Kristian Ferrell
Glacier Bay National Park, located in the southeastern part of Alaska, is a 65-mile stretch of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and adventure activities. Small boat cruises to the park offer visitors the opportunity to explore its unique ecosystem and experience the local way of life. Departing from Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan, these cruises typically carry 50-150 passengers and often include activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching. With its snow-flecked mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park provides a memorable and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Departure Points | Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Seattle |
| Cruise Lines | Holland America, UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Adventure Life |
| Ships | Safari Endeavour, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest, Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Adventurer, Wilderness Legacy, Baranof Dream, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture |
| Passenger Capacity | 50-150 |
| Activities | Kayaking, boating, hiking, paddleboarding, paddle boating, yoga, hot tubs, mud baths, wildlife watching |
| Wildlife | Humpback whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters, orcas, mountain goats, bears, deer, wolves, moose, eagles, puffins |
| Attractions | Glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, streams, Margerie Glacier, John Hopkins Glacier, McBride Glacier, Blue Glaciers, Fairweather Mountain Range, Dundas Bay, Five Fingers Lighthouse, The Brothers Islands |
| Clothing Recommendations | Warm clothing, layers, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, bathing costume |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise ships that visit Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, with its serene, snow-flecked and forested mountains. The park is best explored on a cruise ship, with several cruise lines offering this experience as part of a longer Alaskan itinerary.
Royal Caribbean Cruises offers sailings to Glacier Bay, Alaska, where you can explore the park's ancient glaciers, towering mountains, and lush rainforests. With over 274 species of birds, it's a birdwatcher's paradise. You can spot puffins and ruby-crowned kinglets around Bartlett Cove, as well as seals, whales, and bears.
Holland America also offers cruises to Glacier Bay, with local experts, rangers, and Huna Tlingit guides coming aboard to provide insights into the ecosystem and culture. Their cruises take you to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, where you might witness ice calving, and you can listen out for the creaks of "living" ice and the calls of gulls and eagles.
These cruise ships are perfectly sized to offer an optimal experience of this changing biosphere, with smaller boats carrying 50-150 passengers, operating much like small cruise ships.
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Activities to do on Glacier Bay cruises
Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, with its serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains. The park is best explored on a small boat cruise to the park, which typically carries 50-150 passengers and visits Glacier Bay as part of a longer Alaskan itinerary. Here are some activities to do on a Glacier Bay cruise:
Witness the Natural Wonders
Glacier Bay cruises offer the opportunity to witness the park's natural wonders, including glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, streams, and abundant wildlife. Keep your binoculars and camera at the ready to capture the spectacular scenery and unique wildlife, such as humpback whales and bald eagles.
Listen to the Sounds of Nature
Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the "living" ice, the cries of gulls and eagles, and the splash of breaching humpback whales. The creaks and groans of the glaciers as they calve, casting off chunks of ice into the water, is a unique auditory experience.
Explore the Alaskan Wilderness
With its endless possibilities for exploration, Glacier Bay National Park invites you to hike, kayak, or join guided tours led by local experts, rangers, and Huna Tlingit guides. They provide insight into the diverse ecosystem and the millennia-old culture of the area.
Engage in Educational Activities
Glacier Bay cruises offer educational opportunities for all ages. For children, there is the exclusive Junior Ranger program, available for kids ages 3-16, where they can learn about the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the area.
Capture Stunning Photographs
Glacier Bay provides countless photographic opportunities with its breathtaking views. When the sun breaks through the clouds, the light illuminates the glacial fields, turning them a stunning shade of blue. The jagged peaks and shining glaciers create a visually striking contrast that will leave you with unforgettable memories and photographs.
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Wildlife to see on Glacier Bay cruises
Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, with its serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, and those on cruises to the park can expect to see and hear an impressive variety of wildlife.
The park is home to more than 274 species of birds, so birdwatchers will be in their element. Keep an eye out for cute tufted puffins and ruby-crowned kinglets with their bright red feathers as you pass by Bartlett Cove. You'll also be treated to the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles.
The waters are home to humpback whales, and you may see the fluke of one of these majestic creatures as it breaches the surface, or hear the splash as it does so. Keep your eyes peeled for seals floating on ice flows, too.
On land, you may spot a brown bear wandering a windswept beach or fishing from the shore. Moose also graze on the coastal edges.
