North to Alaska: Glacier Cruising Anyone?

If you like to see wild marine life, spectacular mountain views with waterfalls and glaciers, tidal glaciers and did I mention, like to eat, then a glacier cruise is for you… On Saturday we were up early, 9AM, and off on the Major Marine Glacier tour in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Our boat, the Kenai Star, was a large two deck boat with a heated cabin where we had our own table which was nice to leave our “stuff” while we were out on the deck observing the many sights. We were not long out of the harbor when we observed several otters right beside the boat. These otters were floating on their backs enjoying a snack they had brought up from the bottom. Watching them take a rock or something and break open a shell to get to the inside was amazing. There were all kinds of birds including two types of the very colorful, cute and clumsy Puffins. Watching these Puffins take off and land is comical. Next it was off to whale watching and what a show. We saw several Orca whales close to the boat that had baby whales swimming with them. It was fun watching the little Orcas jump out of the water and at times they would jump entirely out of the water right over their mothers. While watching the Orcas, our on board park ranger pointed out a large Humpback whale which was also putting on a show. Watching the Humpback dive and raise its tail in the air was a site to see. While enjoying all the wildlife, it was hard to take in all the beauty of the surrounding views of the spectacular mountains with unbelievable waterfalls and glaciers. Lunch time… Baked salmon, prime rib and all the fixings and best of all? All you could eat! Talking about putting on a feast, these people from Major Marine know how to do it… There’s something about sitting out there on the boat enjoying such a great meal, taking in the scenery and listening to our onboard ranger share the many facets of this park. Well lunch is over and we are approaching the Holgate Glacier which is a large tidal glacier. As the captain eased the boat up close to the glacier you could see all the ice (little ice bergs) floating all around the boat. Then without warning, the sound of artillery broke the silence. Holgate Glacier was calving. What a site and sound, hearing the sound of the ice cracking and then seeing large pieces of ice fall into the water!!! This was worth the trip! On the way back, more wildlife and guess what? Those Orcas were back, they must really like putting on a show. We also saw several sea lions frolicking on the rocks and sliding down into the water. There was a large bull walrus sitting on a rock as if he was guarding the harbor. About an hour from harbor we were really surprised again… It was desert time, and I mean desert time, brownies, cheesecake, jell-o, fruit, carrot cake, and of course samples of glacier ice (again all you want) Needless, to say we did not go out for dinner this night. Some logistics about Major Marine: We took the long tour, approximately 120 miles, that cost $149.00; however, with the Alaska Tour Saver coupon book you buy one fare and get the another one free. The lunch is $19.00 dollars per person and well worth it. There is a National Park Ranger on the cruise, Guaranteed reserved seating in the heated cabin, and the use of complimentary binoculars.