Best Cruise for Alaska Glaciers
Embarking on an Alaskan cruise is a dream for many, and witnessing the majesty of its glaciers is often the primary reason. The sheer scale and breathtaking beauty of these icy giants are truly awe-inspiring. However, not all Alaska cruises are created equal when it comes to glacier viewing. This comprehensive guide will delve into the best cruise options for experiencing Alaska’s glaciers, providing detailed insights into itineraries, cruise lines, and essential tips for planning your unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
Understanding Alaska’s Glacier Regions
Before diving into specific cruise lines and itineraries, it’s crucial to understand the primary glacier viewing regions in Alaska. These areas offer distinct experiences and cater to different preferences.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crown jewel of Alaska’s glacial landscapes. Known for its active tidewater glaciers, Glacier Bay provides incredible opportunities to witness calving events, where massive chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea with a thunderous roar. The park is also a haven for wildlife, including whales, seals, sea otters, and various bird species.
Cruises that include Glacier Bay typically spend a full day navigating the park’s waters, offering unparalleled views of glaciers like Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Lamplugh Glacier. National Park Rangers often come aboard to provide commentary and answer questions, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.
Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is a network of waterways that stretches along the southeastern coast of Alaska, offering a protected route for cruise ships. While not solely focused on glaciers, many Inside Passage cruises include visits to glacier viewing areas like Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm. The Inside Passage also boasts stunning scenery, including lush forests, towering mountains, and charming coastal towns.
Cruises through the Inside Passage often offer a more balanced experience, combining glacier viewing with opportunities for wildlife spotting, cultural exploration, and adventurous shore excursions like kayaking, hiking, and ziplining.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska, stretching 76 miles long and standing 300 feet tall at its face. Its immense size and active calving make it a popular destination for glacier-focused cruises. Unlike some glaciers that are receding, Hubbard Glacier is currently advancing, adding to its dramatic presence.
Cruises to Hubbard Glacier typically spend several hours in Disenchantment Bay, allowing passengers to marvel at the glacier’s scale and witness its calving activity. The sheer volume of ice calving off Hubbard Glacier is truly impressive, creating a spectacle of nature’s power.
College Fjord
College Fjord is home to a collection of glaciers named after prestigious Ivy League universities. This scenic fjord offers a concentrated viewing experience, with multiple glaciers visible from a single vantage point. The glaciers in College Fjord are varied in size and appearance, creating a visually stunning landscape.
Cruises to College Fjord often provide commentary on the history and geology of the area, adding an educational dimension to the glacier viewing experience. The relatively calm waters of the fjord make it an ideal location for photography and wildlife spotting.
Top Cruise Lines for Alaska Glacier Viewing
Choosing the right cruise line is essential for maximizing your glacier viewing experience. Several cruise lines specialize in Alaska itineraries and offer exceptional opportunities to see glaciers up close. Here are some of the top contenders:
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Alaska cruising. They offer a wide range of itineraries that include Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord. Princess is known for its comfortable ships, excellent service, and enriching onboard programs, including lectures and presentations on Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife.
Princess Cruises also offers exclusive “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries, which are specifically designed to maximize glacier viewing opportunities. These itineraries typically include multiple glacier viewing destinations, ensuring that passengers have ample chances to witness the beauty of Alaska’s icy landscapes.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is another popular choice for Alaska cruises, known for its classic cruising experience and focus on destination immersion. Their itineraries often include Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, and Hubbard Glacier, and they offer a variety of shore excursions that allow passengers to explore Alaska’s natural and cultural attractions.
Holland America Line partners with Glacier Bay National Park to provide onboard ranger programs, offering passengers valuable insights into the park’s ecology and history. Their ships also feature spacious observation decks, providing excellent vantage points for glacier viewing.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a more contemporary cruising experience, with a focus on flexibility and freedom. Their Alaska itineraries include Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, and Hubbard Glacier, and they offer a wide range of onboard amenities and activities, including multiple dining options, entertainment venues, and a variety of shore excursions.
NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept allows passengers to dine when and where they want, providing a more relaxed and customizable vacation experience. Their ships also feature observation lounges with panoramic views, perfect for glacier viewing in comfort.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a premium cruising experience, with a focus on sophisticated dining, elegant accommodations, and enriching onboard programs. Their Alaska itineraries include Glacier Bay, Inside Passage, and Hubbard Glacier, and they offer a variety of shore excursions that cater to discerning travelers.
Celebrity Cruises is known for its innovative ship designs, including spacious observation decks and stunning glass-enclosed solariums. Their onboard naturalists provide informative lectures and presentations on Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and culture.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International offers a family-friendly cruising experience, with a wide range of onboard activities and amenities for all ages. Their Alaska itineraries include Inside Passage and select itineraries include glacier viewing opportunities. They offer a variety of shore excursions that cater to families, including wildlife viewing tours, glacier hikes, and cultural experiences.
Royal Caribbean’s ships feature numerous entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, ice-skating rinks, and rock-climbing walls. Their observation decks provide excellent views of the Alaskan scenery, including glaciers and wildlife.
Small-Ship Cruises
For a more intimate and immersive Alaska experience, consider a small-ship cruise. Companies like UnCruise Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions, and Alaskan Dream Cruises offer itineraries that focus on exploring Alaska’s remote wilderness areas, including Glacier Bay and other less-visited glacier viewing destinations.
Small-ship cruises typically carry fewer than 100 passengers, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience. These cruises often include opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in areas that are inaccessible to larger ships. Naturalist guides accompany passengers on excursions, providing expert insights into Alaska’s ecology and wildlife.
Choosing the Right Itinerary
Selecting the right itinerary is crucial for maximizing your glacier viewing experience. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Glacier Bay Inclusion
If seeing Glacier Bay is a priority, ensure that the itinerary specifically includes a full day in the park. Look for itineraries that mention “Glacier Bay National Park” in their description. Be aware that some cruises only offer scenic cruising *near* Glacier Bay, but do not actually enter the park itself.
Inside Passage Glacier Viewing
If you’re interested in an Inside Passage cruise, look for itineraries that include visits to Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm. These fjords are home to stunning tidewater glaciers like Sawyer Glacier and Dawes Glacier. Keep in mind that Inside Passage cruises often offer a broader range of experiences, including wildlife viewing, cultural exploration, and adventure activities.
Hubbard Glacier Visit
For a close-up view of Hubbard Glacier, choose an itinerary that specifically includes a visit to Disenchantment Bay. Be aware that weather conditions can sometimes prevent ships from getting close to the glacier, so it’s important to be flexible.
Roundtrip vs. One-Way Cruises
Alaska cruises are typically offered as roundtrip or one-way itineraries. Roundtrip cruises usually depart from Seattle or Vancouver and return to the same port. One-way cruises typically travel between Vancouver and Whittier or Seward, Alaska.
One-way cruises often offer more flexibility in terms of pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements. They also allow you to explore more of Alaska’s interior, such as Denali National Park, after your cruise.
Cruise Duration
Alaska cruises typically range from 7 to 14 days. Longer cruises offer more opportunities to explore Alaska’s diverse landscapes and visit multiple glacier viewing destinations. Consider your budget and time constraints when choosing the duration of your cruise.
Tips for Planning Your Alaska Glacier Cruise
Planning an Alaska glacier cruise requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Book in Advance
Alaska cruises are popular, especially during the peak season (June-August). To secure your preferred itinerary, cabin type, and shore excursions, it’s best to book well in advance, ideally 6-12 months before your desired travel dates. Booking early also often allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts and promotions.
Choose the Right Time to Go
The best time to visit Alaska for glacier viewing is during the summer months (June-August). The weather is generally milder, and wildlife is more active. However, this is also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
May and September offer shoulder-season advantages, with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. However, the weather can be more unpredictable, and some shore excursions may not be available.
Pack Appropriately
Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. It’s essential to pack layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. Be sure to include waterproof and windproof outerwear, as well as warm hats, gloves, and scarves.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions, and binoculars are highly recommended for wildlife viewing and glacier gazing. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments.
Consider Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are an integral part of the Alaska cruise experience. Choose excursions that align with your interests and fitness level. Options include wildlife viewing tours, glacier hikes, kayaking adventures, helicopter tours, and cultural experiences.
