day cruises from juneau to glacier bay

Experience True Nature

Wilderness adventure tours beyond imagination, glacier bay cruises | glacier bay tours from juneau, welcome to the ice age - join alaska's famous glacier bay cruise .

Glacier Bay National Park - with its high mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, an abundance of marine wildlife and massive tidewater glaciers - is one of Alaska's most spectacular National Parks and best seen during your Glacier Bay Cruise. When Captain George Vancouver sailed through the ice-choked waters of Icy Strait in 1794, Glacier Bay was little more than a dent in a mountain of ice. In 1879 John Muir made his legendary discovery of Glacier Bay and found that the end of the bay had retreated 20 miles from Icy Strait. Today, glaciers still cover 27 percent of the Park. There are more than 50 named glaciers of which seven are active tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Two of them, Johns Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers, are advancing. Encircling the park to the west is the Fairweather Range, the highest coastal mountains in the world at 15,000 feet. Experience Glacier Bay from the comfort of the catamaran during a Glacier Bay Cruise. The bay is rich with marine life, including the endangered humpback whale, orcas, threatened Stellar sea lion, harbor seals, sea otters and porpoises. In addition Glacier Bay is home to a large bear population, both brown and black, as well as the blue glacier bear, a rare color phase of the black. Sitka blacktail deer and mountain goats thrive in the park. Popular activities are kayaking, glacier viewing and whale watching tour to Point Adolphus .

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Taking You Back in Time

Spend the day on the waters of Glacier Bay and see magnificent tidewater glaciers, ancient snow-capped mountains, whales, stellar sea lions, rare birds such as puffins, coastal bears, seals, eagles, and so much more.

Aboard our comfortable, high-speed catamaran, you'll travel through dramatically different ecosystems - moving from the fully developed rainforest that surrounds Glacier Bay Lodge to the lichen-encrusted rocks that exist on the edges of the massive tidewater glaciers of the park.

Midway through the day, the catamaran arrives at the faces of the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, two towering masses of ice and snow rising 245 feet above the ocean and stretching another 100 feet beneath the water. The ice that calves from the face of the two glaciers is an average of 200 years old - so in a way, watching the ice break off of the glaciers is like watching the passage of time. This great Alaska vacation will leave you speechless.

This tour is the only scheduled day tour permitted inside Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Advance Reservations Highly Recommended.

Tour Information

This eight-hour voyage is a grand experience that promises you a lifetime of memories - so book it now! 

Cancellation Policy

Reservation cancellations more than 72 hours prior to tour will receive a refund less a $25 cancellation fee per tour ticket. Reservation Cancellations within 72 hours prior to tour will result in full deposit forfeiture.

Payment Policy

Advanced payment is required at time of booking reservation(s). Payment may be made by credit card only.

Coast Guard Regulations

Due to Coast Guard Regulations, prior to boarding the vessel photo I.D. may be required. All passengers boarding the vessel are subject to screening and inspection of person, baggage or cargo. 

Glacier Bay Getaway

Quick Details

• Map Marker Location: Juneau
• Hour Glass Duration: 12 Hours
• User Ages: Ages 3+

Discover the Majesty of Alaska’s Glaciers and Wildlife

Experience a remarkable day of glaciers, wildlife and stunning scenery. This offering is brought to you by Alaska Dream Cruises. Alaska Dream Cruises is authorized by Special Use Permit to provide guiding and outfitting services in the Tongass National Forest and is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Tour Highlights

• Live your Alaskan dreams on this extensive exploration of the West Arm of Glacier Bay National Park
• Round-trip cruise transportation from Auke Bay
• Stops for photography and viewing at South Marble Island and Gloomy Knob
• Tidewater glacier viewing, including the stunning Margerie Glacier
• Narration from a knowledgeable captain and naturalist
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, black and brown bears, wolves, mountain goats, moose, and more!
• Chevron down What to Bring
• While snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, lunch is not included. Please feel free to bring your own meal items.
• Keep a rain jacket, hat, and gloves close at hand at all times.
• Warm Layers.
• Camera and/or handheld video equipment.
• USD Cash / Credit Cards for onboard purchases
• Chevron down Vessel Amenities & Inclusions
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and select snacks
• Additional beverages, including alcohol, and snacks available for purchase in the galley
• Souvenirs sourced from Alaskan makers available in the gift shop
• Spacious outdoor observation deck 
• Climate controlled interior seating with panoramic windows
• Includes one, or more, restroom(s)
• Chevron down Good to Know

Motion Sickness: Persons sensitive to motion sickness may wish to take medication at least one hour prior to the tour departure time.

Tour Minimums: Tours do need to hit a minimum capacity to run. We will contact guests 48 hours in advance if tour has not reached the minimum.

Cancellation Policy: A $10/person processing fee will be charged for cancellations made after the booking is confirmed. Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days prior to the tour date. 50% refund if you cancel 3-6 days prior to the tour date. No refund if you cancel less than 48 hours prior to the tour date. If the tour is cancelled by the operator for any reason, the customer will receive a full refund.

• Chevron down Participation Requirements

Age Restrictions: Guests must be 3+ due to the longer duration.

Please note: there are no changing tables available, and there is no room for strollers onboard. While there is no charge for children two years old & younger, all guests must have a ticket due to coast guard regulations.

Accessibility: Participants must be able to walk approximately 100 feet down an awning covered passenger ramp with a handrail. Boarding the vessel requires transiting 3-4 steps with non-lifting assistance only. The topside observation deck is accessed via stairs with a handrail.

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Last updated: August 12, 2022

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Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826

907 697-2230

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How to Visit Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska: Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

Glacier Bay National Park is a place of incredible beauty in a remote wilderness with glaciers, mountains and wildlife. It is truly unforgettable. It’s a place that can be quickly visited on a cruise ship, which is how 95% of visitors experience its beauty.

If you visit Glacier Bay National Park on your own you gain the opportunity to go deeper with this unique place . You can go deeper into this gorgeous wilderness, meet the people, the wildlife, the glaciers, the very land itself. Make sure you give yourself enough time to spend a few hours just experiencing it. Possibly walking along the beach, or sitting on the beach, or taking some deep breaths next to a giant tree, or sitting on covered deck of the lodge enjoying a beer or a cup of coffee while the rain falls around you. Expect to be changed.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park from Juneau

• How much does it cost to go to Glacier Bay?
• Where to stay (including details about camping)
• What to do in Glacier Bay
• 4 Day Glacier Bay National Park itinerary
• Getting food and supplies
• What to pack

Related : How to visit Alaska without a car

Listen to our conversation with Glacier Bay Ranger Matt Enderle on the Alaska Uncovered Podcast:

Glacier Bay is located west of Juneau, Alaska . You’ll need to get to Juneau first in order to get to the park. Glacier Bay National Park is located on a peninsula that is surrounded by water and icefields and there are no roads in or out. You can only access Glacier Bay National Park by boat or by plane from Juneau. You can NOT drive to Glacier Bay ! We’ll discuss both options. The vast majority of visitors to Glacier Bay visit on a cruise ship, this post focuses on how to get there if you’re traveling on your own.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park by Boat from Juneau

This is the least expensive, slowest and most complicated way to get to Glacier Bay National Park. It’s awesome, super scenic and relaxing, as long as you can handle a few logistics and have more time for travel. You can fly to Juneau from Seattle (2 hours) and then take the Alaska ferry from Juneau to Gustavus and then take a taxi or the Glacier Bay lodge shuttle from the ferry dock to Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park (the cost of both is about $30 round trip). The ferry schedule varies from year and is generally released in February for the coming summer season. Usually the ferry goes to Glacier Bay about three days a week.

