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Is Glacier Bay a Must-Do on an Alaska Cruise or Cruise Tour?
- Michelle Morrison
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you are planning an Alaska cruise, one question you are probably going to come across pretty quickly is:
Do I need to choose an Alaska cruise that goes to Glacier Bay?
My answer is yes, if you can work Glacier Bay into a good Alaska itinerary, I absolutely recommend it.
But notice I said a good Alaska itinerary.
I would not choose a cruise solely because the words “Glacier Bay” appear on the itinerary.
Where the ship goes, how much time you have in port, and what else you will experience in Alaska matter too.
I have visited Glacier Bay twice, and I 100% enjoyed both experiences. I love Glacier Bay. But I have also visited Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier, and I don't believe Glacier Bay is the only glacier experience worth seeing in Alaska.
Here's how I look at it when helping someone choose an Alaska cruise or Cruise Tour.
Is Glacier Bay Worth Seeing on an Alaska Cruise?
Yes. Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely worth seeing.
A cruise through Glacier Bay isn't just a quick stop in front of one glacier. Most cruise ships spend a full day in the park, typically about 9 to 10 hours, and travel more than 120 miles through Glacier Bay. Most also spend significant time near a tidewater glacier.
That is part of what makes the experience different from some other glacier-viewing days.
And for me, one of the best parts isn't even the glacier itself.
It's the National Park experience.
National Park Service rangers come onboard the cruise ship and spend the day providing information about the scenery, wildlife, history and environment of Glacier Bay. There is also an information desk where you can talk with a ranger.
I loved listening to the commentary as we traveled through the park.
And yes, I am also one of those people with a National Parks Passport book.
You can get the official National Park Service cancellation stamp for Glacier Bay onboard the ship, which I absolutely did.
That little stamp is now part of my Alaska memories.
So, Is Glacier Bay a Must-Do?
I would call Glacier Bay a high priority, rather than an absolute requirement.
If I'm comparing several good Alaska cruises and one includes Glacier Bay, that is going to carry quite a bit of weight with me.
If we can include Glacier Bay without giving up the things that are more important to you, I would not skip it.
But if the best cruise for your dates, budget and priorities doesn't visit Glacier Bay, I don't automatically rule it out.
Instead, I look at the entire Alaska itinerary.
Because, quite frankly, some Alaska itineraries are much better than others.
What Should a First-Time Alaska Cruise Include?
For a first-time Alaska cruiser, I generally start by looking for what I call my Big 3 Alaska ports:
Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
Those are three of my favorite Alaska ports, and for a first visit I like an itinerary that gives you a chance to experience all three.
Then I want at least one glacier-viewing experience.
I mean, you're going to Alaska.
I want you to see a glacier!
After that, I look closely at how much time the ship actually spends in each port.
An itinerary can look great when you're just reading a list of destinations. But when you look more closely and discover that your time in a particular port is very short, that can completely change how much you'll actually be able to experience.
That's why I wouldn't recommend choosing an Alaska cruise based on Glacier Bay alone.
If one itinerary includes Glacier Bay but doesn't give you the ports or port time that are important to you, while another offers a much stronger overall Alaska experience and visits a different glacier, we need to compare them.
Glacier Bay is one of the boxes I want to check. It isn't the only box.
Glacier Bay vs. Hubbard Glacier: Which Is Better?
This is where I'm probably going to disappoint anyone looking for a definitive answer.
I don't think there is one.
I've experienced both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, and if you're asking me purely from the standpoint of which glacier made the biggest visual impression on me, I think I actually preferred Hubbard Glacier.
On my third Alaska cruise, we visited Hubbard Glacier and then Glacier Bay.
It was my first time at Hubbard Glacier and my second time visiting Glacier Bay.
I distinctly remember getting to Glacier Bay afterward and thinking:
“Hmmmm. That's a little disappointing!”
I think Hubbard just felt bigger to me. Maybe we were able to get closer during that particular visit. I can't tell you exactly what caused the difference—it was simply my reaction to what I saw that day.
And that is important when you're comparing Alaska glaciers.
Viewing conditions aren't identical on every sailing. Ice, weather and other conditions can affect what you see and how close a vessel can safely travel.
So I would never tell someone that Hubbard Glacier is always better than Glacier Bay—or that Glacier Bay is always better than Hubbard.
They're different experiences.
What Glacier Bay gives you is an entire National Park day, with multiple hours of scenic cruising, wildlife opportunities, park rangers and the experience of traveling through this enormous protected landscape.
Hubbard gave me more of that immediate WOW reaction to the glacier itself.
I'd happily do both again.
What Is Glacier Bay Day Actually Like?
This may be one of my favorite things about Glacier Bay:
We don't sit in one place all day.
