Embarking on an Alaska cruise often features a bucket-list moment for many travelers: the unparalleled journey through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This incredible destination, a majestic tapestry of tidewater glaciers, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, offers an experience unlike any other. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the best tips and tools, ensuring you make the absolute most of your unforgettable day cruising through Glacier Bay.
Navigating the Majestic Waters of Glacier Bay
My first experience cruising through Glacier Bay left me utterly spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the scenery. However, I distinctly remember being uncomfortably cold, wishing I had packed more wisely for the frigid conditions. It’s easy to underestimate the chill, even in summer months, when you’re anticipating an Alaskan adventure. Many, like me, might picture a milder June day, only to be met with biting winds and icy temperatures. My most crucial piece of advice for any Glacier Bay cruise is this: pack significantly more warm clothing than you think you’ll need. A last-minute decision to toss in a pair of woven gloves and a hat saved me from complete misery, but I deeply regretted not grabbing a scarf or a truly insulated jacket. Glacier Bay can be downright cold and surprisingly frigid, making proper attire essential for enjoyment.
The day in Glacier Bay typically begins exceptionally early. Our ship’s naturalists and crew advised that the prime time for spotting magnificent humpback whales was in the early morning hours as we entered the bay. Eager with anticipation, my travel companion John and I rose with the sun, venturing out onto the deck with our faces pressed against the windows, scanning the glassy waters for any sign of marine life. While two hours of patient observation yielded no whale sightings, we were treated to the delightful glimpse of an otter, playfully navigating the icy waters. Even without whales, the scenery unfolding around us was breathtaking – a grand panorama that words struggle to capture. The journey into Glacier Bay is a continuous visual feast.
Given the early start, I highly recommend bringing a couple of reusable coffee mugs. These are invaluable for enjoying a hot beverage on the deck. Once you’ve found your ideal viewing spot, you’ll likely want to hold onto it for a while. Deck space, especially prime real estate near the railings, fills up quickly. Cruise passengers often stake out their positions early, so securing a good vantage point and staying put is often the best strategy to immerse yourself in the unfolding spectacle.
As our ship slowly made its way towards the first massive tidewater glacier, we positioned ourselves at the very front of the boat, clinging to the railing to capture the perfect photograph. This provided an absolutely unbelievable vantage point, offering unobstructed views of the towering ice wall. Yet, it also left us completely exposed to the relentless, ice-cold winds that radiated directly off the glacier. It was at this moment that my earlier longing for a scarf and a proper ski jacket became an intense craving. Despite the bone-chilling cold, the photographic opportunities were too incredible to miss. It was undeniably worth enduring the cold for those shots, but let me reiterate: it was incredibly cold!
The cruise through Glacier Bay is truly a full-day immersion into one of nature’s masterpieces. A significant highlight for us was the presence of the National Park Service Rangers who boarded our ship as we officially entered Glacier Bay. Their expertise and passion for this pristine environment were infectious, transforming the scenic cruise into an educational journey.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve stands as a crowning jewel of any Alaska cruise navigating the Inside Passage. And rightfully so. It is an integral component of a vast 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, marking it as one of the planet’s largest and most vital international protected areas. This designation underscores its global significance in terms of ecological diversity, geological processes, and natural beauty.
The Rangers brought a fascinating element to the cruise by setting up a miniature visitor center directly on the boat. Here, passengers could browse educational books, purchase commemorative t-shirts, and watch informative videos about the park. For avid National Park enthusiasts like myself, the opportunity to receive an official Glacier Bay stamp for our National Park passport book was an incredibly exciting moment. Throughout the day, these knowledgeable Rangers provided invaluable commentary, identifying key geological features, discussing wildlife, and sharing insights into the park’s history and conservation efforts. Their friendly demeanor and profound understanding of Glacier Bay enriched the experience immeasurably.
Glacier Bay is proudly recognized as the second most visited National Park in Alaska, surpassed only by the majestic Denali. Most visitors typically dedicate a 9-10 hour day aboard a large cruise ship, captivated by the incredible scenery as their vessel gracefully navigates deep into the park to reach a tidewater glacier. This prolonged exposure means being prepared to spend extended periods on the outdoor decks, enduring brisk temperatures, especially during the shoulder seasons. Always remember, this is Alaska! These incredible glaciers thrive in cold climates for a reason. Deck space, particularly spots with optimal views, fills up rapidly, and those who secure prime real estate are often reluctant to surrender it. Passengers sit in hushed anticipation, hoping to witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a glacier calving, eager to capture this monumental moment on film. While the camera is important, remember to occasionally look up from your lens and truly live in the moment, as the day will undoubtedly fly by.
Witnessing icebergs float serenely past the ship is a peculiar and thought-provoking sensation. More than once, my mind drifted to the tragic tale of the Titanic. These visible fragments, seemingly small above the water, conjure thoughts of their immense, unseen mass hidden beneath the surface. However, rest assured, modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and dedicated spotters, ensuring a safe and secure journey through these icy waters. I never once felt any sense of danger.
