Cruising Glacier Bay: Tips to Make the Most of This Alaska Cruise Day

Planning an Alaskan cruise? Make sure Glacier Bay is on your itinerary and follow these tips to get more out of your day cruising Glacier Bay. Sailing through Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most talked-about days on an Alaska cruise. Instead of heading into a port, the ship spends hours slowly cruising the bay while passengers gather on decks and balconies watching glaciers, wildlife, and the scenery along the shoreline.

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Our days cruising Glacier Bay have easily been among our favorite moments during our Alaska cruises. From the moment we step onto the balcony in the morning until the last glacier fades into the distance, we’re glued to the view. It’s one of those cruise days where you find yourself waking up at dawn, reaching for your room service coffee, bundling up, and heading outside so you don’t miss anything as the ship slowly cruises through the bay.

A few simple Glacier Bay cruise tips made our days in the bay even better. Booking a balcony cabin, dressing for the cold, listening to the Park Ranger’s commentary, and knowing when to step outside all made a difference.

These tips will help you get more out of your day cruising Glacier Bay, so you don’t miss some of the moments that make this part of an Alaska cruise so memorable.

What to Know Before Cruising Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay is part of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska, a protected wilderness known for its tidewater glaciers and dramatic coastal scenery. The park is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans more than three million acres of mountains, fjords, forests, and icy waterways. Since much of the park is only accessible by water, cruising is how most travelers experience it.

While Glacier Bay may appear on your cruise itinerary as a sea day, cruise lines usually refer to it as scenic cruising. Instead of sailing between ports, the ship spends hours slowly cruising through the bay so passengers can watch glaciers, wildlife, and the surrounding landscape from the decks and balconies.

Planning for Glacier Bay actually starts when you book your Alaska cruise. Only a limited number of ships are allowed into the park each day, so not every Alaska itinerary includes it. The Glacier Bay cruise tips below will help you make the most of the experience once your ship enters the bay.

Glacier Bay Cruise Tips

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay

Cruises that include Glacier Bay typically sail between late April and early October, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Early and late in the season, heavier ice in the bay can sometimes limit how far ships can travel, which may affect which glaciers the ship can approach that day.

No matter when you visit, Glacier Bay is going to be cold, especially early in the morning when ships first enter the bay. Even in the middle of summer, most passengers are bundled up on deck while watching the glaciers.

Summer sailings often have a better chance of clearer skies, but the reality is that the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Locals will often tell you to plan for both the best and the worst when it comes to Alaska weather. Rain or fog can sometimes roll into Glacier Bay and affect the visibility of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, which is simply something you can’t control when cruising the region.

We’ve cruised Glacier Bay in mid-May and again in the middle of summer, and the scenery looked noticeably different each time. In May, the temperatures were colder, and the mountains surrounding the bay were still covered in snow. Later in the summer, the hillsides were greener and the afternoons felt much milder. Both visits showed us a different side of Glacier Bay.

Picking the Right Cruise Line for Glacier Bay

Only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to enter Glacier Bay each day through a permit system managed by the National Park Service. Cruise lines that currently operate sailings into the park include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn, and Cunard, with Princess and Holland America offering the most itineraries that visit Glacier Bay.

If visiting Glacier Bay is a priority for your Alaska cruise, it’s worth comparing itineraries carefully to make sure your sailing actually includes the park.

Glacier Bay day itself is considered scenic cruising, meaning the ship slowly sails through the bay for several hours rather than stopping at a port. You won’t disembark, but you’ll spend the day watching glaciers, wildlife, and the surrounding landscape from the ship.

Splurge on a Balcony Cabin

If Glacier Bay is on your Alaska cruise itinerary, a balcony cabin is a must, in my humble opinion. Glacier Bay day lasts for several hours, and a balcony gives you a private place to sit outside with binoculars in hand without worrying about finding space on the public decks.

On our first Alaska cruise, my husband actually thanked me more than once for booking a balcony cabin during Glacier Bay day. We started the morning on our balcony with coffee in hand while the ship slowly cruised deeper into the bay.

Port side had the first close views of Margerie Glacier, one of the main glaciers ships approach in Glacier Bay. The ship eventually rotated so everyone could see it, but being on our balcony made it easy to watch everything as it happened.

After that first glacier viewing, we decided to walk around and see Glacier Bay from different parts of the ship. Many of the public viewing areas were already busy, which made us appreciate having our own quiet spot to return to.

A balcony basically gives you a front-row seat you don’t have to fight for. While we left to explore the ship, you could easily stay on your balcony the entire time and enjoy Glacier Bay from the comfort of your cabin.

Dress in Layers for Glacier Bay

I’m usually wearing several layers on the day we cruise Glacier Bay, and I even bring electric hand warmers. Glacier Bay mornings are cold, especially when the ship first enters the bay, and everyone heads outside to watch the glaciers.

It’s usually very cold first thing in the morning when the ship enters Glacier Bay, but it can warm up later depending on the weather and how much sun the ship gets. Everyone’s tolerance for cold is different, so the best approach is to dress in layers and adjust throughout the day.

