PWS cruise?

[cruising in]

We are a family of grandparents, parents and children ages 8 and 6, sailing on the Island Princess from Whittier in July. We will be cruising Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay on the Princess, but wondering if we should do a PWS cruise before boarding. We have booked the train from Anchorage, so will arrive at 12:05. Should we book the longer 26 glacier cruise, or one of the shorter cruises that just go to Blackstone Bay, or will we see what we want to see on the Island Princess. If we book the cruise, will Princess take our luggage at the train station, or do we go to the check-in area?

[Budget Queen]

There is no comparison, with a cruise ship glacier sailing and a glacier boat tour. It's completely up to you, if you want to see it? I would also think, not everybody is going to be on the same page with interests? As well, either boat tour, could be an excellent choice to consider. Have you looked on the tour web sites? Looked at the photos? I am never in any rush to get on the ship and always do these boat tours, every trip. BUT, you are going to have to figure out your preferences.

[AKStafford]

A Prince William Sound glacier cruise will get you much closer to the glaciers than what you'll see from the cruise ship.

With the 26 glacier cruise, you kinda run from glacier to glacier. The other cruise spends more time in front of one glacier, so you have a better chance of seeing calving.

[hollon]

We did the 26 glacier tour and loved it, we actually did the longest tour. We are going back next May/June and going on it again. You do get closer, also we saw otters and dolphins

[Chenega]

The picture below is on approach to Surprise Glacier in Prince William Sound.

[phieaglefan]

We too are debating this very question. We are also traveling by train which we booked ourselves.

 

Wondering about the logistics with luggage as well.

 

Heidi

[DougH]

My vote is yes, I can't get enough glacier viewing. (and I've cruised Alaska almost every year since 1995)

 

Be sure and be out on deck for a couple of hours after the sail away from Whittier as this is some of the most spectacular scenery on the cruise.

[Budget Queen]

We too are debating this very question. We are also traveling by train which we booked ourselves.

 

Wondering about the logistics with luggage as well.

 

Heidi

 

Luggage is transferred to the ship from the train.

[phieaglefan]

Thanks BudgetQueen,

 

But does this apply if we booked the train separately, and not through Princess?

 

Thanks!

[Budget Queen]

Thanks BudgetQueen,

 

But does this apply if we booked the train separately, and not through Princess?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, ALL luggage- IF properly tagged is transferred directly to the ship. this is based on years in the past. Verify this directly with Alaska RR in a few weeks.

[utahtea]

We did the 26 glacier tour and loved it, we actually did the longest tour. We are going back next May/June and going on it again. You do get closer, also we saw otters and dolphins

 

Glad to hear that because we're doing the 26 glacier tour this June. Do you have any hints or suggestions for the tour?

 

Utahtea

[Chenega]

Glad to hear that because we're doing the 26 glacier tour this June. Do you have any hints or suggestions for the tour?

 

Utahtea

 

Dress in layers including gloves and a knit hat (gets chilly near the glaciers), bring your camera, and enjoy the trip. If you can, spend as much time on the outside decks as possible since the scenery is some of the best Alaska has to offer. The picture below was taken on a 26 Glaciers trip last September as we approached Surprise Glacier. We were about 2 miles from the face.

Edited April 23, 2014 by Chenega

[utahtea]

Dress in layers including gloves and a knit hat (gets chilly near the glaciers), bring your camera, and enjoy the trip. If you can, spend as much time on the outside decks as possible since the scenery is some of the best Alaska has to offer. The picture below was taken on a 26 Glaciers trip last September as we approached Surprise Glacier. We were about 2 miles from the face.

 

Thank you for the feed back. Much appreciated.

 

Utahtea