Are you thinking about an Alaskan cruise? You’re not alone! Many travelers wonder if Glacier Bay should be on their must-visit list. We’ve explored this stunning destination multiple times, comparing it to other itineraries like Hubbard Glacier and the Alaskan fjords.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a top choice for first-time Alaska cruisers. While large cruise ships provide a great way to enjoy some of its three million acres, kayaking, small boat cruises, and hiking provide a more immersive experience.
The park’s beauty is its size, with multiple tidewater and valley glaciers. It’s an all-day adventure through its waters, not a quick see-and-leave glacier viewing day.
Alaska travel is all about wildlife, pristine landscapes, and glaciers. If glacier sightings are a top priority, choose a Gulf of Alaska cruise itinerary. Certain cruise lines offer one-way cruises, including the national park with Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, an ideal 2-for-1 package.
Why Glacier Bay Is Special
Glacier Bay captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich natural heritage. Its unique geological features, such as the dramatic fjords carved by retreating glaciers, diverse wildlife, and dynamic glacial activity continually amazed us.
No matter how often we visit, we’re astonished by its changing glacial landscapes. So, if you’re in the planning stages of an Alaska cruise, we highlight its unique features that may entice you to visit.
It’s A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Glacier Bay earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. This recognition is cherished because it highlights Glacier Bay’s global importance, which makes it a must-see for some travelers.
The site encompasses vast wilderness areas, including rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and coastal fjords. Its diverse ecosystems support many rare or endangered plant and animal species.
Unique Geology
Glacier Bay’s geology tells a fascinating story of Earth’s history. We’re witnessing a landscape shaped by millions of years of glacial activity.
The bay features dramatic fjords carved by retreating glaciers, exposing rock formations that offer glimpses into different geological eras. Through our many cruises, we’ve seen significant changes in Margerie Glacier firsthand.
One year, we witnessed a massive ice cave; the following year, it was gone. In 2024, I saw at least three large ice caves. Will these be gone in 2025? Time will tell.
Tidewater glaciers meeting the sea create a unique environment where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems collide. This convergence supports diverse marine life and provides exciting opportunities for scientific study.
Wildlife Observation
We’re constantly amazed by the abundant wildlife in Glacier Bay. The park is home to a wide variety of species, both on land and in the water.
Marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, and harbor seals frequent the bay’s waters. On our last visit, we observed an abundance of sea otters floating on their backs near the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers.
But the sea isn’t the only place to see wildlife. On land, we might spot bears foraging for food on the shoreline or mountain goats high in the peaks.
The park also boasts over 280 species of birds, including bald eagles and kittiwakes. Pack binoculars to increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
This incredible biodiversity makes Glacier Bay a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Glacial Activity
The park’s dynamic glaciers are its most spectacular feature. While large cruise ships spend a day in the national park, its tidewater glaciers (ones that reach the ocean) are at the end of the bay.
Tidewater glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins create dramatic displays as they calve into the sea. The thunderous cracking of ice, breaking off, and crashing into the water is an unforgettable experience.
Due to Johns Hopkins being a harbor seal breeding ground, ships don’t get close to its face. Along with Johns Hopkins, Margerie, and Lamplugh, guests can see valley glaciers. These once tidewater examples have retreated and no longer reach the ocean.
Visiting By Cruise Ship
Glacier Bay is a prime destination for cruise ship visitors. The park allows two large ships to enter its waters daily, and narration from a park ranger enhances the all-day experience.
Which Cruise Lines Can Visit
Glacier Bay National Park limits large vessels’ access to its bay. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the major operators with visitor permits.
These lines typically include Glacier Bay in their Alaska itineraries. Some smaller luxury lines, such as Seabourn, Viking, UnCruise, and Lindblad Expeditions, also have access.
We recommend booking early, as Glacier Bay cruises are popular and sell out quickly. The cruising season generally runs from May to September, with July and August being peak months.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect visibility. Weather and ice flow can also determine how close the ships can safely reach a glacier.
On expedition vessels owned by UnCruise and Lindblad, guests can get closer access in zodiacs and kayaks, providing a more immersive experience.
Premium Experiences In Glacier Bay
While in Glacier Bay, we can enjoy several premium experiences. Many ships offer special viewing areas or decks for optimal glacier sightings. They often open the bow for viewing, which is usually off-limits at other times.
Princess Cruises offers a Glacier Bay Sanctuary package with food, beverages, and comfy loungers. Holland America offers its guests hot Dutch pea soup on the outer decks.
Guests with UnCruise can walk on the land and enjoy an adventure with an experienced guide. They can also see Margerie’s face up close from a kayak or zodiac.
Theaters often feature lectures by naturalists or local experts. Some of the best talks we’ve enjoyed are by Celebrity Cruises’ Celia Garland.
Premium dining experiences often feature Alaska-inspired cuisine, sometimes timed with scenic glacier viewings. We enjoyed an Alaskan Seafood Boil on Holland America with king crab and other seafood.