And I definitely don't think you should feel like you need to stay on your balcony.
We may start the morning in our cabin, but by the time we're approaching the major glacier-viewing areas, we've been awake for a while, we've eaten breakfast, and we're moving around the ship.
On Holland America, one of my favorite places is the Crow's Nest.
You're inside, you're comfortable, you have these beautiful forward-facing views, and you can listen and watch as the scenery unfolds.
From there, we might head to the buffet and grab a seat by a window.
One big advantage? The temperature inside is always perfect.
Then we'll go outside.
Don't Miss the Promenade Deck
One of my favorite places during Glacier Bay day is the Promenade Deck.
You're much closer to the water there than you are from the upper decks.
You can look down and see smaller pieces of ice floating past the ship. You're watching the shoreline. You're looking for marine life in the water and animals along the coast.
And don't forget to look beyond the glaciers.
There are mountains, waterfalls, forests and wildlife throughout the journey. The National Park Service specifically notes opportunities to see wildlife including sea otters, humpback whales, bears and many species of birds during a Glacier Bay cruise, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Then we'll usually go topside.
That's where you get that big, wide-open perspective and begin to appreciate the scale of everything around you.
Later, I love heading toward the aft pool area so we can watch from the back of the ship with a more open view.
We've even sat down with a little ice cream while the ship slowly crept closer to the glacier.
That's Glacier Bay to me.
It isn't about racing from one activity to another.
It's a day to look around, listen, watch the water, find wildlife and just enjoy where you are.
Do You Need a Balcony Cabin for Glacier Bay?
No. You absolutely do not need a balcony cabin for Glacier Bay—or for an Alaska cruise.
I believe very strongly that wanting a balcony should never keep someone from going to Alaska.
Would I take a balcony if it fits comfortably within the budget?
Absolutely.
It's wonderful to step outside your cabin first thing in the morning and see Alaska going by.
But like most cruises, you're probably not going to spend your entire vacation sitting in your cabin.
And Glacier Bay is one day when I especially want you to get out of the cabin and explore the ship.
Different areas give you completely different perspectives.
If choosing a balcony means sacrificing the better itinerary, the excursions you really want to do or potentially not taking the trip at all, I'd much rather see you choose an inside or oceanview cabin and go to Alaska.
There are plenty of viewing areas around the ship.
There Is One Balcony Exception I Love
Groups can change this equation a little.
I've had groups where one person books a suite or larger balcony cabin and then their friends gather together on that balcony for part of the glacier-viewing experience.
That can be a game changer.
You get the privacy of a balcony while still enjoying Glacier Bay together.
And that's really how a lot of people travel to Alaska. They aren't there to sit alone in their respective cabins. Families and groups want to experience it together.
Can You Get Closer to the Glaciers in Glacier Bay?
Depending on the cruise and itinerary, there may be opportunities for smaller-vessel glacier experiences.
I haven't personally done one yet, but it's something I would love to experience.
I've had clients take smaller-boat glacier excursions and come back raving about them. One of the things they've loved most is being closer to the environment and being able to really hear what is happening around the glacier, including the incredible sound of ice calving.
If an up-close glacier experience is important to you, that's something I would look at while we're comparing itineraries and excursion opportunities rather than assuming the main cruise ship will provide the same experience.
Is Glacier Bay Crowded With Cruise Ships?
Access to Glacier Bay is actually limited.
The National Park Service limits the number of large cruise ships entering Glacier Bay to a maximum of two per day during the summer operating period.
That means not every Alaska cruise line and not every Alaska itinerary can simply add Glacier Bay whenever it wants.
It is one reason you'll see Glacier Bay appear on certain Alaska itineraries but not others.
What If My Alaska Cruise Doesn't Visit Glacier Bay?
Don't panic.
A cruise that doesn't visit Glacier Bay can still be an excellent Alaska cruise.
This is where I go back to the entire itinerary.
Ask:
Does it visit the places I most want to see?
For a first Alaska cruise, does it give me a strong combination of ports such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan?
Is there another glacier-viewing opportunity?
Does it include Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or another worthwhile glacier experience?
How much time do I have in port?
Will I actually have enough time to do the excursions and activities that are important to me?
And if you're considering an Alaska Cruise Tour, there is another whole layer to consider: the land portion.
Where are you going before or after the cruise? Are you visiting Denali? How much time will you have there? Are you traveling by rail or motorcoach? Does the overall trip give you the Alaska experience you're imagining?
Those questions can matter more than one name on the itinerary.
My Recommendation: Should You Choose an Alaska Cruise With Glacier Bay?
If you have several good Alaska cruise options and one includes Glacier Bay, I would put Glacier Bay pretty high on the list.
