Timing question for 26 Glaciers on same day embarking Princess cruise at whittier

[CaribbeanIsland]

20 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Thanks for taking the time to provide so much detail. We have also went back and reread you earlier post providing a hiking alternative. Since we are on the B2B and will have already seen the College Fjords, we’re now thinking we’ll go for the hike if the weather agrees, or we’ll see what other options there are if the weather isn’t so nice. Who knows, maybe we’ll just sleep in that day! 😂

We have done College Fjords several times via cruise ship. We found the 26 Glacier Cruise to be a highlight of our 14 day cruise. We found it exceptional. I would not rule it out. So many people have posted positive things about the tour and one person has said negative things. I would look at multiple reviews before ruling it out.

 

We have been to Whittier several times and have also hiked around the area. I would take the glacier cruise over hiking any day.

[Ken the cruiser]

4 minutes ago, CaribbeanIsland said:

We have done College Fjords several times via cruise ship. We found the 26 Glacier Cruise to be a highlight of our 14 day cruise. We found it exceptional. I would not rule it out. So many people have posted positive things about the tour and one person has said negative things. I would look at multiple reviews before ruling it out.

 

We have been to Whittier several times and have also hiked around the area. I would take the glacier cruise over hiking any day.

Cool! From your experience, what made the 26 Glacier Cruise exceptional. For example, did you see a lot of wildlife both in and out of the water on your cruise past the College Fjord glaciers?

[CaribbeanIsland]

25 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Cool! From your experience, what made the 26 Glacier Cruise exceptional. For example, did you see a lot of wildlife both in and out of the water on your cruise past the College Fjord glaciers?

We saw moose, 1 bear, a lot of otters, sea lions and a few whales. Though we didn't stay and watch any of them for too long. We got much closer to the glaciers than the cruise ship did. It was much more up front and personal for glaciers than when being on a large ship.

 

I would do the trip again as opposed to walking around Whittier or staying on the ship for the day.

[PescadoAmarillo]

The 26 glaxiers are not right next to each other. The tour boat also goes into Blackstone Bay, and its glaciers are even more beautiful than those in College Fiord. Only you can decide if it’s right for you, but having hiked in Whittier and taken the glacier tour, I’d chose the glacier tour at least once every few years, and certainly for the first and/or only time I’d be in Whittier.

[SCX22]

Below is a photo of how close the Majestic got to Harvard and Smith Glacier.  It was plenty close for me.  I can understand how this can be too far for others.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by SCX22

[Wishing on a star]

There is something to say about that more up-close and personal experience.

And...  weather...  OMG...  It is Alaska...  you never know...

When we arrived by train, it was raining and dark...  We were like.. 'I don't know if I want to get on that boat'...   We actually went thru the Princess check-in...   

Then, we said...  we paid for this..  let's go ahead...  and hustled over...  the last to board the boat.

When we were pulling out, it was like a dark comedy...  the guy who was narrating was like.. we are going thru this pass, and there is this and such on the left...  but, well,  we can't see it...."  

But, the clouds lifted... and even in cloudy sometimes misty weather, it was great!

[Ken the cruiser]

Thanks @CaribbeanIsland and @PescadoAmarillo for your super positive insights. We will definitely take them into consideration along with the weather forecast when Princess actually offers it onboard on the 2nd leg of our B3B on the Grand in May. 😁

[EP23]

 

12 hours ago, Coral said:

 

The cruise ship uses this as a shore excursion for their B2B guests. I am amazed at those who have never been who think this is cutting it close.

There is no issue is missing the ship (there will be enough cruise ship passengers on it through tours or Princess excursion for B2B tours). 

 

 

I believe this spark a lot of discussion due to Princess refusal to give people their latest check in time. (I have talked to a few of their representatives, they all told me I am cutting it too close 😔)

 

then I talked to a specialized cruise travel agent, he said it is too much of a gamble ( he literally said, you don’t ask for what you win, but you need to ask can you handle the lose, which is potentially missing your cruise). 
 

