My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using 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 Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. 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.
What to Expect on Stan Stephens
Stan Stephens Cruises offers 3 types of tours, the Mears Glacier Tour, Columbia Glacier Tour, and custom tours and charters - all of which venture into Prince William Sound beginning out of the Valdez Harbor. My husband and I have been on the Mears Glacier Tour twice now, which is the longer of the 2 public tours and allows for more wildlife encounters and more time at the glaciers for a better chance at seeing it calve.
As you make your way to Mears Glacier, you'll be given a light breakfast snack (bagels with cream cheese, peanut butter, or butter - with a gluten free option) and lunch after you leave the glacier (a chicken breast and white rice with Alfredo sauce and sides of steamed veggies, a Hawaiian bread roll, and a small pack Oreos for dessert) around 1:00pm. They also had complimentary coffee, lemonade, and water throughout the entire 8 hours - which is a great amenity not other tours offer. 
The inside of the boat was nice and open with large windows, clean bathrooms, and they even provided a brochure at the beginning with wildlife identification and a map of the route we were on - no other wildlife or glacier cruise we've been on in Alaska does this! There were also a few tables filled with books and information on local wildlife, glaciers, and the Valdez oil spill that you could read through at the front of the boat, as well as binoculars you could borrow - Stan Stephens is one of the few companies that have really thought of everything.
Stan Stephens Cruises also prides themselves on hiring an "all Alaskan crew," which really allows them to answer any questions you have with insider advice all while encouraging you to support the local economy. The tour to Mears Glacier is right around 7 to 8 hours, and you're guaranteed to see a few animals along the way. Don't worry, the captain will stop along the way for any animal sightings, even if you're doing the shorter Columbia Glacier Tour.
My Favorite Tours Near Valdez :
- Stan Stephens Meares Glacier Cruise - Stan Stephens Columbia Glacier Cruise - Helicopter to Glacier
My Honest Review & Best Tips
If you only have time for one boat cruise in Alaska this should be it. Even though Valdez might be further away than you're willing to go, the Stan Stephens crew truly goes above and beyond and every time I'm blown away with all the thoughtful touches and details the staff puts together. Plus with their newer, more spacious boats you have plenty of room so you don't feel crowded and you're able to cover more ground than some other boat tours in the area. They also have plenty of indoor seating incase of bad weather.
The waters in Prince William Sound are typically calmer than those out near Seward in the Kenai Fjords, meaning if you tend to get seasick easily this could be the best tour for you. However, if you get seasick easily, it might still be a good idea to take some dramamine just in case. Plus, the views here are truly incredible - with hidden waterfalls peaking out over the steep mountain tops and multiple islands to weave your way in and out of. It's also an excellent tour to learn more about the Exxon Oil Spill in 1989 and its detrimental effects on local wildlife.
During your tour (in addition to your stop at the Mears or Columbia glacier) you can expect to see plenty of animals - so make sure to have your camera ready, along with any extra batteries or SD cards. On our tours with Stan Stephens we've seen sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins, eagles, orcas, and humpback whales just to name a few. If you're on the edge about whether or not to book this tour - let this be your sign - book it!
Watch my Stan Stephens Adventures here!
Coming Soon!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit -> Whitewater Rafting in Alaska -> 7 Best Tours in Alaska
Pin this Stan Stephens 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. 
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