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Couple standing on a ship’s viewing deck looking at a glacier surrounded by mountains under a bright blue sky.

Your Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing

All you need to know about Alaska’s glaciers, including the best places to see glaciers on our Alaska cruises.

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See an Alaska glacier or receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare with our first-of-its-kind Glacier Guarantee™.

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Why Glaciers Are a Must-See on Every Alaska Cruise

Alaska’s ice giants are a bucket-list item for nature lovers. Among the types of glaciers you’re likely to encounter are flowing valley glaciers, mountainside hanging glaciers, and mighty tidewater glaciers calving into the sea.

Glacier Map

Explore our interactive map to discover the Alaska glaciers you may encounter with Holland America.

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How to View Glaciers on an Alaska Cruise

Trek across the icy surface, take in aerial vistas by seaplane or helicopter, see them by catamaran, rigid inflatable boat (RIB), or kayak, or observe them from our ships’ spacious decks.

View Alaska Shore Excursions

Glacier Day

Experience Alaska’s glaciers in comfort on board our perfectly sized ships, complete with piping-hot Dutch pea soup and more.

Onboard Experts

Hear insightful commentary from National Park Service Rangers, Wildlife Experts, and Alaska Native Voices Cultural Ambassadors.

Expanded Deck Viewing

Enjoy panoramic glacier views from the ship’s bow, which is opened just for the occasion, while cruising through Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, or College Fjord.

Kayaking

Paddle past bobbing icebergs and plunging waterfalls as you make your way up to the face of a glacier on a guided kayak tour.

Hiking

Trek through glacial landscapes or strap on your boots, ice cleats, and more for a walk across an Alaska glacier’s frozen surface.

Dogsledding

Meet professional mushers and their friendly canine racers, gear up, and dogsled across an Alaska glacier’s ice-sculpted surface.

Flightseeing

Soar over Alaska’s blue-hued glaciers, shimmering icefields, snowcapped peaks, and deep crevasses on a glacier flightseeing tour.

Small Boat Tours

Cruise past icebergs, glacier walls, and more as you approach the face of an Alaska glacier by rigid inflatable boat (RIB) or catamaran.

Biking

Take in awe-inspiring glacier views as you ride a bike or e-bike along paved highway bike paths or rugged rainforest trails.

Alaska Travel Tips

A Day in Glacier Bay Get the most out of your scenic cruising experience with insider tips on what to bring, how to dress, and what to expect.
Best Ways to See Glaciers From types of glaciers to prime viewing locations, find out all you need to know for the best glacier-viewing experience.
5 Glacier Bay Experiences Listen to tales of the Native Huna Tlingit, hear the rumbling “white thunder” of Glacier Bay’s calving glaciers, and more.
View Alaska Glacier Articles
A Day in Glacier Bay Get the most out of your scenic cruising experience with insider tips on what to bring, how to dress, and what to expect.
Best Ways to See Glaciers From types of glaciers to prime viewing locations, find out all you need to know for the best glacier-viewing experience.
5 Glacier Bay Experiences Listen to tales of the Native Huna Tlingit, hear the rumbling “white thunder” of Glacier Bay’s calving glaciers, and more.

Need Help Planning Your Alaska Glacier Experience? Contact Our Personal Cruise Consultants.

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