One of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise is seeing a glacier in all its glory. There are six glacier experiences, and they are all different, so we’re giving you some insight to help you plan your cruise vacation to Alaska.
Be prepared by bringing rain gear as well as a waterproof camera in the event of rain. It gets very cold near the glaciers; however, if you didn’t pack a warm enough jacket, just ask the guides, they often keep extra jackets and blankets on hand for unsuspecting tourists. Also, keep in mind when choosing a cruise line, the smaller the ship, the closer you will get to the glaciers.
Glaciers to see while on your Alaskan cruise:
Glacier Bay, north of Juneau, is a must-see, bucket list destination you must include on an Alaskan cruise. The only way to see this breathtaking glacier is by boat, so make sure your cruise itinerary has Glacier Bay listed. “If ever a location just from its own beauty could move and inspire, this is definitely the location. Breathtaking, stirring, simple beauty, and the energy that reaches into the soul and recreates the sens of balance. From any vantage point, looking at the majestic peaks, hearing the powerful calving of the ice, and feeling the pull to come and explore, to get lost in the silence, Glacier Bay will touch the core of your soul,” according to Keilisi F., Tinaru, New Zealand.
Glacier Bay photo courtesy of the Glacier Bay National Park Service
After a two-hour cruise through the Tracy Arm Fjord, the beautiful Twin Sawyer Glaciers, between Ketchikan and Juneau, come into view. From your balcony on the cruise ship, you’ll feel the steepness of the sides of the fjords; see waterfalls, and icebergs floating in the brilliant aqua-green water. You’ll be glad to have your binoculars and camera on hand.
Sawyer Glacier photo courtesy of Alaska.org
Hubbard Glacier, between Skagway and Seward, can also only be viewed from your ship, and when you hear the thunder, you’ll know you’re close. More often than the other glaciers, the calving ice is a spectacular and memorable experience. Pictures just don’t do this glacier justice.
Hubbard Glacier photo courtesy of Alaska.org
Portage Glacier, in Girdwood and near Anchorage, is what cruise passengers call their best kept secret. Enjoy the serene glacier, as best seen, without all the crowds. Take a cruise on a Ptarmagin around the Portage Lake to see the calving glaciers, see the many waterfalls, and mountain ranges. Even on rainy days this glacier is even more amazing because the overcast sky brings out the vibrant blues on the glacier.
Portage Glacier photo courtesy of Alaska.org
Mendenhall Glacier, near Juneau, is one of the most popular glacier experiences because by taking a helicopter ride you can hike on the glacier, take a dog-sled ride, or even get married. Others prefer the35-minute hike along the Nugget Trail to Nugget Falls. Hiking this popular trail gets crowded, and if you’ve been here before, you may consider renting a car in order to beat the shore excursion crowds.
Mendenhall Glacier photo courtesy of Alaska.org
If you find you have time in Skagway, take the guided tour to Davidson Glacier. You have two options once your tour bus arrives. You can take a guided boat tour around the lake and near the glacier, or take a hike to a 16-passenger canoe with a guide (and a motor, just in case), and you can get off and walk on the glacier.
Davidson Glacier photo courtesy of Alaska.org
Right now, Alaskan cruises for 2015 are selling fast. This is the time to book your cruise or cruisetour to Alaska for next year. Call our expert agents at CruiseExperts.com today at (888)804-2784, visit www.cruiseexperts.com or email us at info@cruiseexperts.com to find out what the best deals are for Alaska.
Thank you Alaska.org and the Glacier Bay National Park Service for the great pictures!