I have read several prior threads highly recommending the Kenai Fjords tour company in the Seward area and am interested in taking this mid May. They have a 6 hour tour National parks cruise available and an 8 hour tour which stops at Fox Island. Both are 110 miles round trip from Seward. Any recommendations from anyone as to which to take? The 9 hour Northwestern Fjords trip that i wanted to take is unfortunately not offered the time i am there.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Sharmila

Hi,
I already posted this question so you can search for the title beklow this message ... the people are saying the Fox Island stop is not really worth it as you want to maximise your cruising time :
Kenai Fjords Tours - which ones - pros/cons of small vs. big boat?

I did the tour that did not stop at Fox Island and it was wonderful. One of the best days in Alaska.

To me the stop at Fox Island is a waste. Keep rolling and eat the onboard food - fried chicken nuggets and/or halibut. Both quite decent. We really enjoyed the six hour cruise from the very top deck.

Thanks a million for your input!! I'm totally with you, in that I'd want to take in as much cruising - lunch can happen anywhere/anytime. Doesnt matter when theres so much to see! I just wanted to make sure there was nothing overly obvious that I was missing by not visiting the island

thanks a lot
Sharmila

We LOVED stopped at Fox Island for lunch. You aren't there all that long.

Dear Sharmila:

We did the 8 hour tour with a stop at Fox Island for lunch. It was fine. The 8 hour tour is not longer because of the Fox Island stop. Sometimes the shorter tours only stay in REsurrection Bay. Make sure your boat tour goes out the Holgate Glacier. That way you get to see way more wildlife and the glacier.

Sorry, but the tour IS longer with the Fox Island stop. The six hour tour (without the stop) went to the same places the eight hour tour goes, minus the stop. I'd rather get out and see things - lunch on board was just fine.

Don't go postal on me. I just want to make sure Sharmila double checks the route carefully so she gets to see everything and not get short sheeted.

Just wanted to hook onto this thread and am wondering if anyone has any experience with the 9 hour tour? Is it worth it or is it too long on a boat? We are going in August.

I am also planning to take 9 1/2 hrs. trip to Northern Fiord in June. Is this the best one ?

I have a question also...is it necessary (or recommended) to book a tour beforehand, or are the tours readily available upon arrival?

I will be there at the end of June, which I assume is a very busy time.

Thanks

I think I would try to book ahead. Remember, all the cruise ships leave from Seward and this is Alaska's busiest time. Have fun.

Reservations are definately needed. I have gone on the 9+ Northwestern trip twice and now is my only option (I have been on several 6 hour trips). More is definately better. Always take seasickness precautions- I have seen sick passengers on every trip (6 and 9 hour trips).

Just thought I would post this in case someone might find this of some use.

We did The Fjords tour with, Major Marine tour company.We took the longest cruise available and it was great. They do serve a nice meal on board,if that is of interest to anyone.They also have a Naturalist on board to talk about what you are seeing.I think they take pretty close to the same route as the Kenai Fjords tours do.As we did see one of there boats while we were out.

I had been afraid that we had missed something by not doing Fox Island at the time. It is nice to know that we didn't.

People on this board recommended that we NOT make reservations ahead of time because of the weather.

We were there in mid-July and bought our tickets the day before. We had plenty of options to choose from.

I just returned from Alaska. While in Seward, we took Major Marine's 8 hour Kenai Fjords cruise. It was AWESOME! A National Parks Service Ranger was onboard and provided excellent commentary on everything. The wildlife was there for us--otters, sea lions, birds, humpback whales, and even a bear sighting. And what can you say about the beautiful scenery?! I would highly recommend this trip!