Cruise Ships in Glacier Bay

cruise ship view
A cruise ship approaches Margerie Glacier.
 

Most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve spend a day in Glacier Bay on large cruise ships as part of a longer cruise originating at a major west coast city. It is an amazing day cruising through the best of Alaska. The spectacular scenery and wildlife of Glacier Bay make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise. The ship travels into the heart of the Fairweather Mountains for a trip into the ice ages. Watch for icebergs and calving glaciers. Scan the shorelines for wildlife...brown bears, mountain goats, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds are regularly seen.

What to Expect

  • You will receive a copy of the park map/guide in your stateroom the evening before your arrival in Glacier Bay.
  • Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier.
  • National Park Service park rangers board the ship to provide a narrative about important aspects of the visit, give special presentations about the park, kid's activities, staff an information desk, and answer all of your questions.
  • Note: Cruise ships do not dock anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park.
  • Check out our Glacier Bay cruise ship visitor "insider's guide" to learn more and get the most out of your park visit.
 
Cruise ship map

Cruise Ship Routes
Map highlighting the typical routes taken in Glacier Bay by cruise ships.

 
cruise glacier map

Glacier Highlights of the Glacier Bay day
Map of the primary glaciers enjoyed by cruise ship passengers

 

Park rangers set up a information desk while on board ship in a primary viewing lounge. Plan to stop by and see us to learn more about your park. At the desk you can find:

  • A park ranger that will answer all of your Glacier Bay questions
  • Yes, we bring the national park service passport book cancellation stamp on board with us!
  • An Alaska Geographic bookstore with park publications, maps and other media
  • A variety of displays, and hands-on materials to enhance your visit and connect to the amazing world of Glacier Bay.
 
cruise ship

Arriving by Cruise Ship?
Our "insider's guide" for cruise ship passengers will help you get the most out of your Glacier Bay day.

 

See also:

 
 
 
 
Glacier Bay rangers
Become a Glacier Bay expert!

Glacier Bay Ranger Audio Series
Get the most out of your cruise visit!
Enjoy these exclusive interviews with park employees on a wide range of fascinating topics. Bears, birds, glaciers, whales, wilderness, science, etc.

 
 
 
 
 

Last updated: October 27, 2016

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826

Phone:

(907) 697-2230

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