Kaneez

Hello all. My 72 year old mother and her 70 year old friend (both in decent physical shape - not hikers, but more like walkers) are exploring Alaska on a land-cruise with Royal Caribbean on June 5, 2009. I am in the process of finalizing their excursions, specifically the helicopter ride over the glacier while they are in Juneau.

I have read several guidebooks - and note that Northerntrekking gives the most amount of time (one hour) on the glacier. However, I note that Temsco and Coastal both have what appear to be more "touristy" or something to give you an overall picture between flying time and landing time (about 20 minutes on the glacier).

my questions:
1) Has anyone used either of the three mentioned (Temsco, Coastal, Northern) and have comments of their experience. Did you do research before deciding on one company over another? They seem to be comparably priced (all expensive !!), but Temsco and Coastal have cheaper alternatives than Northern. If you have done the 20 minute walk on the glacier, does that give you a good first-time visitor experience?

2) Has anyone encountered a weight issue? I read a review of a company on a Yahoo travel blog, who said that that they were "stuck" between two heavy set individuals and they could not see much during the helicopter ride. I asked the tour operators and they said that they cannot say beforehand where the people are going to sit until the day of. My mom weighs 165 lbs and her friend 135 lbs.

They both are seniors on limited budgets, this is a trip of a liftetime for them, and I want to make sure that I am not signing them up for an expensive trip that may not be worthwhile.

All comments/suggestions welcome... thank you!

abram

When we were in Alaska, we went to Mendenhall Glacier by bus. We saw the glacier, watched the film, looked at the exhibits and hiked some of the trails. It was very inexpensive, and we didn't feel that we missed anything by not riding in a helicopter or walking on the glacier.

BudgetQueen

I have flown with both Coastal and TEMSCO. You have some misinformation. Northstar is for TREKKING. And an hour certainly is NOT enough time, their 3 hour trekking tours is all I ever recommend. There is nothing "commercial" about any of these companies. I have also flown with ERA, which I did find more shuttle like, a much bigger company.

So comparing a "regular" glacier landing, the 20 minute walk about, is definately a good amount of time, and a great experience.

It makes NO difference what glacier is landed on via the Juneau icefield, all are in a constant state of change. Mendenhall is just well known. I find the above post not in any way being comparable to getting on a glacier, they do not know what they missed.

As for seating, it is assigned, no way to predict. I've not had problems with doing 6 trips.

BudgetQueen

For clairfication Coastal, does NOT land on Mendenhall.

Kaneez

Thank you, BudgetQueen. This information is most helpful. You have helped me in the past as well - my previous question (that helped me decide which cruise package to pick for my mom) was whether to do the Natural History Tour or the Tundra Wilderness Tour (we went with the Tundra Wilderness, which gets her less time in the domed glass train, but more time on the ground).
We appreciate in your insight and am glad that Fodors forum is around!

abram

We've skied on glaciers, and I'd really be interested in learning what makes walking on one special. My post was in response to the OP's comment about a limited budget.

Sproketz

Just got back from an RCI cruise with a stop in Juneau. We took a glacier trip with Coastal and it was great! There were 4 in our group--We had the helicopter to ourselves, so no issue with a person in the middle back seat. There were 3 seats in front, as well (one for the pilot), but lots of windows. They weigh everyone before the flight, then decide who sits where.

I think 20 minutes was enough time--30 would have been better! My mom (64) has a bad ankle and didn't walk around much. We were fortunate to have a nice sunny day -- mom was happy to stand near the helicopter taking in the views and videotaping the rest of us walking around exploring the blue pools and crevaces.

The folks at Coastal were really nice, and will pick you up at several optional spots near the port or in town. I'm sure they will take good care of your mom & friend, and assist them with whatever they need.

IMHO, it is definately worth the price for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've hiked to the face of glaciers before (in New Zealand) and also flown over them in a small plane (in Anchorage), but going up on top of one and walking around is, by far, my favorite!!