Three real choices on this trip, with the prices and timing side by side.
These are the things we get to choose: the Valdez glacier cruise, where we sleep near Glennallen, and how we get back to Anchorage on travel day. Compare them here, then head to the Decisions page, which tracks what to lock in and when.
Choice 1
The main Valdez activity. Decided: the Stan Stephens Meares Glacier Excursion, for the near-certain calving face. The table keeps all three boats for the record; see the Columbia vs Meares deep-dive for the full reasoning and the cancellation terms.
| Stan Stephens – Columbia | Stan Stephens – Meares Booked | Lu-Lu Belle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | 10:30 am (some dates 7:30 am or 2:30 pm) | 9:00 am | Boarding 10:30 am |
| Duration | 6 hours | 7.5 hours | 7 to 9+ hours (variable, weather/ice dependent) |
| Glacier | Columbia Glacier, a large ice field (the boat does not reach a calving face) | Meares Glacier, an actively calving tidewater glacier; the boat reaches within ~¼ mile of the face | Columbia Glacier only |
| Wildlife | Otters, sea lions, seals, humpback and orca whales, porpoise, eagles, puffins | Same species, plus better odds from the longer run and sometimes goats and bears | Whales, otters, sea lions, porpoise, eagles |
| Price (approx.) | $173/adult, $86.50/child (ages 3–12; under 2 free), plus ~$6/person fees | $193/adult, $96.50/child, plus ~$6/person fees | $185 per person, all ages (includes fuel surcharge and tax); no child discount |
| Group total 2 adults + 1 child (age 5) |
~$450 | ~$500 | ~$555 |
| Best for | Families wanting the shortest day: heated cabin, restrooms, light meal, calmer water | Seeing an actively calving glacier face up close; hot lunch included | Adults: an intimate 40-passenger yacht with captain narration |
| Fit for a 5-year-old | Strong (shortest day) | Workable: 7.5 hours, back by ~4:30 pm | Weakest: long, unpredictable end time, limited indoor seating, lots of cold outdoor exposure |
| Booking notes | Peak July; full refund if cancelled 16+ days out | Confirmed sailing Wed Jul 8 (not daily); full refund if cancelled by June 22 | Book online ahead |
Booked: the Meares Glacier Excursion (July 8, 9:00 am, 7.5 hr) for the near-certain calving face, over the shorter, cheaper Columbia. See the deep-dive for the route map, photos, reviewer pros/cons, and the cancellation policy.
Choice 2
Where we sleep near the hometown. Decided: the Funky Château Airbnb, booked for both nights. The alternatives are kept here for reference.
Airbnb, Kenny Lake · Booked
~$199 / night
2025 snapshot; confirm 2026
Friends' home
Free
Subject to their offer
Wilderness Lodge, Copper Center (~12 mi from Glennallen)
~$216 / night
High season
Choice 3
July 9 is the travel-home day. The 11:15 pm flight is fixed. We decided to drive back rather than take the ferry; both are kept here for reference.
Car ferry across Prince William Sound, then drive
~$325–440 one-way
Vehicle + 2 adults (child under 6 free); get a live quote
The car ferry leaves Valdez at 7:00 am and reaches Whittier at 12:45 pm (5h45m across the Sound, scenic, with possible Columbia Glacier and wildlife views from the boat). Then drive through the one-lane Whittier tunnel and along the coast to Anchorage, arriving about 3:00–3:30 pm, leaving roughly 8 hours before the flight.
Valdez to Anchorage on the Richardson and Glenn highways
Fuel only
No ticket cost
Drive Valdez to Anchorage in about 6 hours and arrive afternoon or early evening, then fly out at 11:15 pm.
Decided: we're driving back to Anchorage. No ferry booking needed; the ferry details stay here for reference.