Best Cruise for Alaska Glaciers

Embarking on an Alaska glacier cruise is a truly remarkable experience. The sheer scale and beauty of these icy giants are awe-inspiring, and witnessing them calving into the sea is a moment you won’t soon forget. However, with numerous cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, selecting the best cruise for viewing Alaska’s glaciers can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the factors to consider, highlight some of the top cruise lines and itineraries, and provide valuable tips to help you plan your unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Understanding Alaska Glacier Cruises

Before diving into specific cruise recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Alaska glacier cruises and what makes each unique.

Inside Passage Cruises

Inside Passage cruises are arguably the most popular option for experiencing Alaska’s natural beauty, and many of these itineraries include glacier viewing opportunities. The Inside Passage is a network of waterways that winds through the islands and fjords of Southeast Alaska, offering stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and access to several impressive glaciers. These cruises typically depart from Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco.

The advantages of an Inside Passage cruise include:

• Variety of Ports: These cruises often visit charming Alaskan towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, offering opportunities for shore excursions and cultural experiences.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Inside Passage is teeming with wildlife, including whales, dolphins, seals, eagles, and bears. You’ll have ample opportunities to spot these creatures from the ship or on guided tours.
• Glacier Viewing: While not all Inside Passage cruises focus solely on glaciers, many itineraries include visits to Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm, home to the magnificent Dawes Glacier.
• Shorter Duration Options: Inside Passage cruises often offer shorter durations, making them ideal for those with limited time.

However, keep in mind that Inside Passage cruises might not dedicate as much time specifically to glacier viewing as itineraries that prioritize this aspect.

Glacier Bay National Park Cruises

Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a premier destination for glacier viewing in Alaska. Cruises that include Glacier Bay offer a truly immersive experience, allowing you to witness multiple glaciers, including the iconic Margerie Glacier, in a single day.

Benefits of choosing a Glacier Bay National Park cruise:

• Extensive Glacier Viewing: Dedicated time within Glacier Bay allows for close-up views of numerous glaciers, often with commentary from park rangers.
• Stunning Scenery: Glacier Bay boasts breathtaking scenery, with towering mountains, pristine waters, and abundant wildlife.
• Educational Opportunities: Park rangers often board the ships to provide informative presentations about the park’s geology, ecology, and history.

The primary consideration with Glacier Bay cruises is that they might involve fewer port calls compared to Inside Passage itineraries, as the focus is primarily on the glacier experience.

Hubbard Glacier Cruises

Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska, stretching an impressive 76 miles in length. Cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier offer a unique opportunity to witness this colossal ice structure and, with luck, observe dramatic calving events.

Advantages of a Hubbard Glacier cruise:

• Impressive Scale: Hubbard Glacier’s sheer size is awe-inspiring, offering a sense of wonder and perspective.
• Calving Potential: The glacier is known for its frequent and dramatic calving events, creating a thrilling spectacle.
• Scenic Approach: The approach to Hubbard Glacier is equally stunning, with views of Disenchantment Bay and the surrounding mountains.

Similar to Glacier Bay cruises, itineraries focusing on Hubbard Glacier might have fewer port calls to maximize time spent viewing the glacier.

Other Glacier Viewing Options

Beyond Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, several other locations in Alaska offer excellent glacier viewing opportunities. These include:

• Tracy Arm Fjord: Home to the Sawyer Glaciers, Tracy Arm Fjord is a narrow, scenic waterway with towering cliffs and abundant wildlife.
• Endicott Arm: Similar to Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm is a stunning fjord with the impressive Dawes Glacier at its head.
• College Fjord: This fjord is named after several prominent Ivy League colleges and is home to numerous tidewater glaciers.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Selecting the right cruise line is crucial for a memorable Alaska glacier cruise experience. Each cruise line offers a different style of cruising, ranging from luxurious and all-inclusive to more budget-friendly and adventure-focused. Here’s a look at some of the top cruise lines for Alaska glacier cruises:

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is renowned for its Alaska expertise and offers a wide range of itineraries that showcase the state’s glaciers and natural beauty. The line has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years and has cultivated a deep understanding of the region.

