Phillips Cruises - 26 glacier cruise vs glacier quest cruise

Question

Hi,

We are planning to spend several days in Anchorage at the end of May, and have a glacier cruise out of Whittier on our list. I am trying to decide between the 26 Glacier Cruise vs. the Glacier Quest Cruise and am looking for feedback. Does the Glacier Quest Cruise have any advantages over the 26 Glacier Cruise, other than that it's shorter and a bit cheaper? I've noticed that the 26 Glacier Cruise is available from the beginning of May, and the Glacier Quest Cruise only from the second part of May - does that mean the 26 Glacier Cruise is better for cold weather (which we will possibly encounter because of the timing of our trip), or it's just because the 26 Glacier Cruise is more popular?

Thank you for any suggestions!

Answer

Both the 26 Glacier Cruise and the Glacier Quest Cruise operate out of Whittier and provide excellent views of glaciers and wildlife in Prince William Sound. The choice between the two depends largely on your priorities regarding trip length, cost, and specific experiences.

26 Glacier Cruise:

This is a full-day cruise (usually 6–8 hours) covering more glaciers—hence the name—and traveling deeper into Prince William Sound.
It typically offers more opportunities to see wildlife such as seals, sea otters, eagles, and possibly whales.
The longer duration allows for more time at glaciers and for onboard narration or guided commentary, giving a fuller experience of the area.
Being available from early May does not necessarily mean it’s “better for cold weather,” but it simply indicates that the operator runs this route when the season begins, before the Glacier Quest schedule starts.

Glacier Quest Cruise:

Shorter duration (about 4–5 hours), slightly cheaper, and focuses on fewer glaciers.
It may be less tiring, which can be an advantage if you prefer a half-day experience or want to combine it with other activities in Anchorage or Whittier.
The later start in the season (second half of May) is mainly operational—it does not necessarily indicate that it is more sensitive to weather.
The cruise may feel less immersive compared to the 26 Glacier Cruise, but still provides stunning views and wildlife spotting.

In summary, if your main priority is a comprehensive glacier experience with the potential to see more wildlife and spend more time on the water, the 26 Glacier Cruise is generally the preferred option, even though it is longer and slightly more expensive. The Glacier Quest Cruise is a good alternative if you prefer a shorter, less expensive trip or have a tighter schedule. Weather conditions in late May are generally similar for both cruises, so the timing of their availability is mostly operational rather than related to comfort in cold weather.

Phillips Cruises - 26 glacier cruise vs glacier quest cruise

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