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Cruise to Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Glacier bay (cruising) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in glacier bay.

Witness the Wild

From the land to the seas and skies, Glacier Bay is home to a wide array of wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy and your eyes peeled for seals floating on ice flows, whales splashing in the water and bears trolling the shores.

Grab the Camera

Because you'll be surrounded by towering icy blue glacial walls and roaming wildlife, you may not know where to point your camera in Glacier Bay. Be on the lookout for Margerie Glacier, with its icy-blue appearance as it reflects the waters of the inlet, and Johns Hopkins Glacier, backdropped by impressive, ice-capped mountain ridges. Be sure to catch a shot of the gray skies surrounding the glaciers, as they can really make the ice pop.

A Birder's Paradise

If you're a birdwatcher, be sure to keep your field guide and lists handy. Glacier Bay is home to more than 274 species birds, so you'll be sure to spot some fantastic flyers. As you pass by Bartlett Cove, keep and eye out for cute tufted puffins and ruby-crowned kinglets — although they're small, you can spot them by the bright-red feathers that top their heads.

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Glacier Bay National Park

Alaska’s crown jewel.

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park. For more information on Glacier Bay National Park, visit the National Park Service website . To learn more about Alaska visit the Alaska Geographic website .

By clicking select links above, you will leave the Princess Cruises website and navigate to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Princess Cruises or any of its affiliates.

Glacier & Wildlife Viewing

Margerie Glacier

Once a part of the Grand Pacific Glacier, Margerie Glacier claimed independence in the 1990s and has become its own masterpiece. Now this 21-mile landmark is the most famous glacier in the park, with one of the most active glacial faces. Sail past its powder blue walls and revel in its enormity from the comfort of your ship – which turns 360 degrees - while at the glacier, so all guests have an opportunity to view it.

Grand Pacific Glacier

Long ago, the Grand Pacific Glacier once included the likes of Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier. Now the 2-mile-long glacier resides on its own, extending into both Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and Grand Pacific Pass in Canada. Cloaked in black, it’s easy to mistake this landmark for a rock or land. Keep an eye out for this hidden treasure, and dive deeper into the history of this ever-evolving glacier with the help of park rangers.

Johns Hopkins Glacier

Named after the prominent Baltimore-based university, Johns Hopkins Glacier is just as prestigious as its academic counterpart. While its 12-mile-long terrain makes it one of the largest in the park, Johns Hopkins Glacier is most famous for being one of the few advancing glaciers that remain. Get a glimpse of the glacier as the ship sails past Johns Hopkins Inlet.

Meet the many personalities of Glacier Bay National Park as you cruise through the natural habitats of Alaska’s wildlife. See humpback and killer whales break the ocean’s surface, welcoming you into the Great Land. Wave hello to the sea lions basking in the Alaska sun. Watch harbor seals float atop chunks of ice, and rejoice in the playfulness of sea otters as they float across the water on their backs. Glacier Bay wildlife is a spectacle in and of itself.

Preparing for Your Day in Glacier Bay

Meet Park Rangers

Learn about Glacier Bay National Park from the people who know it best. While sailing through the park’s deep fjords, park rangers join you on board to share history and facts of the region and its wildlife. As a part of the Junior Ranger program, even kids can participate and earn their own junior ranger badge.

What to Wear & Climate

With temperatures fluctuating between 30-60 degrees Fahrenheit, dress in layers to make sure you’re comfortable all day. Since it’s usually cooler on the water and near the glaciers, we recommend packing a warm coat, waterproof gear, a hat, gloves and supportive walking shoes. You may also want to bring extra memory cards for your camera so you can reminisce about all your adventures through Glacier Bay National Park with Princess. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring binoculars so you can admire the natural landmarks up close from the comfort of the ship.

Glacier Bay Experience

Enjoy around 8-hours in Glacier Bay National Park cruising by spectacular scenery with one hour spent at the face of Margerie Glacier. Park rangers will provide commentary from the bridge, hold presentations in the Princess theater and wander the open decks so you may ask them questions. Many of the activities onboard will be suspended to ensure you get the most from this special experience.

Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

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Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826

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Cruising Glacier Bay in Alaska: 9 Tips from an NCL Employee

As an NCL employee for over 15 years, I've cruised Alaska many times for work and always left inspired by its majesty. Though, on one particular sailing, I have a memory of walking through the Observation Lounge during Norwegian Bliss' venture into Glacier Bay National Park. I was mesmerized by the stunning views. The water was a beautiful light blue teal, and the guests were in silent meditation as we floated past centuries-old glaciers. I couldn't sit and join everyone because I was heading to meet co-workers, but knew I had to come back as a guest to experience this for myself.