Strengths:

• Extensive Alaska Itineraries: Holland America offers a variety of itineraries, including Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises.
• Alaska-Focused Enrichment Programs: The line provides onboard lectures, presentations, and cultural experiences that focus on Alaska’s history, wildlife, and culture.
• Comfortable and Well-Appointed Ships: Holland America’s ships are known for their comfortable accommodations, spacious public areas, and excellent dining options.
• Glacier Bay National Park Concessionaire: Holland America holds a coveted concession to operate in Glacier Bay National Park, guaranteeing access to this stunning destination.

Considerations: Holland America tends to attract a slightly older demographic, and the onboard atmosphere is generally more relaxed and traditional.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is another popular choice for Alaska glacier cruises, offering a diverse selection of itineraries and shore excursions. The line is known for its “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries, which combine Inside Passage cruising with visits to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Strengths:

• Voyage of the Glaciers Itineraries: These itineraries provide a comprehensive Alaska experience, combining scenic cruising with port calls and glacier viewing.
• Variety of Shore Excursions: Princess offers a wide range of shore excursions, catering to different interests and activity levels.
• MedallionClass Technology: Princess’s MedallionClass technology enhances the guest experience with personalized service and convenient features.
• Glacier Bay National Park Access: Princess also holds a concession to operate in Glacier Bay National Park.

Considerations: Princess’s ships can be quite large, which might not appeal to those seeking a more intimate cruise experience.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a more modern and sophisticated Alaska cruise experience, with stylish ships, innovative dining options, and a focus on enrichment activities. The line’s Alaska itineraries often include visits to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Strengths:

• Modern and Stylish Ships: Celebrity’s ships are known for their sleek design, contemporary décor, and innovative features.
• Exceptional Dining Options: Celebrity offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to specialty restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs.
• Enrichment Programs: Celebrity provides engaging enrichment programs, including lectures, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings.
• Luxury Amenities: Celebrity offers a range of luxury amenities, including spa treatments, premium beverage packages, and concierge services.

Considerations: Celebrity cruises tend to be more expensive than those offered by Holland America or Princess.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more flexible and casual Alaska cruise experience, with a focus on onboard entertainment and freestyle dining. NCL’s Alaska itineraries often include visits to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Strengths:

• Freestyle Cruising: NCL’s freestyle cruising concept allows guests to dine when and where they want, without fixed dining times or assigned seating.
• Onboard Entertainment: NCL offers a wide range of onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy performances.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: NCL’s ships are equipped with family-friendly amenities, such as kids’ clubs, water parks, and arcades.
• Competitive Pricing: NCL often offers competitive pricing, making it a more affordable option for some travelers.

Considerations: NCL’s ships can be quite large and crowded, and the onboard atmosphere can be more lively and less refined than on other cruise lines.

Smaller Cruise Lines and Expedition Ships

For a more intimate and adventurous Alaska glacier cruise experience, consider smaller cruise lines and expedition ships. These vessels often carry fewer passengers and can access remote areas that larger ships cannot reach.

Examples of smaller cruise lines and expedition ships include:

• UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises focused on adventure and exploration.
• Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer educational and immersive Alaska cruises.
• Ponant: Ponant offers luxury expedition cruises with a focus on cultural immersion and environmental sustainability.

Strengths:

• Intimate Experience: Smaller ships offer a more intimate and personalized cruise experience.
• Access to Remote Areas: Smaller ships can navigate narrow fjords and reach remote glaciers that larger ships cannot access.
• Adventure Activities: Expedition ships often offer adventure activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing by Zodiac boat.
• Expert Guides: These cruises often feature expert guides who provide in-depth knowledge about Alaska’s geology, ecology, and history.

Considerations: Smaller cruise lines and expedition ships tend to be more expensive than larger cruise lines, and the accommodations and amenities might be more basic.

Choosing the Right Itinerary

The itinerary you choose will significantly impact your Alaska glacier cruise experience. Consider the following factors when selecting your itinerary:

Glacier Viewing Destinations

Prioritize itineraries that include visits to the glacier viewing destinations that are most important to you. Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier are two of the most popular options, but also consider Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord.

Port Calls

Consider the ports of call included in the itinerary and whether they align with your interests. Some ports offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, or adventure activities.