On our mid-May cruise, I wore a long-sleeve shirt with a fleece hoodie and layered my rain jacket over everything because rain was possible that morning. During a summer sailing, I still needed multiple layers, including a hoodie and a flannel. I could have easily worn my Columbia puffer jacket as well if the temperatures had stayed colder.

Small accessories help too. Fingerless gloves and a knit hat can make a big difference when you’re standing outside for long stretches, watching the scenery and wildlife.

While ships usually have an observation lounge, Glacier Bay is one of those days where stepping outside is worth it. The sounds of the glaciers, the wildlife, and the crisp air are all part of the experience.

Read more: Alaska Cruise Wear Ideas from My 7-Day Cruises

Bring a Good Camera for Glacier Bay

If you enjoy taking photos, Glacier Bay is one of those days on an Alaska cruise when having a camera ready really comes in handy. A zoom lens can be helpful for getting closer shots of glaciers and wildlife you might spot along the shoreline.

That said, larger cameras and zoom lenses can be heavy and a bit of a hassle to carry around. If you plan to stay on your balcony or spend most of the day around the ship, bringing one might be worth it. Otherwise, many people prefer sticking with their phones.

Phone cameras have improved a lot over the years, and you can still capture some great photos of Glacier Bay with them. The quality might not match a dedicated camera with a zoom lens, but it’s more than enough to document the day.

If you haven’t upgraded your phone in a while, doing so before an Alaska cruise can actually make a difference. Newer phones often have much better zoom and camera settings, which can help when you’re trying to capture glaciers or wildlife from a distance.

Don’t Forget Binoculars for Alaska

Hubby is looking at Lamplugh Glacier with his binoculars.

A good pair of binoculars is a must-pack for an Alaska cruise. They make it much easier to spot wildlife along the shoreline or take a closer look at the glaciers as the ship moves through places like Glacier Bay.

The truth is, binoculars are useful throughout the entire cruise, but Glacier Bay is the day you’ll really wish you had them. It’s much easier to notice whales in the distance or pick out details in the ice when you have them in hand.

We weren’t completely sure we’d use ours on our first cruise, but we ended up reaching for them throughout the morning. With them, we could zoom in on the deep blue ice and crevasses in the glaciers, spot seals resting on the ice, watch eagles perched on chunks of floating ice, and even catch a whale spouting in the distance.

Request an Extra Blanket for Balcony Coziness

While cruising Glacier Bay, I sat on my balcony, enjoying the views and taking pictures, staying warm under a cozy blanket.

One of our Alaska cruise tips is to ask your cabin attendant for an extra blanket the day before Glacier Bay. If you’re planning to spend time on your balcony that morning, you’ll be glad you have it.

Glacier Bay mornings can be especially cold, and having an extra blanket makes it easier to stay outside longer while watching the scenery. When we cruised through the bay, I spent a good part of the morning on the balcony taking photos while wrapped up in a blanket.

Wake Up Early for Glacier Bay Day

Glacier Bay day usually starts early, with many ships entering the bay around 6 or 7 in the morning. It’s worth setting an alarm the night before so you don’t miss those first views as the ship begins cruising past glaciers and snow-covered mountains.

On our cruise, my husband was already up before me with a cup of coffee on the balcony. After a few minutes outside watching the scenery, he came back in and insisted I get up so I wouldn’t miss it. He was completely captivated by what was already unfolding outside.

On our last cruise, the park ranger commentary started around 8:00 a.m., and we reached Margerie Glacier around 9:00 a.m. Those early hours turned out to be some of our favorite moments of the day. The bay was quiet, and we watched the landscape slowly reveal itself as the ship moved deeper into Glacier Bay.

Enjoy Glacier Bay from Your Cabin with Room Service

One of the nicest ways to start a day in Glacier Bay is to order room service for breakfast and coffee. That way, you can stay in your cabin or on your balcony while the ship begins cruising through the bay.

We’ve done this a couple of times, and having coffee and breakfast delivered meant we didn’t have to leave the view to go find food. It made it easy to stay outside and keep watching the scenery as the ship slowly moved deeper into Glacier Bay.

Just check your cruise line’s room service policy ahead of time. Some cruise lines include breakfast room service, while others may charge a small fee.

Engage with the Park Ranger’s Insights on Glacier Bay

While cruising Glacier Bay, park rangers come onboard to provide commentary about the glaciers, wildlife, and history of the area. You can usually listen to the ranger throughout the ship and on your cabin TV. Check your cruise newsletter for the channel or schedule so you know when it begins.

On our last cruise, we actually ran into one of the rangers at the aft of the ship. As we walked up, he immediately spotted puffins in the water and pointed them out to everyone nearby. It was a good reminder of how trained their eyes are. They spend so much time in this environment that they often notice wildlife long before passengers do.

