Best Cruise for Alaska Glaciers: Top Ships and Routes for Scenic Views

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Best Cruise for Alaska Glaciers

Alaska, a land of towering mountains, pristine wilderness, and, most importantly for our discussion, magnificent glaciers, beckons travelers seeking unparalleled natural beauty. Among the most captivating ways to experience the grandeur of Alaska’s icy giants is through a cruise. Choosing the “best” cruise, however, is a deeply personal decision dependent on your preferences, budget, and travel style. This comprehensive guide explores the top cruise lines and itineraries offering exceptional glacier viewing opportunities, providing you with the information you need to select the perfect Alaskan glacier cruise for your unforgettable adventure.

Understanding Alaskan Glacier Cruises

Before delving into specific cruise lines and itineraries, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Alaskan glacier cruises and the factors that influence the glacier viewing experience.

Types of Alaskan Cruises

Alaska cruises generally fall into two main categories:

Inside Passage Cruises: These cruises primarily navigate the sheltered waterways of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. They offer stunning scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities (whales, eagles, bears, seals), and visits to charming coastal towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. While many Inside Passage cruises include glacier viewing, the focus is often broader, encompassing the overall Alaskan experience. Glacier viewing typically involves cruising past glaciers like the Dawes Glacier or South Sawyer Glacier (Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm Fjords, respectively).
Glacier Bay Cruises: Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its concentration of tidewater glaciers. Cruises that include Glacier Bay offer a more intensive glacier viewing experience, allowing you to spend an entire day (or more) exploring the park and witnessing the calving of glaciers firsthand. National Park Service rangers often come aboard to provide insightful commentary and answer questions.
Hubbard Glacier Cruises: Hubbard Glacier, located near Yakutat Bay, is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier offer the opportunity to marvel at its immense scale and witness its dramatic calving events. These cruises often combine Hubbard Glacier with other glacier viewing opportunities, such as College Fjord.
Round-Trip Cruises vs. One-Way Cruises: Round-trip cruises typically depart from and return to cities like Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco. One-way cruises, on the other hand, travel between two different cities, such as Vancouver and Anchorage (or vice versa). One-way cruises often include a land tour component, allowing you to explore Alaska’s interior.

Factors Influencing Glacier Viewing

Several factors influence the quality of your glacier viewing experience:

Itinerary: The specific glaciers included in the itinerary are the most important factor. As mentioned above, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier are renowned for their impressive glacier displays.
Cruise Line: Different cruise lines offer varying levels of expertise, service, and onboard amenities. Some cruise lines specialize in Alaska cruises and have a deep understanding of the region.
Ship Size: Smaller ships can often access narrower fjords and get closer to glaciers than larger ships. However, larger ships may offer more onboard amenities and entertainment options.
Time of Year: The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May to September. Glacier calving activity tends to be more frequent in the warmer months (June-August). However, weather conditions can be unpredictable throughout the season.
Onboard Experts: Some cruises feature onboard naturalists or glacier experts who provide informative lectures and commentary.
Balcony Cabin: Having a balcony cabin allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of the glaciers from the privacy of your own room.

Top Cruise Lines for Glacier Viewing

Several cruise lines offer exceptional Alaska cruises with a focus on glacier viewing. Here are some of the top contenders:

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is widely recognized as a leader in Alaska cruising, with decades of experience navigating Alaskan waters. They offer a variety of itineraries, including Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises. Princess is known for its immersive onboard experiences, such as “North to Alaska” programming, which features local experts, cultural performances, and Alaskan cuisine. Princess also frequently has naturalists onboard for glacier and wildlife viewing insights.

Strengths: Extensive Alaska experience, diverse itineraries, immersive onboard experiences, excellent glacier viewing opportunities, comfortable ships.

Weaknesses: Can be more expensive than some other cruise lines, ships can be quite large.

Glacier Focus: Princess Cruises excels in Glacier Bay itineraries. They have permits to enter Glacier Bay more frequently than many other cruise lines, offering passengers ample opportunity to witness the park’s stunning glaciers. Their Hubbard Glacier itineraries are also highly regarded.

