Glacier Wonders: A Guide to Cruising Alaska's Icy Giants
An Alaska cruise is not just a journey; it’s an extraordinary experience that immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the Last Frontier. And without a doubt, one of the most compelling reasons to choose to explore Alaska by cruise, is the opportunity to witness (up close) the majestic glaciers that adorn this rugged landscape. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about exploring Alaska’s magnificent glaciers, including the top ones to see, when to see them and how.
Why Cruise Alaska for Glaciers?
Alaska’s glaciers are a natural wonder that can only be fully appreciated from the water. An Alaska cruise offers unparalleled access to these massive ice formations, many of which are inaccessible by land. The towering ice walls, the deep blue crevasses, and the awe-inspiring calving events where chunks of ice plunge into the sea are sights that will stay with you forever. Cruising allows you to get up close to these glaciers in comfort and style, making it the ideal way to explore Alaska’s icy marvels.
Top Glaciers to See on an Alaska Cruise
⚓ Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay is a highlight of any Alaska cruise. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is home to more than 1,000 glaciers, with the Margerie Glacier being one of the most famous. Most cruise lines, like Holland America Line, include a full day in Glacier Bay, giving passengers ample time to witness the dramatic calving events and listen to the thunderous cracks of the glaciers. You’ll also have plenty of time to scan the shorelines for wildlife, including brown bears, mountain goats, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and bald eagles. And while your ship won’t be docking in Glacier Bay, it is a magnificent cruising day and you’ll want to find the perfect spot on board to take it all in.
⚓ Hubbard Glacier
Known as the “Galloping Glacier” due to its rapid advancement, Hubbard Glacier is one of the most active and impressive glaciers in Alaska. Stretching more than 120 km long and 11 km wide, it is North America’s largest tidewater glacier, and an absolute must-see. Many cruise itineraries bring you face-to-face with this magnificent glacier, providing spectacular photo opportunities.
Fun Fact: the ice you see at the terminal face of Hubbard Glacier originally fell as snow as much as 500 years ago, and the glacier is over 2,000 feet thick at some locations
⚓ Mendenhall Glacier
Located just 20 km from Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible and a favourite stop on many Alaska cruise itineraries. As the only glacier in Southeast Alaska that is accessible by road, many cruise lines – such as Holland America Line – offer shore excursions that include a visit to this impressive glacier. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center also offers informative exhibits and stunning views of the glacier and surrounding landscape. And there may be opportunities to hike and kayak in the area. Be prepared to see plenty of wildlife too, including black bears, beavers, bald eagles, and even porcupines.
⚓ Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord, with its narrow passageways and towering cliffs, is home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers – North Sawyer and South Sawyer, which are located at the end of Tracy Arm. The fjord’s sheer walls, adorned with waterfalls, make for a dramatic approach to the glaciers. Cruises that navigate Tracy Arm Fjord provide a mesmerising experience as you sail past floating icebergs and wildlife such as seals and whales. Other cruise lines might offer shore excursions on smaller vessels, getting you up close and personal with the ever-changing face Sawyer Glacier.
⚓ Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound encompasses nearly 26,000 square kilometres of protected waterways, islands, fjords and around 150 glaciers. And while it isn’t visited by as many cruise ships in Alaska as some of the other locations on this list, it doesn’t mean it isn’t as good to visit. With a lot of glaciers concentrated in one area, there are plenty of opportunities to witness massive bergs calve from the ice, throwing up huge clouds of spray. Plus, there is plenty of marine life to keep an eye out for, including seals, sea lions and otters.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Glaciers
The best time to embark on an Alaska cruise to see glaciers is from May to September. During these months, the weather is more favourable, and the long daylight hours provide ample time for glacier viewing. However, each season offers unique advantages:
⚓ May and June: These months have the longest days and the lowest rainfall, offering clear views of the glaciers. Wildlife is also abundant during this time, making it ideal for animal encounters
⚓ July and August: These are the warmest months, with lush landscapes and blooming wildflowers. This is also the peak calving season, offering the best chance to witness ice chunks breaking off from the glaciers
⚓ September: While the days are shorter and the temperatures cooler, September cruises offer fewer crowds and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Holland America Line: The Ideal Choice for Glacier Cruising
While plenty of cruise lines offer Alaska itineraries, we can’t go past Holland America Line as a premier choice for an Alaska cruise. With over 70 years of experience cruising Alaska, they offer unparalleled expertise and service. Their itineraries are designed to maximise glacier viewing opportunities, with many of their itineraries including extended stays in Glacier Bay National Park and other key glacier sites.
Holland America Line’s mid-sized ships are perfectly suited for navigating the narrow fjords and inlets of Alaska, providing passengers with an intimate and immersive experience. Moreover, Holland America Line also offers a range of shore excursions tailored to glacier exploration, from guided hikes and helicopter tours to kayak adventures. Their commitment to sustainable travel ensures that you can enjoy these natural wonders while minimising your environmental footprint.
Final View from the Deck
An Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers. From the towering ice walls of Glacier Bay to the dynamic calving of Hubbard Glacier, the experiences you will have on an Alaska cruise are unparalleled. With Holland America Line, you can explore these icy wonders in comfort and style, making memories that will last a lifetime. So, why wait? Book your Alaska cruise today and be prepared for the glaciers to take your breath away.