Many ships also host a ranger talk or presentation in the theater or atrium during Glacier Bay day. It’s a great chance to learn more about the park and ask questions.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep an eye on the daily schedule. On the Norwegian Encore, there was even a Junior Ranger program where kids met with rangers and earned a badge.

Don’t Miss the Sound of Glacier Calving

Glacier Bay is incredibly quiet, and part of the experience is hearing what’s happening around you. One of the moments you won’t want to miss is the sound of a glacier calving.

When a chunk of ice breaks off and crashes into the water, the silence can suddenly be broken by a deep roar or crack that carries across the bay. Sometimes you’ll hear the roar before you see the ice fall, and other times you’ll just hear it somewhere across the bay without seeing it at all.

It’s also one of those moments when people naturally pause and listen. Keeping things quiet on your balcony or on deck helps everyone enjoy those sounds when they happen.

Step Outside to Different Areas of the Ship

Your balcony is one of the best places to watch Glacier Bay, but it’s also worth walking around the ship for different views. After spending the morning on our balcony and seeing Margerie Glacier, we decided to head out and explore other outdoor areas of the ship.

For me, part of the fun is seeing Glacier Bay from different perspectives and watching everyone else take it in, too. There’s a shared excitement on the decks as people spot wildlife, point things out to each other, and take photos.

Bow access: Many cruise lines open the bow during Glacier Bay day, which isn’t always accessible on other days of the cruise. Standing at the front of the ship gives you a completely different perspective as the ship moves slowly through the bay.

Aft decks: The aft can be a great place to watch the scenery if you’re looking for a quieter spot. I’ve often found fewer crowds there, with beautiful views looking back across the water.

Ship rotation at Margerie Glacier: When ships reach Margerie Glacier, they usually pause and slowly rotate so both sides of the ship get a good view. Walking around the ship during this time lets you see the glacier from different angles.

Warm drinks and snacks: Some ships set up stations with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on the outer decks, and sometimes even small snacks like chowder for passengers spending the morning outside. I even grabbed an Irish coffee… well, without the coffee. So, really just Bailey’s with whipped cream.

Respect the Environment

Experiencing a place like this is a privilege. Being surrounded by so much untouched nature is part of what makes cruising through the bay so special. As visitors, we all play a role in helping protect it.

• Don’t toss anything overboard.
• Respect wildlife and keep your distance.
• Follow the park rules and guidance from the crew and park rangers.

It’s a small effort that helps keep this environment protected for everyone who gets to experience it.

What to Expect on a Cruise While Cruising Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay day is a big event on an Alaska cruise. The ship slowly cruises through the bay for several hours, and much of the activity on board centers around the scenery outside.

Many passengers wake up early, sometimes before sunrise, so they don’t miss the first views as the ship enters the bay. Some start their morning with breakfast delivered to their cabin, while others head to the public decks and observation areas to claim a good viewing spot. Here are a few things you can expect during the day.

You’ll Receive Maps and Information the Night Before
The night before Glacier Bay day, your cruise line will usually leave a map of Glacier Bay in your cabin along with the daily newsletter and other information about the park. The map is helpful for following the ship’s route and the park ranger’s commentary.

Park Rangers Board the Ship for Commentary
Park rangers from Glacier Bay National Park board the ship by boat early in the morning. They stay on board for several hours, providing live commentary about the glaciers, wildlife, and history of the park. Rangers often host presentations and are available to answer passengers’ questions.

All Hands on Deck
Cruise ships always have staff around, but Glacier Bay day can feel like all hands on deck. Crew members are stationed throughout the ship to help passengers, answer questions, and assist with the busy viewing areas.

Extra Coffee Stations and Snacks May Be Set Up
The ship’s buffet and restaurants typically open as usual, but many passengers spend most of the morning outside. Because of that, cruise lines often set up coffee, juice, and water stations on the outer decks. Later in the morning, some ships also hand out hot chocolate, pastries, or even seafood chowder.

Public Viewing Decks Open
Public viewing decks become popular spots throughout the ship. Some cruise lines even open the bow for Glacier Bay day so passengers can enjoy panoramic views and take photos from the front of the ship.

Incredible Glacier and Landscape Views
One of the main reasons people cruise to Glacier Bay is to see the massive tidewater glaciers and the surrounding wilderness. Much of this area is only accessible by water, which is why cruising through the bay is such a unique experience.

Opportunities to See Wildlife
Wildlife sightings are common while cruising Glacier Bay. During our visits, we saw whales, seals resting on icebergs, and eagles perched along the shoreline.

A Shared Experience With Other Passengers
There’s also something special about experiencing Glacier Bay with everyone on board. One moment, the decks are quiet as people take in the scenery, and the next someone shouts “Whale!” and the whole area comes alive.

Common Questions About Cruising Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay Is Home to a Variety of Wildlife

Glacier Bay is home to a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, brown bears, and moose. As the ship cruises through the bay, many passengers keep their eyes on the water and shoreline, looking for movement. During our visits, we saw whales, seals resting on icebergs, and eagles perched along the shoreline.