Best Cruise for Alaska Glaciers
Embarking on an Alaskan cruise to witness its majestic glaciers is a dream for many travelers. The sheer scale and beauty of these icy giants are truly awe-inspiring. However, with numerous cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, planning the perfect glacial adventure can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the options and select the best cruise for your Alaskan glacier viewing experience.
Understanding Alaska’s Glacial Wonders
Before delving into specific cruise recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key glacial regions of Alaska that are accessible by cruise ship. These areas offer distinct experiences and varying degrees of glacial visibility.
Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is a sheltered network of waterways that winds through the southeastern coast of Alaska. This region is known for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and accessibility. While not solely focused on glaciers, many Inside Passage cruises offer opportunities to view glaciers, often as scenic cruising days or excursions.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a premier destination for glacier viewing. Cruises that include Glacier Bay offer unparalleled opportunities to witness tidewater glaciers calving into the sea. The park’s strict entry regulations ensure a pristine and protected environment.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America, stretching an impressive six miles wide. Its sheer size and active calving make it a spectacular sight. Cruises to Hubbard Glacier often spend several hours allowing passengers to fully appreciate its grandeur.
College Fjord
College Fjord is home to a collection of glaciers named after prestigious universities. This region offers a diverse landscape of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Many cruises include College Fjord as part of their itinerary.
Tracy Arm Fjord (Dawes Glacier)
Tracy Arm Fjord is a narrow, dramatic fjord that leads to the stunning Dawes Glacier. The fjord itself is a highlight, with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Dawes Glacier is an active tidewater glacier that frequently calves, providing thrilling viewing opportunities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Glacial Cruise
Selecting the best cruise for your Alaskan glacier adventure involves considering several key factors:
Itinerary
The itinerary is the most crucial factor. Determine which glacial regions you want to visit. Glacier Bay is a must-see for many, while others prioritize Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm Fjord. Look for itineraries that maximize time spent in these areas.
Cruise Line
Different cruise lines offer varying experiences. Some cater to luxury travelers, while others focus on families or adventure seekers. Research cruise line reviews and amenities to find one that aligns with your preferences.
Ship Size
Ship size impacts the overall experience. Larger ships offer more amenities and entertainment options, while smaller ships can access smaller ports and provide a more intimate atmosphere. Smaller ships often offer more in-depth exploration of fjords and closer views of glaciers. Larger ships, however, may have dedicated glacier viewing areas and onboard naturalists offering expert commentary.
Duration
Alaskan cruises typically range from 7 to 14 days. Longer cruises allow for more comprehensive exploration of the region and increased opportunities for glacier viewing.
Budget
Cruise prices vary significantly depending on the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and cabin type. Establish a budget and research options within your price range. Remember to factor in additional expenses such as shore excursions, gratuities, and onboard spending.
Time of Year
The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to September. Each month offers a slightly different experience. May and September tend to have lower prices and fewer crowds, while June, July, and August offer warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions enhance your glacier viewing experience. Consider options such as helicopter tours over glaciers, kayaking near icebergs, and guided hikes on glacier trails. Popular excursions often book up in advance, so it’s recommended to reserve them early.