I've been twice. I would go again.
I loved having the National Park Service rangers onboard. I loved the commentary. I loved getting my National Parks Passport stamp. I loved walking the Promenade Deck watching pieces of ice float by. I loved looking for wildlife and waterfalls and moving around the ship to see the scenery from completely different perspectives.
Was Glacier Bay the most impressive glacier I've ever seen? Maybe not.
I think Hubbard Glacier may have won that contest for me.
But Glacier Bay isn't really about one glacier.
It's the entire day.
And that's why, if we can work it into your Alaska cruise without sacrificing the things that matter more to you, I think it's absolutely worth doing.
The Short Answer
Is Glacier Bay a must-do on an Alaska cruise?
Glacier Bay is one of my highest-priority experiences for an Alaska cruise, especially for a first-time visitor, but I would not choose a poor itinerary solely because it includes Glacier Bay. I recommend looking for an Alaska cruise that combines strong ports, plenty of time ashore and at least one good glacier-viewing experience. If Glacier Bay fits into that itinerary, even better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glacier Bay Alaska Cruises
Is Glacier Bay worth it on an Alaska cruise?
Yes. Most cruise ships spend approximately 9–10 hours traveling through Glacier Bay National Park, and National Park Service rangers board the ships to provide commentary and information about the park, wildlife and glaciers.
Is Glacier Bay better than Hubbard Glacier?
Neither is universally better. Glacier Bay offers an extended National Park experience with hours of scenic cruising, multiple glaciers, wildlife opportunities and National Park Service interpretation. Hubbard Glacier can provide a very dramatic single-glacier experience.
Conditions vary from sailing to sailing.
Personally, Hubbard Glacier made the stronger visual impression on me during the sailing when I experienced the two back-to-back.
Do I need a balcony for Glacier Bay?
No. A balcony is wonderful but not necessary. Cruise ships offer multiple public viewing areas, and moving around the ship can give you better perspectives than staying on one balcony all day.
Can you get your National Parks Passport stamped in Glacier Bay?
Yes. The National Park Service says its Glacier Bay cancellation stamp is available at the ranger information desk aboard visiting cruise ships.
Do you get off the cruise ship in Glacier Bay?
No. Large cruise ships do not dock in Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay is primarily a scenic cruising day, with National Park Service rangers boarding the ship during the visit.
How long do cruise ships stay in Glacier Bay?
Most cruise ships spend approximately 9–10 hours in Glacier Bay National Park. The National Park Service says most travel more than 120 miles through the park and generally spend around an hour near the face of a tidewater glacier.
What are the best ports for a first Alaska cruise?
For my first-time Alaska clients, I personally like to look for what I call the Big 3: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with at least one glacier-viewing experience. I also pay close attention to how much time the ship actually spends in each port.
Should I skip an Alaska cruise if it doesn't include Glacier Bay?
No. Glacier Bay is a high-priority experience, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.
Compare the entire itinerary, including ports, port times, other glacier-viewing opportunities, cruise direction and—if you're considering a Cruise Tour—the land portion of the trip.
Ready to Plan Your Alaska Cruise or Cruise Tour?
Glacier Bay is incredible, but it is only one piece of choosing the right Alaska itinerary. The ports, time in port, glacier viewing, ship, route, and—if you're considering a Cruise Tour—the land portion all need to work together.
I've experienced Alaska by cruise and Cruise Tour myself, including Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, Denali and the Yukon. When I help clients plan Alaska, I'm not simply looking for a cruise that fits their dates. I'm looking at the entire itinerary and helping them understand what they gain—and sometimes what they give up—with each option.
If you're trying to decide which Alaska cruise or Cruise Tour is right for you, start by completing my Alaska Cruise Questionnaire. Tell me what you want to see, how much time you have, and what's important to you, and I'll help you narrow down the options.
About the Author
Michelle Morrison, CTA, ECC
Founder & Travel Advisor — My Traveling Owl, LLC
Certified Travel Associate with the Travel Institute (CTA)
CLIA Elite Cruise Counsellor with CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) (ECC)
Alaska Cruise & Cruisetour Specialist
My Traveling Owl is a travel agency based in Florida that creates travel experiences for couples, solo travelers, families and groups. We specialize in Alaska Cruise and Alaska Cruisetours, but we also book ocean cruises, river cruise, and escorted land tours. We are Gluten Free travelers with over 13 years of Gluten Free Travel Experience. We are here to guide you through a world of vacation options! Stay connected with us by joining our online travel community, exploring our blog, or following us online. Be sure to visit us on YouTube!
📧 Email me: Michelle@MyTravelingOwl.com
🌐 Visit my website: MyTravelingOwl.com
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