Example Itinerary: 7-Day Inside Passage with Glacier Bay from Seattle. This itinerary typically includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as a full day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is another popular choice for Alaska cruises, known for its refined onboard experience and focus on destination immersion. They offer a variety of itineraries, including Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises. Holland America Line often features onboard naturalists and cultural ambassadors who provide insights into Alaska’s history, culture, and wildlife. They also tend to attract a slightly older demographic, which can influence the overall onboard atmosphere.

Strengths: Refined onboard experience, focus on destination immersion, excellent glacier viewing opportunities, comfortable ships, often has naturalists onboard.

Weaknesses: Can be more expensive than some other cruise lines, may appeal more to older travelers.

Glacier Focus: Holland America Line has a strong presence in Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Their itineraries are carefully curated to maximize glacier viewing opportunities, and their onboard experts provide valuable insights into the geological and ecological significance of these icy wonders.

Example Itinerary: 7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound from Vancouver to Seward. This itinerary includes a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord, providing ample glacier viewing opportunities.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more contemporary and flexible cruising experience, with a wide range of onboard activities and dining options. They offer Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises, often at more competitive prices than Princess or Holland America. NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept allows passengers to dine when and where they want, without fixed seating times or dress codes.

Strengths: More affordable than some other cruise lines, flexible cruising style, wide range of onboard activities, good glacier viewing opportunities.

Weaknesses: Can be more crowded than some other cruise lines, onboard experience may not be as refined as Princess or Holland America.

Glacier Focus: NCL offers itineraries that include Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, but their focus is often broader, encompassing the overall Alaskan experience. While they may not dedicate as much time specifically to glacier viewing as some other cruise lines, they still offer excellent opportunities to witness these natural wonders.

Example Itinerary: 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise from Seattle. This itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a glacier viewing experience, often Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a premium cruising experience with stylish ships, innovative dining options, and a focus on personalized service. They offer Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises, catering to travelers seeking a more sophisticated and upscale vacation. Celebrity often features onboard enrichment programs, including lectures and presentations by experts in various fields.

Strengths: Stylish ships, innovative dining options, personalized service, excellent glacier viewing opportunities, onboard enrichment programs.

Weaknesses: Can be more expensive than some other cruise lines, may not be as family-friendly as some other cruise lines.

Glacier Focus: Celebrity Cruises prioritizes providing exceptional glacier viewing experiences. Their itineraries are carefully crafted to maximize opportunities for witnessing these icy giants, and their onboard staff are dedicated to providing informative and engaging commentary.

Example Itinerary: 7-Night Alaska Cruise from Vancouver (Round-trip). This itinerary typically includes Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is known for its large, innovative ships and a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options. They offer Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Hubbard Glacier cruises, appealing to families and travelers seeking a fun and active vacation. Royal Caribbean’s ships often feature features like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows.

Strengths: Large, innovative ships, wide range of onboard activities, good glacier viewing opportunities, family-friendly.

Weaknesses: Can be more crowded than some other cruise lines, onboard experience may not be as refined as Princess or Holland America.

Glacier Focus: Royal Caribbean’s glacier viewing experiences are generally good, although their focus is broader, encompassing the overall Alaskan experience and onboard entertainment. They offer itineraries that include Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, providing opportunities to witness these natural wonders.

Example Itinerary: 7-Night Alaska Glacier Cruise from Seattle. Stops usually include Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm and/or Dawes Glacier, and Victoria, BC.

Smaller Cruise Lines & Expedition Ships

For a more intimate and immersive experience, consider smaller cruise lines or expedition ships. These vessels often carry fewer passengers, allowing them to access smaller fjords and get closer to glaciers. They also tend to focus on educational and adventure-based activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Some popular smaller cruise lines for Alaska glacier viewing include:

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic: Offers expedition-style cruises with a strong focus on education and conservation.
UnCruise Adventures: Provides small-ship cruises with a focus on active adventures and wilderness exploration.
Silversea Cruises: Offers luxury cruises with a focus on personalized service and immersive experiences.
Ponant: Provides small-ship luxury expedition cruises with a focus on cultural immersion and environmental awareness.

Strengths: Intimate experience, access to smaller fjords, closer glacier viewing, focus on education and adventure.

Weaknesses: More expensive than larger cruise lines, fewer onboard amenities, may not be suitable for travelers seeking a more traditional cruising experience.

