Juneau has no road access; visitors typically arrive by sea or fly into Juneau International Airport (JNU). Both Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord are popular scenic cruise options, and although I’ll admit to being a little bit bias, I did do my research and based on our experience and reviews I read, I definitely recommend the option for Glacier Bay National Park if it’s your first Alaskan Cruise experience. Diving Glacier Bay National Park in May on the Wilderness Discoverer, Great... loved seeing the glaciers, hearing about history from Tlingit guide and seeing clan house. Not you. The Huna Tribal House provides a great overview. Contact us today. Orange-beaked puffins, guillemots and marbled murrelets are just a few possible sights. Our Coast Guard licensed skippers have a wealth of local knowledge and provide a complete naturalist narration of your Glacier Bay adventure. Most of the land within the park is mountainous, covered with dense rain forest or alder thickets, and without roads or trails. Discover Glacier Bay National Park, a popular destination for Alaska cruises known for its massive glaciers and abundant whale watching opportunities. DAY 3: Glacier Bay National Park: This crown jewel of America’s national parks covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Nearby, grizzly bears wander the shore looking for their next meal. Make sure you have a change of clothing easily to hand following adventures, like kayaking and boating, on the waters. Glacier Bay National Park is a 3.3 million acre US National Park that is located in southeast Alaska, a bit west of Juneau. After spending a day exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, you'll sail on to Hubbard Glacier for a chance to see the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Join the full day Glacier Bay Cruise and stay overnight in first-class wilderness lodges at Bartlett Cove and Gustavus. You will probably also want to take a tripod. Top things to enjoy on cruises around Glacier Bay include: Glaciers - Stunning glaciers that are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and verdant forests are sure to take your breath away. Even calling it one of the wonders of the world doesn't do justice to its importance. Watch as whales and seals glide through the icy waters whilst sea lions and sea otters frolic nearby, look to the skies and observe eagles soaring above, and see bears, deer, wolves, and moose roaming on dry land. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a vibrant ecosystem made up of a variety of terrestrial and marine species. She was a delight! Glacier Bay National Park Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, in southeast Alaska, has a diverse makeup containing snowcapped mountains, protected coves of coastal beaches, deep fjords, tidewater glaciers and coastal waters. Fairweather Adventures at Glacier Bay is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. As its name implies, this is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring glaciers that you can hike across with the special permit that accompanies your cruise. This website uses cookies to make your browser experience more efficient and enjoyable. Find cheap Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve cruises on Tripadvisor. The islands with the sea lions and birds were really interesting. Waking up in front of glacier was spectacular, Diving Glacier Bay National Park in August on the Admiralty Dream. Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the 65-mile stretch of national park can be found within a coastal route called the Inner Passage. Dive deep into your discovery of Glacier Bay National Park on a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Juneau. Flights to each Alaskan airport are available from a selection of US airports. See all Cruise Ships from HUF804,057 to HUF4,606,451 per trip. All rights reserved. Sitka, the former state capital, is best reached by flying into Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT), and you can also fly into Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), from where you need to take a short boat ride to reach the cruise departure point. Aboard my Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise was Marci Johnson, a wildlife biologist who has worked with a variety of animals, many unique to Alaska. We've been to Glacier Bay when it was 80 degrees and we've been there when it was 39 degrees, foggy and raining, so you never really know what the weather is going to be like. The size and beauty of the glaciers were impressive. Visit royalcaribbean.com to get information on Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska cruises, including things to do, dining, ports of call, cruise ships, shore excursions, offers, and more. Note: The National Parks System limits the number of cruise ships admitted to Glacier Bay to TWO per day and the only lines currently allowed admittance are Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian, and Crystal. Adventure cruises to Glacier Bay National Park let you observe the local wildlife and landscapes at close range as well as joining in with a host of thrilling activities. In May 1979, as a brand-new ranger hire at Glacier Bay National Park, Kim Heacox accepted the invitation of his new roommate, “a boatman of … Some Glacier Bay National Park cruise itineraries can also depart from Seattle, in the mainland US state of Washington. Upon boarding, your crew greets you with champagne and smiles. For a first timer I'd recommend that you go to Glacier Bay on your first cruise to Alaska. April to June are typically the driest months, whilst Glacier Bay generally experiences the most rainfall in September and October. Really liked hiking up to touch a glacier, watching them calve, learning all about the glaciers and the wildlife that surrounds them. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an American national park located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau.President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the area around Glacier Bay a national monument under the Antiquities Act on February 25, 1925. Whilst winter is usually cold and foggy, there is still plenty to enjoy on a cruise around Glacier Bay National Park. Of course, many cruise ships also ply the route as well. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is in the Panhandle of the state of Alaska.The park is best known for its massive glaciers, but is also an ideal destination for those seeking wildlife, kayaking, or simply a … Accessing Glacier Bay is only possible by air or sea, with most guests experiencing it from the deck of a cruise ship. Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise Itinerary Day 1 – Juneau, Alaska – Embarkation Arriving in Juneau, you will be transferred from the airport to our hospitality area. I have wonderful pictures of the glaciers. You’ll sail with the finest premium fleet in Alaska and enjoy award-winning five-star service, spacious staterooms, sumptuous dining and first-rate entertainment while sailing along the most beautiful coastline in the world! View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising), Alaska Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier … Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska’s Inside Passage is located in the southeastern corner and a marine wilderness rich area with glaciers, mountains, coastlines, fjords, rivers, and lakes. This popular national park’s land was carved by giant glaciers that once dominated the area’s landscapes. Aboard our comfortable, high-speed catamaran, you'll travel through dramatically different ecosystems - moving from the fully developed rainforest that surrounds Glacier Bay Lodge to the lichen-encrusted rocks that exist on the edges of the massive tidewater glaciers of the park. here for a short list of services offered, altered or unavailable this summer. Diving Glacier Bay National Park in June on the Wilderness Adventurer, I loved kayaking around the icebergs, watching the Margerie Glacier calve, and our walk around Barrett Cove, Diving Glacier Bay National Park in June on the Admiralty Dream. They were great. The National Park Service says seven cruise lines have been approved to conduct day trips inside Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. A destination eons in the making, Glacier Bay’s pristine landscape makes it one of the top spots on an Alaska traveler’s must-see list. Guided Tours - Take a narrated guided tour of the national park to learn more about the area’s history, ecology, and biology for a greater appreciation of the glorious sights. We had the pleasure of securing two spots in the adults-only section of the Island Princess known as The Sanctuary!This limited-access area provides paying guests the luxury of having the back of the boat all to themselves. Pack a bathing costume to enjoy hot tubs under the stars. At Bartlett Cove, a park ranger joins in on your day's exploration and shares the park's history. The activity changes by the minute ... click the image to see the action live! Day 9 : Glacier Bay Cruise. Visit Glacier Bay National Park from the Bear Track Inn in Gustavus. You will receive a copy of the park map/guide in your stateroom the evening before your arrival in Glacier Bay. Be prepared to spend all day out on the deck which includes cold weather in the shoulder seasons. Hubbard Glacier is one of the most active glaciers in Alaska. 3) Discover Glacier Bay On A Historic Yacht. The 8-day Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise includes a comprehensive two days within Glacier Bay National Park for maximum adventure ashore and afloat with a special day spent taking in the history of Haines and diverse birding on South Marble Island. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, AK — a World Heritage Site in the United States — is a 3.3 million acre treasure of natural wonders and wildlife near Juneau, Alaska. John Hopkins Glacier is incredibly photogenic, whilst McBride Glacier is a terrific place for kayaking. Due to impacts caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the lodge, fuel, and pump-out stations will not be in operation for the 2020 season. A team of park ranger/naturalists will board the ship as it enters the bay. Do read the cruise itinerary carefully and know what time the cruise will be stopping in the national park. Other animals that populate the area include squirrels, weasels, foxes, ermines, marmots, and minks. A destination eons in the making, Glacier Bay’s pristine landscape makes it one of the top spots on an Alaska traveler’s must-see list. Cruise itineraries generally combine a variety of experiences so that you can enjoy the very best of Glacier Bay National Park. This is the perfect land-based alternative to a small ship cruise. Fuel your spirit of adventure with kayaking or paddling a skiff in the icy waters and hiking through the remote wilderness. Glacier Bay National Park has some excellent hiking opportunities; remember to pack sturdy and broken-in hiking boots. Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise. Glacier Bay National Park - with its high mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers - is one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks … While a few. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Large cruises are only allowed an hour or two in the waters of the national park. Reid Glacier was the first of many we came across during our day of scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park on our summer Alaskan Cruise with Princess Cruises. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. You will be cruising in the Park for nearly nine hours. The public-use dock in Glacier Bay National Park is a hub of activity. Glacier Bay was designated a Glacier Bay Lodge. Find cheap cruises from Anchorage to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve on Tripadvisor. Warm clothing is recommended, and dressing in layers is strongly advised. While in the park you are never more than 30 miles from the coast, so it is easily accessed by boat or cruise ship. Diving Glacier Bay National Park in September on the Wilderness Adventurer. When a cruise ship made it to Grand Pacific Glacier in 1969, the National Park Service placed naturalists on board to hold environmental programs and talks. One of the unique, enriching features of experiencing Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaskan cruise is that you're able to learn directly from the park rangers. Top Tips for visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Three full days are devoted to cruising Glacier Bay, kayaking and whale watching, with a helicopter-accessed glacier adventure. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Cruise to Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska Covering more than 3 million square miles of lush rainforests, soaring mountains and ancient glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the heart of the Alaskan countryside. Make sure you have a change of clothing easily... Don’t forget to take rain gear on your land outings. Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of many cruises that explore the northern reaches of Alaska's Inside Passage.As its name implies, this is home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring glaciers that you can hike across with the special permit that accompanies your cruise. Most visitors to this park spend a 9-10 hour day on a large cruise ship staring at the incredible scenery as their cruise ship travels inside the park to Tidewater Glacier. Copyright © 2020 LiveAboard.com. Since nearly 20 percent of the park is composed of water, marine wildlife is in great abundance, with humpback whales, Steller sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, porpoises, otters, and a variety of fish prowling the waters. This day tour from Juneau, enjoy a day tour and glacier cruise in Glacier Bay National Park located on the northwest end of Alaska’s Inside Passage.In 1925, Glacier Bay was designated a national monument to preserve the area’s stunning glacial landscapes. For wildlife lovers, a trip to the Chiswell islands is pretty incredible and you'll get much closer to an active glacier than the cruise ships do in Glacier Bay. Cruise Ships For over 100 years, most visitors to Glacier Bay enjoy the amazing landscape of Glacier Bay from the deck of large cruise ships. These visitors do not go ashore in the park; instead National Park Service naturalists board the ship to share their knowledge about the park and its wildlife during a day-long cruise in the bay. If you do it independently, you’ll have to get from Juneau to a small little outpost called Gustavus; which is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. 1) Explore Glacier Bay National Park On An Adventure Cruise. Glacier Bay National Park cruises are highly coveted among those who visit Alaska’s Inside Passage. Tour Overview. The designated park actually spans one million acres, shares borders with the U.S. and Canada, and is one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world. Summer is also when you may be lucky and glimpse the spectacular Northern Lights. With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. You'll return to the lodge at 3:30pm, with plenty of … 12 Night - Inside Passage (With Glacier Bay National Park) - Vancouver to Vancouver aboard Coral Princess Starting in Vancouver with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier - Scenic Cruising, Glacier Bay National Park - Scenic Cruising, … A day cruise in Glacier Bay National Park is the most popular and best way for tourists to see this amazing national park. For more information from the National Park Service, call 907-697-2230 or visit the Glacier Bay National Park website. Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. Search for great cruise deals and compare prices to help you plan your next Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve cruise vacation from Anchorage. Fill in the form below and LiveAboard’s customer service will get back to you as soon as possible. Let us know your comments! Delighted to be so close to glacirrs and to see bears and marine mammals. While national parks across the country are working on their reopening plans, staff at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska is working on a plan to survive the loss of roughly 70 percent of its annual budget, a loss tied to cruise ships not leaving port for the park's waters this summer.. Fantastic! One of the unique, enriching features of experiencing Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaskan cruise is that you're able to learn directly from the park rangers.