Cruise Ships in Glacier Bay

A cruise ship dwarfed by the scale of the Johns Hopkins Glacier. Mount Orville (10,272 ft.) at center. Note that cruise ships are only allowed inside Johns Hopkins Inlet in the late summer when harbor seal protections are no longer in place.

NPS Photo / S. Tevebaugh

 

On a cruise to Glacier Bay, visitors can expect breathtaking views of towering glaciers, dramatic mountain landscapes, and intact ecosystems. The journey offers a chance to witness calving glaciers, where large chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with opportunities to see brown bears, sea otters, humpback whales, and a variety of seabirds. Knowledgeable park rangers will board the ship to provide insights into the park's ecology and history, enhancing the overall experience.

What to Expect

• Cruise ships do not dock anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park.
• Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier.
• You will receive a copy of the park map in your stateroom the evening before your arrival in Glacier Bay.
• National Park Service park rangers board the ship to provide a narrative about important aspects of the visit, give special presentations about the park, present Junior Ranger activities, and staff an information desk.
  • Ranger boarding times vary based on the day, cruise line, and weather. Check your daily cruise schedule/program or reach out to your cruise line staff for more info. Boarding time often happens in the early morning, but don't worry, you'll still get a chance to see the rangers disembark in the afternoon.

 

Park rangers will set up an information desk while on board your ship in a primary viewing lounge. Check your daily ship schedule/program for "ranger desk" or similar to find where the desk will be stationed. 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.
• The National Park Service cancellation stamp.
• An Alaska Geographic bookstore with park publications, maps and other keepsakes for sale.
• A variety of displays and hands-on materials to enhance your visit and connect you to the amazing world of Glacier Bay.

 

Top Tips for Cruising Glacier Bay

Be Informed

Take advantage of onboard information. Invaluable tools to prepare for your visit are the 1) daily onboard schedule/program of events and 2) The Glacier Bay National Park map. These will be delivered to your stateroom the night before you arrive in Glacier Bay. There will also be an information desk, staffed by Rangers, in a lounge onboard. Stop by to meet the rangers, ask questions, and get oriented. Find out when the Ranger programs are scheduled and where they will be. Encourage youngsters to join the scheduled junior ranger program in the youth center. A teen program may be available depending on your cruise.

At some point in your day, your ship will stop in front of a tidewater glacier for approximately one hour. Be sure you know the approximate time your ship will be at the glacier so you don’t miss these tremendous rivers of ice.

Glacier Bay days often start early! Be prepared to wake up at an early time in order to take full advantage of your time in the Bay.  

Investigate the Ship

Find good viewing locations. The best side of the ship to be on is outside, especially during the time near the glaciers. Nothing can compare to the sense of scale and magnificence of the huge ice wall, and the incredible sounds that it often makes when it calves. 

Prepare for the Weather

Southeast Alaska has a maritime climate. Moist air from the Pacific Ocean graces the shores of Glacier Bay with over 80 inches of rain a year. In an average year, Southeast Alaska receives about 4 sunny days per month. All this precipitation keeps this coastline moist, builds glaciers in the mountains, and moderates the temperature. Be sure to bring rain gear. Summer visitors can expect highs between 50 and 60 degrees F (10 to 15 degrees C). The moisture and cool temperatures may make it seem colder than you expect. While you may be one of the lucky few who see the sun, bring plenty of warm layers. You will want to be outside as much as possible to take in the sights of Glacier Bay, be prepared so you can be comfortable

Bring Binoculars!

Binoculars can bring you closer to the landscape. You may want to search for wildlife, take a closer look at the texture of the glacier ice, or investigate the fields of pink flowers in the beach meadows. Remember, it can be difficult to estimate size when searching the shore from a ship. The mountains, shorelines, and waterways of Glacier Bay are massive, dwarfing even the largest cruise ship. Wildlife is abundant, yet often appears smaller than you expect. Ask the National Park Service Rangers for help in searching for wildlife. It can take patience and determination, but sharp-eyed cruise passengers regularly spot brown bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, humpback whales, mountain goats, and even puffins! 

 

Planning a Cruise to Glacier Bay

Cruise ship bookings change from year to year. Start by 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. Many Alaskan cruise offerings do not visit Glacier Bay National Park.

See also:

• 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, visit our vessel management page.
• Cruise ships are one way to see the park by water. Learn about other things to do in the park.
• Learn about the park's Nature and Science, History and Culture, and Management.
• Enjoy the images in our Glacier Bay Cruise Ship photo gallery (see below).