I previously wrote about taking the ferry all the way from Bellingham, WA. In that post I also talk about how to read the ferry schedule and what’s available on board the ferry. The ferry from Juneau to Gustavus takes 4-6 hours depending on whether or not it stops in another port on the way. If you fly to Juneau and then take the ferry, you’ll need to take a taxi or rideshare from the airport to the ferry terminal. This costs around $20 each way.

One reason to consider the ferry is that you can bring bear spray (discussed below) and cooking fuel for your campstove (though you cannot use the campstove on the ferry). Getting supplies in Gustavus is challenging so this is something worth considering. You can always leave those items there and fly back. This is discussed in more detail below under “food and supplies”.

How to get to Glacier Bay National Park by Plane from Juneau

This is the faster and more expensive way to go. It’s also less complicated as there are more flight options and you don’t need to get between the airport and ferry terminal in Juneau. You’ll already be at the airport. The first step is to fly to Juneau and the second step is to book a flight from Juneau to Gustavus. The flight between Juneau and Gustavus will be on a small plane, which is a fun addition to your adventure!

Keep in mind that the flights on small planes in Alaska are subject to delays and cancellations based on weather. It’s important to stay flexible and give yourself a good amount of time between flights in Juneau (especially on the way back). Alaska Airlines does operate one flight a day on a jet between Gustavus and Juneau from early June through late August.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Glacier Bay National Park?

The cost of a trip to Glacier Bay can vary widely. Glacier Bay National Park does not charge an entrance fee . You can visit it almost for free (once you get there) if you:

• Stay in the free Bartlett Cove Campground
• Skip any tours in favor of hiking and beachwalking out of Bartlett Cove
• Bring all your own camp food with you

I recommend building a budget so you can see some of the highlights , since you’ll need to invest some money to travel to Alaska in the first place! Read all my tips for saving money on your trip to Alaska here .

Below is a sample of some of the things you should plan to budget for to visit Glacier Bay National Park:

When should I visit Glacier Bay National Park?

The Glacier Bay Lodge and the Glacier Bay Day Boat Tour (both discussed below) are open from Memorial day weekend (late May) until Labor Day (early September) . This is the time that you want to visit! Outside of this time, a visit to Glacier Bay as an independent traveler isn’t a realistic option.

I recommend visiting in the earlier part of the season (late May and early June) because it’s less crowded. It is also statistically less rainy than later in August and September. It’s important to keep in mind that Glacier Bay National Park is RAINY and CHILLY at any time in the summer. Typical summer temperatures are in the 50s and 60s, though you could experience warmer weather at times. It is imperative that if you plan a visit to Glacier Bay National Park that you are prepared for and expecting rain.

Where to Stay in Glacier Bay

There are vacation rentals available in Gustavus, but here I will focus on your two options for staying in the park, since the town is 10 miles away. Definitely stay in Bartlett Cove if you are coming to visit Glacier Bay National Park as an independent traveler. You have two options, the Glacier Bay Lodge and the Bartlett Cove Campground .

The Glacier Bay Lodge is expensive, starting at around $250 per night for a solid, comfortable, though basic room. Rooms are situated around the lodge in cabins. There are no TVs and NO CELL SERVICE. Wifi is available in the lodge lobby, but not in the rooms. The other option is to camp in the Bartlett Cove Campground, which I highly recommend as long as you have a tent with a SOLID rainfly. Read my guide to camping in Alaska here !

Camping at Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park

This campground is absolutely fantastic. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. There are only two downsides to it: it’s in a very rainy place and it’s remote, so if you forgot something you’ll have to improvise. This is bear country, and the park service has strict rules for the campground to ensure safety of bears and people.

When you arrive, you’ll go to the Visitor Information station that’s near the dock (and a 5 minute walk from the lodge). They’ll issue your free permit and give you an orientation. It’s important to pay attention to the rules and follow them. The big ones are no food, cooking materials or toiletries in the tent area (they have food caches that are like sheds that you keep these things in, there are several in the campground). The other big rule is no cooking by your tent . The sites are in the trees, and you can cook and eat anywhere on the beach in the intertidal zone (so that the smells wash away when the tide comes in). Here are the reasons why the campground is awesome:

• It’s FREE
• It’s BEAUTIFUL
• New (in 2019) composting toilets
• There are showers (they aren’t in the campground, they are a the lodge which is a 5 minute walk away), you go to the gift shop and pay $5 and they give you a key to the shower for half an hour. They also provide a towel, soap, shampoo and conditioner!
• Laundry is available (again, it’s at the lodge). It’s coin operated $2 for wash, $2 for dry
• Covered set of picnic tables near the dock (this is not right in the campground but it’s very close, 5 minute walk)
• Flush restrooms in that same location (near the dock)
• There is a filtered water bottle filling station by the dock
• There is a hose and wash station for gear by the dock
• Trash AND RECYCLING are available near the dock
• If you forgot food, didn’t bring enough food, don’t want to cook or if you change your mind about cooking in bad weather there’s a lodge (5 minute walk) where you can just go and have your meals, or a meal, or a drink!).
• The lodge also has a lobby with chairs where you can sit and read a book, there’s also a small LIBRARY upstairs where you can do the same.
• Did I mention it’s beautiful? And remote? And awesome?

Things to do in Glacier Bay National Park

1. glacier bay day boat tour.

In my opinion, the Day Boat Tour is a MUST do . I’m telling you this because it’s expensive ($240/person) and you might be tempted not to do it, but really, it’s absolutely incredible! I’ve never been on a day boat tour anywhere in Alaska that wasn’t awesome, but this one is really incredible! I highly recommend it. One of the best day tours you can do in Alaska . This is also the only way to see the glaciers in Glacier Bay, as they are not viewable from Bartlett Cove where you’ll be staying.

Glacier Bay is absolutely beautiful without seeing the Glaciers, but you don’t want to miss this!! If it’s good weather, you’ll be able to see mountains all around as well, but if if it’s rainy, foggy or cloudy you’ll still be able to see the glaciers at the head of the bay and lots of wildlife ! I saw many whales (including some breaching, which is when they jump out of the water and I had never seen that before, so cool!), two bears, many sea lions, sea otters, seals and lots and lots of birds of all kinds. Amazing!

You’ll want to book the boat ahead of time, you can do that here . It’s operated by the lodge. The boat is a full day, it departs at 7:30 am from the dock in Bartlett Cove and you return about 3:30. They provide hot drinks, a clam chowder snack, and lunch (a sandwich and chips). There are additional snacks as well as beer and wine available for purchase on board.

Make sure to dress warmly for this trip so you can be outside on deck as much as you want. When you’re at the head of the bay near the glaciers, it will be colder, and the boat is fast so it’s very windy on deck even in warm and clear weather. They also provide maps, binoculars and there will be a park ranger on board to tell you everything you want to know about what you’re seeing! They also love your questions!

Related : Best places to see wildlife in Alaska

2. Visit the Huna Tribal House

The Huna Tribal House is the most unique and important element of a visit to Glacier Bay. It is a place where the story of reconcilation is being played out right now. In Glacier Bay, the Huna Tlingit are collaborating with the park service to build opportunity for Huna Tlingit people on their land. This is a unique and collaborative effort, and while certainly not complete, it’s movement in the right direction and incredibly hopeful and beautiful.

There are regular interpretive programs (check the schedule in the visitor center at the lodge) led by Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreters . Even with all of Glacier Bay’s natural beauty, wildlife and solitude, this is one of the biggest highlights of a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn about Huna Tlingit culture and witness this breathtaking art, both in and on the Tribal House as well as the totem poles.

