*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!
My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State. For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates. To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier. Which Major Marine Cruise is Best
Major Marine Tours has a couple different tour options, all based out of Seward. They also have a private charter option on their website. Lucky for you, I've actually done most of them myself, and I've listed the main differences below :
In the past I've done their 4 hour cruise, their 7.5 hour cruise, and their 8.5 hour cruise, and although they're all different they all also have some similarities! You'll begin by checking in at their office at the Harbor 360 Hotel before boarding your boat and heading out into Resurrection Bay. From here, it depends on how long of a tour you've booked that determines how far into the Kenai Fjords National Park you'll venture and whether or not you'll be given a lunch during your trip. Either way, the staff is very friendly and professional, the boats are some of the best and cleanest in Alaska, and they have binoculars on board for guests to use as well. Even if you just explore Resurrection Bay, during your narrated tour you'll have the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, seals, puffins, and eagles!
The exact cruise I recommend :
- Full Day Kenai Fjords Cruise My Honest Review
To be honest, before you even read my review I truly believe this is one tour that you have to do while in Alaska, especially if you're already planning to visit Seward! Not only have I seen animals the closest while on this cruise, but the sheer amount of wildlife I've seen on this cruise truly just doesn't compare to other cruise options in the area. I also want to point out that although they have many versions of cruises, I would really recommend booking the 7.5 hour or 8.5 hour cruise - these maximize your time out on the water and allows you the best chances of seeing incredible wildlife or even a possible glacier calving. If you do decide to book these longer tours I would also recommend taking dramamine beforehand - once you get out of Resurrection Bay the waters can sometimes get a bit choppy so it's better to be safe than sorry on such an epic adventure. I would also recommend bringing extra dramamine with you just in case. During our longer 7.5 hour tour the staff even brought in a glacier chunk that was floating and made special cocktails with them! It's definitely not every day that you get to drink a bit of a glacier. :) Overall, I would say this is one of the best tours in Alaska, especially if you're looking to see some marine wildlife during your trip - and I would highly encourage you to book a tour if you're planning to be in the Seward area!
Want to try a glacier & wildlife cruise but not visiting Seward? My second favorite is Stan Stephens Tours in Valdez!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit -> Whitewater Rafting in Hope, Alaska -> 7 Best Tours in Alaska
Pin this Alaska Cruise Review for later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. This blog and all content is free to you, however, when you purchase through referral or affiliate links on our site I may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! --- Learn more here about our affiliates and privacy policy. --- Join Travel Payouts or Rock Porch to earn affiliates on your own sites! Planning a trip outside Alaska? Check out our blog Raarup Adventures for international vacation ideas or Deborah in Korea for adventures in South Korea! |