Can I do Spencer Glacier before the cruise?

Question

We arrive at Whittier station by train at 12:05pm with bags. Cruise boat leaves Whittier at 7:30pm.

Is it possible to get to Spencer Glacier and be back around 6:30pm? And how? Thanks.

Answer

Yes, it is possible to visit Spencer Glacier before your cruise, but timing and transportation logistics are tight. Spencer Glacier is about 40–50 miles from Whittier, and the drive takes roughly 1.5 hours each way under good conditions. This leaves you only a short window for the glacier visit itself.

Options for making this work:

Private car or taxi: Arrange a private car or taxi in advance. This is the fastest and most reliable option, giving you flexibility for departure and return times. Expect the round trip to take at least 3–3.5 hours of driving.
Guided tour: Some local companies offer half-day glacier tours from Whittier, including transportation. Booking a private or semi-private tour ensures you are back in time for your cruise check-in.
Self-drive rental: If you rent a car at Whittier or Anchorage, make sure you can drop off luggage securely or bring it along. Note that roads in Alaska can be narrow and potentially icy in spring or early summer mornings, so plan extra time.

Sample timeline:

12:05pm: Arrive at Whittier station with bags.
12:30pm: Depart immediately for Spencer Glacier (assuming pre-arranged transportation).
2:00–2:30pm: Arrive at Spencer Glacier and spend 60–90 minutes hiking or sightseeing. Note that trails vary in length and difficulty; a short walk to a viewpoint may be most realistic.
4:00–4:30pm: Depart for Whittier.
6:00–6:30pm: Arrive back at Whittier, allowing time for luggage and cruise check-in.

Tips:

Pre-book transportation to ensure punctuality.
Consider the Alaska weather and daylight hours; even in summer, clouds or rain can affect visibility.
If luggage is an issue, check if the cruise line can store bags temporarily or see if your tour allows luggage transport.
Keep a close eye on time; missing the cruise departure window is a serious risk if there are delays.

In summary, a Spencer Glacier visit before your cruise is feasible with careful planning, pre-arranged transport, and a very tight schedule. Prioritize short hikes or viewpoints to ensure you make it back to Whittier safely for your 7:30pm departure.

Can I do Spencer Glacier before the cruise?

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