This summer I did just that — along with my husband and three of our friends, we sailed Norwegian Encore on a 7-day Alaska sailing from Seattle .

Knowing that the Observation Lounge was a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sailing through Glacier Bay National Park , we woke up early to find our place. Sailing through this enchanted bay was a definitive highlight of my Alaska cruise vacation and I'm happy to share it with our blog readers.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Alaska cruises with Norwegian.

Read on if you want to get the most enjoyment from Glacier Bay National Park on your Alaska cruise vacation with Norwegian.

• Glacier Bay National Park Rangers board the ship and narrate the experience onboard. The rangers also provide complimentary maps to follow along on the journey so you can learn more about the history and facts of this unique park. Plus, their commentary is broadcast on the stateroom TVs for when you want to enjoy the views from your balcony.
• Since Glacier Bay is a National Park, you can get your National Park Passport Book stamped . If you don't have one, the park has souvenirs and interesting books for sale on board during the park rangers visit so you may be able to purchase a passport book then—or a souvenir t-shirt!
• The crew passes out hot chocolate on the bow. Since we sailed on Norwegian Encore, access to the bow was on deck eight through the hallway that runs parallel to The District Brewhouse.
• Prepare to see otters leisurely floating in the icy waters. They have made a comeback to the area in recent years. You may even spot one cradling a baby otter. Make sure you bring binoculars so you don’t miss them and all their cuteness!
• The Captain keeps the ship situated in the Margerie Glacier and the Grand Pacific Glacier area for an hour so plenty of time for photos. The Grand Pacific Glacier is thought to be responsible for the formation of the bay and its scale and proximity to Margerie Glacier is spectacular!
• Your binoculars will come in very handy as you scan the shores for glacier bears which are unique to this area. You may also spot other indigenous animals like black bears, brown bears, mountain goats and moose during the sailing.
• There will be several small floating icebergs to witness throughout the bay. They are called “growlers” or “bergy bits” and they feature a beautiful bright blue at the water line.
• Many seals can be spotted around South Marble Island on the southern opening of the bay. The park rangers will point out the best spots to find wildlife during the sailing.
• Prepare to be incredibly relaxed. My friends and I felt so serene as we sailed slowly through this beautiful and magnificent area—we all felt our blood pressure collectively drop. It was nearly a master class in stress relief!

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver 7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seward

If you've ever dreamed of visiting Alaska, there's no better way to explore the awe of this state than on a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising to Alaska for decades and offers some of the best itineraries available. Check out our  2022 and 2023 Alaska cruises  and start planning your next cruise vacation to this wonderous destination.

Best Alaska Glacier Cruises Explained: All You Need To Know

Nancy Schretter

• August 19, 2023

Alaska cruises are filled with spectacular scenery and memorable experiences. Sought-after views of Alaska’s icy blue glaciers are always some of the most anticipated sights. Determining which voyages have the best glacier views is often a key factor in choosing a cruise to America’s 49th state. 

Since several Alaska cruise destinations include the word “glacier” in their description, deciding which Alaska itinerary is the best option can often be tough .

Suppose you’re trying to decide which cruise itinerary is the best Alaska glacier cruise for your trip to the Last Frontier.

In that case, we have the information you need to help sort through your choices and pick the Alaska glacier voyage for you.  

Best Alaska Glacier Cruises

Ask many Alaska cruise aficionados how to select the best Alaska glacier cruise, and they’ll tell you to pick an Alaska voyage that includes Glacier Bay National Park. Since access to Glacier Bay is tightly controlled, only a limited number of cruise ships can visit Glacier Bay National Park each season. 

Spending a day in Glacier Bay is a must for an Alaska cruise, whether it’s your first time visiting Alaska or your tenth voyage there.  

Glacier Bay itineraries are always one of the most popular Alaska cruise routes. Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent glaciers and incredible wilderness scenery. Cruise ships visiting Glacier Bay typically spend nearly a full day there. 

The 3.3 million-acre park is home to many glaciers enveloping close to a third of its land. Cruise guests can see multiple glaciers sailing through Glacier Bay National Park.

In addition to glaciers, visitors to Glacier Bay will marvel at the area’s snow-covered mountain peaks, fjords, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife.  

Glacier Bay cruises are often considered the best Alaska glacier itineraries because they offer views of multiple glaciers, spectacular mountain vistas, and frequent wildlife sightings.

