Page 174 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

Lu-Lu Belle, the limousine of Prince William Sound

Glacier Wildlife Cruises in Valdez, Alaska
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime thrill as Captain Fred Rodolf takes you to the mighty Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater
glacier in North America, aboard the Lu-Lu Belle, the Limousine of Prince William Sound.

Naturally beautiful Prince William Sound is one of the most spectacular and unspoiled wildernesses in the world, where majestic
blue glaciers explode into its calm fjords. The Sound is a sanctuary to many species of birds, including bald eagles. Humpback,
killer, minke and gray whales rise from the deep waters, surface and spray clouds of breath into the clear Alaskan air. Seals, Stellar
sea lions and sea otters sun themselves on rafts of ice. Dall porpoise slip in and out of the wake of the Lu-Lu Belle, Alaska’s most
plush tour vessel. As you cruise through the fjords, you’ll be able to watch fishermen at work, harvesting a bounty of salmon from
the cold Alaskan waters. Don’t miss your opportunity to be transformed by this last frontier first-hand aboard the Lu-Lu Belle.
Experience some of the most awe-inspiring glacier calving events in the world from the decks of this well-appointed 75-foot
yacht. See for yourself as huge chunks of ice crash into the sea, causing thunderous explosions resulting in massive plumes of spray
and wave activity. The cruise will stay at the glacier for about an hour to make sure you have good opportunity to photograph or
record these amazing events. The iceberg conditions at the Columbia Glacier are always changing, and the glacier face has retreated
approximately 13 miles from where it was in 1979 when the Captain first started doing these cruises. There is no way to predict
how long it will take to get to the glacier face, but if any boat can, it will be the Lu-Lu Belle. Please don’t watch your clock, because
the crew does not. Slow down and take your time, as this is an event-oriented cruise, not a schedule-oriented tour!

Designed by naval architects, US Coast Guard certified, and built by the Captain himself, the Lu-Lu Belle is in a class by herself
with her plush atmosphere of teak, mahogany and oriental rugs. Captain Fred is at the helm for every cruise, sharing his knowledge
of Prince William Sound and its ecosystem, gained from over 40 years of experience on these waters. They specialize in smaller
groups, so you can feel free to walk about the boat and visit the Captain on the bridge.

Beginning the first Sunday in June through the last Sunday in August from 7:45 am – 9:00 am, the Lu-Lu Belle becomes the
“Chapel of the Sea” with a non-denominational service on board. Consider joining them for this special time on the water. First-
come first serve, no reservations needed and no charge.
For your convenience, there is a snack bar aboard with lots of cold drinks, hot chowders and fresh-baked goods. You will delight
in the friendly and gracious hospitality aboard this beautiful vessel. It’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike refer to the Lu-Lu
Belle as the Limousine of Prince William Sound. For more information, please visit lulubelletours.com or call 1-800-411-0090.

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