With its towering icy blue glacial walls, impressive ice-capped mountain ridges, and frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, the park is a sight to behold. Don't forget to keep your camera handy to capture the stunning natural beauty.
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What to pack for a Glacier Bay cruise
Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, with its snow-flecked and forested mountains, glaciers, fjords, inlets, rivers, and streams, and abundant wildlife. When preparing for a cruise to Glacier Bay, it's important to consider the region's unique weather conditions and the activities you plan to engage in. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to pack for your Glacier Bay cruise:
Clothing and Footwear:
- Dress in layers: The average temperature in Glacier Bay is 55°F (13°C), but the moist air can make it feel colder. Pack wool or fleece layers, including sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and thermal underwear, to keep yourself warm and comfortable.
- Waterproof gear: Bring a waterproof jacket, rain pants, and waterproof shoes or boots. The region receives a lot of precipitation, and you'll want to stay dry during potential rain showers.
- Hat and gloves: Pack a warm hat, such as a beanie or a wool hat, and gloves to protect your head and hands from the cold.
- Comfortable footwear: Include a pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots if you plan to explore any trails during your cruise. Make sure they have good traction for potentially slippery surfaces.
Accessories:
- Binoculars: Bring a pair of binoculars to spot wildlife and get a closer look at the glaciers and surrounding scenery.
- Camera: Pack a camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture the breathtaking views and wildlife sightings.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the glare off the water and snow with a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses.
Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen and lip balm: Don't forget to pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating and lip balm with SPF to protect your skin and lips from the sun's rays, which can be strong even in cooler temperatures.
- Insect repellent: Insects can be prevalent in certain areas, so bring insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during your cruise by bringing a reusable water bottle that you can refill.
- Motion sickness medication: If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication or remedies to help alleviate any discomfort during your cruise.
Additionally, if you are travelling with children, don't forget to pack appropriate clothing and entertainment for them. Glacier Bay cruises often offer engaging activities and programs specifically designed for kids, so they can learn and have fun at the same time.
Remember to pack according to the season and always check the weather forecast before your trip. By preparing ahead of time, you'll be able to fully enjoy the natural wonders and unique experiences that a Glacier Bay cruise has to offer.
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Departure points for Glacier Bay cruises
Glacier Bay National Park, located in the southeastern part of Alaska, is a 65-mile stretch of dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and adventure activities. Cruises to this breathtaking destination usually depart from the state capital of Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan.
Juneau
Juneau is accessible by sea or by flying into Juneau International Airport (JNU). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the check-in area to begin your cruise. Some itineraries offer an exclusive sailing experience, such as the 8-day voyage aboard the Safari Endeavour from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska, allowing you to explore Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island, and Peril Strait.
Sitka
Sitka, the former state capital of Alaska, is best reached by flying into the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT). From there, you can embark on cruises that explore the vast wilderness and offer encounters with marine animals. An example is the 8-day Alaskan Cruise on the Wilderness Discoverer, which takes you from Sitka to Juneau, allowing you to discover Glacier Bay National Park and its diverse wildlife.
Ketchikan
To reach Ketchikan, you can fly into Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). From the airport, a short boat ride will take you to the cruise departure point. Ketchikan is included in some cruise itineraries, such as the 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream, which also visits Misty Fjords and Glacier Bay.
Additionally, some cruises to Glacier Bay National Park can depart from Seattle, Washington, offering a mainland US departure option.
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Frequently asked questions
Some small boat cruises that go to Glacier Bay National Park include the 84-passenger small expedition ship Safari Endeavour, the Safari Explorer, the Safari Quest, the Wilderness Discoverer, the Wilderness Adventurer, and the Wilderness Legacy.
On a small boat cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, you can hike through glacial outwash fields, kayak around giant bullwhip kelp in remote bays, and paddleboard through breathtaking channels.
Glacier Bay National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including humpback whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters, orcas, mountain goats, bears, eagles, and wolves.
It is recommended to pack warm clothing and dress in layers for a small boat cruise to Glacier Bay National Park. Binoculars, a camera, and hiking boots are also suggested to fully experience the wildlife and landscapes of the park.
Small boat cruises to Glacier Bay National Park typically depart from Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan, Alaska. Some cruises may also depart from Seattle, Washington.