Marine wildlife is plentiful in Glacier Bay, so cruise visitors often see humpback whales, orca whales, harbor seals, porpoises, otters, and sea lions. 

It’s also possible to spot bears, moose, mountain goats, and deer on land. Interpretive park rangers come onboard each cruise ship while vessels are in Glacier Bay National Park , and they often point out wildlife and other interesting sights during their talks.

You might see bald eagles flying overhead or a brown bear swimming across the bay.

In Glacier Bay, the glaciers are typically the stars of the show. Cruise ships spend much of their time sailing past several of the park’s active tidewater glaciers — the kind of glacier that breaks off massive icebergs that plunge into the sea.

This “calving” action is what many cruise passengers hope to see when they spend time in front of Alaska’s glaciers. The thunderous cracking sound of a calving glacier followed by the colossal crash as the iceberg splashes into the sea is something that Alaska cruise passengers remember forever.

Ships generally cruise through Glacier Bay, exploring its inlets and sailing past various glaciers. These include Johns Hopkins Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, and Margerie Glacier. 

It’s common for ships to spend an hour or so in front of one of the glaciers so guests can possibly see multiple calvings. Many sailings visit  the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, an advancing tidewater glacier that frequently calves. 

You’ll want to look into your ship’s schedule for your day in Glacier Bay and check out the best spots for unobstructed glacier views. Determining which ships go to Glacier Bay is important in choosing the best Alaska glacier cruise. 

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have many Alaska sailings that go to Glacier Bay, offering various itineraries, including ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka.

Other cruise lines such as Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and UnCruise Adventures also offer cruises that visit Glacier Bay . 

While most of these cruises generally include close to a full day in Glacier Bay National Park, several UnCruise Adventures Alaska itineraries feature two full days in Glacier Bay.

To sum up, here are some of the many advantages of sailing through Glacier Bay on your Alaska cruise:

• C ruise ships ty pically spend 9-10 hours  in  Glacier Bay National Park  
• Glacier Bay National Pa rk includes eleven glaciers — eight can be seen on clear days  
• Sailing through Glacier Bay includes traveling through inlets and beautiful scenery  
• More wildlife is often seen in Glacier Bay National Park
• Park rangers come onboard to offer insights and narrate the trip while in Glacier Bay
• Kids can earn Glacier Bay Junior Ranger badges while sailing in the National Park
• Weather can be a safe bet, particularly early and late in the season 

READ MORE: Alaska Inside Passage Cruises: What You Need to Know

Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay

For those searching for the best Alaska glacier cruise, one of the most common questions is, “Which one is best — Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay?”

Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay are both beautiful but have different experiences. Hubbard Glacier is not in Glacier Bay National Park. The glacier is located north of Glacier Bay National Park at the tip of Disenchantment Bay, inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

Cruise itineraries that do not include Glacier Bay often include Hubbard Glacier instead. Reaching the height of more than a 30-story building above the waterline, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. 

This glacier’s massive size dwarfs cruise ships . Hubbard Glacier is also known to be one of the most rapidly advancing glaciers, moving as much as multiple feet per day. Unlike many other glaciers, Hubbard Glacier continues to thicken. 

With a terminal face that’s about seven miles wide, Hubbard Glacier has been nicknamed the “Galloping Glacier” due to the rapid forward movement of this river of ice. Hubbard Glacier is also renowned for its strong blue color on clear days .

Since Hubbard Glacier is advancing quickly, its movement results in plenty of calving. Cruise guests watch in awe as huge multi-story chunks of ice fall into the sea with a thunderous boom. Some have reported seeing this happen three to four times in an hour. 

Visitors cruising through Disenchantment Bay can also view nine of North America’s sixteen tallest mountain peaks on their way to Hubbard Glacier if the weather is favorable. Some cruise lines also offer optional small boat excursions that can get you closer to Hubbard Glacier.  

While Hubbard Glacier is magnificent, there can be some downsides to  choosing this itinerary. Since Hubbard Glacier can be the only major glacier on some Alaska cruises, if the weather isn’t favorable, there is a chance that passengers won’t get close-up views of any glaciers at all on their cruise.

Hubbard Glacier can be difficult to reach at certain times due to ice, fog, or other bad weather conditions. Weather in Glacier Bay tends to be more reliable, although it can sometimes be rainy .

Finding a cruise itinerary that visits Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier would be the best of both worlds, but typically, Alaska cruisers have to choose between the two. Here are some comparisons between visiting Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay.

Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay Advantages: 

• Hubbard Glacier is taller and more massive than the glaciers in Glacier Bay  
• Calving occurs  more frequently  at Hubbard Glacier  than  at  glaciers in Glacier Bay  
• Hubbard Glacier’s calving tends to be more spectacular, with huge multi-story icebergs
• Ships can sometimes get slightly closer to Hubbard Glacier than those in Glacier Bay
• Sailing to Hubbard Glacier includes views of some of North America’s tallest mountains 
• On clear days, the color of Hubbard Glacier is very blue 

Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay Disadvantages:

• Ships typically spend most of the day in Glacier Bay — Hubbard Glacier is a shorter visit  
• Glacier Bay  includes multiple glaciers , while Hubbard Glacier itineraries include only one    
• More wildlife is often seen in Glacier Bay National Park  
• Glacier Bay’s spectacular scenery is more varied
• Park rangers come onboard to offer insights and narrate the trip while in Glacier Bay  
• Weather in Glacier Bay can be a safer bet, particularly early and late in the season 

Glacier Bay National Park vs. Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is another breathtakingly beautiful area that’s often included on Alaska cruise itineraries. Tracy Arm Fjord is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, including nearby Endicott Arm Fjord. 

Located south of Juneau, Tracy Arm is a long, relatively narrow fjord ending at the two stunning faces of Sawyer Glacier — North Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier.

These twin glaciers often produce deep blue icebergs, and sometimes well over a hundred seals can be seen hauled out on the large glacial ice floes — particularly in June.

Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier. Ships travel up Tracy Arm Fjord, navigating the long channel and tight turns . On the scenic journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, cruise guests will marvel at the sheer, steep walls of the deep fjord and the area’s scenic beauty.

Tracy Arm Fjord is less than a half-mile wide, and waterfalls often cascade down the fjord’s craggy cliffs. Mountain goats can sometimes be seen near Sawyer Glacier, and bears are occasionally spotted near the water’s edge.  

Sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the highlights of this experience, particularly on a smaller ship. Large cruise ships often offer small boat tours of Tracy Arm Fjord on itineraries featuring a full day in the port in Juneau.

These tours are highly recommended, as the smaller excursion boats can get much closer at Sawyer Glacier, and calving can be more easily seen.

With these Tracy Arm Fjord excursions, avid glacier seekers may have the option of visiting this stunning area in addition to Hubbard Glacier or Glacier National Park. 

If weather or sailing conditions make it difficult to navigate Tracy Arm, ships and excursion boats sometimes choose to go up Endicott Arm to visit Dawes Glacier instead.  

If you’re trying to decide between an Alaska cruise that visits Glacier Bay and one that only includes Tracy Arm Fjord, here are some pros and cons.

Tracy Arm Fjord vs. Glacier Bay Advantages: 

• It was a spectacularly memorable sailing experience navigating through Tracy Arm’s narrow fjord
• Plenty of  strikingly  blue icebergs  and stunning waterfalls
• Can have more  seals hauled out on ice floes, depending upon the time of year
• You can sometimes get closer to Sawyer Glacier if on a smaller excursion boat 

Tracy Arm Fjord vs. Glacier Bay Disadvantages: 

• Tracy Arm is smaller  than Glacier Bay, with only one fjord to explore  
• Not as many glaciers as Glacier Bay
• I ce may  sometimes  block  large  ships from getting far enough in  to see the twin glaciers
• Glacier Bay is  a full-day  experience, while Tracy Arm is generally 4-5 hours
• Weather in Glacier Bay is often more favorable than in Tracy Arm Fjord 

READ MORE: When is the Best Time To Cruise Alaska?

Hubbard Glacier vs. Sawyer Glacier

Comparing Hubbard Glacier with Sawyer Glacier is easy when it comes to size. As the largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier’s towering height and mammoth overall size are much more impressive than Sawyer Glacier. Calving at Hubbard Glacier can be more astounding and frequent as well.

Visits to Sawyer Glacier are memorable in their own right, however. Sailing through narrow Tracy Arm Fjord is truly spectacular, particularly when the weather is clear. Wildlife, including harbor seals, mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles, are often seen during the trip. 

Since Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, calving does occur regularly. Since the glacier extends hundreds of feet under the water, underwater calving also occurs with giant blue icebergs the size of submarines shooting to the surface.