Comparing Glacier Viewing Opportunities

To help you choose the best cruise for glacier viewing, let’s compare the glacier viewing opportunities offered by different cruise lines and itineraries:

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is a must-see destination for glacier enthusiasts. The park is home to numerous tidewater glaciers, including Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Lamplugh Glacier. Cruises that include Glacier Bay offer the opportunity to witness the calving of these glaciers firsthand, a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea Cruises, Ponant.

Best For: Travelers seeking an intensive glacier viewing experience, those interested in learning about the geological and ecological significance of glaciers, nature lovers.

Tips: Bring binoculars for close-up views of the glaciers and wildlife, dress in layers as the weather can change quickly, be prepared for potential delays due to ice conditions.

Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America, stretching 76 miles long and towering 400 feet above the waterline. Cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier offer the opportunity to marvel at its immense scale and witness its dramatic calving events.

Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International.

Best For: Travelers seeking to witness the sheer scale of a massive glacier, those interested in dramatic calving events, photographers.

Tips: Find a spot on deck with an unobstructed view of the glacier, bring a telephoto lens for capturing close-up shots of calving events, be patient as calving events can be unpredictable.

College Fjord

College Fjord is home to a collection of glaciers named after Ivy League colleges, including Harvard Glacier, Yale Glacier, and Vassar Glacier. Cruises that visit College Fjord offer the opportunity to see a variety of glaciers in a relatively small area.

Cruise Lines: Holland America Line, Princess Cruises (sometimes).

Best For: Travelers seeking to see a variety of glaciers in a single location, those interested in the history and naming of the glaciers.

Tips: Check the cruise itinerary to confirm which glaciers will be visited, bring a map to identify the different glaciers, listen to the onboard commentary for information about the glaciers.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm Fjords

These fjords are known for their narrow passages, towering cliffs, and stunning glaciers, including the South Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm) and Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm). These are classic Inside Passage glacier viewing locations.

Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, UnCruise Adventures.

Best For: Travelers seeking dramatic scenery, opportunities to see wildlife like seals and bears, and a classic Inside Passage glacier experience.

Tips: Bring a good camera to capture the stunning scenery, be prepared for potential fog or rain, look for wildlife along the shoreline.

Choosing the Right Cabin for Glacier Viewing

The type of cabin you choose can significantly impact your glacier viewing experience. Here are some factors to consider:

Balcony Cabins

A balcony cabin provides you with your own private outdoor space to enjoy the glacier views. This is particularly beneficial during Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier cruising days, when you may want to spend hours observing the glaciers from the comfort of your own cabin.

Pros: Private outdoor space, unobstructed views, flexibility to enjoy the views at any time, enhanced sense of connection with nature.

Cons: More expensive than inside or oceanview cabins, may be too cold to use the balcony in certain weather conditions.

Oceanview Cabins

Oceanview cabins offer a window or porthole with views of the ocean. While they don’t provide the same level of outdoor access as balcony cabins, they still offer a connection to the outside world and allow you to enjoy the glacier views from inside your cabin.

Pros: More affordable than balcony cabins, still offers views of the ocean and glaciers.

Cons: Limited views compared to balcony cabins, no private outdoor space.

Inside Cabins

Inside cabins are the most affordable option, but they don’t offer any windows or natural light. While you won’t be able to enjoy glacier views from your cabin, you can still access the public decks and lounges on the ship to enjoy the scenery.

Pros: Most affordable option, good for budget-conscious travelers.

Cons: No views of the ocean or glaciers, no natural light.

Location of Cabin

The location of your cabin on the ship can also impact your glacier viewing experience. Cabins located on higher decks generally offer better views than those on lower decks. Cabins located midship tend to experience less motion than those located at the front or back of the ship.

Essential Packing List for an Alaskan Glacier Cruise

Packing for an Alaskan glacier cruise requires careful consideration of the weather conditions and the activities you plan to participate in. Here’s a suggested packing list:

Layers of Clothing: The key to staying comfortable in Alaska’s unpredictable weather is to dress in layers. This allows you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes.
Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear: A waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are essential for protecting yourself from the elements.
Warm Hat and Gloves: Even in the summer, the weather in Alaska can be cold, especially when cruising near glaciers.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Binoculars: Binoculars are essential for getting a close-up view of the glaciers and wildlife.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong in Alaska.
Motion Sickness Medication: If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring medication with you.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in Alaska, especially during the summer months.
Backpack: A backpack is useful for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen when exploring on shore.

