We are planning to take an one-day cruise and find some information at Seward and Whittier. Can anyone comment on them? Which one is better?

Thanks!

They are both good. Whittier is a 26 glacier cruise and the one in Seward is the Kenai fjords. Both are great and you can't go wrong with either. I saw more whales in Sewars. Have fun. You will love Alaska.

Is there any difference between the two? The website description is roughly same. The seward one is actually cheaper at 109. Whittir is about $130.

Thanks!

Forgot to ask, do we need to book ahead of time? How long before hand?

Thanks!

The general consensus is that you see more wildlife on the cruises out of Seward (along with one glacier, usually), while the cruises out of Whittier are mostly glaciers. I would always make a reservation for anything in Alaska because the tour groups take over everything!

I learned from posts here NOT to reserve early because of weather. We bought tickets the day before without any trouble. (mid-July, 2002)

You don't want to go out when the seas are rough.

Take the longest cruise and take rain gear, hat and gloves. This is the only time I was COLD in Alaska. Take binoculars too.

I was in Alaska at the end of May, and we did both the Whittier 26 Glaciers cruise and the Major Marine Kenai Fjords Cruise from Seward. If I had to pick one of the two to do again, it would be the Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward. We took the 8 hour cruise--it was AWESOME! Major Marine's cruise had a National Parks Service Ranger on board--she provided tons of information of what we were seeing. We saw a lot of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and a great show at a glacier that was calving. Just my opinion. Enjoy your trip!

I always reserve ahead, if I have want firm plans and no time to play with. As mentioned above, out of Whittier you are far less likely to see wildlife but have more glacier exposure. My preference is out of Seward, I have done both more than once. Only consider on the water tours of 6 or more hours, you won't get out of the bay otherwise and little if any wildlife viewing. Always take seasickness precautions- I have seen sick passengers every trip.

As a couple people said, if you reserve way ahead and the weather is awful, what can you do?
Has anyone waited to the day of in Seward, and gotten 8 hour cruise tix?

I did both cruises June of last year and when I reserved, I asked what happens if the weather is bad. I was told the cruise will get cancelled and I'll get my money back. Also, the one out of Seward will not go as far out and will become the shorter cruise (I forget which one) and the difference will be refunded. The weather turned out perfect, so I can't tell how true the refund policy is.
The sea was rough when we went out and I had to use seasickness patch, but I am prone to motionsickness for any trip on the water over 2 hours .

I used Kenai Fjords Tours and Prince William Sound Wilderness Explorer. They must be the same company.When I reserved and even though it was not posted, I asked and was given 10% discount for both. The cost ended up the same after tax and port fee were added.I used phone 800-992-1297.

By the way, there's a tunnel to drive through to Whittier and that cost $12.