Suppose your Hubbard Glacier Alaska cruise itinerary includes a full port day in Juneau. In that case, it may be possible to visit Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier on a small boat excursion. If that’s not the case and you must choose between Hubbard Glacier or Sawyer Glacier, here are some pros and cons.  

Sawyer Glacier vs. Hubbard Glacier Advantages:  

• Sailing  through Tracy Arm’s narrow   fjord  is particularly memorable  
• Can have more seals hauled out on ice floes, depending upon the time of year  
• Breathtaking  scenery in Tracy Arm can include snowy peaks and  stunning waterfalls  
• Often, more wildlife is seen  in Tracy Arm,  including mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles 

Sawyer Glacier vs. Hubbard Glacier Disadvantages: 

• Hubbard Glacier is  significantly  larger and more impressive  than Sawyer Glacier  
• Ca lving is particularly awe-inspiring  at Hubbard Glacier and can occur more frequently  
• Ships may have trouble reaching Sawyer Glacier due to weather and ice conditions 

Additional Alaska Glacier Cruises

In addition to all these choices, additional glacier viewing options exist for travelers seeking the best Alaska glacier cruise. Some cruise lines  include Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier on their Alaska cruise itineraries.

Located southeast of Juneau, Endicott Arm Fjord is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Sailing through Endicott Arm Fjord to Dawes Glacier is a somewhat similar experience to navigating up Tracy Arm Fjord.

While sailing through Endicott Arm Fjord, waterfalls and various wildlife, including harbor seals, mountain goats, and bears, can often be seen.

College Fjord is another spectacular area that’s sometimes included on northbound Alaska cruise itineraries. Located in the northern area of Prince William Sound, College Fjord contains five tidewater glaciers, five valley glaciers, and several smaller glaciers.

Many of these glaciers are named after well-known East Coast colleges and universities, including Harvard Glacier, Yale Glacier, Amherst Glacier, Wellesley Glacier, and Williams Glacier. Additional glaciers are also located nearby.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier is a popular excursion for Alaska cruise guests spending the day in Juneau. These Mendenhall Glacier tours can also include other active adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, and glacier hikes.

Flightseeing trips and glacier dogsledding tours are other exciting ways to experience Alaska’s glaciers . Some of the best Alaska glacier cruises sail from Seattle or Vancouver or start in North Alaska and sail south.

READ MORE: What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise: Top 12 Things You’ll Need

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Your Alaskan Cruise Guide To Glacier Bay National Park

Read our Alaskan cruise guide to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Learn about what wildlife you can see and tips for viewing the glaciers in Glacier Bay.

An area in a constant state of change,  Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve  allows visitors the chance to see some of this planet’s most powerful and creative forces at work. Encompassing the past, present, and future, an Alaska cruise to Glacier Bay is a true bucket-list experience.

Glacier Bay, Alaska has dramatic scenery and fascinating wildlife. There are a high number of tidewater glaciers, known to creak, groan, and then split right before your eyes. Frosted peaks and mossy forests, marine wildlife and more make Glacier Bay a draw of  Alaska cruises . It is a significant place for the Huna Tlingit people, as they inhabited it long before the Europeans reached the Glacier Bay shores.

What Is Glacier Bay, Alaska?

Glacier Bay, Alaska is part of a 24-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and the Tatshenshini-Alsek Park in British Columbia. Glacier Bay is an extraordinary national park. As it isn’t accessible by roadways, there’s little human interference.

The park is more than the famous glaciers; it is a wilderness symphony with high mountain peaks, fjords, inlets, rivers, and streams; as well as forests, foothills, plains, and wet tundra.

When Captain George Vancouver explored this coastline in 1794, the region was covered in a single glacial sheet of ice thousands of feet thick. Since then, it has receded some 65 miles, revealing the bay and its surrounding environment.

Today, Glacier Bay National Park consists of more than 1,000 glaciers, covering almost 30 percent of its 3.3 million acres. Seven of the glaciers are considered active tidewater glaciers — the type that breaks off icebergs into the sea. This glacial "calving" is one of the more spectacular sights to be seen from aboard an Alaskan cruise ship. As new areas become exposed (deglaciated), fresh life springs forth from land and sea now free from eons of icy embrace. Stand at the deck rail and admire stunning rainforests, fjords, and ancient Tlingit homeland.

What Alaska Wildlife Can I See In Glacier Bay?

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska is a vibrant ecosystem made up of a variety of terrestrial and marine species. Since nearly 20 percent of the park is composed of water, Alaska’s  top 5 marine animals  are in great abundance, with humpback whales, Steller sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, porpoises, otters, and a variety of fish prowling the waters.