Glacier Bay National Park Ranger Program
A highlight of any Glacier Bay visit is the National Park Service ranger program. Rangers board the ship as it enters the bay and stay aboard for the entire day, usually about 9-10 hours. They offer invaluable insights about Glacier Bay, including its geology, wildlife, and cultural history, enhancing our experience significantly.
Rangers provide narration about key aspects of Glacier Bay, including its geology, wildlife, and cultural history. Guests can attend special presentations, participate in kids’ activities, and visit an information desk to ask questions.
If you collect national park stamps, you can get your coveted stamp at the ranger desk onboard. By visiting the desk, we had access to other printed material, including books and pamphlets of the area’s fauna and flora.
Engaging with the rangers adds depth to our visit, turning a scenic cruise into an educational adventure. Their presence ensures we don’t miss any important sights or interesting facts about this park.
Other Ways To Visit
While seeing Glacier Bay by large ship is a popular choice, other options exist. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s beauty through overnight stays, guided boat tours, and adventurous kayaking experiences.
Staying In Bartlett Cove
For those who like to get off the beaten path, spending a night or two in Bartlett Cove is the way to go. The Glacier Bay Lodge provides comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views of the bay. It’s accessed by Gustavus and opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
From there, guests can easily access hiking trails and join small group ranger-led programs. These activities offer a deeper connection to the park’s ecosystem.
The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious local seafood, perfect after a day of exploration.
Glacier Bay Boat Tour
We recommend taking a day boat tour for a more intimate experience of Glacier Bay. These tours typically last 7-8 hours and provide an excellent opportunity to see the park’s highlights.
Skilled naturalist guides provide commentary, sharing fascinating insights about the glaciers, wildlife, and landscape. Guests might spot whales, sea otters, and various bird species along the way.
During the tour, the boat approaches massive tidewater glaciers, where guests might witness spectacular calving events. This is the polar opposite of experiencing the glaciers on a large cruise ship.
Kayaking In Glacier Bay
For adventurous spirits, kayaking in Glacier Bay offers an unparalleled experience. Imagine paddling through calm waters surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness.
Depending on their skill level, visitors can choose from guided kayak tours to unguided adventures—the former range from short-day trips to multi-day camping expeditions. Experienced guides ensure kayakers’ safety at all times.
Being close to the water provides an immersive experience. You might encounter curious seals or see bears foraging along the shoreline.
Glacier Bay Vs. Other Destinations
Alaska offers several stunning glacier destinations for cruise travelers. While Glacier Bay stands out, other locations like Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm area also provide breathtaking scenery and unique experiences.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is a formidable rival to Glacier Bay. This massive ice formation is over 7 miles wide, where it meets the sea. As North America’s largest tidewater glacier, it’s an impressive spectacle to view.
Ships can often get closer to this glacier, allowing us to witness dramatic calving events up close. Nicknamed the “Galloping Glacier,” Hubbard is advancing, creating lots of movement at its terminus.
So, is a visit to Hubbard better than Glacier Bay? If you want to witness calving action, Hubbard Glacier generally provides more of it.
One advantage of Hubbard is that it’s more easily accessible. Many cruise lines include it in their itineraries without requiring special permits.
However, a cruise to Hubbard in Disenchantment Bay only provides one glacier. Alternatively, Glacier Bay itineraries offer multiple glaciers and the park ranger program.
Another disadvantage is wildlife viewing is quite limited at Hubbard. We’ve seen harbor seals and sea lions but no bears or goats.
Tracy Arm And Endicott Arm
Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm offer a different but equally captivating glacier experience. These fjords are narrower than Glacier Bay. Fjords have towering cliffs with many waterfalls, creating a mystical experience often accompanied by mist or low-lying clouds.
The main attraction of a Tracy Arm Fjord cruise is the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Its neighbor, Endicott Arm features the impressive Dawes Glacier.
We don’t recommend visiting either of these fjords before the end of May as ice often blocks the cruise ships from reaching the glaciers.
For wildlife sightings, harbor seals are the main species seen. They often bask on ice flows in front of the glacier’s face.
Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are often more easily included in cruise itineraries than Glacier Bay, making them an alternative for many travelers. Fjord itineraries are favored by travelers who like waterfalls and the characteristics of a fjord.
The downside of a fjord itinerary is that it is weather-dependent. Ice, lousy weather, and dense fog can prevent a ship from reaching the glacier or cause a glacier viewing day to be canceled.
Conclusion: Is Glacier Bay A Must-Visit?
Based on our research and experiences, we believe Glacier Bay is worth visiting. Its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife make it a standout destination in Alaska. Having a park ranger join the ship provides an elevated experience.
If you plan to visit Alaska once, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier are good contenders for an itinerary. By choosing a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you could see both.
Every traveler has their own reason for their preference. Their choice may be different from yours. Having visited Glacier Bay National Park five times, it’s not necessarily our top pick. We prefer the size and calving action at Hubbard Glacier.
Whatever you choose, it’s the right choice for your family. No matter the itinerary, all trips to Alaska are what you make it, and we always make it fantastic!
