jw518

This is my first time to post a message however I've been reading this forum about Alaska since July 2006. I got so much useful information from this forum than the tour books. Thanks everybody!

This is our first trip to Alaska and is mainly land tour from 6/7 to 6/20. I'll have more questions about this trip later but now I need urgent help to decide which glacier cruise to choose from Whittier because Major Marine have 20% off if book before 5/1. My choice is between Major Marine and 26 glacier cruise. We are a family of four with two teenagers so we will be paying for four adult tickets. We'll save a lot of money with Major Marine if we book before 5/1. I also read that they spent more time to let people see the glacier and wait for the calving. However I watch their video and saw that their tables setting seems crouded, the windows are not that big and not a lot of room on the observation deck. They also only travel up to Blackstone Bay, will that be enough chance to see the calving?

The 26 Glacier cruise do not have any discount. They travel deep into College Fjord, Barry Arm and Surprise Glacier in Harriman Fjord. They also have big window and all the tables have window seats. I also read that since they travel so fast we might not have time to appreciate all the scenery. Will they slow down at the glaciers and wait for the calving? This is one of the thing I really want to see in Alaska.

26 Glacier cost $129 including lunch. Major Marine with 20% off is $79 plus $15 lunch. So the difference is $45 per ticket. Please help me decide before 5/1. Thanks.

outwest713

Took a 26 Glaciers cruise couple of years ago. Not familiar with Major Marine so can't compare. I specifically chose 26G because the boat went fast in order to get out to an area with concentration of glaciers and visit more of them. I made a good choice. The waterway you travel through is so vast, it didn't seem like we were rushing past scenery. The captain slowed or stopped for interesting things like otters. Seemed like we had enough time at the glaciers and we were close enough to see them well. I recall having ample room on observation decks, however we had a rainy day so that may account for why I didn't feel cramped out there. The windows were big, however not every table was by a window (maybe curise you are considering is a different boat?). Most people stayed at their tables (again perhaps due to weather) so I assume they must have been able to see well enough.

IMO, getting to Ak is so special that you should pick the thing that best fits what you are looking for and let price be a very secondary consideration. Don't mean that as a flip comment (I certainly have to watch the travel budget), just think sometimes the cost savings is not worth it if you take 2nd choice on a "once in a lifetime" trip.

outwest713

One more thought . . . you can't be sure of seeing calving no matter how long you wait. Sometimes it's frequent, but you never know. However, the glaciers are magnificent regardless . . . the size is breathtaking and the blue colors of the ice are surreal.

bdawk

I took the Major Marine tour before but this year taking my father & his wife on the 26 Glaciers at my son's recommendation. Son says you have a better chance of seeing more wildlife. On the Major Marine we saw lots of birds, sea lions & waterfalls. The Capt waited at a couple of the glaciers to see if they would calf but we had no luck. Personally, I felt the Major Marine tour was wonderful and well worth the $$. I will know more about the 26 Glacier tour in a couple of weeks.

jw518

Thank you for your reponses and advise.

outwest713, I agree that this is my once in a life time dream trip that I shouldn't let price be the reason to choose the 2nd choice. Since you feel you have enough time at the glaciers and also they slow down for interesting things, I think I'll most likely to take the 26 Glaciers.

bdawk, let me know how is your 26 Glaciers cruise when you come back.

rm_mn

We took the 26 glacier tour from Whittier a few years ago after taking a Kenai Fjords tour. I loved the 26 glacier tour. With a fast boat, we cruised farther, then stopped in front of the glacier at the end of College Fjord and were treated to several calvings, then on to another glacier in time to watch a humpback whale diving to feed. More calving here too. We saw lots of seals and sea otters along the way. A very comfortable, stable boat too.

lanememory

My wife and I will be going to alaska 29 Jun 07, RV rental for 14 days. It sounds like I should not have waited this long. Decided to try out and RV before I buy one. Just my wife and I in a 25 footer. If there are some absolutely must things we should do please advise. We intend of course to visit Denali.

BudgetQueen

I have gone with both companies. For clairfication, you are not likely to see wildlife on EITHER of these tours. If wildlife is a priority, Seward is a far better option.

Both glacier areas are excellent and most certainly can offer calving. No way to predict. Since you are paying for 4, saving funds may be the best option for you, that probably will offer other touring? I am up and about boat tours, and never park myself in a seat. Neither boat company has bad seating/viewing in my opinion.

jw518

BudgetQueen, I'm so glad you response to my post. I feel like I know you and BayouGal for a long time by reading this forum since last summer.

I'v been debating about PWS glaciers tour at Whittier or KFC at Seward for a long time. I finnaly decided PWS because my daughter and I are very prone to seasickness and I really want to increase my chance to see the calving. Will the route that Major Marine took to Blackstone Bay have enough chance to see calving?

I can save $180 for 4 tickets if I go with Major Marine. I can use the money to help pay for the raft trip in Denali.This probabry will be my next post for which Denali raft trip to choose. Hope you'll give me some advice.

BudgetQueen

Major Marine does run an excellent tour. It may be the best option with the cost saving. Calving - maybe.