Book shore excursions in advance, especially for popular activities like helicopter tours and whale watching trips. Some cruise lines offer pre-cruise excursion packages at discounted rates.
Be Prepared for Seasickness
While Inside Passage cruises are generally smooth, some itineraries may involve open ocean sailing, which can cause seasickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack appropriate medication or remedies like ginger candies or acupressure bands.
Choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship can help minimize motion. Spending time on deck in the fresh air can also alleviate seasickness symptoms.
Bring Binoculars
Binoculars are a must-have for any Alaska cruise. They will allow you to see wildlife and glaciers up close, even from a distance. Invest in a good quality pair of binoculars with sufficient magnification and clarity.
Consider binoculars with image stabilization for steady viewing, especially on a moving ship.
Learn About Alaska
Before your cruise, take some time to learn about Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. This will enhance your appreciation of the destination and make your experience more meaningful. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources to learn about Alaska’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.
Be Respectful of the Environment
Alaska is a pristine and fragile environment. Be mindful of your impact on the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife. Choose shore excursions that are environmentally responsible and support local communities.
Prepare for Limited Internet Access
Internet access on Alaska cruises can be limited and expensive. Be prepared to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska. Consider purchasing an internet package if you need to stay connected, but be aware that speeds may be slow and unreliable.
Take Advantage of Onboard Programs
Cruise lines offer a variety of onboard programs, including lectures, presentations, and workshops. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn about Alaska’s history, culture, wildlife, and geology. Onboard naturalists and experts can provide valuable insights and answer your questions.
Capture the Memories
Bring a good camera to capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments of your Alaska cruise. Consider a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards.
Document your trip with photos and videos, and create a scrapbook or photo album to preserve your memories for years to come.
Relax and Enjoy
An Alaska glacier cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Relax, enjoy the stunning scenery, and savor the unique moments. Let the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and landscapes wash over you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Detailed Glacier Descriptions and Viewing Tips
To further enhance your glacier viewing experience, let’s delve into more detail about specific glaciers and provide some tips for optimal viewing:
Margerie Glacier (Glacier Bay)
Margerie Glacier is one of the most active tidewater glaciers in Glacier Bay. It’s known for its frequent calving events, where large chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea. The glacier’s face is over a mile wide and stands 250 feet tall above the water. Keep your camera ready, as calving events can occur at any time.
Viewing Tip: Listen for the crackling and groaning sounds that indicate the glacier is about to calve. Watch for changes in the color of the ice, as this can also be a sign of impending calving.
Johns Hopkins Glacier (Glacier Bay)
Johns Hopkins Glacier is another impressive tidewater glacier in Glacier Bay. It’s known for its pristine blue ice and stunning mountain backdrop. The glacier is actively advancing, making it a rare and fascinating sight. Johns Hopkins Inlet is often filled with icebergs, creating a picturesque scene.
Viewing Tip: Use binoculars to scan the glacier’s surface for wildlife, such as seals and sea otters that often rest on the ice floes.
Lamplugh Glacier (Glacier Bay)
Lamplugh Glacier is a smaller but equally beautiful glacier in Glacier Bay. It’s known for its deep blue color and dramatic setting in a narrow fjord. The glacier is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a sense of isolation and grandeur.
Viewing Tip: Take a moment to appreciate the silence and stillness of the fjord, and let the beauty of the glacier wash over you.
Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm Fjord)
Sawyer Glacier is a stunning tidewater glacier located in Tracy Arm Fjord. The fjord itself is a narrow and winding waterway, surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests. Sawyer Glacier is known for its intense blue color and frequent calving events. The fjord is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and bears.
Viewing Tip: Take a small-boat excursion from your cruise ship to get closer to Sawyer Glacier and explore the nooks and crannies of Tracy Arm Fjord. Kayaking is another great way to experience the fjord’s beauty and tranquility.
Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm)
Dawes Glacier is another impressive tidewater glacier located in Endicott Arm. The fjord is similar to Tracy Arm, with towering cliffs and lush forests. Dawes Glacier is known for its dramatic calving events and the abundance of icebergs in the fjord. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and harbor seals.
