Glacier Bay National Park with Princess Cruises

Alaska’s crown jewel, Glacier Bay National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords. Princess Cruises is among a select group with special access permits to sail within this protected park, operating as a trusted partner of the National Park Service. Learn more on the National Park Service’s Glacier Bay page and explore additional Alaska resources from Alaska Geographic.

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Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Glacier and wildlife viewing highlights

Glacier Bay is home to more than 1,000 glaciers. On select Princess sailings, ships cruise through the park so you can take in the vistas from open decks and lounges, with expert narration from onboard National Park Service rangers.

Margerie Glacier

• Formerly part of Grand Pacific Glacier, Margerie is now a 21-mile-long showstopper with one of the park’s most active faces.
• Princess ships rotate 360° at the glacier, giving guests views from all sides while you listen for the thunder of calving ice.

Grand Pacific Glacier

• Today a distinct, roughly 2-mile-long glacier spanning Alaska’s Glacier Bay and Canada’s Grand Pacific Pass.
• Its dark, debris-covered surface can resemble rock—park rangers help you spot and understand this ever-evolving landmark.

Johns Hopkins Glacier

• Namesake of the Baltimore university and one of the park’s largest at about 12 miles long.
• Notable for being one of the few advancing glaciers remaining. Princess ships sail past Johns Hopkins Inlet for prime viewing.

Wildlife

• Watch for humpback and killer whales, sea lions sunning on rocks, harbor seals on floating ice and playful sea otters on their backs. The park’s wildlife is a spectacle throughout the day’s scenic cruising.

Preparing for your day in Glacier Bay

Park rangers onboard

• National Park Service rangers board to provide commentary from the bridge, answer questions on open decks and host presentations in the theater.

Glacier Bay for kids

• Junior Ranger activities are available onboard exclusively during Glacier Bay cruising days, with the chance to earn a special badge.

What to wear and bring

• Typical temperatures: 30–60°F. Dress in layers and pack a warm coat, waterproof outerwear, hat, gloves and supportive shoes.
• Bring binoculars and extra camera memory to capture calving glaciers and wildlife.

Your Glacier Bay experience with Princess

• Expect around 8 hours of scenic cruising within Glacier Bay National Park, including approximately one hour at the face of Margerie Glacier.
• Many regular onboard activities pause to keep focus on the scenery and ranger programming.

Travel, airfare and hotel options

Enhance your trip to and from the ship with Princess travel services:

• Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
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• Princess EZAir flights
  Flexible, competitively priced air with late final payment and protection if flights are delayed or canceled. Availability varies by market.
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• Airplane-to-ship transfers
  Meet-and-greet service and direct transportation to your ship or hotel, even if you didn’t book airfare through Princess.
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Deals and ways to save

Start planning with featured offers, last‑minute savings and inclusive packages that bundle popular onboard amenities.
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You may also like

• Alaska Cruises: See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks.
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• Alaska Cruisetours: Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali.
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• North to Alaska: Local flavors, cultural connections and Alaska-focused programming onboard.
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FAQs

• How long will my ship spend in Glacier Bay National Park?

• Approximately 8 hours of scenic cruising, including about one hour at the face of Margerie Glacier, subject to conditions.

• Can I go ashore in Glacier Bay?

• Glacier Bay is experienced as scenic cruising. Park rangers come aboard to enrich the experience with live commentary and presentations.

• What is Johns Hopkins Glacier known for?

• It’s one of Glacier Bay’s largest glaciers and is notable as one of the few that are currently advancing.

• Will the ship rotate at the glacier so both sides can see?

• Yes. While at Margerie Glacier, Princess ships rotate 360° to provide viewing opportunities from all sides.

• What wildlife might I see?

• Common sightings include humpback and killer whales, sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters. Bring binoculars for best viewing.

• What should I wear in Glacier Bay?

• Plan for 30–60°F. Dress in warm layers with waterproof outerwear, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes. Bring extra camera memory.

• Are there activities for kids during Glacier Bay?

• Yes. A special Junior Ranger program is offered onboard exclusively during Glacier Bay cruising, with badges for participants.

• Where can I view and book Princess cruises that include Glacier Bay?

• Browse available sailings and real-time availability on the Princess website.
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