The best way to see Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaska cruise is on an unrivaled adventure with Princess – the #1 Alaska cruise line. Our unique itineraries take you past a mountainous landscape and across sweeping waters, accessible only by boat. Whether you choose to admire the monumental glaciers while lounging on your balcony or tasting fresh Alaska seafood in the dining room, your Glacier Bay National Park cruise will be unparalleled with Princess. Most Glacier Bay National Park cruises include a full day of scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, allowing guests to experience the park's glaciers and wildlife from the ship.

Key Takeaways

A Glacier Bay National Park cruise is one of the best ways to experience Glacier Bay National Park’s glaciers, wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

Most Glacier Bay National Park cruises include a full day of scenic cruising through the park, offering close views of massive tidewater glaciers.

National Park Rangers board the ship to provide live narration and educational programs about Glacier Bay National Park’s wildlife and glaciers.

Visitors may spot humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, brown bears and bald eagles during a Glacier Bay National Park cruise.

Glacier Bay National Park cruises typically operate during Alaska’s cruise season from May through September.

What is Glacier Bay National Park?

Tucked between the vast waters of the Pacific and the historic coastline of Alaska lies one of America’s national treasures — Glacier Bay National Park. Brimming with rugged mountains, reflective waters and natural ice sculptures, this aquatic garden stretches over 3.3 million acres. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this maritime sanctuary is home to some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers, like Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier.

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The top Glacier Bay National Park experiences

Witness the majestic glaciers

As your ship cruises through Glacier Bay National Park, you'll encounter towering glaciers. Marvel at the sheer size and power of these natural wonders as they slowly advance and retreat, offering breathtaking views and the rare opportunity to see icebergs calving into the bay with a thunderous roar. Notable glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park include Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier.

Aerial view of a majestic glacier flowing into a serene body of water in Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and set against a brilliant blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Prince William Sound, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and set against a brilliant blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Spot diverse wildlife

Get your camera ready. Experience the thrill of spotting humpback whales, harbor seals, sea otters drifting by, brown bears along the shoreline and bald eagles soaring overhead. The rich biodiversity of the area provides a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Six brown seals on a rocky outcropping, gazing upwards, with a snow-capped mountain and vast body of water in the background, set against a clear blue sky, evoking the rugged landscape of Alaska.
Get your camera ready!

The best place and time to view Glacier Bay National Park

To help preserve the wonder of Glacier Bay National Park, the National Park Service only permits admission to certain cruise lines. Princess’ Alaska cruises offer close-up views of suspended cascades and adored wildlife. As you cruise through the park, feel the wave of tranquility wash over you and take in the glory of completely undisturbed glaciers. Park rangers also provide live narration and commentary throughout the day, sharing insights about Glacier Bay National Park’s glaciers, wildlife and conservation efforts. Even kids and teens can experience all that this national treasure has to offer through the Junior Ranger program. As Glacier Bay National Park Rangers come on board, they can help kids of all ages learn more about these captivating lands through interactive games, activity books and engaging presentations. At the end of the program, each child receives their very own ranger badge and certificate to commemorate their journey through these unique terrains.

Wondering when to see Glacier Bay National Park? The National Park Service limits access to the park from May through September. Glacier Bay National Park cruises typically operate during Alaska's cruise season from late May through September. All cruise lines with permits spend a full-day (9-10 hours) in the park. Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

What to wear at Glacier Bay National Park

While you won't disembark from your cruise ship, you will likely spend much of the day on deck capturing photos and making lifelong memories. Much like the rest of Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park may reach temperatures anywhere between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during cruise season. Come prepared with light sweaters and windbreakers, and dress in layers. Consider the possibility of rain as well. While May and June are the driest months of the year in this region, July through September can sometimes bring showers. Make sure you're prepared for the experiences Glacier Bay National Park offers, whether marveling at an otter floating across the mirrored waters or hearing the roar of a calving glacier.

Princess Cruise routes to Glacier Bay National Park

Princess offers several Glacier Bay National Park cruise itineraries that travel to this National Park, including:

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Glacier Bay cruises commonly depart from ports such as Vancouver, Seattle or Whittier as part of popular Alaska cruise itineraries. Our most popular itinerary is the Voyage of the Glaciers. Whether you depart from the mountainous region of Anchorage (Whittier) or the bustling metropolitan of Vancouver, B.C., this 7-day, one-way route features Glacier Bay National Park on most departures, as well as either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. As you cruise the still waters of the bay, park rangers will come on board to talk about the natural landscapes and animals surrounding you, as well as the conservation efforts being made. This new wealth of information will help you to appreciate the allure of Glacier Bay National Park even more.

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

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