Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park
When you picture Alaska, you likely think of sprawling blue glaciers, water so blue it looks like the sky and eagles and bears wandering the wild. One spot in Alaska that captures all of this and more is Glacier Bay National Park. This protected area is home to 62 named glaciers, frosted peaks towering over the largest temperate rainforest in the world, and iconic Alaska wildlife like whales and even bears.
The best way to access this remote national park is on an Alaska Cruise or an Alaska land and sea cruisetour. Our team takes care of permits and getting a ranger on board, and you get to soak in the breathtaking views of icy blue glaciers from the comfort of your cruise ship.
Top Things to Do in Glacier Bay National Park
When you visit Glacier Bay National Park with Holland America, your ship will sail into the park, and an expert park ranger will come on board. The ranger will guide everyone through the park and teach you about the glaciers, the rock flour that makes the water so blue, and any wildlife that your ship passes. It’s one of the simplest ways to visit a U.S. national park.
Here’s what you can plan on doing during your trip to Glacier Bay National Park with Holland America.
Soak in Glacial Views
From the deck of your Holland America ship, you’ll see the park’s stunning glacial views. One of the glaciers you’ll likely get to see is Margerie Glacier, a glacier that towers 200 feet above the waterline. If you get lucky, you might even get to see the glacier calve a chunk of ice into the sea right in front of you.
Spot Wildlife Activity
As you sail through the park, keep your eyes peeled for Alaska’s spectacular wildlife. During the summer, it’s peak humpback whale season. June is when the harbor seal pups are born, and in the month of July, watch for bears on the shore catching spawning salmon. If you sail in May, keep an eye out for puffins gathering on the small islands.
Learn from the Experts
When you’re in Glacier Bay National Park, you’re in a magnificent and complex ecosystem full of geologic wonders and wildlife. To learn about what you’re experiencing, park rangers will come on board to give you insights. You’ll learn about how the glaciers work, what animals you’re seeing, and the awesome natural forces that have created such a beautiful place. We also work with Huna Tlingit guides who will teach you about the millenia-old culture that has called this area home.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Glacier Bay National Park
To help you enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime visit to this stunning national park, here are a few tips:
- Bundle up. The wind chill can feel 10–20 degrees colder than the forecast. Pack a windproof outer layer, gloves, and a warm hat so you can stay out longer for calving and wildlife action.
- Bring something for closer views. Keep binoculars handy at all times and pre-set your camera with a fast shutter and a telephoto lens. That way you have the tools ready to look for seals and sea otters on ice floes near the glaciers. Keep your binoculars ready to scan for humpbacks most likely to appear during your approach and exit from the park.
- Listen to your park ranger. Tune into the ship’s guide or national park ranger narration and use it as your “cue track” to move decks. When they call out whales, mountain goats, or rafts of sea otters, you’ll know and be in the perfect spot to see them.
- Plan your day out ahead of time. Your day at Glacier Bay National Park is busy, so it can be helpful to plan out where you want to be at least the day before. Map out the decks where you can be warm and comfortable while seeing the best sites. Your ship will rotate during the glacier viewing, so both sides of the ship will see the glacier.
Glacier Bay National Park Cruise FAQs
Which is better, Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier?
Both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park are spectacular pinnacles of Alaska’s natural beauty. Neither one is better than the other. When you cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, you get an all-day scenic cruise inside a national park, with rangers aboard. Hubbard Glacier lets you get close to a dramatic glacier that is known for powerful calving. Choose the cruise itinerary you love, and both Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier will let you see a spectacular glacier sprawling out for miles.
Is Glacier Bay National Park worth seeing on a cruise?
Yes — it very much is worth it. Ships spend about 9–10 hours inside Glacier Bay National Park, so you get to spend the entire day looking at glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Because it’s a national park (with limited ship traffic), a cruise is also the most efficient and easiest way to get access to this remote stretch of Alaska.
What is the best time to cruise Glacier Bay National Park National Park?
The Alaska cruise season runs roughly late April to early October. The peak window is June through August since it offers the best weather, extended daylight, active glaciers (calving), and wildlife. May and September are shoulder seasons, which often brings fewer crowds. If you’re hoping to see humpback whales or glacier calving, aim for a June or July cruise. If you’re comfortable with cooler weather, May or early September can be great.
Regardless of time, pack warm, waterproof layers, since Glacier Bay National Park's maritime climate brings frequent rain and chill.