This was a last minute excursion addition. Booked through Viator. The squib listed this as 10 hours total. This was a 11 1/2 hour tour, not even including waiting for the bus. Very long day.
All pretty well run, other than tickets. When purchase on-line get an email confirmation. Then click tickets. Site takes to a place which is not a ticket, and all then becomes a circular hell. At one point it says to obtain tix at the hotel pick-up location, ironically where I was staying. When spoke with the concierge, he mentioned Viator needs to change the site as the hotel does not give out tickets.
Day of trip, waiting in line, many were confused. As it turns out, what Viator emailed was all that is needed to show the rep before got on bus, in addition to ID.
Huge, comfy bus, with pick-up point at Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage. Friendly, informative bus driver. Long drive to Whittier, outstanding views along the way.
The tunnel leading into Whittier is one way. Every half hour it switches. That likely added to the length as on return trip our bus got to the waiting line a little after the entrances switched. Waited almost a half hour.
Around 45 folks on our bus. When arrived, other tours and tourists there, too. All were herded onto a large ship - think of a large restaurant surrounded by windows, a main deck and upper deck. Boat comfortable and roomy, with plenty of outdoor viewing space. Likely around 200ish guest on vessel.
Pre-picked meal served, which was acceptable, my having the veggie chili. Water and I think coffee were free. There is a Bar, so could purchase beer and wine.
Friendly accommodating staff, the captain amiable, with his various puns. Freshly made chocolate chips on ride home was a nice touch.
As for the actual tour I believe the ship travels around 135 miles roundtrip, at 30 mph. (A good speed for a boat.) The scenery is amazing, and will see tons of glaciers (many on land only), sea lions, otters, and birds. For this trip no bears or whales.
For the first hour or two the boat seemed to zip along. Some wondered if it was passing by things too fast, without the opportunity to stop, look, and observe.
Standing on the center bow is an experience. Freezing, and lots of wind, as folks tried to hold on. A good place to test the inner frontier person in all of us.
Ultimately made it to I believe Harvard Glacier, a tidewater one, which was impressive. After left that, on the return trip the witty captain turned into another area to observe another massive tidewater glacier (don't recall the name). That also was something to see.
As noted, it is just very long. On the way back it was obvious some people were bored, including kids.
All in all I think it a very strong tour, and certainly get your money's worth.