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Prince William Sound Cruise
Looking for someplace different?
Maybe you’ve cruised southeast Alaska, but chances are you haven’t done Prince William Sound in the Gulf of Alaska further north.
Located on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula, the largest port in Prince William Sound is Valdez (at the southern terminus of the trans-Alaska pipeline system), with other settlements in the region including Whittier and Cordova.
Consider a week exploring the natural beauty of Prince William Sound aboard UnCruise’s intimate 36-passenger Safari Explorer round-trip from Whittier, the only UnCruise itinerary to visit the region. Here are booking details.
UnCruise’s Prince William Sound Cruise starts in Whittier, Alaska. * Photo: UnCruise
Much of the land surrounding Prince William Sound is part of the Chugach National Forest, America’s second largest national forest. Ringed by the steep and glaciated Chugach Mountains, Prince William Sound’s coastline is a beautiful maze of many islands and fjords, several with tidewater glaciers.
See several tidewater glaciers on UnCruise’s Prince William Sound itinerary. * Photo: UnCruise
Kayak, hike, and skiff past centuries-old glaciers. Keep an eye out for puffins, eagles, otter, and sea lions.
Prince William Sound cruise map. * Image: UnCruise
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What’s It Like to Cruise Around Prince William Sound?
Writer Kristin DiGioia at UnCruise shares an overview of Prince William Sound.
“A Prince William Sound glacier cruise is a safe and exciting way to see the wondrous landscape and seascape of Alaska’s southern coast. Teeming with wildlife, glaciers, and history, Prince William Sound is a must-see bucket list location.
Don’t miss out on everything Prince William Sound has to offer. Read on now to find out why you should consider a 7-night Alaska glacier cruise for your next trip! “
Kayaking off the back of the Safari Explorer. * Photo: UnCruise
Prince William Sound Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 — Embark at Whittier
Day 2 — The Glaciers of Icy Bay
Wake up in the glacial waterways of Icy Bay. Flowing down from the 4,000-foot surrounding peaks, Chenega, Tigertail, and Tiger glaciers are all options this morning.
Hop in a skiff, and if conditions are right, kayak in a remote cove tucked into the shoreline. The expedition team shares how glaciers sculpt and alter the landscape on a daily basis. Weave through these deserted islands by kayak, skiff, and aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer.
Day 3 — Captain’s Choice
Explore the southern reaches of Prince William Sound, checking out its sculpted islands.
Search for whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds from the bow or opt to kayak or beachcomb for a closer look at island life with natural and cultural history notes from your guides.
A breathtaking humpback breach. * Photo: UnCruise
Day 4 — Cordova
Follow your guides for a hike below Sheridan Glacier in the morning with an afternoon on your own to explore Cordova.
Or join shipmates on a walking tour of the tiny fishing town of Cordova at the mouth of the Copper River. With a population of 2,300 and no roads connecting to other towns, Cordova is only accessible by air or water.
Take in the town’s Native history by nature walk, hard charger hike, an Eyak Tribe cultural program, or Prince William Sound Science Center exploration before settling back on board for a quiet overnight anchorage.
Day 5 — Columbia Glacier & Valdez
In the morning, hike, kayak, skiff, or try your hand at standup paddle boarding in a quiet cove before a hearty lunch back onboard.
Next up: towering icebergs born from the approaching Columbia Glacier. Winding its way 32 miles back through Chugach Mountains and with constantly changing conditions, your captain finds the best route to view this massive glacier.
The massive Columbia Glacier. * Photo: UnCruise
Day 6 — Unakwik Inlet & Meares Glacier
Arctic terns and bald eagles, harbor seals resting on icebergs, and the massive Meares Glacier as your backdrop, Unakwik Inlet is the perfect place to dip your paddle in the water for some kayaking.
Or join a skiff tour to get farther faster in glacier country. This is wilderness at its wildest. Feel the mountains closing in as you cruise through Esther Passage.
View a fish hatchery and learn about Alaska’s salmon species.
Day 7 — College Fjord & Barry Arm
Sea otters float on their backs on beds of kelp. Watch them lounge before diving and rising with puffins in search of food.
Take it all in from a kayak or skiff before capping off your week with a celebratory Farewell Dinner and slideshow.
Day 8 — Disembark Whittier
After your last breakfast with new friends, a coach transfer takes you from Whittier along Turnagain Arm on your way back to the Anchorage airport.
Here’s What’s Included on a Prince William Cruise:
- See dozens of glaciers including Chenega, Columbia, Meares, and Sheridan
- Discover the islands of Knight and Montague
- Visit the tiny fishing town of Cordova
- Explore College and Harriman glacial fjords
- Beachcomb rocky shorelines and hike beneath a glacier
- Navigate along remote shores in coastal Alaska
- Search for wildlife, from whales to orcas, eagles, puffins, sea otters, seals, and sea lions
- Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in hidden coves and narrow fjords
Kayaking is a big part of the UnCruise experience. * Photo: UnCruise
RELATED: John Roberts reviews his UnCruise adventure in Alaska.
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Interested in a Prince William Sound Cruise
Round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, all-inclusive Prince William Sound cruises start at $8,700 per person.
Or email sales@uncruise.com or call 1-888-862-8881.
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HEIDI SARNA
