We did the Glacier Quest (3.75 hour tour).
It was a very quick drive from the Alyeska Resort. Please note that you lose reception once you turn on Portage Glacier Road. It is a quick drive and was a bit isolated until you get to the tunnel, which was $13 RT. We had to wait 30 minutes for the tunnel. I believe it opens on the half hour for 15 minutes. The ride is 5 minutes.
The parking lot is one the first places you see upon exiting the tunnel. Parking was $15 right at the entrance. There was cheaper parking but it was a 5 minute walk away. Due to the rain, we opted for the entrance parking. There was a parking lot attendant, Natalie who was very helpful and offered a map of Whittier. We arrived an hour early so we checked in and went to town. There wasn’t much to see due to the rain and snow.
On to the cruise…the boarding process was very pleasant. The crew was nice from check-in to boarding. We were served lunch in less than 30 minutes from departing from the dock. We chose the seafood chowder - it was delicious. It came with cheddar cheese, fruit snacks, a roll, oyster crackers and a York peppermint patty. No drink was served with lunch so I recommend heading to the bar as soon as you can. They offer complimentary tea and water (not bottled).
We chose this tour because of the US Forest Ranger on board providing narration. Our table was on the upper deck and he was on the lower. You can hear him clearly through the speaker system. He gave directions (1:00, 3:00, etc. - they help you orient yourself).
We learned a lot about the bay and saw an eagles nest and seals or otters (I can’t remember which). The ranger provided a lot of information about the sights - historical, geographical, nautical and geological. You are able to go out to the deck and upper deck to take pictures. And you can capture pictures within 45 minutes.
We saw two glaciers and the caption got close as he could safely get. The captain turned the boat on the port and starboard side so you can see is you choose to stay inside, though the window may be blocked by the outside viewers. The upper deck had very little people at the top - it offered the best view of the approach to the glacier. It was very cold and windy up there but manageable (I had on a t-shirt, thin hoodie and Columbia rain resistant jacket with gloves and it was in the mid-forties when we left Whittier).
The crew caught some ice and served it at the bar - it was delicious.
After we left the glaciers, we saw a waterfall.
It was a very smooth ride and I am prone to motion sickness.
It was $38 for a margarita and 3 cokes - all in souvenir cups and $7 for the nachos (cheese and chips). The cokes in the souvenir cups had free refills.
Before the tour ended they served warm cookies, which smelled delicious in the latter half of the tour.
We got back a little late but made it in time of the 5pm tunnel which was open until 5:15.
All-in-all, it was a great experience for my and my family (teen, preteen and mom). 100% recommend.