And another experienced Alaska cruise enthusiast said there may be a “reason” princess does not offer this excursion for your cruise. It is only for those B2B passenger. One reason behind they cannot allow you to check in so late. 
 

so with all these, now make me think about the Kenai Fjord tour instead of this 26 glacier tour due to timing constraints 😔

[Wishing on a star]

NOPE....   not quite...

That photo is beautiful and amazing!!!!!

(wish we had seen that sunshine and weather on our cruise!!!)

But, consider being in that special double hulled cat/boat... cutting thru the water and chunks of ice...  hearing the hull strike and cut thru the ice...  feeling that cold air that comes off of the glacier/ice.

 

Of course, for many, seeing this from Princess is wonderful and more than good enough!!!!

But, for anybody who is on the fence, or who does not understand the different experience...  then this is a good thread.  

 

Then everyone can make the most excellent decision, based on what truly appeals!

[EP23]

2 hours ago, SCX22 said:

 

TBH, I felt like the 26 Glacier Cruise was very redundant.  The glaciers located in College Fjord aren't really that breathtaking.  What sets them apart is that they are named after colleges (if I'm not mistaken Harvard Glacier is the largest) and there a 26 of them right next to each other.  I felt like I got my fair share of viewing them when the Majestic sailed past them before arriving into Whittier.  If this was taking an up close catamaran to Hubbard Glacier or Margerie Glacier, I'd be all in.  Many of those on the land tour and not transiting Princess passengers were awe struck because they hadn't seen the fjord.  Hard to predict wild life.  We saw bears, goats, and otters.  No whales on our 26 Glacier Cruise, but there was a whale sighting in the buffet on the Majestic when we returned from our hike, swimming in Whittier harbor.  To add there is park ranger narration.  On the Majestic, the naturalist narrated.

 

The catamaran is 3 decks.  Decks 1 and 2 are inside assigned table seating. Deck 3 is the outdoor "Lido" deck where you'll get the best photos.  Lunch is included (salmon chowder when we were on board) and there's a cash bar where you can purchase drinks.  The table you are assigned is the table you will remain for the duration.  We were VIP because of my friend's brother, but according to him, you can pre-select a window table if you book directly with Philips and call their number.  

 

Whittier isn't known for having the best weather.  We lucked out with sunny weather in the 60s and the locals joked with us that we were invited back.  If it was foggy or rainy, I'm not sure that you would enjoy this tour as much because it would affect visibility.

 

 

Thank you so much for the inside insight about the cruise! 

[Wishing on a star]

Princess does not offer this as a pre-cruise excursion because this means they would be expected to provide the transfers...  And, their busses leave Whittier with departing cruisers that morning, and can not pick up people and get them back to Whittier in time to take this boat cruise.

That is the reason.

 

I do not believe that this is a 'gamble'.

 

I am not familiar with the Kenai trip...  I believe it sounds amazing and the scenery and wildlife are the bit thing?   Whereas, this one is all about being on the water and the Glaciers.

 

[EP23]

8 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

NOPE....   not quite...

That photo is beautiful and amazing!!!!!

(wish we had seen that sunshine and weather on our cruise!!!)

But, consider being in that special double hulled cat/boat... cutting thru the water and chunks of ice...  hearing the hull strike and cut thru the ice...  feeling that cold air that comes off of the glacier/ice.

 

Of course, for many, seeing this from Princess is wonderful and more than good enough!!!!

But, for anybody who is on the fence, or who does not understand the different experience...  then this is a good thread.  

 

Then everyone can make the most excellent decision, based on what truly appeals!

Also thank you everyone for their input. Definitely will let the family know all the details about the cruise. And I will probably let them decide. Mother in law hate to do things last minutes but we are also going with a few other younger adult that like to have adventures! 
 

thank you so much for everyone input! Really helpful ! 

[Coral]

48 minutes ago, EP23 said:

 

 

 

I believe this spark a lot of discussion due to Princess refusal to give people their latest check in time. (I have talked to a few of their representatives, they all told me I am cutting it too close 😔)

 

then I talked to a specialized cruise travel agent, he said it is too much of a gamble ( he literally said, you don’t ask for what you win, but you need to ask can you handle the lose, which is potentially missing your cruise). 
 

