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Enjoy the luxury of dining in your cabin, allowing you to soak up the views without interruption until lunch—and perhaps even order in again for lunch. It’s an absolute game-changer for an Alaskan cruise, giving you your own slice of paradise to sip coffee and soak in the stunning vistas. This seven-day Alaskan cruise sets sail from Vancouver on Norwegian Jewel.
DAY 5 Chichagof Island
Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.
Holland America Line Touts 'Glacier Day' Perks on Alaska Voyages - Cruise Hive
Holland America Line Touts 'Glacier Day' Perks on Alaska Voyages.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:29:21 GMT [source]
Alaska Cruises
These months offer the finest weather and the greatest probability for your cruise ship to journey through Alaska’s Inside Passage to Glacier Bay successfully. However, it’s important to note that excessive ice may elevate the risk of cruise cancellations in the bay. Leave behind the busy world and find true solitude on a cruise to Alaska. Relax and take in awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy the experience of sailing through the emerald-green waters.
Enjoy Your Glacier Bay Cruise Visit
I say seven-ish as the park's rangers in the past couple of years have noted that some of the tidewater glaciers have melted back so much that they may not be interacting with the ocean water anymore. The park rangers these days like to say there are "no more than seven" of the tidewater glaciers now, maybe fewer. After departing Vancouver, you'll sail Alaska's Inside Passage, where you will experience exciting wildlife and lush-island scenery like nowhere else.
Meet the many personalities of Glacier Bay National Park as you cruise through the natural habitats of Alaska’s wildlife. See humpback and killer whales break the ocean’s surface, welcoming you into the Great Land. Watch harbor seals float atop chunks of ice, and rejoice in the playfulness of sea otters as they float across the water on their backs. If you come on a big cruise ship, you'll be doing your Glacier Bay viewing from the deck of your vessel. Big cruise ships in Glacier Bay never dock, and nobody gets off them. Still, you'll get the full National Park Service experience.
In addition, daily cultural activities are available at Xunaa Shuka Hit (the tribal house) in Bartlett Cove. Unveiled in 2016, this is the first permanent Huna Tlingit clan house since the original Huna Tlingit villages of the area were destroyed by a glacier over 250 years ago. Located within a short walking distance of Glacier Bay Lodge, it offers the chance to learn firsthand about Huna Tlingit history, culture and life from tribal elders. Visitors can also experience dance performances and native foods and see historical photographs.
DAY 4 Glacier Bay National Park Continued
From the majesty of the sheer icy cliffs to the awesome sights of eagles flying overhead, there is much to see both from ship and on shore. If you've ever dreamed of visiting Alaska, there's no better way to explore the awe of this state than on a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line has been cruising to Alaska for decades and offers some of the best itineraries available. Check out our 2022 and 2023 Alaska cruises and start planning your next cruise vacation to this wonderous destination. Those planning to visit the park by way of Gustavus will find several places to bed down. Many visitors stay at the 48-room Glacier Bay Lodge, which is within the park about 10 miles from the town (rooms from $270.40 a night).
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this maritime sanctuary is home to some of the world’s most spectacular tidewater glaciers like Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier. Amidst Mother Nature’s masterpiece lie harbor seals and sea lions while tranquil otters float peacefully across the marine surface. Occasionally, humpback whales appear, bringing with them an even greater sense of awe to the extraordinary haven. Glacier Bay National Park is a natural sanctuary that offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a remote and sublime setting.

We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Discover the effects of climate on this incredible scene, and explore what it takes to carefully manage and preserve the land, and the countless flora and fauna it supports. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. There’s plenty for little nature fans on cruises to Glacier Bay.
It does have a visitor center and lodge, located at its very edge. But its biggest attractions — its giant tidewater glaciers — are viewable only from the deck of a vessel. At its essence, Glacier Bay is a giant, fjordlike body of water lined with snowcapped mountains, forests and glaciers, and it's best seen from the water. This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else.
Learn about the Huna Tlingit the indigenous people of the region who consider Glacier Bay their spiritual home. For many people, the highlight of an Alaskan cruise is a visit to a glacier. These natural formations are best viewed from the decks of a cruise ship or your own balcony, as you can get close to the action.
At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.
Among North America's best-known national parks, Glacier Bay is a bit of an outlier. Portside is the best side of the ship for Glacier Bay because you’ll get the first peek at Margerie Glacier. However, the ship will gradually turn so everyone can admire the glacier from all sides. We loved our experience so much that we returned and planned a family cruise for 2025 to share the magic of Glacier Bay. Please share your name and email address with us to receive news of special offers and events.