Cruise Duration

Alaska glacier cruises range in duration from 7 to 14 days or longer. Choose a cruise duration that fits your schedule and budget.

Roundtrip vs. One-Way

Decide whether you prefer a roundtrip cruise from a departure port like Seattle or Vancouver, or a one-way cruise between Anchorage (Seward or Whittier) and Vancouver. One-way cruises often allow you to explore more of Alaska’s interior.

Time of Year

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. The best time to go depends on your priorities. May and September offer lower prices and fewer crowds, while June, July, and August offer warmer weather and longer daylight hours.

Tips for Planning Your Alaska Glacier Cruise

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and memorable Alaska glacier cruise:

Book in Advance

Alaska cruises are popular, so it’s best to book your cruise well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (June, July, and August). Booking early will also give you a better chance of securing your preferred cabin and itinerary.

Consider a Balcony Cabin

A balcony cabin is highly recommended for an Alaska glacier cruise. Having your own private balcony will allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings from the comfort of your cabin.

Pack Appropriately

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack layers of clothing. Bring waterproof jackets, warm sweaters, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars are also a must for wildlife viewing.

Take Advantage of Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are a great way to explore Alaska’s ports and experience the local culture. Consider booking excursions that align with your interests, such as whale watching tours, helicopter glacier tours, or salmon bakes.

Be Prepared for Seasickness

The waters of the Inside Passage can sometimes be choppy, so be prepared for seasickness. Bring seasickness medication or wristbands, and consider booking a cabin in the middle of the ship.

Learn About Alaska

Before your cruise, take some time to learn about Alaska’s history, geography, and culture. This will enhance your appreciation of the region and make your cruise experience more meaningful.

Bring a Camera

You’ll want to capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings on your Alaska glacier cruise. Bring a good camera with a zoom lens and plenty of memory cards.

Be Respectful of Wildlife

Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife, so it’s important to be respectful of the animals and their habitat. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather

Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared for all types of conditions. Even on sunny days, it can be cold near the glaciers. Be sure to pack layers of clothing and be prepared for rain, wind, and fog.

Enjoy the Experience

An Alaska glacier cruise is a truly unforgettable experience. Take the time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Specific Cruise Recommendations

While the “best” cruise is subjective and depends on individual preferences and budget, here are a few specific cruise recommendations based on different priorities:

Best for Luxury:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises with exceptional service, gourmet dining, and included shore excursions. Their Alaska itineraries are comprehensive and offer access to Glacier Bay and other stunning glacier viewing locations.

Silversea Cruises: Silversea is another luxury cruise line offering intimate ships, personalized service, and unique itineraries. Their Alaska voyages often include expedition-style activities and visits to remote areas.

Best for Families:

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, water parks, and arcades. Their Alaska itineraries are often more affordable and offer a good balance of glacier viewing, port calls, and onboard entertainment.

Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean’s large ships offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options for families, including Broadway-style shows, ice skating rinks, and rock climbing walls. Their Alaska itineraries often include visits to Glacier Bay and other popular destinations.

Best for Adventure:

UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship cruises focused on adventure and exploration. Their Alaska itineraries include kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing by Zodiac boat.

Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer educational and immersive Alaska cruises. Their expeditions are led by expert guides and focus on wildlife observation, environmental conservation, and cultural immersion.

Best for Budget Travelers:

Holland America Line: While not strictly a budget line, Holland America often offers competitive pricing and discounts, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers who still want a comfortable and well-appointed cruise experience.

Princess Cruises: Similar to Holland America, Princess offers a range of Alaska itineraries at varying price points, allowing travelers to find an option that fits their budget.

Understanding Glacier Calving

One of the most spectacular sights on an Alaska glacier cruise is witnessing glacier calving. Calving occurs when large chunks of ice break off from the glacier and plunge into the sea, creating a thunderous roar and sending waves rippling across the water.

