightings. It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and a variety of birds in this narrow passage.
Esther Passage opens into College Fjord where the vessel turns north for a panoramic view of all the glaciers named after the Eastern Colleges during the Harriman Expedition. Next, cruise to Surprise Glacier and Barry Arm located in Harriman Fjord. The Captain plots a path through the ice filled waters up to the front of the glacier so passengers can watch for massive chunks of ice calving into the sea.
On the return trip to Whittier, the vessel will stop one more time at a kittiwake bird rookery that is located just across the bay from Whittier. Over 10,000 birds inhabit these rocky cliffs each summer laying eggs. They fish constantly in front of the rookery and then train the young hatchlings all the survival tips they will need before returning to fly south for the winter. The rookery is our last stop before returning to Whittier.
The Vessel
The M/V Klondike Express is the largest, fastest and most luxurious catamaran in Alaska. This 137-foot high-speed catamaran is Coast Guard certified for 338 passengers and crew. The vessel has three decks, two of which are enclosed and heated and the third deck with a large outdoor viewing area. The M/V Klondike Express is a smoke-free vessel.
Reserved indoor booth style seating in comfortable upholstered booths with tables is reserved for every passenger on board. Large picture windows offer panoramic views for all guests. A saloon, snack bar and gift shop are a few of the other amenities available to our guests.
There are seven restrooms on the M/V Klondike Express and each deck has a baby changing table in the ADA accessible restroom. A hot meal is prepared on board in our galley and served shortly after departure. Guests may purchase drinks or snacks on board.
* First rail service begins May 27 last rail service is September 18, 2017. Prior to May 27 and after September 18, Motorcoach service is substituted.)