In short
- Child tickets cost about $90, which is half the adult fare.
- You can bring strollers on board the cruise vessels.
- Boats feature heated cabins, but you still need warm layers for outside.
In this article
Taking kids on an 80-mile round-trip boat ride requires some planning. The 6-hour tour offers amenities like heated cabins to keep your family comfortable. Knowing what to pack and how much tickets cost helps you prepare for a day on Prince William Sound.
How much is a child ticket for the cruise?
Child tickets cost approximately $90 for the 6-hour public cruise.
This is exactly half the price of a standard adult ticket, which runs about $180. The discounted rate applies to most public day cruises out of the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. Check with your specific operator for exact age cutoffs regarding child pricing.
| Passenger Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult | ~$180 |
| Child | ~$90 |
Can I bring a stroller on the Columbia Glacier cruise?
Yes, you can bring a stroller on board the cruise ships.
The vessels have enough deck space and aisle room to accommodate standard strollers. This makes it easier to manage toddlers during the 6-hour trip. Keep your stroller secured when the boat is moving to prevent rolling.
Will kids stay warm during the trip?
The boats feature heated cabins to keep children warm during the cruise.
While the interior stays comfortable, temperatures drop significantly when the boat reaches the Columbia Bay Iceberg Field. You need to dress children in warm, insulated base layers and a windproof outer jacket. Add warm gloves and a beanie so they can safely stand on the outer viewing decks.
What should I pack for children?
Pack extra snacks, warm clothing, and binoculars for your children.
- Warm clothing: Thermal underwear, hats, and mittens are necessary.
- Footwear: Closed-toe, nonslip shoes prevent slips on wet boat decks.
- Food: Bring extra kid-friendly snacks. Small coolers are permitted on board.
- Entertainment: High-quality binoculars keep kids engaged with spotting wildlife.
Will kids get seasick on the cruise?
Seasickness is possible, though the large catamaran vessels offer a stable ride.
Prince William Sound features protected fjords that limit rough waves. If your child is prone to motion sickness, administer medication before departure. The boat captain navigates carefully, but prevention is the safest approach.
What wildlife will kids see?
Children can spot sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
As the boat leaves the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, watch for sea otters and eagles. Near the glacier, harbor seals frequently rest on floating blue icebergs. The crew will point out these animals, helping kids find them on the water.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the Columbia Glacier cruise from Valdez?
Typical public cruises to Columbia Glacier last around 6 hours. The boats travel approximately 80 miles round-trip.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Day cruises depart from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, located at 300 N Harbor Dr, Valdez, AK 99686.
When is the best time to take kids?
The operating season for these glacier cruises typically runs from mid-May through mid-September.