Viewing Tip: Dress warmly, as Endicott Arm can be chilly, even in the summer. Bring binoculars to scan the cliffs for wildlife, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Hubbard Glacier (Disenchantment Bay)
Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska, stretching 76 miles long and standing 300 feet tall at its face. Its immense size and active calving make it a truly awe-inspiring sight. The glacier is currently advancing, making it a unique and dynamic natural wonder.
Viewing Tip: Be patient, as ships often spend several hours in Disenchantment Bay to allow passengers ample time to view the glacier and witness calving events. Bring a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of the glacier’s face and calving activity.
Columbia Glacier (Near Valdez)
While not always included directly on standard cruise itineraries, Columbia Glacier is a massive and rapidly retreating glacier located near Valdez. Some cruises may offer excursions to Valdez, providing opportunities to view the glacier from a distance via boat tours. The glacier’s retreat has created a stunning landscape of icebergs and fjords.
Viewing Tip: If you have the opportunity to visit Columbia Glacier, be sure to learn about the impacts of climate change on this dynamic landscape. The glacier’s retreat is a stark reminder of the challenges facing our planet.
College Fjord Glaciers
College Fjord boasts a collection of glaciers named after prestigious Ivy League universities, including Harvard Glacier, Yale Glacier, and Vassar Glacier. This area offers a concentrated viewing experience with multiple glaciers visible from a single vantage point.
Viewing Tip: Learn a bit about the history and namesakes of each glacier to add an educational element to your viewing. Appreciate the varied shapes and sizes of these glaciers, all within a relatively small area.
Beyond the Glaciers: Enhancing Your Alaska Cruise Experience
While glacier viewing is undoubtedly a highlight of an Alaska cruise, there are many other ways to enhance your experience and create lasting memories:
Wildlife Viewing
Alaska is a haven for wildlife, and an Alaska cruise provides ample opportunities to spot whales, seals, sea otters, bald eagles, bears, and other fascinating creatures. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for wildlife both on the ship and during shore excursions.
Consider booking a wildlife viewing tour to increase your chances of seeing specific animals. Whale watching tours are particularly popular, as are bear viewing excursions in areas like Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Cultural Experiences
Alaska has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population of Native Alaskan tribes. Learn about the history, traditions, and art of these cultures by visiting museums, cultural centers, and Native Alaskan villages.
Consider attending a cultural performance or participating in a traditional craft workshop to gain a deeper understanding of Native Alaskan culture.
Adventure Activities
Alaska offers a wide range of adventure activities, from kayaking and hiking to ziplining and helicopter tours. Choose activities that align with your interests and fitness level.
Kayaking is a great way to explore Alaska’s fjords and waterways, while hiking allows you to experience the state’s stunning landscapes up close. Ziplining offers a thrilling perspective on the forest canopy, and helicopter tours provide breathtaking aerial views of glaciers and mountains.
Exploring Coastal Towns
Alaska’s coastal towns offer a glimpse into the state’s unique history and character. Visit towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Sitka to explore museums, historical sites, and local shops.
Take a walking tour of these towns to learn about their history and architecture. Sample local cuisine, such as fresh seafood and Alaskan craft beer.
Photography Opportunities
Alaska is a photographer’s paradise, with stunning scenery at every turn. Be sure to bring a good camera and plenty of memory cards to capture the beauty of the glaciers, mountains, forests, and wildlife.
Experiment with different camera settings and angles to create unique and memorable images. Take advantage of the golden hours (sunrise and sunset) for the best lighting.
Connecting with Nature
An Alaska cruise offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Take the time to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Alaska’s wilderness.
Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the landscape. Let the experience rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Conclusion
An Alaska glacier cruise is an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of breathtaking beauty and natural wonder. By carefully choosing your cruise line, itinerary, and shore excursions, you can maximize your glacier viewing experience and create a truly transformative journey. Remember to book in advance, pack appropriately, and be prepared to embrace the unpredictable weather and the raw beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. With a little planning and preparation, you can embark on an Alaska glacier cruise that will exceed your expectations and leave you with a deep appreciation for the power and majesty of nature.