Here’s what you need to know about glacier calving:

• Why does it happen? Glaciers are constantly moving, albeit very slowly. As the ice flows towards the sea, it becomes increasingly unstable and prone to breaking. Calving is a natural process that helps glaciers maintain their equilibrium.
• When is it most likely to happen? Calving is more likely to occur during warmer months when the ice is melting and the glacier is under stress. However, calving can happen at any time of year.
• What does it look like? Calving events can range from small chunks of ice breaking off to massive sections of the glacier collapsing into the sea. The size and intensity of the calving event depend on the glacier’s size and stability.
• Is it dangerous? While witnessing glacier calving is an amazing experience, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers. Calving events can create large waves that can capsize small boats. It’s important to maintain a safe distance from the glacier and follow the instructions of your cruise ship crew.

The Future of Alaska Glaciers

Unfortunately, Alaska’s glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to climate change. Rising temperatures are causing the glaciers to shrink and retreat, which has significant consequences for the environment and the local communities that depend on them.

Here are some of the impacts of glacier melt:

• Sea Level Rise: Glacier melt is a major contributor to sea level rise, which threatens coastal communities around the world.
• Changes in Water Availability: Glaciers provide a crucial source of freshwater for many communities. As glaciers shrink, the availability of freshwater will decrease.
• Impacts on Wildlife: Glaciers provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. As glaciers melt, these habitats are threatened.
• Economic Impacts: Glacier melt can impact tourism and other industries that depend on the glaciers.

It’s important to be aware of the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s glaciers and to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. By supporting sustainable tourism practices and advocating for climate action, you can help protect these magnificent natural wonders for future generations.

Making the Most of Your Glacier Viewing Experience

To truly maximize your Alaska glacier viewing adventure, consider these additional tips:

• Invest in Good Binoculars: A high-quality pair of binoculars will significantly enhance your ability to observe wildlife and appreciate the intricate details of the glaciers. Look for binoculars with good magnification and a wide field of view.
• Download a Wildlife Identification App: A wildlife identification app can help you identify the different species of birds, mammals, and marine life that you encounter on your cruise.
• Attend Onboard Lectures: Take advantage of the onboard lectures and presentations offered by naturalists and experts. These sessions will provide valuable insights into Alaska’s geology, ecology, and history.
• Engage with the Crew: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage with the cruise ship crew. They are often a wealth of information about Alaska and can offer valuable tips and recommendations.
• Keep an Eye on the Weather: Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for all types of conditions.
• Be Patient: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so be patient and persistent. Keep scanning the horizon and be ready to react quickly when you spot something interesting.
• Take Photos and Videos: Capture your memories of your Alaska glacier cruise by taking plenty of photos and videos. Be sure to bring extra batteries and memory cards.
• Share Your Experience: Share your photos and videos with your friends and family and inspire them to visit Alaska.

Beyond the Glaciers: Exploring Alaska’s Ports

While glacier viewing is a highlight of an Alaska cruise, don’t overlook the opportunity to explore the charming ports of call along the way. Each port offers a unique glimpse into Alaskan culture and history, and there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy.

Here are a few popular ports of call and some of the activities they offer:

• Juneau: Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, is known for its stunning natural beauty and its rich history. Popular activities include visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, riding the Mount Roberts Tramway, and exploring the historic downtown area.
• Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is a vibrant fishing town with a strong Native American heritage. Popular activities include visiting the Totem Bight State Historical Park, exploring Creek Street, and going on a fishing excursion.
• Skagway: Skagway is a historic town that played a key role in the Klondike Gold Rush. Popular activities include riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, exploring the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and hiking to scenic viewpoints.
• Sitka: Sitka is a historic town with a unique blend of Russian and Native American cultures. Popular activities include visiting the Sitka National Historical Park, exploring the St. Michael’s Cathedral, and wildlife viewing tours.
• Icy Strait Point: Icy Strait Point is a privately owned port that offers a variety of cultural and adventure activities. Popular activities include whale watching tours, zip-lining, and exploring the Hoonah Tribal Cannery.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits

An Alaska glacier cruise is a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural world. By carefully considering your preferences, researching different cruise lines and itineraries, and following the tips in this guide, you can plan the perfect Alaska glacier cruise for you. From the majestic glaciers to the abundant wildlife and the charming ports of call, Alaska offers something for everyone. So, start planning your adventure today and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the Last Frontier.