Observing and hearing a glacier calve is one of those profound moments that imprints itself on your memory forever. It’s challenging to adequately describe the symphony of sounds it produces. It typically begins with an eerie, almost mournful creaking sound, followed by sharp, splintering cracks, before culminating in a powerful rush as immense chunks of ice plunge into the water. Depending on the size of the breaking ice, the sound can range from a deep rumble to a thunderous roar, echoing dramatically through the bay, a primal testament to nature’s raw power.
One of the many benefits of experiencing Glacier Bay on a large cruise ship is its remarkable maneuverability. The vessel executes a slow, deliberate, almost 360-degree turn directly in front of the main glacier, ensuring that every passenger, regardless of their position on board, has ample opportunity to witness the glacier from various angles. This slow rotation allows for a truly comprehensive viewing experience.
The sheer scale of the glacier’s ice wall is nothing short of astounding. Standing on a multi-story cruise ship, which itself feels incredibly tall, you look out at an ice face that often rises almost as high as your vantage point. The cruise ship approaches remarkably close to the glacier, enabling truly amazing photographs and a profound sense of proximity to this natural wonder. Make sure to explore different decks and sides of the boat to capture varied perspectives. On the Golden Princess, for instance, we discovered an incredible view from the deck above the bridge. The back pool deck also offered a fantastic panorama as we slowly departed Glacier Bay.
As our ship gracefully made its exit from Glacier Bay, our wildlife spotting continued. We caught sight of humpback whales in the distance, their powerful exhalations creating visible mists that lingered in the crisp air. Later, we were thrilled to spot a pair of bears foraging on the side of a hill as we cruised by. These bears were surprisingly large and clearly visible even without binoculars, a powerful reminder of the abundant wilderness that surrounds this protected area. I was certainly content to observe them from the safety and distance of the ship’s deck!
My absolute best tip for anyone planning to cruise Glacier Bay is to pack in multiple layers. This strategy ensures you are perfectly prepared for any weather conditions the bay might present. While some lucky travelers recount being comfortable in t-shirts and jeans, my experience, and that of many others, often calls for much heavier gear, wishing for ski jackets and warm scarves. Adaptability is key when facing Alaska’s famously unpredictable weather.
Another crucial suggestion is to bring multiple camera batteries. The cold weather has a notorious effect on battery life, draining them significantly faster than usual. A clever trick is to keep spare batteries in an inner pocket close to your body heat; warming them up can often restore some charge, allowing you to capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots. And speaking of capturing memories, one of the wonderful aspects of being on a cruise ship is the camaraderie among passengers. Fellow travelers are almost always happy to assist, meaning you can easily get those cherished couple photos during your extraordinary trip.
Essential Packing List for Your Glacier Bay Cruise
Don’t leave home without a reliable Rain Jacket! It’s almost a certainty that you’ll encounter rain at least once during your Alaskan cruise. Alternatively, consider packing one of these convenient and cute travel rain ponchos.
Bring a good pair of Binoculars. They are absolutely invaluable for spotting distant wildlife such as whales, seals, majestic bald eagles, and bears, transforming distant specks into clearer observations.
Having extra camera batteries and SD Cards is non-negotiable. This ensures you’ll have enough power and storage space to capture every epic shot without worry.
We thoroughly enjoyed having this Alaska Inside Passage Wildlife Guide with us. It’s incredibly helpful for identifying the diverse array of wildlife you’ll encounter during your cruise, adding an educational layer to your sightings.
I always carry a backup phone charger. This is one Alaska Cruise Tip I wish I’d known on my first cruise, as my phone often died halfway through the day. A dead phone can mean missed photos and navigation challenges.
ADDITIONAL ALASKA CRUISE TIPS
What to pack for an Alaska Cruise
First-time cruise questions answered
Common Cruise Terminology to know for your cruise vacation
Cruising to Alaska National Parks
TRACY ARM FJORD
Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Explorer Excursion
JUNEAU, ALASKA
An evening at the Red Dog Saloon, Juneau Alaska
Visiting Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau Alaska
Our day in Juneau on our Alaska Cruise
SKAGWAY, ALASKA
See bears on the Wildlife Expedition Excursion
Driving to the Yukon Territory from Skagway on our Alaska Cruise
A stop at Yukon Brewing in Whitehorse during our Alaska Cruise
Red Onion Saloon, Skagway Alaska
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan
SEATTLE, WA
Leaving Seattle on our Alaska Cruise
ALASKA CRUISE SHIPS
Carnival Freedom – Photo and video tour along with info on this great cruise ship.
Carnival Miracle – Photo and video tour of the ship coming soon.
Tour of the Holland America Westerdam
10 things we loved on the Golden Princess