3. Kayaking around the Beardslee Islands

Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks offers half day and full day kayak rentals or tours around Bartlett Cove. They do not allow you to rent and kayak alone, so if you are a solo traveler you’ll need to join a tour. You don’t need any previous experience to take part in this! They will provide all the gear you need and teach you what you need to know. The full day tour includes lunch.

Paddling gives a different perspective on the water and is a wonderful way to see wildlife. If you’re wanting to plan a multi day backcountry kayaking adventure, they can help you with that too!

4. Hiking in Bartlett Cove

There are a number of trails near Bartlett Cove, the park service has an excellent trail guide here .

The Forest Trail is a short, 1 mile, minimal elevation gain loop through the forest and along the beach. This is a good trail for getting oriented when you arrive, or to stretch your legs after the day boat tour.

The Bartlett River Trail is a mellow four mile round trip, minimal elevation gain hike through the forest to the estuary at the mouth of the Bartlett River. This is a good half day hike option.

If you want a longer, more remote adventure, you could go for the Bartlett Lake Trail (10 miles round trip).

5. Tidepooling and Exploring the Beach

Exploring the beach is an excellent any type of weather activity! It’s especially fun at low tide (check the tides at the visitor center in the lodge or the visitor information center near the dock). You can explore the beach in both directions from the campground and dock area for many miles. Just make sure to pay attention to time and how far you’ve walked.

4 Day Itinerary to Visit Glacier Bay National Park

Now that we’ve talked about how to get there, when to get there and what to do, it’s time to put it all together! You could make it shorter by doing more in a shorter time or skipping some of the activities listed above. For example, you could decide not to do a longer hike, or you could decide to fly out from Gustavus the same day as you do the day boat or a kayak trip. Here’s a suggested leisurely 4 day itinerary (including travel from Juneau):

• Day 1: Ferry or Fly from Juneau to Gustavus . Get settled in the campground or lodge. Take a walk on the beach and/or along the Forest trail
• Day 2: Day Boat Tour , visit the Huna Tribal House
• Day 3: Half or full day kayak trip
• Day 4: Hike Bartlett River Trail or the beach, ferry or fly back to Juneau in the afternoon

Food and Supplies in Glacier Bay

The part of your trip that is going to require the most planning is food and supplies. Once you reach Gustavus, you are in rural, remote Alaska and finding things is difficult and they will be very expensive . If you can afford the time, I recommend taking the ferry from Juneau so that you can get your supplies together (including fuel and bear spray, discussed below). You can then travel with them by ferry (you can’t bring cooking fuel or bear spray on airplanes).

One option is to take the ferry to Gustavus, but fly on the way back. You can leave your cooking fuel and bear spray in the camper exchange at the visitor information center near the dock.

Another option is to bring freeze dried food and shelf stable snacks with you from home. If you’re not going to be cooking your own food, you don’t have to worry about this so much, you can just bring a few snacks and be good to go.

If you plan on doing any hiking or camping having bear spray is a good idea. Bear spray is essentially pepper spray in a larger container. The idea is that you carry it and if you encounter a bear you get ready to spray if it charges you. It’s a personal decision whether or not to carry it, but this is a place you definitely want to consider it. If you’re wanting to fly and try to buy it once you arrive, try calling the park service to see if they have any bear spray in the exchange. In the exchange, campers leave things like bear spray and cooking fuel and you can take it when you arrive.

At the gift shop in the lodge you can get a few things, and there are a couple of stores in Gustavus (keep in mind that this is 10 miles from Bartlett Cove, where you’ll be staying), but in general it’s a good idea to bring what you need with you in terms of food and supplies .

There is NO CELL SERVICE in Bartlett Cove or anywhere in the park . Wifi IS available in the lodge lobby and at the dock, but not in the campground or lodge rooms. If you’re camping, charging devices is also a challenge (there are a couple outlets in the lodge). See the section below for my solution to this.

What should I pack to visit Glacier Bay National Park?

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This is a trip where being organized about what you pack and not forgetting anything is important. Check out this post for my general packing list for Alaska, which is a great checklist for Glacier Bay.

Because of the likelihood of lots of rain and the remote location, a few things to call out as especially important here:

• Rain gear : This is absolutely essential. Plan on it raining the whole time and if it doesn’t you can be pleasantly surprised! I recommend either this rain jacket from REI or this Marmot one you can get on Amazon (unfortunately no plus sizes). Both are very similar and are excellent, waterproof and durable. I also recommend rain pants because even if you’re like me and hate wearing them hiking, you’ll still want them for sitting on wet things and bug protection. These REI ones are the most comfortable ones I’ve found.
• Boots : Waterproof boots are a necessity. For wet places, I prefer to use rubber boots like these , which are totally waterproof, comfortable to walk in, durable and warm. Hiking boots would also work well.
• Warm clothes , including a hat and gloves: temperatures are chilly compared to most of the US during the summer, you don’t want to be cold!
• Lighter weight clothes : it is possible for it to be sunny! If this happens, you’ll want some lighter layers
• A hat with a brim : this is for sun protection, but also so that you can use a bug net with it (there are mosquitoes in Glacier Bay!)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection : If the sun comes out, it’s intense! And, if you’re on the water, even more intense.
• If you’re going hiking, the 10 essentials . This is particularly important here as you’re in a very remote area.
• Binoculars (the day boat provides ones you can use, but you may want them for hikes and looking at the water for whales as well)
• A lightweight travel mug : even if you’re not camping, this is awesome for enjoying your hot drinks on the ferry, or taking it from the lodge for a walk outside.
• One or two waterbottles for hikes and day trips.
• A pack cover or garbage bag to put over your backpack (or whatever you are carrying your gear in) if it’s not waterproof
• Analog entertainment such as a Kindle in airplane mode with books already on it, other reading material, sketchbook, portable games, etc. Make sure everything is downloaded so you don’t need to connect to wifi or a phone signal to get it. I also recommend a backup battery for your phone (and keep your phone in airplane mode which saves a lot of battery power in remote locations).
• Any toiletries or personal items you need, prescriptions
• If you’re camping: Headlamp, camp stove and fuel (no fuel on airplanes), any cooking utensils you use, tent with a REAL rainfly and stakes, camping pad and sleeping bag. Read all my advice for camping in Alaska here .

If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, check out this post about the best things to do all across the state! If you’re planning to visit other national parks in Alaska, read my guide for that here .

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Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay

Roundtrip juneau from $5,500 on board wilderness legacy.

Take the most active expedition we offer in the backcountry of Southeast Alaska! Kayak, hike, paddle board, skiff, and bushwhack through rarely-visited areas.

Included Highlights:

• Explore parts of Glacier Bay National Park rarely seen by visitors
• Hike, mountain bike, skiff, and kayak inside Hobart Bay
• All day kayak and "yak-and-whack" opportunities
• Wildlife search: humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, seals, bears, moose, puffins, and other sea birds
• Isolated LeConte Glacier (no mega ships here!)
• Opportunities to hike, kayak, paddle board, skiff, and bushwhack, all in one week
• Brown bear search near the shores of Chichagof Island
• Hike and kayak Thomas Bay, the land of the kushtaka, a half-man, half-sea otter

NAV = Navigator Cabin, TRB = Trailblazer Cabin, PAT = Pathfinder Cabin, ADM = Admiral Cabin, COM = Commodore Suite, SGL = Single Cabin

Day-by-Day Details

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: Juneau Embarkation

After a day of exploring Alaska’s Capital City of Juneau, you'll board the Wilderness Legacy just in time for a welcome cocktail or glass of Champagne before dinner. The captain and crew will introduce themselves and provide an overview of the adventure that awaits this week with a kick - off toast! Listen for the whistles as the Wilderness Legacy departs . These horns and whistles come from Captain Dan’s family collection…video on!   (D)

