Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion From Valdez

The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez offers an immersive Alaskan adventure, guiding passengers through the breathtaking Prince William Sound. Helmed by a knowledgeable local crew, the tour promises an up-close encounter with the awe-inspiring Meares Glacier, where calving ice can be witnessed firsthand. But the experience extends beyond the glacier, with opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, from majestic eagles to playful otters. Whether it’s the included lunch, snacks, and beverages, or the wheelchair accessibility, this excursion caters to the needs of every traveler. With so much to explore and discover, it’s no wonder this tour has become a favorite among visitors to Valdez.

Key Points

• The Meares Glacier Cruise is a guided excursion from Valdez that offers the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring ice calving of the Meares Glacier.

• The cruise is led by a knowledgeable local captain and crew, who share the rich history of Prince William Sound along the way.

• Passengers can expect to spot a variety of Alaskan wildlife, including eagles, puffins, seals, otters, and whales, during the immersive Alaskan experience.

• The cruise includes a delicious lunch served around 1:30 PM, a bagel snack, and complimentary coffee, tea, and water.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations for children, strollers, and service animals, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable experience for all.

Overview of the Cruise

Embarking on a captivating cruise, travelers journey from Valdez to explore the mesmerizing Meares Glacier, guided by a knowledgeable local captain and crew who share the rich history of Prince William Sound along the way.

The excursion offers an immersive Alaskan experience, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like eagles, puffins, seals, otters, and whales.

The highlight of the tour is witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of ice calving from the face of the Meares Glacier.

Travelers can enjoy a delicious lunch around 1:30 PM, as well as a bagel snack and complimentary beverages earlier in the day, all included in the tour’s cost.

The cruise departs from and returns to the Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises office in Valdez.

Inclusions and Amenities

The cruise includes a delicious lunch served around 1:30 PM, as well as a bagel snack offered around 10:30 AM.

Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are also provided throughout the tour.

Plus, all gratuities for the crew are included in the price of the excursion.

Passengers can enjoy the scenic views and wildlife sightings while indulging in these refreshments and snacks.

The cruise is designed to be accessible, with accommodations for wheelchair users, children, and service animals.

Travelers with specific dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own meals and snacks, as the tour provides a vegetarian option but may not cater to all dietary requirements.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Passengers meet at the Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises office, located at 112 N Harbor Dr in Valdez, Alaska.

They should park along the west end of North Harbor Drive and walk to the office, which is built on pilings over the water above the Tour Dock.

The cruise returns to this same meeting point at the end of the excursion.

The meeting point is easy to find, and the directions provide a clear path to the office.

This ensures a smooth start and finish to the Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion.

With the meeting and pickup logistics outlined, passengers can focus on the exciting sights and experiences that await them on the cruise.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are permitted. Service animals are also allowed on the tour.

Plus, the transportation provided is wheelchair-friendly.

Travelers with dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own meals and snacks, as the tour only offers a vegetarian option.

With a maximum capacity of 145 travelers, the cruise ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly adventure or an accessible outing, the Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion caters to a diverse range of travelers, providing a seamless and enjoyable journey through the stunning Prince William Sound.

Dietary Considerations

While the Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion offers a vegetarian option, travelers with specific dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own meals and snacks. The tour doesn’t cater to all dietary requirements, so self-providing for one’s needs is recommended to ensure a comfortable and satisfying experience.

The only inclusions are a bagel snack around 10:30 AM, and lunch served around 1:30 PM. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are also provided.

However, those with allergies, intolerances, or preferences beyond a vegetarian diet should plan ahead and pack their own food. This allows participants to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings without worrying about their dietary needs.

Cancellation Policy

A full refund is available if the Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion is canceled at least 24 hours before the start time.

However, no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the experience’s start time, and any changes requested within 24 hours of the start time won’t be accepted.

This policy reflects the careful planning and logistics involved in running the excursion. Guests are encouraged to review the cancellation terms and plan their schedules accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

The operator give you a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, and the cancellation policy helps ensure the smooth operation of the tour.

Cruise Highlights

Guests aboard the Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez can expect an immersive Alaskan experience, as the local captain and crew guide the boat through the scenic Prince William Sound, sharing its rich history.

Sightings of majestic wildlife like eagles, puffins, seals, otters, and whales are common during the journey.

The highlight of the cruise is witnessing the awe-inspiring Meares Glacier, where visitors can observe chunks of ice calving off the glacier’s face.

The cruise also includes a delicious lunch served around 1:30 PM, as well as a bagel snack and complimentary coffee, tea, and water throughout the trip.

It’s an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Alaska.

Transportation and Logistics

The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez is wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers are also allowed, as are service animals, ensuring the tour is inclusive for all travelers.

The meeting point is at Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, located at 112 N Harbor Dr in Valdez. Travelers should park along the west end of North Harbor Drive and walk to the office built on pilings over the water above the Tour Dock.

The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end. The cruise can accommodate a maximum of 145 travelers, providing an intimate and immersive experience exploring the glacier and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Typically Join the Cruise?

The cruise typically accommodates up to 145 travelers, according to the information provided. The group size is limited to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience for all participants on the Alaskan cruise.

Is the Cruise Captain a Local to the Area?

The cruise’s local captain and crew guide the boat through Prince William Sound, sharing the area’s history with passengers. This provides an immersive Alaskan experience for those on the tour.

What Types of Wildlife Are Commonly Sighted?

The cruise frequently spotlights diverse wildlife, including eagles, puffins, seals, otters, and whales. Travelers can witness these animals in their natural habitats as the boat navigates through Prince William Sound.

How Close Can the Boat Get to the Meares Glacier?

The boat can get quite close to the Meares Glacier, with the captain navigating the vessel to allow passengers to witness the ice calving off the glacier’s face up close. This up-close vantage point provides an immersive and awe-inspiring experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Passengers?

There is no minimum age requirement for passengers on this cruise. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is suitable for all ages, as long as they are able to board the boat safely.

Recap

The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Passengers can witness the awe-inspiring ice calving, spot wildlife, and enjoy a comfortable and inclusive experience.

With accessibility features, dietary accommodations, and transportation logistics, this excursion provides an exceptional way to explore the natural beauty of Prince William Sound.