A cruise ship dwarfed by the mountains of Glacier Bay
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.
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.
Arriving by Cruise Ship? Our "insider's guide" for cruise ship passengers will help you get the most out of your Glacier Bay day.
Planning a Cruise to Glacier Bay
Interested in visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise ship?
In 2021, these three cruise lines brought passengers through Glacier Bay. Cruise ship bookings change from year to year, we cannot guarantee these cruises will operate in the summer of 2022. Start by contacting a travel agent or researching various Alaska cruises to see what appeals to you. For a full listing of cruise and tour boat operators, check our Area Visitor Services Listing.
*Make note of where each of these cruises travel to, cruises have many destinations, ports and options. Many Alaskan cruise offerings do not visit Glacier Bay National Park.
See also:
To make reservations on a cruise ship, see your travel agent.
The National Park Service manages vessel traffic (including cruise ships) in Glacier Bay to protect natural and cultural resources, provide for a range of visitor experiences, and promote visitor satisfaction and understanding. To learn more, and view a list of authorized cruise lines, see our commercial businesses page.
Visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise ship has always been an exciting adventure. Join Ranger Fay for a fun glimpse of Glacier Bay 100 years ago during the heyday of Alaska steamships.
Glacier viewing is a highlight of any visit to Glacier Bay. Join ranger Adrianna and experience the spectacle and excitement of calving tidewater glaciers.
Duration:
6 minutes, 34 seconds
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.
L'itinéraire de votre crosière vous amène dans la Baie des Glaciers? Ranger Andrew vous fournira un aperçu de ce qui vous attend ainsi que quelques astuces pour faire de votre visite la journée la plus marquante de votre séjour en Alaska!
Besuchen Sie Glacier Bay auf einem Kreuzfahrtschiff? Registriert Ranger Jennifer und lernen, wie man während der Kreuzfahrt "das Beste der Bucht" zu erleben!