Tips for an Unforgettable Alaskan Glacier Cruise

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your Alaskan glacier cruise:

Book in Advance: Alaska cruises are popular, so it’s best to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (June-August).
Research Shore Excursions: Alaska offers a wide range of shore excursions, from whale watching tours to helicopter glacier landings. Research your options and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Attend Onboard Lectures: Many cruises feature onboard lectures by experts in various fields, such as geology, wildlife, and Alaskan culture. These lectures can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the region.
Take Advantage of Onboard Activities: Cruise ships offer a variety of onboard activities, from live music and shows to cooking classes and fitness programs. Take advantage of these activities to stay entertained and engaged.
Meet Other Passengers: Cruising is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Attend onboard social events and strike up conversations with your fellow passengers.
Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather: Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Pack layers of clothing and be ready to adjust your plans as needed.
Respect the Environment: Alaska is a pristine wilderness area, so it’s important to respect the environment. Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of your impact on the natural world.
Most Importantly: Relax and Enjoy the Experience: An Alaskan glacier cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Relax, take in the stunning scenery, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Beyond the Cruise: Land Tours & Extensions

Many travelers enhance their Alaskan cruise experience with a pre- or post-cruise land tour, allowing them to explore Alaska’s interior and visit destinations like Denali National Park. Land tours often include transportation, accommodations, and guided tours of key attractions.

Denali National Park: A vast wilderness area home to Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America. Land tours to Denali often include wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, and scenic bus tours.

Fairbanks: A historic gold rush town located in the heart of Alaska’s interior. Fairbanks offers attractions such as the Riverboat Discovery, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the Museum of the North.

Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city, offering a mix of urban amenities and access to outdoor recreation. Anchorage attractions include the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

When choosing a land tour, consider your interests and the amount of time you have available. Some land tours are more focused on wildlife viewing, while others emphasize history and culture. It’s also important to factor in the travel time between different destinations in Alaska, as distances can be significant.

Budgeting for Your Alaskan Glacier Cruise

The cost of an Alaskan glacier cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, itinerary, cabin type, and time of year. Here’s a general overview of the factors that influence the cost:

Cruise Line: Luxury cruise lines and smaller expedition ships tend to be more expensive than mainstream cruise lines.
Itinerary: Cruises that include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier often cost more than those that only visit the Inside Passage.
Cabin Type: Balcony cabins and suites are more expensive than oceanview or inside cabins.
Time of Year: Cruises during peak season (June-August) tend to be more expensive than those in May or September.
Shore Excursions: The cost of shore excursions can add significantly to the overall cost of your cruise.
Gratuities: Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account.
Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are typically not included in the cruise fare and can be expensive.
Flights: The cost of flights to and from your cruise departure port can also add to the overall cost.

To save money on your Alaskan glacier cruise, consider traveling during the shoulder season (May or September), booking an inside cabin, and limiting your shore excursions. You can also look for deals and discounts offered by cruise lines and travel agencies.

Sustainable Cruising in Alaska

As tourism to Alaska continues to grow, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of cruising. Choose cruise lines that are committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and supporting local communities.

Some ways to cruise sustainably in Alaska include:

Choosing a cruise line with a strong environmental record. Look for cruise lines that have invested in technologies to reduce emissions and minimize waste.
Respecting wildlife and their habitats. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Supporting local businesses and communities. Purchase souvenirs from local artisans and dine at local restaurants.
Reducing your own environmental footprint. Conserve water and energy, and dispose of waste properly.
Participating in citizen science projects. Some cruise lines offer opportunities to participate in citizen science projects, such as monitoring marine mammals or collecting data on glacier melt.

By making responsible choices, you can help ensure that Alaska’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion: Your Alaskan Glacier Adventure Awaits

An Alaskan glacier cruise is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature. By carefully considering your preferences, budget, and travel style, you can choose the perfect cruise line and itinerary to create your dream Alaskan adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the calving glaciers of Glacier Bay, witnessing the immensity of Hubbard Glacier, or exploring the narrow fjords of Tracy Arm, your Alaskan glacier cruise will be a journey you’ll never forget. So, start planning your trip today and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of Alaska!