Cruise Ships in Glacier Bay

A cruise ship dwarfed by the 15,325 ft summit of Mount Fairweather.

 

Most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve spend a day in Glacier Bay on large cruise ships as part of a longer cruise originating at a major west coast city. It is an amazing day cruising through the best of Alaska. The spectacular scenery and wildlife of Glacier Bay make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise. The ship travels into the heart of the Fairweather Mountains for a trip into the ice ages. Watch for icebergs and calving glaciers. Scan the shorelines for wildlife...brown bears, mountain goats, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds are regularly seen.

What to Expect

• You will receive a copy of the park map/guide in your stateroom the evening before your arrival in Glacier Bay.

• Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier.
• National Park Service park rangers board the ship to provide a narrative about important aspects of the visit, give special presentations about the park, kid's activities, staff an information desk, and answer all of your questions.
• Note: Cruise ships do not dock anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park.
• Check out our Glacier Bay cruise ship visitor "insider's guide" to learn more and get the most out of your park visit.

 

Cruise Ship Routes
Map highlighting the typical routes taken in Glacier Bay by cruise ships.

 

Park rangers set up a information desk while on board ship in a primary viewing lounge. Plan to stop by and see us to learn more about your park. At the desk you can find:

• A park ranger that will answer all of your Glacier Bay questions
• Yes, we bring the national park service passport book cancellation stamp on board with us!
• An Alaska Geographic bookstore with park publications, maps and other media
• A variety of displays, and hands-on materials to enhance your visit and connect to the amazing world of Glacier Bay.

 

Arriving by Cruise Ship?
Our "insider's guide" for cruise ship passengers will help you get the most out of your Glacier Bay day.

 

Planning a Cruise to Glacier Bay

Interested in visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship bookings change from year to year. Start by contacting a travel agent or researching various Alaska cruises to see what appeals to you. For a full listing of cruise and tour boat operators, check our Area Visitor Services Listing.

*Make note of where each of these cruises travel to, cruises have many destinations, ports and options. Many Alaskan cruise offerings do not visit Glacier Bay National Park.

See also:

• To make reservations on a cruise ship, see your travel agent.

• The National Park Service manages vessel traffic (including cruise ships) in Glacier Bay to protect natural and cultural resources, provide for a range of visitor experiences, and promote visitor satisfaction and understanding. To learn more, and view a list of authorized cruise lines, see our commercial businesses page.
• Cruise ships are one way to see the park by water. Learn about other things to do in the park.
• Learn about the park's Nature and Science, History and Culture, and Management.
• Enjoy the images in our Glacier Bay Cruise Ship photo gallery

 

• 

  Enjoy Your Glacier Bay Cruise Visit

  Visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise ship? Join ranger Sierra and learn how to experience the "best of the bay" during your cruise!

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 28 seconds

 

• 

  Visiting Glacier Bay: Then and Now

  Visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise ship has always been an exciting adventure. Join Ranger Fay for a fun glimpse of Glacier Bay 100 years ago during the heyday of Alaska steamships.

  Duration:

  9 minutes, 49 seconds

 

• 

  Falling Ice!

  Glacier viewing is a highlight of any visit to Glacier Bay. Join ranger Adrianna and experience the spectacle and excitement of calving tidewater glaciers.

  Duration:

  6 minutes, 34 seconds

 

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