If you’re considering a Glacier Bay National Park cruise, here’s what the experience was actually like- and whether I think cruising is the best way to see the park.
Why I Chose an Alaska Cruise to Glacier Bay
A cruise to Alaska was a bucket list item for me. So when I started planning my Alaska cruise, there was one itinerary requirement I wasn’t willing to compromise on: I wanted a ship that went into Glacier Bay National Park. As you know, my travel goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks, so of course I was going to see at least one if I could!
We booked the 7-day Inside Passage cruise with Glacier Bay National Park on Princess Cruises. Our ship was the Discovery Princess, departing from and returning to Seattle.
After making stops in Juneau and Skagway, we finally entered Glacier Bay National Park on the fourth morning of the cruise. We splurged for a balcony for this trip, and I spent so much time out there watching the scenery and wildlife. We saw whales, otters, and eagles.
There is something magical about sitting on your private balcony eating breakfast while an eagle sitting perched on a large chunk of ice floats by.
When your ship enters Glacier Bay National Park, NPS rangers actually come aboard and spend the day on the ship. You can talk with them about the park, listen to ranger programs, get your National Park Passport stamped, and even buy Glacier Bay books, maps, and souvenirs. This was one of the things that made the day really feel like a National Park visit rather than simply a scenic cruise.
We were even lucky enough to see a glacier calve! Glacier calving happens when a mass of ice breaks away from the end of a glacier and crashes into the water. First came this enormous thunder-like crack, followed by a giant splash. It was spectacular – and everyone on the cruise ship cheered!
What Is It Like to Visit Glacier Bay National Park on a Cruise?
One thing to understand about visiting Glacier Bay on a large cruise ship is that this isn’t a traditional cruise port. You don’t dock, get off the ship, and spend the day exploring on land. The ship itself travels into Glacier Bay, and the park becomes your scenery for the day.
For me, that was part of what made it so special. Instead of rushing off the ship for an excursion, we could simply enjoy the park from our balcony, the open decks, and different viewing areas around the ship.
Why I think a cruise is a great way to visit
Convenience is huge. You don’t have to arrange flights into Gustavus, accommodations, transportation, or a separate boat tour. You’re also already on the water, which is where much of Glacier Bay’s spectacular scenery is experienced. And having park rangers aboard makes it feel considerably more like a national park visit than simply cruising past pretty scenery. And I have to admit, eating good food and watching Glacier Bay scenery from my balcony in my jammies was a pretty amazing way to visit a National Park😂.
💡Regina’s Tip: Don’t assume every Alaska cruise goes to Glacier Bay! Look specifically for Glacier Bay National Park on the itinerary rather than assuming any itinerary advertising “glacier viewing” includes Glacier Bay.
The downside of visiting Glacier Bay by cruise
You aren’t getting off the ship and walking around the park. You aren’t hiking. You don’t visit Bartlett Cove. Your experience is largely determined by the cruise itinerary, weather, wildlife and glacier conditions. And after the ship leaves, your Glacier Bay visit is over. We happened to be on the side of the ship facing the glacier when it calved which was very lucky, but iif we had been on the other side of the ship, we would have missed that exact moment.
Can you visit Glacier Bay without a cruise?
Absolutely!
You can travel to Gustavus and Bartlett Cove, stay at Glacier Bay Lodge, take the daily Glacier Bay boat tour, kayak, hike or camp. The daily tour boat is a pretty appealing alternative: it leaves Bartlett Cove during the summer and travels deep into the bay.
| Alaska Cruise | Independent Glacier Bay Trip |
|---|---|
| Very easy logistically | More planning |
| See Glacier Bay from the water | See Glacier Bay from water and land |
| Ranger interpretation onboard | Ranger programs + Bartlett Cove |
| Part of a larger Alaska trip | More focused Glacier Bay experience |
| No hiking in the park | Hiking available |
| No hotel changes | Requires getting to Gustavus |
| Great for first visit | Great for deeper exploration |
Does visiting Glacier Bay on a cruise “count” as visiting the national park?
One question that comes up frequently among people trying to visit all 63 national parks is whether Glacier Bay “counts” if you only see it from a cruise ship. For my 63-park count, absolutely yes!
I was physically inside Glacier Bay National Park, saw its glaciers and wildlife, talked with National Park Service rangers, and got my National Park Passport stamped. I don’t think every National Park visit has to involve hiking a trail or standing next to an entrance sign to count.
Of course, everyone who is trying to visit all 63 national parks gets to make their own rules – and I know this one might spark some debate!
Would I visit Glacier Bay by cruise again?
If given the opportunity, I would absolutely visit Glacier Bay again by cruise. Could I have had a more immersive National Park experience by staying in Gustavus, hiking around Bartlett Cove, or taking a smaller boat farther into the park? Absolutely.
But there’s also something pretty incredible about waking up on an Alaska cruise, stepping onto your balcony, and realizing that Glacier Bay National Park is right outside your door.
For a first visit – especially if you’re already planning an Alaska cruise – I think it’s a fantastic way to experience the park. And seeing a glacier calve while whales, otters, and eagles were somewhere nearby? That’s one National Park visit I’m definitely not forgetting.
Happy exploring,
Regina
