Glacier Cruise: Whittier or Valdez?
If you experts had to choose either Whittier or Valdez for a glacier cruise, which would you do? We're interested in magnitude and color of the glaciers and how close you can get. Any suggestion...
Forum Discussion
IMNSHO, I'd suggest in order: Whittier, Valdez, Seward; for "tourists"
For Valdez, I've had good experience with both Stan Stephens and Lulu Belle.
For my personal trips, I typically make an excursion to Valdez and then take a cruise, but primarily because I think the drive from Los Anchorage - Glennallen - Valdez is enjoyable.
For scenic and enjoyable drives, IMNSHO, Valdez is 1st, then Seward, then Whittier. Of course, driving to Whittier takes one part of the way to Seward, but you miss some of the best driving scenery that is on the far side of the Turnagain arm and through the pass.
On the water, cruises from all 3 locations are pretty good and, as others have suggested, one should try to take all 3 if at all possible. I took my 1st trip with Stan Stephens in 198?? and was the only Alaskan on that particular trip so spent a few minutes talking to Stan and the Mrs.
For Valdez, I've had good experience with both Stan Stephens and Lulu Belle.
For my personal trips, I typically make an excursion to Valdez and then take a cruise, but primarily because I think the drive from Los Anchorage - Glennallen - Valdez is enjoyable.
For scenic and enjoyable drives, IMNSHO, Valdez is 1st, then Seward, then Whittier. Of course, driving to Whittier takes one part of the way to Seward, but you miss some of the best driving scenery that is on the far side of the Turnagain arm and through the pass.
On the water, cruises from all 3 locations are pretty good and, as others have suggested, one should try to take all 3 if at all possible. I took my 1st trip with Stan Stephens in 198?? and was the only Alaskan on that particular trip so spent a few minutes talking to Stan and the Mrs.