On land, a large population of  Alaska wildlife  in the heart of a very wild place: both brown and black bears as well as moose, mountain goats, wolves, and Sitka black-tailed deer call Glacier Bay National Park home. And there’s a good chance you’ll catch sight of a bald eagle or two soaring overhead, in addition to the more than 200 species of other birds that keep watch over Glacier Bay.

What Glaciers Will I See On A Glacier Bay Cruise In Alaska?

There are many  glaciers  in Glacier National Park, but the tidewater glaciers, the ones that reach the sea, are the most dazzling. Rangers come on board to discuss the science behind Alaska glaciers and point out the named glaciers in the bay. Your Glacier Bay cruise will linger in front of at least one glacier, to give you the best view to witness calving ice. Listen closely as ice plummets from glaciers into the bay, the distance rumble of "white thunder."

Most Popular Glaciers In Glacier Bay, Alaska:

• John Hopkins Glacier: A mile wide and 250 feet high, check out its stunning stripes—those are called lateral moraines
• McBride Glacier: The last tidewater glacier in the bay’s East Arm and in rapid retreat

What To Expect On A Glacier Bay, Alaska Cruise

The National Parks Service restricts access to a few cruise ships per day and only certain lines. Holland America Line has more cruises to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. Since most Glacier Bay visitors arrive by Alaska cruise, the park staff is well-versed in how to create an enriching, memorable experience for passengers.

Want to get the most out of your park visit? Rangers come aboard the vessel bringing a mobile visitor’s center to you! During the Glacier Bay tour, look for them on the decks pointing out areas of interest and answering questions.

How To Have The Best Glacier Bay Experience

• When you first board your cruise ship, scope out prime viewing spots ahead of when you cruise Glacier Bay — these are the open decks without windows between you and the breathtaking Alaska scenery. The covered promenade deck has the added benefit of shelter from potential rain.
• Speaking of rain,  pack rain gear  for your Glacier Bay Alaska cruise. Chances are, you’ll need it because the region receives a great deal of precipitation. And dress in layers. The average temperature is 55°F (13°C), but the moist air may make it feel colder.  Read what to pack for an Alaska cruise-  based on the season and the best time to cruise to Alaska.
• Bring binoculars. This is the best way to view Alaska wildlife from the deck and will give you a better chance to take in the stunning views.
• Glacier Bay Alaska cruises typically spend about one hour directly in front of a tidewater glacier. Find out ahead of time when this will occur to ensure you can get a good spot to watch potential calving.

Getting ready to go to Glacier Bay National Park for your Alaska dream experience? View all  Alaska Articles and Videos , or find information about Holland America's  Alaska cruise ports .

VIEW ALL ALASKA CRUISE TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLE & VIDEOS

Glacier Bay cruise port

• Coordinates 58.568, -136.027
• Local Time 2024-09-12 05:18

Glacier Bay cruise ship schedule

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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Bliss Cruise in Alaska

• September 12, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling one of Norwegian Bliss’ upcoming cruises to Alaska.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the April 2, 2025, sailing will no longer go ahead.

The cancelation is the result of a fleet redeployment, the company added, which will see the ship sailing a new itinerary during that timeframe.

Bookings for the new sailing will be available to booking beginning on September 16, 2024, Norwegian added.

“We apologize for the inconvenience, as we appreciate that you have chosen to spend your vacation with us,” the company said.

The Norwegian Bliss was scheduled to offer a ten-night cruise to Alaska and Canada on April 2, 2025.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the itinerary featured visits to Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria, as well as scenic cruising at Glacier Bay National Park.

According to Norwegian’s statement, affected passengers will automatically receive a full monetary refund of the fare paid.

Reservations paid via a previously issued Future Cruise Credit (FCC) will see the credits being re-applied to guests’ Latitudes accounts, the company added.

As a gesture of acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused by the cancellation, Norwegian is also offering affected passengers a ten percent discount in the form of an FCC. The credit can be used toward any published sailing through December 31, 2025.

Other sailings that are part of Norwegian Bliss’ summer deployment in Alaska haven’t been affected by the cancellation.

The 4,200-guest ship is set to offer a series of seven-night cruises in the region between April 12 and October 11, 2025.

Norwegian’s upcoming summer cruise season in Alaska also includes the Norwegian Encore, the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Jade.

Sailing from three homeports, the ships offer a series of seven- to ten-night cruises to various ports of call in the region .

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