Kenai Fjords National Parks Cruise -Renown or Major Marine?

We plan on taking a Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour in July. I%26#39;ve decided to drive from Anchorage, so times to make the train back is not an issue. I%26#39;ve narrowed my choices to either the Renown or Major Marine Tours.

The Renown tour is 11:30- 5:30 with a light lunch included for $129.

The Major Marine Tour is from 11:45 - 7:30 for $107 (if you book on-line) + $15 for a buffet hot lunch (served at around 2:30 PM)

They both seem to travel a similar route and have a Park Ranger on board.

Why is the Major marine Tour about 1hour 45 minutes longer?

Besides the meal option and time what are the differences between the two?

What are your recommendations, thoughts and experiences with these two options?

If I took the Renown cruise I would have dinner after the cruise in Seward. Any recommendations?

Thanks

Marty

Kenai Fjords National Parks Cruise -Renown or Major Marine?

I like Major Marine the best. Their buffet is great. They are the only one to have reserved seating, a big plus to me since I%26#39;ve seen other boats where people get on, dump their belongings at a table and then wander off. Do you feel like standing the whole cruise if the boat is full and you weren%26#39;t a lucky one to get a table?

There is the Toursaver Book which offers 2-1. Renown was it last year.

My favorite restaurants are Thorn%26#39;s Showcase Lounge and the Salmon Bake.

Kenai Fjords National Parks Cruise -Renown or Major Marine?

I went on a Kenai Fjords Tours cruise last year and was astounded by how great the trip was. I had friends that went out with Renown, and thought that the boat was old and tired, and the ranger was a very ';canned'; experience.

On Kenai Fjords Tours, our boat was super nice and new, and our captain narrated the tour, and was wonderful. He welcomed people into the wheelhouse, and was just super with the kids and really well informed. He said he had been with the company, and lived in Alaska for many years.

I don%26#39;t know about Major Marine and why the tour is longer, but we looked at them, and didn%26#39;t like that they charged an additional fee for the meal.

OH! Forgot to say -

We ate at Chinooks one night, and it was great, and right next to the waterfront. Huge windows, and friendly service.

We went to Ray%26#39;s one night which is on the waterfront, and it was super smokey, and not worth the time. Don%26#39;t be fooled!

We also had dinner one night at the Resurrection Roadhouse which was great as well, though a little stuffier than Chinooks.

Enjoy!

We also used Kenai Fjords and would highly recommend them. Our (included) lunch was a salmon bake on an island.

We have taken the 6hr Kenai Fjords Tour of the NP twice and I would always consider them first. We have never had a full boat, always found a good table seat inside to leave all our stuff while we walked all around the boat taking photos or video. The captains are very knowledgable and the rest of the crew always helpful. The lunch was included and consisted of halibut or chicken and fries, fruit, hot cookies, and drinks. All I wanted while on the water.

The only reason I could see to take one of the other two would be your schedule or the use of a two for one coupon to cut costs.

Another vote for the Kenai Fjords tour. We did the 9 hour Northwestern Glacier tour, it was awesome! The captain was so knowledgable and friendly. We lucked out with the weather, very calm and sunny. Whales, puffins, sealions, plus gorgeous scenery.

In August we did the Major Marine tour and did enjoy it.The lunch was salmon and Prime rib and you could go back for seconds.it is served late so no need for a large dinner that night.The boat was older than the others going out and slower but it was still value for money.We also saw several whales,puffins,sealions,otters,mountain goats eagles etc and they do have a national parks ranger on board.

One night in Seward we went to Rays for dinner and had a completely different experience to a previous poster.We found it the best food we had in an alaskan restaurant even though we basically went to those reccomended on this forum.It is also right at the small boat docks so very convenient.