Top Cruise Lines for Alaskan Glacier Viewing
Several cruise lines excel at providing exceptional Alaskan glacier viewing experiences. Here are some of the top contenders:
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is renowned for its Alaskan cruises and has a long history of sailing in the region. They offer a variety of itineraries that include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and other glacial destinations. Their ships often feature onboard naturalists who provide informative lectures and commentary on the glaciers and wildlife. Holland America is a mid-range option that offers a good balance of value and comfort. They are known for their elegant dining and enrichment programs.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is another popular choice for Alaskan cruises, offering a wide range of itineraries and ship sizes. They are particularly well-known for their “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries, which include Glacier Bay and College Fjord. Princess also offers unique experiences like the “North to Alaska” program, which provides guests with immersive cultural experiences. Princess Cruises tends to be in the same price range as Holland America, offering a similar level of comfort and service.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a more modern and sophisticated cruise experience. Their Alaskan itineraries often include Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Celebrity ships feature stylish design, innovative dining options, and a focus on culinary excellence. Celebrity Cruises is generally considered a premium cruise line, slightly more expensive than Holland America and Princess, but offering a higher level of luxury and service.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a more casual and flexible cruise experience, with a focus on entertainment and dining options. Their Alaskan itineraries often include Glacier Bay and Sawyer Glacier. NCL is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which allows guests to dine when and where they choose. NCL is generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America, making it a good choice for families and those looking for a more active cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International offers a variety of Alaskan cruises, particularly appealing to families with children. Their ships are packed with activities and entertainment options, including rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows. Royal Caribbean itineraries often include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. While they may not be as focused on in-depth glacier exploration as some other lines, they provide a fun and engaging experience for all ages. Royal Caribbean tends to be priced similarly to NCL, offering a good value for families.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises offers luxurious, all-inclusive Alaskan voyages on smaller ships. These cruises provide a more intimate and personalized experience, with exceptional service and gourmet dining. Silversea itineraries often include less-visited ports and unique shore excursions. Silversea is at the high end of the price spectrum, offering a truly luxurious and immersive Alaskan experience.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions specializes in adventure cruises with a focus on education and exploration. Their Alaskan itineraries are led by expert naturalists and include opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Lindblad Expeditions ships are smaller and more agile, allowing them to access remote areas and provide a more intimate experience. Lindblad is another high-end option, offering a unique and educational Alaskan adventure.
Detailed Cruise Line and Itinerary Recommendations
To help you narrow down your options, here are some specific cruise line and itinerary recommendations based on different preferences:
Best Overall Glacier Viewing: Holland America Line’s 7-Day Glacier Discovery Cruise
This itinerary offers a comprehensive glacier viewing experience, including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord. Holland America’s ships are comfortable and well-equipped, and their onboard naturalists provide valuable insights into the glaciers and wildlife. This cruise departs from Whittier (near Anchorage) and ends in Vancouver, or vice versa, allowing for a more scenic journey through the Gulf of Alaska. The Glacier Discovery cruise also typically includes a stop in Juneau, offering the opportunity to visit the Mendenhall Glacier.
Why it’s great: The combination of Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord offers a diverse and impressive range of glacial landscapes. The expertise of the onboard naturalists enhances the experience, providing valuable information about the glaciers and the surrounding environment.
Best Luxury Glacier Viewing: Silversea Cruises’ Alaskan Voyages
Silversea offers luxurious, all-inclusive cruises that focus on providing an exceptional experience. Their smaller ships can access less-visited ports and offer more intimate glacier viewing opportunities. Their Alaskan voyages often include Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Silversea’s all-inclusive pricing covers everything from gratuities to premium beverages, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Why it’s great: The unparalleled luxury, personalized service, and access to remote areas make Silversea Cruises an excellent choice for those seeking a truly unforgettable Alaskan glacier viewing experience. The smaller ship size allows for more intimate encounters with the glaciers and the wildlife.
Best Family-Friendly Glacier Viewing: Royal Caribbean International’s Alaskan Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s Alaskan cruises offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options that appeal to families. Their ships feature amenities such as rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows. Royal Caribbean itineraries often include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, providing stunning views of the glaciers and surrounding landscape. While not as focused on glacier exploration as some other lines, Royal Caribbean provides a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
Why it’s great: The abundance of activities and entertainment options ensures that children and teenagers will be entertained throughout the cruise. The scenic cruising through Endicott Arm provides memorable glacier viewing opportunities for the whole family.
Best Budget-Friendly Glacier Viewing: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaskan Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a more casual and flexible cruise experience, with a focus on entertainment and dining options. Their Alaskan itineraries often include Glacier Bay and Sawyer Glacier. NCL is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which allows guests to dine when and where they choose. NCL is generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America, making it a good choice for families and those looking for a more active cruise experience.
Why it’s great: NCL’s competitive pricing and flexible dining options make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. The included visits to Glacier Bay and Sawyer Glacier provide excellent glacier viewing opportunities.
Best Adventure-Focused Glacier Viewing: Lindblad Expeditions’ Alaskan Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions specializes in adventure cruises with a focus on education and exploration. Their Alaskan itineraries are led by expert naturalists and include opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Lindblad Expeditions ships are smaller and more agile, allowing them to access remote areas and provide a more intimate experience. Lindblad’s itineraries often include Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, and other less-visited areas. They often have Zodiac landings for up-close wildlife viewing and glacier exploration.
