Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Alaska Glacier Cruises & Wildlife Tours
Phillips Cruises & Tours has been a leader in Alaskan tourism since 1958, offering unparalleled glacier and wildlife experiences in Prince William Sound. Founded by Brad and Helen Phillips, we pioneered high-speed catamaran technology in Alaska in 1985, revolutionizing passenger comfort and safety. Our fleet of four modern catamarans, including the newly added M/V Chugach Express, provides access to 26 named glaciers and abundant marine wildlife in the Chugach National Forest. With over six decades of operational history, we combine deep local knowledge with cutting-edge maritime technology to deliver unforgettable Alaskan adventures. Our expert crews, trained in both navigation and natural history interpretation, ensure every voyage maintains our legacy of excellence.We operate seasonal cruises from Whittier, Alaska, with convenient transportation packages connecting Anchorage and Girdwood visitors. Our commitment to sustainable tourism preserves Alaska's pristine environment while sharing its wonders with global visitors. The company remains rooted in its founding principles of innovation and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by our continuous service improvements and fleet modernization. Our 26 Glacier Cruise retraces the historic Harriman Expedition route, while the Glacier Quest Cruise focuses on Blackstone Bay's ecological diversity. We maintain strict safety protocols and environmental stewardship practices across all operations.
Services
26 Glacier Cruise
Glacier Quest Cruise
Coach & Cruise Package
Rail & Cruise Package
Self-Drive & Cruise
Private Charters
Wedding Services
Wildlife Tours
Scenic Cruises
Eco-Tours
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of Alaskan cruise expertise with modern catamaran technology
- Our captains provide expert glacier and wildlife interpretation during tours
- We operate the largest high-speed catamaran fleet in Prince William Sound
- We maintain strict environmental stewardship practices in sensitive ecosystems
- We provide multiple transportation options connecting Anchorage and Girdwood
Services
26 Glacier Cruise
Explore 26 named glaciers in Prince William Sound on our flagship high-speed catamaran tour. This 5.25-hour voyage covers 130 miles at 32 knots, offering ADA-accessible viewing of ice-filled bays and fjords. Our expert crew provides glacier calving interpretation while navigating through the Chugach National Forest's pristine wilderness.
Glacier Quest Cruise
Experience Blackstone Bay's ecological diversity on this 3.75-hour adventure. Our catamarans travel at 19 knots through glacier-carved fjords, offering optimal viewing of sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds. The route includes a kittiwake rookery visit and glacier ice sampling opportunities for hands-on learning experiences.
Coach & Cruise Package
Combine ground transportation with your glacier cruise for seamless travel from Anchorage or Girdwood. The 9:00 AM departure includes round-trip coach service to Whittier, ensuring timely arrival for your scheduled cruise departure. This all-inclusive option eliminates self-driving concerns through mountainous terrain.
Rail & Cruise Package
Connect with the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery train for a scenic journey to Whittier. Available May through September, this package includes round-trip rail service from Anchorage or Girdwood combined with your selected glacier cruise. The 9:45 AM train departure ensures optimal cruise timing.
Private Charters
Customize your Alaskan experience with private vessel charters for special events or group tours. Available on select catamarans, these charters accommodate weddings, corporate events, or family reunions with full catering and itinerary customization options in Prince William Sound.
Questions
What should I wear on the glacier cruise?
Dress in waterproof layers with good insulation. Bring gloves, hat, and sturdy shoes. We provide waterproof outerwear for unexpected spray during glacier calving events.
Can I see wildlife on the cruise?
Yes! Our routes guarantee sightings of sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds. Blackstone Bay frequently shows mountain goats, while whales and bears appear seasonally in Prince William Sound.
How do I get from Anchorage to Whittier?
Choose self-drive, coach package, or Alaska Railroad. The 90-minute drive uses the Anton Anderson Tunnel. Coach packages depart Anchorage at 9:15 AM. The Glacier Discovery Train connects daily May-September.
Are meals included on the cruise?
Select cruises include light meals. Check specific cruise details for meal options. Our onboard café offers snacks, beverages, and specialty glacier ice drinks during your voyage.
What happens if it rains during the cruise?
Our catamarans operate rain or shine. Cloudy conditions often enhance glacier visibility by reducing glare. All vessels have enclosed viewing areas with large windows for comfortable sightseeing in any weather.
Can I book last-minute reservations?
We recommend advance booking, especially May-September. Contact our Anchorage office directly for same-day availability. Online reservations operate 24/7 for most cruise options.
