Many people will think of glaciers when it comes Alaska. 
Different types of glaciers exist. Today, I will take you to an ocean glacier. 

In most harbors in Alaska, glacier cruises are available. 
Among them, I am introducing Blackstone glacier cruise from Whittier port.

Whittier port is located about 1 hour from Anchorage. 

The Whittier Glacier near Whittier, Alaska, was named for John Greenleaf Whittier (an American poet) in 1915. During World War II, the U.S. Army constructed a military facility, including a port and railroad terminus, near the glacier. Named Camp Sullivan, the spur of the Alaska Railroad to Camp Sullivan was completed in 1943 and the camp became the entrance for U.S. soldiers into Alaska. It remained an active military bas euntil 1960.

The two large buildings that dominate Whittier were built after World War II. The 14-story Begich Towers (originally named Hodge Building) was completed in 1957 and contained 150 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and bachelor efficiency units for use by dependent families and Civil Service employees. A new Whittier School was connected by a tunnel at the base of the west tower, allowing students to school in short sleeves even during the worst weather. The Buckner Building was completed in 1953 and was nicknamed a "city under one roof." At one time, these were the largest buildings in the entire state. Begich Building is now a condominium and together with the 2-story Whittier Manor houses almost all the residents of Whittier.

Whittier was severely damaged by tsunamis caused by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake- 13 people died from the waves that were as high as 43 feet (13 m.). Today, Whittier is a popular port of call for cruise ships with connections to Anchorage and Alaska's interior via railway and roads. The Denali Express non-stop rail service to and from Denali National Park is operated by Princess Tours. The town is also popular with hunters, sport fishermen, and other types of tourists.

To take a cruise, you have to pass through the tunnel that has a designated time to get in.
So please arrive at the tunnel by 10:30 AM. 
If you miss the time, you have to wait another hour. 

Let’s start the glacier tour~


 

This is the area to start the tour.





 

I recommend Blackstone glacier cruise since they are new and the ship is newer than that of the other cruise company.




 

The rate was $180 for the glacier cruise tour that lasts about 4 hours.




 

It operated normally even with the rain.




 

There is souvenir photo taking available in front of the ship.
You can purchase the printed photo later.





 

Before departing, there is a safety education session.




 

A Fish & Game employee comes aboard for guiding around in the ship.



 

Finally, departing~




 

First, arrived at the falls.
This is a habitat for seasonal birds.




 

All the white dots on the picture are birds.
Isn’t that amazing?




 

It’s mealtime. 
The meal is included in the tour price. 
Rib eye steak and salmon were provided. 




 

Finally, glaciers are showing up. 



 

*This posting was translated from a Korean post. Click here to read the original version.