We are planning a trip to Alaska next spring and were wondering if anyone had taken the Kanai Fjords cruise, the Portage Glacier cruise, or any other day cruise and could give us information on how you liked it. Also, any tips on accomodations on land and places to see would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We took the "26 Glacier Cruise" and enjoyed it. I don't know where in Alaska you will be so I'll list what was our favorites. From Anchorage we took a float plane over Mt McKinley which was breathtaking, the bush pilot landed on a glacier lake that was like crystal, awesome! We also took a daytrip across the Artic Circle, flying to Kotzebue and loved that! And a dog sled ride out of Seward. You will love Alaska, the scenery is beautiful.

I am an Alaska resident, and took an 8 hour Nat'l Park tour out of Seward last summer -- this follows the fjords, and heads out into the Gulf of Alaska, to see the Chiswell Islands. Incredible experience -- but the water in the Gulf was horribly rough! They insisted this was "normal," though we had to plant our feet in place on deck and hold on to remain upright. I KID YOU NOT!! It was a thrilling experience, though half the family turned green, and we rather feared the Minnow would be lost! But seriously, take this area cruise if you're up for a wild ride -- or if you prefer placid water, we're told that anything in Prince William Sound is far gentler, with the same basic scenery. Ahoy, mate!

First of all, the Portage Glacier "cruise" is just a little boat ride on the little lake that Portage Glacier used to reach. Boring.

I went on the six hour Kenai Fjords cruise last year and it was wonderful. We took our Triptone motion sickness pills an hour before we left (I never leave on a boat without them, including years in the Navy!) and had absolutely no problems with seasickness, nor was the water incredibly rough except for one spot we were warned about. I highly recommend this cruise if you like wildlife. You also see one glacier "calve."

If you just want to see glaciers, go on the 26 glacier cruise out of Whittier.

All of our accommodations were great and I highly recommend all of them: Marriott Hotel in Anchorage, Salmon Run Guest House in Anchorage (2 bedroom cottages), Wildrose B&B Cabins in Homer, and Princess Kenai Lodge in Cooper Landing.

Follow-up on Kenai fjords cruise: Another writer mentioned the 6-hour cruise was not rough -- that is because this trip does not go as far as the Gulf of Alaska. If you take the lengthiest Nat'l Park cruise, which is 8-8 1/2 hours, you reach rough water. We were pitching and rolling!! It really was worth it to go to the wild areas and view the Chiswell Islands, which are upthrust groupings of cliffs, frequented by various birds and sea lions. ---- Also....the Portage Glacier "cruise" is little more than a boat ride across a lake. Dramatic scenery, but nowhere near the experience of the real cruises.

I puked my guts out on the Kenai Fjords tour after being told that it would be a fairly calm ride and they would be serving lunch. Don't believe a word if anyone tells you it will not be that rough in the Gulf of Alaska. I admit the scenery was awesome, but I couldn't enjoy it. Do Prince William SOund if you want relaxation.

I'm an Alaskan, living in Anchorage. Previous poster right about Portage Glacier "cruise", not worth it. 26 Glacier Cruise would be nice, Kenai Fjords tour with maybe a stay at the Windsong Lodge (remote area, absolutely beautiful)overnight. Landwise, Kenai Princess Lodge is great, remote but with all the conveniences and reasonable. Alyeska Prince Hotel, 1/2 an hour out of Anchorage, almost right next to Portage (of Portage Glacier) and an hour from start of some of those tours.Go in late spring, early summer. Most of the winter will be gone and almost all of the day (well into the evening) will be filled with sunlight.

We did the Kenai Fjords cruise last summer and thought it was excellent. Lots of wildlife plus a great view of a glacier calving.

It's not a smooth ride, even though we had near perfect weather conditions. I'm not prone to seasickness but didn't feel 100% okay. We had 4 kids with us and all of them got sick and fell asleep.

Having said that, it is worth the trip if you don't get that seasick.

If you are staying in Seward, take the hike out to Exit Glacier - a beautiful walk right to the glacier.

Have fun - you won't be disappointed with Alaska.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who responded. I appreciate your comments.