Day 2: Hobart Bay

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Hobart Bay. Start your day with a refreshing kayak excursion, gliding through calm waters or join our naturalists on an invigorating hike, uncovering the secrets of the local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, and a chance to spot eagles soaring overhead. For those skilled cyclists, try a short mountain bike excursion deep into the forest. As the day winds down, gather on deck for wildlife watching, an evening happy hour in the lounge or captivating presentation by our expert guides.  (BLD)

Day 3: LeConte Glacier

Enjoy LeConte Glacier, noted as the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, and an awe-inspiring landscape. Guests witness the glacier's imposing beauty up close, a highlight of the Alaskan wilderness.   Realize there are no mega ships at this most amazing glacier, as they are much too LARGE to enter the shallow entrance to this magical wilderness fjord. We will spend most of our day here, exploring by kayak, small boat and if conditions permit , by stand-up paddle board. We may even have a chance to go ashore and frolic amongst ice bergs stranded on the beach. (BLD)

Day 4: Thomas Bay, Land of Kushtaka

Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, we have a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day. (BLD)

Day 5: Whale Watching & Kuiu Island

The west side of Kuiu Island is our playground for the day. We’re in black-bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into a Bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. Rafts of otters float by – unperturbed by our presence, and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring – resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient rich waters provide opportunity not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (we have the warmest wetsuits known to man, fear not) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea-stars on earth – a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten as you’re transported into what can only be described as a “cold water tropical reef ”. The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine. (BLD)

Day 7: Glacier Bay National Park Outback

This national park covers 3.3 million acres ( that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and icefields is energizing . As the day winds down, it's time for Captain's Dinner. But that's not all – you'll also get to watch a slideshow of all the amazing things you've done this week. It's like a movie starring you, the incredible explorer for kids and families. (BLD)

Day 6: Brown Bear Search Near the Shores of Chichagof Island

Seek out the elusive Coastal Brown Bear along this rugged coastline. The East side of Chichagof Island includes three specific areas that have exceptionally good opportunities for sighting these wonderful creatures. Your Captain will use his knowledge to put you in the best spot, which changes regularly. This day may include the opportunity for hikes ashore, kayaking, skiff rides and hopefully watching brown bears from all our small boats and kayaks. The bear population is abundant in this area. The day concludes as we get underway, and guests share their experiences and photos with fellow travelers. (BLD)

Day 8: Juneau Disembarkation

Welcome back to Juneau. Enjoy your last breakfast aboard. Check every nook and cranny of your cabin for all of your things and say farewell to the crew as we disembark, get that last family photo and wave goodbye until next time. ( B)

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Glacier Bay Small Ship Cruises

Glacier Bay is the crown jewel of Alaska’s national parks. The large concentration of dramatic tidewater glaciers combined with whales, wildlife and a newborn landscape emerging from under the ice make Glacier Bay a top destination for anyone seeking an Alaska cruise . View our selection of the best Glacier Bay cruises .

Our experts share everything you need to know to find the right Glacier Bay National Park cruise at the best price. Below find our favorite small ship cruises to Glacier Bay, Alaska.

ON THIS PAGE – Glacier Bay Cruises & Tours: Where is Glacier Bay? Why Cruise Glacier Bay National Park 5 Reasons You Should Visit Glacier Bay Glacier Bay Cruise or Land Tour? Best Glacier Bay Cruises Glacier Bay Tours The Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay Glacier Bay Cruise Permits Best Small Ship Cruise Lines View All Glacier Bay Cruises & Tours

WHERE IS GLACIER BAY?

Glacier Bay National Park is located 60 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska at the northern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage. The park is massive, about the size of Connecticut, covering 3.3 million acres of Southeast Alaska. The town of Gustavus is located at the bay’s entrance and is known as the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Gustavus and Glacier Bay are accessible only by boat or by plane. Our president and founder, Todd Smith started his career as a guide aboard small ships in Glacier Bay.

WHY CRUISE GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Why is Glacier Bay so special? Two hundred years ago Glacier Bay did not exist. The entire bay was filled with a massive glacier one hundred miles long and thousands of feet thick. Since that time the glacier has retreated nearly 70 miles, leaving the many smaller tidewater glaciers that we see today. In the process a new landscape was born.  

5 REASONS YOU SHOULD CRUISE GLACIER BAY

• Glaciers – Glacier Bay contains a high concentration of tidewater glaciers. A tidewater glacier is one that reaches the sea and calves icebergs into the water. Experiencing a tidewater glacier up close from a small ship, kayak or skiff is a powerful experience and a highlight of any visit.
• Natural History – In Glacier Bay you’ll go back in time. At the bay’s entrance you’ll walk among towering old growth temperate rainforest. As you sail toward the glaciers the green old growth gives way to younger forest and then dense alder and willow thickets. Near the glaciers hike in a newly uncovered landscape of barren rock pioneered by moss, lichen and hardy flowers. You’ve gone back in time and witnessed 200 years of the succession of life in just one day. 
• Wildlife – Glacier Bay is home to a diverse array of terrestrial and marine animals. You’ll find coastal brown bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves, bald eagles and more. The newly uncovered landscape in the upper bay is not covered in forest, making wildlife viewing easy. In the water you’ll find Humpback whales, orca whales (also known as killer whales), sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise and more. Over 280 species of birds have been recorded in Glacier Bay. 
• History – From George Vancouver to John Muir, Glacier Bay has a rich history of exploration, science and discovery. Declared a National Monument in 1925, Glacier Bay became a National Park in 1980. Throughout that time many characters have contributed to its fascinating history.
• Culture – Glacier Bay is the traditional home of the Huna Tlingit people. They lived in the bay since time immemorial, even before the last advance and retreat of the ice. The story of Glacier Bay is not complete without acknowledging the past and present of its original inhabitants. 

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GLACIER BAY CRUISE OR LAND TOUR?

We are often asked what is the best way to visit Glacier Bay? The best way to experience Glacier Bay, Alaska is aboard a small ship cruise. The vast nature of the bay and surrounding regions, full of glacial fjords, small bays and rugged coastline are perfectly suited to small ship cruising. Small ships cruise close to shore scanning for wildlife and linger longer when animals are spotted. Learn the difference between small ship cruises and big ships .

IN DEPTH GLACIER BAY SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Most of the cruises listed at the bottom of this page will spend one full day exploring Glacier Bay. It takes a full day to just get into the park, sail up bay to the glaciers and return. However, a handful of unique small ship cruises spend more time in Glacier Bay for the ultimate experience. Check out the cruises below for the most in depth exploration of Glacier Bay National Park.

Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure

An intimate 12-guest historic yacht spends a full week exploring Glacier Bay. The Sea Wolf is Alaskan owned and operated by Glacier Bay’s most knowledgeable naturalists. Embarks and disembarks in Gustavus.

Discover Glacier Bay

Discover Glacier Bay aboard the 12-guest Catalyst or the 8-guest Westward . 8- or 10-day cruises begin and end in Juneau, spending 6-8 days exploring Glacier Bay. Food is sacred aboard these vessels and this philosophy fosters the sense of community and adventure on board.

Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay

A small ship expedition cruise covering the highlights of Alaska’s Inside Passage with 2 full days actively exploring and cruising in Glacier Bay. Begins and ends in Juneau aboard the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer or the 84-guest Safari Endeavour . 

VIEW ALL GLACIER BAY CRUISES & TOURS

See the full list of trips to Glacier Bay Alaska

GLACIER BAY TOURS

Travelers not interested in a cruise can consider visiting Glacier Bay on a land-based tour. Glacier Bay tours rely on day boats to access the heart of the bay and the glaciers themselves.