And another experienced Alaska cruise enthusiast said there may be a “reason” princess does not offer this excursion for your cruise. It is only for those B2B passenger. One reason behind they cannot allow you to check in so late. 
 

so with all these, now make me think about the Kenai Fjord tour instead of this 26 glacier tour due to timing constraints 😔

I actually wonder if any of those individuals had been to Whittier before. We know most Princess reps on the phone have not been on a cruise before. They often read from a script.

 

My guess is you were checking with the wrong individuals. For example - my agent has been on this boat ride before and recommends it. I wonder if the guy you spoke with had experienced it to understand the dock is immediately next to the cruise ship check in pier and that this tour is timed perfectly for those embarking on cruise ships.

 

After saying that - I think the Kenai Fjord tours are also amazing.

 

Posting on the Alaska board would probably give you individuals who have more experience in Alaska.

Edited January 2 by Coral

[cruisequeen4ever]

My response is based on living in Alaska and doing many north and southbound Alaska cruises. Whittier is a very tiny town, and you can see the 26 Glaciers boat as you drive up to the cruise terminal. On one of our cruises, we arrived very early for check-in and sat in the cruise terminal waiting. We saw the people disembarking who were back-to-back cruisers doing the 26 Glaciers cruise. The company came and gathered them in the cruise terminal to leave. Check-in for the cruise opens at 12:15 when the train arrives. There is a very long line immediately unless you are one of the first people off the train because the train holds hundreds of people, and they are all going to check in for the cruise, minus a few people who rode the train to do something else in Whittier. I agree with the person who recommended you check in for the cruise first and then go on the excursion (if you choose to do the excursion). As you said, though, there really wouldn’t be time for you to do so before the tour would leave. I definitely would not risk checking in after the excursion arrives back into Whittier as , someone else noted that check-in had ceased at that time, and I would agree that it probably would be done at that time. The last batch of passengers are those on the train that comes from Denali, and those passengers check in for the cruise while on the train.  That means no one else is checking in when they arrive at the terminal. They just go straight through security and onto the ship. As great as the 26 Glaciers cruise is, I think it would be too risky for you to do as an embarking passenger. Now, if you really wanna do that excursion, you could take the train to Whittier the day before the cruise, do the 26th Glaciers cruise, and spend the night at the inn in Whittier.

[alittell]

Lots of great info, thank you!  I’m on Royal Princess southbound May 11 and would LOVE to know for certain that I could do the 26 Glacier cruise.   Trying to figure a few things out…someone mentioned being able to check in for the cruise and then go.  Do you know what time check in begins?  I’ve checked all of my paperwork and I don’t have that information anywhere (I even compared my paperwork with someone who had the info on another cruise and mine is just blank).   I’m also coming in on the train that arrives at 12:05.  I called the 26 Glacier cruise folks and they said I could make the cruise no problem but I’m wondering if I would be able to check in first (leaning towards that being too small of a window), but if so, and boarding begins early afternoon, it wouldn’t be the end of the world to just board and enjoy the ship. I would also be open to a shorter Resurrection Bay cruise but I haven’t seen other options for May 11 so would welcome any options there as well.   Thank you so much in advance for your thoughts, experience and advice!  Happy cruising! 

Edited March 21 by alittell

[Mark_K]

On 1/1/2024 at 11:16 AM, Coral said:

Have you been to Whittier? Do you know how small this port is? Do you realize almost everyone who lives in Whittier lives in one building?

 

Do you realize that there will be individuals on cruise ship excursions through Princess also on this excursion. Also those on cruise tours through Princess who will be on this boat. These individuals will also be getting on the ship that day. I have cruised out of Whittier many times and many times we are delayed leaving due to people arriving in Anchorage late and on Princess buses.

 

There is not a risk taking this tour. Princess's next stop after leaving the ship is literally a stone's throw from the pier. 

 

Some people seem so afraid to venture from a ship or ship's tour that they miss the beauty of traveling. I am glad I am not afraid of things that are not scary.

