An Alaska cruise toward Hubbard Glacier feels like you’re approaching another planet in a tiny space craft. It is that big and that otherworldly. Among all the vanishing Alaska glaciers, Hubbard has a rapidly advancing ice margin— up to seven feet in one day—earning it the nickname, “the Galloping Glacier.” Hubbard Glacier cruises are so popular because of the glacier’s three-story icebergs that cannon into crystal waters, a process called calving. It’s also colorful. On clear days, Hubbard turns a stunning deep blue, and on cloudy ones, its many ripples and icebergs shimmer in soft light. This glacier dwarfs the other glaciers in Alaska. It is the longest tidewater glacier in North America and starts 122 kilometers (76 miles) back, pouring down off the shoulder of Mt. Walsh. It has an impressive terminal face that is 11 kilometers (7 miles) long and 106 meters (350 feet) above the water line, making its regular audience of Alaska cruise ships look like toy boats. It’s a giant, but it’s not sleeping. Hubbard Glacier is one of the few Alaska glaciers that’s advancing and not succumbing to climate change. It sounds uplifting, but many fear that the expanding glacier will block the entrance to the fjord.
Cruises to Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Embark on a Hubbard Glacier Cruise Adventure
Set sail toward Hubbard Glacier, where Alaska's raw majesty unfolds against a backdrop of towering peaks and glittering ice fields. This iconic scenic cruising transforms your voyage into a thrilling encounter with nature's grandeur, right from the ship.
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Hubbard Glacier Cruise FAQs
What should I expect during a Hubbard Glacier scenic cruise?
Your ship navigates slowly into Disenchantment Bay, positioning within a mile or half-mile of the glacier’s massive 30-story ice face for extended viewing, often with a 360° turn to showcase it from all decks. Distance from Hubbard Glacier varies and is weather dependent. If you want an even more stunning view of this active and frequently calving glacier, you may purchase a shore excursion, which takes you directly to the face of the giant in a day boat.
When is the best time to see calving at Hubbard Glacier?
Calving peaks in warmer months (May–July) during early morning hours around 7–9 a.m. when overnight temperature shifts trigger dramatic icefalls. Calving can happen anytime. Your best bet is to stay on deck with binoculars and a camera to witness and capture the thunderous display.
What should I wear and pack for a Hubbard Glacier Day?
Layer with a waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves, binoculars, and non-slip shoes for wet, windy decks chilled by glacial spray — even in summer temps hover near freezing near the ice face. Heated deck areas and indoor viewing options ensure comfort while you soak in North America’s largest tidewater glacier.
For more packing info, check our complete Alaska cruise packing guide.