Land tours are based from hotels and upscale lodges in Juneau and Glacier Bay. Guided day tours mimic the experience of a small ship cruise. Explore the national park on a day cruise with a ranger. Sea kayak with expert guides in search of eagles and bears. Experience Alaska’s best whale watching at Point Adolphus. Fishing and flight seeing are popular add ons. 

Glacier Bay Backcountry Explorer

Visit Glacier Bay National Park from the Bear Track Inn in Gustavus. Three full days are devoted to cruising Glacier Bay, kayaking and whale watching, with a helicopter-accessed glacier adventure. This is the perfect land-based alternative to a small ship cruise.

Our private Glacier Bay tours include accommodations, internal flights, transfers, guided tours, most meals and park fees. View our Glacier Bay Backcountry Explorer or contact us to customize your own private tour to Glacier Bay. 

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

The best time to visit Glacier Bay is June, July and August. The Glacier Bay cruising season begins in April and runs through September. Find more detail on the best time to visit Alaska . 

Spring in Glacier Bay

May is the month with the least amount of rain in Glacier Bay. Early season is characterized by snow-covered mountains which can drive animals toward the water, making them uniquely viewable from small ships. Seals give birth, seabirds and migratory humpback whales are starting to arrive in the early summer. 

Summer in Glacier Bay

Summer high season runs mid-June through mid-August and is characterized by long days, lots of wildlife, whales and a better chance for clear skies. Seabirds have arrived and are nesting. Whales have migrated and are furiously feeding. Book early if you plan to travel in mid-summer.

Fall in Glacier Bay

Fall comes early and by mid-August the weather is getting wetter. Bears are feeding on salmon. Whales are desperate to fatten up before migration. Seabirds are leaving their nests. The fall colors in August and early September are incredible. Days are getting cooler and shorter and northern lights may be spotted at night. 

GLACIER BAY CRUISE PERMITS

A permit is required for a ship to cruise into Glacier Bay National Park. During the summer season only two large cruise ships (carrying over 100 guests) and three small ships (carrying under 100 guests) are allowed to enter the national park each day. This system protects wildlife and the environment, while preserving a wilderness experience for visitors.

BEST GLACIER BAY SMALL SHIP CRUISE LINES

Since permits are required and limited, not all cruise lines visit Glacier Bay. We’ve been cruising Alaska since 1995 and are proud to work with the best Glacier Bay small ship cruise lines:

Sea Wolf Adventures – With permits to operate weeklong cruises inside the national park, the Sea Wolf offers the most in depth cruise of Glacier Bay.

UnCruise Adventures – A large fleet of small ships and the most adventurous programs with fully guided off-vessel hiking, kayaking and small craft excursions for an active exploration.

Lindblad Expeditions – Cutting-edge expedition ships and a partnership with National Geographic offer an intellectual and educational experience.

Alaskan Dream Cruises – With Alaska small ship cruise history dating back to 1970, Alaskan Dream is a local pioneer and offers true Alaskan hospitality.    

Pacific Catalyst – Family owned and operated with two highly celebrated historic yachts offering an authentic small ship adventure. 

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ALL GLACIER BAY CRUISES & TOURS

Roughly half of our  Alaska trips  now feature a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. Find and filter them below. Use itineraries below to start planning, then  contact our experts  to narrow down your options and get a free quote. Our experts have been helping travelers experience Glacier Bay National Park for decades. Let us translate our experience living and working in Alaska into the best Glacier Bay trip for your interests, budget and timeline..

Call now 1-877-620-2875 to talk to a Specialist

Enjoy 2 days venturing farther than 99% of visitors into Glacier Bay National Park. Plus, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Icy Strait and Chatham Strait. Choose between two 76- & 84-guest Wilderness expedition ships as your home base.

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Hear It From Glacier Bay Alaska Cruise Travelers

Spending 3 days in Glacier Bay was a great perk. Enjoyed a loose sailing itinerary so that wildlife viewing was for long periods of time. My husband and I are adventure enthusiasts. Highly recommend this trip for anyone that has the love for the outdoors.

Most enjoyed Glacier Bay National Park with gorgeous mountain views, lots of wildlife, and glaciers. Liked the variety of activities available from strenuous hikes for the super fit to easy ambles for the less ambitious.

This was one of my most memorable travel experience because of what I saw, what I learned, the people I met and the staff who were involved. The accommodations on the ship were excellent, the food was outstanding and the staff unbelievable not just for their knowledge but also their professional demeanor and friendliness. I cannot decide which experience was the most memorable.

The overall trip was a memorable experience. AdventureSmith did a good job of preparing us so that we could have maximum enjoyment of the trip and its activities.

The flexibility of the small boat, the sense of community both among passengers and between passengers and crew, was extraordinary.

This was, for our trio, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. We saw amazing sights (the endless coastline devoid of signs of habitation; the wildlife; the glaciers; the enormous sky fringed by epic peaks and clouds), and we experienced them together. We are already planning our return!

I enjoyed the humpback whales bubble-net feeding and orca whales mating the most. Spending 3 days in Glacier Bay was a great perk. Enjoyed a loose sailing itinerary so that wildlife viewing was for long periods of time. My husband and I are adventure enthusiasts. Highly recommend this trip for anyone that has the love for the outdoors.

Accommodations Review

Comfy bed, spacious room, and relaxing lounge area upstairs by the bar.

Meals Review

I'm a vegan and Chef Jeff was truly astounding at accommodating my vegan lifestyle.

Crew & Guides Review

Jeremy had a wealth of knowledge of Southeast Alaska and shared a true passion for the outdoors. Sarah was outgoing and had a great personality, which made spending excursions with her enjoyable. Flora had a great spirit about her and led great kayaking tours.

Traveler Advice

Pack a hat and gloves even in the summer time, it was COLD!

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka

Had the best humpback whale watching of my three trips to SE Alaska. Liked the variety of activities available from strenuous hikes for the super fit to easy ambles for the less ambitious. Lots of kayaking too. 

Most enjoyed Glacier Bay National Park with gorgeous mountain views, lots of wildlife, and glaciers. The weather was great as a bonus. Enjoyed the river trip at Haines with the chance to see lots of bald eagles. Olympic National Park was another highlight, just wish the weather had been better when we went to Hurricane Ridge where we really couldn't see any distance. Least enjoyed the stop in Ketchikan, maybe because I've been there twice before and it always rains hard, not just the misty rain which is to be expected in Alaska and adds an appropriate atmosphere.

I had sailed on Wilderness Discoverer before, so it was like coming home again.

The breakfast bacon on UnCruise ships is the best in the world, and I always eat more on my trips than I do all year at home. A big plate of perfectly ripe fruit available at the pre-breakfast made it easier to resist the two baked offerings that were there too. The variety and imaginative combinations of ingredients--who knew you could do so much with kale! Impressive how the single gluten intolerant guest had her requirements met at every meal.

Kelly was enthusiastic beyond words, and very knowledgeable. Our guide at Glacier Bay National Park who spent two days with us was a pleasure to have along, and I think she enjoyed us as much as we did her (sorry don't have her name) because we were a very receptive audience for all the information she had to share.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Adventure Specialist Andrew has arranged all my trips over the years, and he is as good as it gets. He even advised on which side of the ship was a better choice of cabin on this trip, and he was spot on.

• Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay
• Wilderness Discoverer
• UnCruise Adventures

This was one of my most memorable travel experience because of what I saw, what I learned, the people I met and the staff who were involved. The accommodations on the ship were excellent, the food was outstanding and the staff unbelievable not just for their knowledge but also their professional demeanor and friendliness. I cannot decide which experience was the most memorable. The experience meeting with native Tlingits either on board or at the port stops was so interesting. The visit to the totem carver on Kake was superb. The experience at Glacier Bay was superb, the view of the glacier was awesome. The trip in Glacier Bay was breathless. I enjoyed the tours in Sitka and learned much about the history of this town through the visits to various key places. There is not place I did not enjoy but think Glacier Bay is simply a scenic delight. This was an awesome adventure trip, nothing I have experienced before and it was partially because the scenery 24-7 was unbelievable but also what I learned about Alaska natives, history and culture.

Accommodations aboard the Admiralty Dream were great and totally in keeping with what one expects on a small ship. It was not glamorous but well done. I believe totally appropriate for someone who is interested in the adventure.

The food was gourmet, no question about it. I was amazed at the quality of the meals, the diversity and the range of choices.

The staff for the cruise line were outstanding, very knowledgeable and accessible at all times. They are superb.

I think we were advised correctly with regards to preparations for clothing and other items. Superb arrangements. I was very impressed with the transportation from my hotel to the ship both on embarking and disembarking. The arrangements for me to get to the airport the day of disembarkation were wonderful and not expected. Your company was superb with handling my reservations and providing information. Andrew was always available to help and I found that to be extraordinary.

This is an adventure of a lifetime.

• Glacier Bay & Island Adventure
• Admiralty Dream

The overall trip was a memorable experience. AdventureSmith did a good job of preparing us so that we could have maximum enjoyment of the trip and its activities. The ship was well kept, the crew was excited to be there and service on all levels was very good. Glacier Bay National Park was the highlight of the trip. Seeing the glaciers, kayaking in the ice fields and seeing the wildlife in that area - all were outstanding! 

Rooms were clean, vessel had plenty of activity gear for guests, ship was well maintained.  Kayak rudders were always problematic but I guess that comes with the salt water environment.

They offered plenty of variety each day.  I appreciated the choice of fresh salads, hot soups and varied entrees.  The desserts were especially good!  I was disappointed in the lack of fresh fish.  We had fish but it was definitely not fresh.  An Alaskan cruise should include more of the local offerings, not fish bought in bulk from a Costco type store.

Kent and JP were our favorite guides because of their extensive knowledge of the subjects and their passion for the area.  They were tireless - led many trips each day with the same enthusiasm each time!  Other guides put the same energy into their activities but their knowledge was not as complete. The evening presentations were a good addition but they need to be more interactive or fun.  They were too intellectual to keep attention after a long day.

The information provided was very complete and detailed.

Bring plenty of clothing layers. 

Pretty much over the moon. It didn't hurt that the weather gods gave us three sunny days at the beginning and two at the end (esp. in Glacier Bay!). But the scenery, critters (we saw the works), and calving glaciers aside, the flexibility of the small boat, the sense of community both among passengers and between passengers and crew, was extraordinary. And I'm an introvert! 

We loved staying in Ketchikan before the trip started, loved the whole town. The Alaska Dream's only shortcoming was the small lounge and lack of a place to read or write undisturbed--except, of course, the stateroom, which was fine.

Chef B's cooking was very fine, and her imagination made for zero gustatory boredom. The only problem was the high-sugar desserts twice a day. Made for over-stress on the self-control muscles. I gained six (right, 6) pounds!

Be sure to bring your own good binoculars and enough warm clothes to bear up under the KATABATIC WINDS!

Transportation Review

Captain Erik Morrow was magnificent--steady, laid-back, warm, yet instilled great confidence. Emily Herman was terrific in every way: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, responsive, experienced, imaginative in her presentations. Everyone on the boat fell in love with her. Ranger Nicole Schaub was equally engaging: really knows her stuff, very articulate, sensitive, and more than anything else, smart about the larger environmental and political issues while still being appropriately politic. We have nominated her for Secretary of the Interior in 2020. We trust she is preparing for that position now. Also, Victoria was a marvelous introduction in Ketchikan. She is grounded, genuine, ironic, and fun.

Nick was great--fun to talk with, quick to respond, clear with materials and information.

• Inside Passage Sojourn
• Alaskan Dream

This was, for our trio, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. We saw amazing sights (the endless coastline devoid of signs of habitation; the wildlife; the glaciers; the enormous sky fringed by epic peaks and clouds), and we experienced them together. My 91-year-old father-in-law was the inspiration for the trip and he came away with his expectations blown out of the water. While he'd done small ship cruises in the past, he'd never done one in Alaska. My husband and I (we're in our 50s) had never done either a cruise or Alaska, so it was an ideal introduction for us. We are already planning our return!

We went early in the season and it was soggy and sometimes cold, but we had plenty of gear and places to retreat to when we needed to get out of the elements. The crew was exceptional--they were friendly, knowledgeable, skillful, companionable, and very down-to-earth. We only had 35 people aboard the Chichagof Dream and with a crew of 25, we got to know everyone and felt very at home. The crew was quickly devoted to my independent and social father-in-law and made sure he was comfortable, heard, and cared for. They were just such great company. What a remarkable week it was for us!

We were lucky to wake up to sunny skies for the fjords of the Tracy Arm. Seeing a pretty big glacier calving soon after arrival was exciting and amazing, but just sitting in a day boat in front of the glacier for an hour or so was amazing for its serenity. A seal or two left its floe to swim nearby. And the Tracy Arm itself, with its soaring cliffs and roaring waterfalls was spectacular! The open bridge policy was a big hit with all of us; it was a kick to be able to stand with Captain Michael B. (who's a terrifically experienced master seaman, author, and cut-up) and look at charts and the passing view.

Very comfortable room in the AA cabins. Cozy, clean, unfussy, perfect. We dipped into the ship library many times; the resources enhanced our experiences for sure. The open bridge policy was a big hit with all of us; it was a kick to be able to stand with Captain Michael B. (who's a terrifically experienced master seaman, author, and cut-up) and look at charts and the passing view.

Our naturalists on board, Maggy and Kam, were informed, upbeat, and as excited about wildlife and the natural beauty around us as any of the passengers. Their enthusiasm stoked our own! Our cultural guide, Kelli, was likewise fantastic and easy to talk to. On shore in Kake, we loved Fallen and could've listened to her stories all day long (even though it was pouring down rain most of that day). We came away with a real appreciation for Alaska's landscape, history, and the Tlingit culture.

Andrew B. was responsive to my questions before and after booking. This trip was an investment, for sure, and I appreciated Andrew's help with finding something as affordable as possible. AdventureSmith was the go-between for us and Alaskan Dream Cruises. It was great to have someone to talk to about arrival and departure times.

Take packing advice seriously (my father-in-law didn't). Definitely take advantage of the rain gear on board. 

The baker on board was some sort of savant--breads, cookies, and desserts were irresistible. The main chef was also outstanding. All the food was made to order and the stewards were happy to accommodate any and all requests (even those off the menu).

• Alaskan Dream Cruises

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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All we need are a few details like how many travelers are in your group and some basic interests to get started on a custom travel recommendation for Glacier Bay tours. Or if you have time to browse, consider taking a trip we’ve recently experienced and reviewed.

Compare and contrast the various Lindblad Alaska cruises and ships from an expert who's been aboard. Learn what stands out about Lindblad's Alaska programming, guides and crew.

All you need to know before you take an Alaska UnCruise. Read this review to hear from an expert’s eye what sets this operator's cruises apart from others in Alaska.

What are the benefits of cruising expedition style through Alaska? Travel through Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska aboard the 60-guest Wilderness Adventurer.

