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For more information on Glacier Bay National Park, visit the National Park Service website. To learn more about Alaska visit the Alaska Geographic website. Alaska’s glaciers have shaped the surrounding landscapes for millions of years. Mountains, valleys and fjords all come from the slow march these monuments make every day. Today, the glaciers of the Great Land — once only accessible to the adventurous few — are ready for you to explore. With over 50 years of experience cruising to Alaska, we look forward to showing you these unique wonders.
Hubbard Glacier vs. Sawyer Glacier
The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory. School-age children who complete their activity book during the cruise can earn their Junior Ranger Badge.
Five Glacier Seaplane Exploration
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. Since several Alaska cruise destinations include the word “glacier” in their description, deciding which Alaska itinerary is the best option can often be tough. "They were very helpful in accommodating my handicapped wife on and off the boat. The tour was very informative, and they did an excellent job getting us right up in front of the glacier."
Alaskan Glacier Cruise Itinerary
A complete refit in 2017 of the M/V Klondike Express brought modern charcoal, burgundy, and silver colors to the stylish seating with flexible back support and comfortable upholstered seats. USB ports at every table to provide guests an easy way to recharge their phones or cameras during the cruise. 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.
This makes for exceptional glacier viewing, with guests routinely able to photograph huge chunks of ice breaking away and crashing dramatically into the otherwise still water. After a lunch of chowder and bagels, the tour returns into Valdez. The Glacier Quest Cruise, a shorter route (ideal for younger kids) focuses on magnificent glaciers in Blackstone Bay. On this tour, you’ll see seven glaciers, including Blackstone and Beloit Glaciers in a catamaran with indoor seating. You’ll see seals, sea otters, possibly whales, bears and mountain goats.
The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.
From Whittier, the area we cruise is protected by a series of barrier islands and long narrow fjords that help reduce the marine currents. Whether you prefer to relax in your seat and gaze through our large panoramic windows or use the spacious outside observation decks, our vessels provide you with many ways to enjoy the view. 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.
Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you. From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]
We encourage our guests to take time to learn about the history of our region’s Alaska Native people and their living culture. When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. The Chugach National Forest encompasses nearly 3500 miles of shoreline where 3-5 thousand bald eagles soar and five species of salmon flourish.
It is not uncommon to see orca whales, humpback whales, sea lions, black bears, mountain goats, Dall’s porpoise, and migratory birds on our 26 Glacier Cruise. Rounding Heather Island, the catamaran soon enters Columbia Bay. Pouring from an elevation of 10,000 feet, the Columbia Glacier is the one of the largest tidewater glaciers in southcentral Alaska.
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. While Hubbard Glacier is magnificent, there can be some downsides to choosing this itinerary. 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.
Cruise ships visiting Glacier Bay typically spend nearly a full day there. 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.