Why it’s great: The focus on education and exploration, combined with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, makes Lindblad Expeditions an excellent choice for adventurous travelers. The smaller ship size allows for access to remote areas and a more intimate experience with the Alaskan wilderness.
Best Deep Dive into Glacier Bay: Dedicated Glacier Bay Itineraries
Some cruise lines offer itineraries specifically designed to maximize time spent in Glacier Bay National Park. These cruises often spend multiple days exploring the park’s various arms and inlets, providing ample opportunities to witness calving glaciers and observe wildlife. Holland America and Princess Cruises are known for offering these dedicated Glacier Bay itineraries.
Why it’s great: For those who are particularly interested in Glacier Bay, these itineraries offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and witness its glaciers in all their glory.
Shore Excursion Recommendations for Glacier Viewing
Enhance your glacier viewing experience with these recommended shore excursions:
Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing
A helicopter tour with a glacier landing provides a breathtaking aerial view of the glaciers and surrounding landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to walk on a glacier and experience its immensity firsthand. This is a splurge-worthy excursion for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. Companies like Temsco Helicopters offer these tours from Juneau.
Why it’s great: The unparalleled aerial views and the opportunity to walk on a glacier make this an unforgettable experience.
Kayaking near Glaciers
Kayaking near glaciers allows you to get up close and personal with icebergs and witness the calving process from a unique perspective. Guided kayaking tours are available in various locations, including Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord. Be prepared for cool temperatures and potential splashes of glacial water.
Why it’s great: The opportunity to paddle among icebergs and witness the calving process from a kayak provides a thrilling and immersive experience.
Wildlife Cruise in Glacier Bay
A wildlife cruise in Glacier Bay offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, sea otters, and eagles, in addition to the glaciers. These cruises are led by expert naturalists who provide informative commentary on the wildlife and the environment. Many cruises will combine this experience with close proximity to the glaciers as well.
Why it’s great: The combination of glacier viewing and wildlife spotting makes this a well-rounded and enriching excursion.
Train Ride to the Mendenhall Glacier (from Juneau)
From Juneau, you can take a scenic train ride to the Mendenhall Glacier. This excursion offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn more about the glacier’s history and ecology. There are often trails near the visitor center for hiking and getting closer to the glacier (although not directly onto it without a separate guided tour).
Why it’s great: The scenic train ride and the opportunity to visit the Mendenhall Glacier make this a convenient and informative excursion from Juneau.
Zodiac Tour of Tracy Arm Fjord
A Zodiac tour of Tracy Arm Fjord allows you to explore the narrow fjord and get closer to the Dawes Glacier. These small, inflatable boats provide a more intimate and adventurous experience. You’ll have the opportunity to see waterfalls, wildlife, and icebergs up close.
Why it’s great: The Zodiac tour provides a thrilling and intimate way to explore Tracy Arm Fjord and get close to the Dawes Glacier.
Tips for Planning Your Alaskan Glacier Cruise
Here are some essential tips to help you plan the perfect Alaskan glacier cruise:
Book Early
Alaskan cruises are popular, so it’s essential to book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (June-August). Booking early also allows you to secure your preferred cabin type and shore excursions.
Pack Appropriately
The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack layers. Bring waterproof outerwear, warm sweaters, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Research Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can significantly enhance your Alaskan cruise experience. Research your options in advance and book early, as popular excursions often sell out quickly. Consider your interests and budget when selecting excursions.
Be Prepared for Sea Sickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack medication or remedies to help alleviate symptoms. Consider choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship, as this area tends to experience less motion.
Take Advantage of Onboard Activities
Cruise ships offer a variety of onboard activities and entertainment, including lectures, movies, live music, and spa treatments. Take advantage of these offerings to enhance your cruise experience.
Disconnect and Unwind
An Alaskan cruise is an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Take time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Be Respectful of the Environment
Alaska is a pristine and fragile environment. Be respectful of the wildlife and the natural landscape. Follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing the animals or their habitats.
Conclusion
An Alaskan cruise to witness its magnificent glaciers is a truly unforgettable experience. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and researching your options carefully, you can select the best cruise for your preferences and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, family fun, or a budget-friendly getaway, there’s an Alaskan glacier cruise that’s perfect for you. So, start planning your dream cruise today and prepare to be amazed by the icy wonders of Alaska!