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Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay Highlights

• View Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers
• A full day in Glacier Bay National Park
• Whale watching in Icy Strait and Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait
• Wildlife searches—bears, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and Dall’s porpoises
• South Marble Island—a bird and sea lion haulout
• Beachcomb along intertidal zones
• Hike and bushwhack in the Tongass National Forest
• Kayak, paddleboard, and skiff in glacial fjords

About Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

8 day / 7 night — Juneau to Sitka, AK From: $5,900

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There’s nothing like a hearty greeting from your crew and some bon voyage bubbly. With all souls settled in on board, you’re underway. From the bow, Southeast Alaska welcomes you with Coast Mountain views. (D)

Lynn Canal or Chatham Strait, your captain makes the call. Either choice, go with the flow. The water is fine. The guides help you gear up, and lead your adventure along the rocky outcroppings. By kayak or paddle board, take in the size of this wilderness. Bald eagles dot the tree tops. Harbor seals bob up and under. Pods of orcas—the largest in the dolphin family—skim along the water’s surface. (BLD)

What a privilege. At 3.3 million acres—this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is massive. Orange-beaked puffins, guillemots, marbled murrelets are just a few possible sightings. Keep a tally—the list will grow. Arriving at South Marble Island, you can hear and smell ‘em before you see ‘em—it’s a haulout for sea lions. Perched above around the bend, watch for mountain goats, and lower along shore, foraging bears. Up bay, glacial silt turns the water a milky white. Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers—one holding steady, the other retreating. Lounging harbor seals laze on bits of bergs. And if time allows, tuck up in Tidal Inlet. End this very full day with your feet up for the sail into Icy Strait. (BLD)

Nearly to the Pacific Ocean, Icy Strait is remote and wild. The plan? Whales and marine mammals. Spouts and fin slaps are certain giveaways. More rollicking sea lions and birds. But don’t forget to look straight down. Porpoises and dolphins may hitch a ride on the bow wave. And don’t worry about missing any wildlife; it’s a favorite mission of the crew to point out any creatures they spot. Make a break for it and head for a quiet pocket along the rugged coastline. A different sort of wild than the open strait, muskeg leads to forest bushwhacks. Skiff the shore and down along kelp-threaded channels. (BLD)

Kick off the morn with on-deck yoga stretches (your guides love it when you join them). Meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast. Then stop. It’s a prime time to lower the kayaks and skiffs. Camera in hand, set off on land and sea explorations. Closer inspection by skiff, moss-dripping trees run right down to the water. Any bears in there? With one of the world’s largest populations of bears, it’s possible. Go searching for giant trees and tidal pools. Hiking in the Tongass, it won’t take long to find them. Your eagle-eyed guides lead the pack—and pull up the rear. Later, wend along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. (BLD)

Wind along a twisting channel known for dramatic currents. Peril Strait runs 50 miles to Salisbury Sound. The shorelines are close and it’s good territory for play. Skiff ashore and hike into the backcountry. Otters back float working to crack snacks resting on their bellies. Opening at Hoonah Sound, the squeeze is back on. Wind into Neva Strait. Watch the scenery change in the late fading light—from the hot tub of course. (BLD)

There aren’t many straight lines along Baranof Island. Its western side is spattered with remote, uninhabited islands. These features mean endless opportunities for adventure. Secluded coves. Tree-covered islets. Drop anchor, pick your modus operandi, and get going. Kayak, paddle board, or skiff—you’re on the level with curious sea lions and possibly whales. Rocky intertidal zones make good beach combing. Turn a stone or two to see what’s underneath. There are no groomed trails here—get out on a guided hike John Muir would approve of. Toast your voyage with a Farewell Dinner and a “photo journal” of your trip. A gift to you, from your expedition team. (BLD)

Cruise into Sitka this morning over breakfast. Farewell new friends! Disembark and transfer to the airport or your UnCruise hotel stay or land tour. (B)

Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.

Dates & Rates

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Rates are per person. Port Taxes and Fees $375 per person additional. Charter Rates Available On Request.

FARES INCLUDE: Onboard meals; spirits, wine, beer; non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment.

Safari Explorer

The 36-passenger Safari Explorer has what mariners call “feet” that take her into wild areas other ships can’t visit. Her performance-built rugged construction means access to faraway regions. But it’s what’s on the inside that makes this yacht the prize of the fleet. Details on Safari Explorer ›

Safari Endeavour

The ambience aboard the 84-guest yacht-style Safari Endeavour is casual elegance with a full menu of upscale amenities. Its new design is exquisitely appointed with features such as an intimate Wine Bar and spa area including two hot tubs, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes, and massage suite (complete with a complimentary massage.) Details on Safari Endeavour ›

Cruise Reviews

So sorry for the delay in responding. Jumping back into life is not easy. The cruise exceeded all of our expectations. It was one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences we've had in all our travels. The crew was exceptional--smart, enthusiastic, gregarious and a delight to be around. Our fellow passengers were also a remarkable group--well-traveled, friendly, and great conversationalists. Good food, well prepared and a good selection. Ship was immaculate, in very pristine shape. We enjoyed our cabinm one of the largest on the ship but still rather small. We started in Sitka. You arranged some fishing for us and a hotel for two nights. Westmark Sitka. Ended in Juneau where we extended for a night at the Westmark Baranoff. Animals and sea life is "seeing is believing". The list is to long to print. We liked the informality and close up of the experience. The whole trip was so unlike the descriptions of cruises by others--too crowded, too formal, landing at ports with hundreds of others simultaneously. We have so many of our friends who have done a big ship. They need to go back and see the "real Alaska". Should we cruise again, rest assured that Un-Cruise will be our first consideration. Thank you for everything Linda. The photos the crew took are wonderful to have in our memory book.

Our week on the Explorer was fabulous!! Cabin 302 on the Lounge Deck with queen bed. Ship was full. The Captain, 2nd Mate and all the crew made it incredibly fun, informative and a true adventure. It was a great mix of people from all over and we hope to stay in touch. We felt like we were at summer camp for adults where the counselors were younger than the campers. Our days were filled with adventure; sometimes exploring new bays and islands that the crew and Captain had never been to. Since our cabin was right next to the Bridge we took them up on their offer to join them and we spent many evenings with the wonderful 2nd Mate. One night he said he had some extra time. "You all like whales so let's go chase whales" and he turned the ship and off we went chasing whales. The spontaneity and no rigid schedule was a good deal of the fun. The crew was flexible and very helpful. Linda, You mentioned in your message that you got a report there were heating and a few other problems with our cabin. The response and help was immediate and nothing really took away from our enjoyment. I would highly recommend Sunstone Tours and Un-Cruise!