Only people doing back to back cruises who are already checked in.

 

Unless federal law has changed Princess has to close its manifest 90 minutes before sailing.  I’m expect they’re willing to delay sailing for late arriving Princess buses, I wouldn’t count on them doing it for a few stragglers whose status is unknown.

 

After all, they do want to get into international waters and open the shops, casino, etc. as soon as possible.

[Kat915]

4 hours ago, alittell said:

Lots of great info, thank you!  I’m on Royal Princess southbound May 11 and would LOVE to know for certain that I could do the 26 Glacier cruise.   Trying to figure a few things out…someone mentioned being able to check in for the cruise and then go.  Do you know what time check in begins?  I’ve checked all of my paperwork and I don’t have that information anywhere (I even compared my paperwork with someone who had the info on another cruise and mine is just blank).   I’m also coming in on the train that arrives at 12:05.  I called the 26 Glacier cruise folks and they said I could make the cruise no problem but I’m wondering if I would be able to check in first (leaning towards that being too small of a window), but if so, and boarding begins early afternoon, it wouldn’t be the end of the world to just board and enjoy the ship. I would also be open to a shorter Resurrection Bay cruise but I haven’t seen other options for May 11 so would welcome any options there as well.   Thank you so much in advance for your thoughts, experience and advice!  Happy cruising! 

When you find out last check in time,  please let me know. I am on June 15 sailing from Whittier and wondering if I can make the 26 glacier cruise with a 830 princess cruise departure.  I have been on the 26 glacier cruise before and enjoyed it. Both tines I took the train and had no problem making the 26 glacier cruise. 

[Coral]

4 hours ago, Mark_K said:

Only people doing back to back cruises who are already checked in.

 

Unless federal law has changed Princess has to close its manifest 90 minutes before sailing.  I’m expect they’re willing to delay sailing for late arriving Princess buses, I wouldn’t count on them doing it for a few stragglers whose status is unknown.

 

After all, they do want to get into international waters and open the shops, casino, etc. as soon as possible.

Nope. It has new cruisers also. 

 

Manifest is 60 minutes. 26 glacier cruise ends at 6:20, plenty of time to walk 3 minutes to check in. 26 glacier times this tour so people can go on their trip and catch the ship.

 

I have done this multiple times. It is not an issue. Have you done it?

Edited March 21 by Coral

[Coral]

On 1/2/2024 at 11:47 AM, cruisequeen4ever said:

My response is based on living in Alaska and doing many north and southbound Alaska cruises. Whittier is a very tiny town, and you can see the 26 Glaciers boat as you drive up to the cruise terminal. On one of our cruises, we arrived very early for check-in and sat in the cruise terminal waiting. We saw the people disembarking who were back-to-back cruisers doing the 26 Glaciers cruise. The company came and gathered them in the cruise terminal to leave. Check-in for the cruise opens at 12:15 when the train arrives. There is a very long line immediately unless you are one of the first people off the train because the train holds hundreds of people, and they are all going to check in for the cruise, minus a few people who rode the train to do something else in Whittier. I agree with the person who recommended you check in for the cruise first and then go on the excursion (if you choose to do the excursion). As you said, though, there really wouldn’t be time for you to do so before the tour would leave. I definitely would not risk checking in after the excursion arrives back into Whittier as , someone else noted that check-in had ceased at that time, and I would agree that it probably would be done at that time. The last batch of passengers are those on the train that comes from Denali, and those passengers check in for the cruise while on the train.  That means no one else is checking in when they arrive at the terminal. They just go straight through security and onto the ship. As great as the 26 Glaciers cruise is, I think it would be too risky for you to do as an embarking passenger. Now, if you really wanna do that excursion, you could take the train to Whittier the day before the cruise, do the 26th Glaciers cruise, and spend the night at the inn in Whittier.

It is not risky. It is not an issue.

 

26 Glacier times their tour so people can catch the cruise ship. They would adjust the time if it was an issue. I have been to Whittier probably a dozen times. Not an issue.