We had Cabin 303, Trailblazer with twin beds. Cruise - I can't say enough about this week! It was the best adventure we have had in years. Luckily, there were only 33 passengers so our group was small enough to get to know everyone. We kayaked, hiked, and explored on the skiff 2-3 times a day, even snorkeled. We saw SO MANY whales that even the crew was mesmerized. The very first night we saw a pod of orca. Another evening, it was as if the humpbacks put on a 2 hour show for us - cooperative feeding (eschelon and bubble net) and broaching 4-5 times in a row. All passengers and crew were on the deck watching and applauding! the sea otters were there too, taking advantage of the fish left over from the humpbacks and laying on their backs eating with their front paws. At the same time there was a group of 10-12 puffins feeding. In addition to the wildlife, (we saw mamma grizz and cubs, sea lions by the hundreds and an octopus while snorkeling), the crew of the Wilderness Explorer was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Our hikes were very educational due to the expertise of our naturalist group leaders. We explored marshes and tidal basins and bush-wacked our way through alder forests, while shouting "Hey, Bear" to ward off any predators. The glaciers were gorgeous and we rode a skiff over to walk up and touch one (another group hiked up the mt to walk on it). We kayaked through glacier waters where we pushed mini icebergs out of the way. The weather was rainy and misty most days, sunshine maybe twice during the cruise, but it didn't matter to us. The animals were still amazing to watch and photograph. We just wore our boots and rain gear and kept on going. Recommendations we would make for future Wilderness Explorers: take warm clothing that you can layer (if needed) as well as extra socks and waterproof hats and jackets. It's NOT necessary to take your own water/gum boots. They were supplied at Kantishna as well as on the ship, but do take a pair of inserts that make the boots more comfortable. Storage on the ship is limited so try to take only what you need - no dress clothes are needed on the ship. The passengers ranged in age from 14 to 86. Knowing that it is an adventure cruise - not a luxury cruise, any age is welcome and would be catered to. An extra day on either end of the trip is nice. Hope I didn't bore you with these details, got carried away with my description. You are welcome to use any portion of my letter in your promotions. Wish we were able to take this kind of trip more often. We'll have to see what happens in the future. Denali Land Tour - We were awed by the cruise, but a little disappointed by the land portion. Fairbanks was nice - great accommodations, glad we stayed an extra day - interesting museum, rented a car to drive around, saw some of the area - not much else there. Dome train nice, but only for a 3-4 hour ride. The bus ride to Kantishna through the wild animal preserve was interesting - driver very good at spotting wildlife despite the fact that it was pouring the entire trip and next day. -- No controlling the weather but it was disappointing and I understand, not unusual. Clouded in most of the time. We liked Kantishna Lodge, cabin and people very much, wonder if it is ever nice weather there. At the suggestion of another guest, we took Kantishna Air out of Kantishna to Denali train in order to see the mountains. It was well worth the cost. We had an awesome view up over the clouds of Mt McK. and Alaskan Range. Tell your customers about this option - the Kantishna Air guy comes around every evening to offer air trips. The 7&1/2 hour train ride from Denali to Anchorage was terribly boring and we were seated with a tour whose guide talked the entire time. (I guess that some people like that.) It would have nice to take Kantishna Air direct to Anchorage (the pilot recommended that). We spent about 12 hrs in the hotel overnight in Anchorage before leaving for Juneau. I understand why you recommend Goldbelt Hotel for the guests because they have good accommodations for the cruise line passengers. However, we were glad that we stayed at the Best Western Grandma's Feather Bed. They offer free transportation to town and to/from airport. Nice people and interesting rooms. The restaurant was just OK, and they were very short staffed. Again we rented a car for the 24+ hours we were there, so we could go up to the glacier and travel around the area. We liked Juneau a lot despite the pouring rain again (but on the return trip the sun was shining).

Tags: Active Adventures

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Glacier Bay (Alaska)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-06-07 04:40

Port Glacier Bay cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Glacier Bay, Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Glacier Bay is located on the coast of southeastern Alaska, approx 160 km (100 mi) northwest of Juneau . Glacier Bay has length of nearly 80 km (50 mi) and is noted for the unique display of 16 active glaciers descending from the ice-draped St Elias Mountain Range (to the east) and Fairweather Mountain Range (to the west).

Cruise ships are required to pick up a Park Ranger from Galcier Bay's entrance and proceed under his direction. Most vessels proceed down the bay's northwest arm to Tarr Inlet, Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers. Chances to view calving of ice into the sea are very good there.

Nearby is Johns Hopkins inlet that contains 9 separate glaciers including the advancing John Hopkins Glacier. Glacier Bay's northeastern arm is Muir Inlet. It leads to 2-mile wide retreating Muir Glacier. The landscape ranges from lush forests of hemlock and spruce to rocky ice-swept terrain. Wildlife includes the mountain goat, black and brown bear, seal, sea lion, puffin, whale, cormorant and eagle. The entrance to the bay is good for whale spotting.

Starting season 2019, the cruise ship passenger fee for Glacier Bay was increased from USD 5 to USD 8,28 per person. With these fees are charged Alaska-based cruise companies accessing Glacier Bay National Park. The new contracts also govern the number of vessels entering the park per year. Each of the contract bidders are asked detailed questions about how their shipping operations affect the park's ecosystem. In 2017, Glacier Bay was visited by around 550,000 tourists, of whom over 330,000 were cruisers.

On March 22, 2019, the US National Park Service announced a new concession plan allowing only 7 major cruise companies to be able to visit the National Park and Preserve in the period 2020-2030. Glacier Bay's daily limit is 2 liners. Cruise ship tourists spent ~8 hours inside the waterway. The 2020-2030 concessions plan includes NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line , the Carnival Corporation -owned companies Holland America and Princess , also Viking Ocean , Seabourn and Royal Caribbean . Annually are scheduled no more than 153 ship calls.

In 2019, RCI-Royal Caribbean received permission its vessels to navigate Glacier Bay NP. Following the permission, in 2020 Radiance OTS became the first RCI liner to visit Glacier Bay. Ship's 7-day Alaskan cruise (itinerary May 15-22, 2020) was revised with Juneau and Skagway replaced by Glacier Bay NP.

Popular for cruising destinations in Glacier Bay NP include LeConte Glacier, Taylor Bay, Dundas Bay, Tidal Inlet, Tarr Inlet, Bartlett Cove.

Glacier Bay cruise terminal

As there is no dedicated port, big-sized cruise ships to Glacier Bay often stop so their passengers can enjoy the national park's mesmerizing "icy scenery". As the ship will be also rotating 360-degree to maneuver, be sure to find a good vantage point onboard to view the glaciers and take pictures. Some liners anchor at Bartlett Cove.

Smaller ships may offload their passengers via Zodiacs (large-capacity, motorized inflatable boats). Luxury cruise ships and mega-yachts additionally offer sea kayaking and other water sports activities via their aft-located marina 

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Glacier Bay - user reviews and comments

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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June 1 - 14 2025

13 replies to this topic

Fly into & out of Anchorage (ANC).

... If you are active people (hikes/or good walks) and it is only 7 nights, I'd drop Homer, Denali , and W.St.Elias. to reduce the time spent in a car . So this would be:

---- south as far as Seward , north as far as the Matanuska Glacier (to get a professionally guided trek), with all points in between (Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage/Whittier area). Minimze your time in Anchorage (it's great, but the rest of AK is even better)

--- if you want more locations, then you really need to add more days.

---- google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V86JrX8F4dEWB8g48

Appreciate your thoughts on limiting the driving and have considered dropping Denali since the road is closed from mile 43 anyway. I will be the only driver.

Thanks for reply

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry runs from Gustavus Juneau 2 or 3 times a week......the ferry schedule for next year will not be published until Jan 2025, though ........But Seaplanes has regularly scheduled flights between Juneau, Gustavus, Haines and Skagway so if the ferry didn't work out, the smaller planes would work as Plan B......

You wouldn't need to rent a car in Gustavus but renting a car in Haines makes a lot of sense.....if you stayed in Haines for a couple of days you could take the fast ferry to Skagway if you are interested in taking the train......it operates several times a day and you wouldn't have to spend the night there.....

Fly Seaplanes or take ferry back to Juneau and fly Alaska Air to Anchorage to pick up your rental car there for your final week.....

It just takes a little planning but you would have a great trip......These links might help

https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/map.shtml

https://www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImf2tvtbFhgMVlS6tBh12RR_HEAAYASAAEgLD2_D_BwE

https://www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com/

member thankyou. Good tip to go straight to Gustavus

Another option: fly to Anchorage for a 7 day land tour (you don't have time for all the places you listed, though--it would help to let us know what you intended to do in each place). Then take this 7 day southbound cruise which includes Glacier Bay:

June 7, 2025: Sapphire Princess , Schedule: Whittier, Alaska (07 Jun d2030); Hubbard Glacier , Alaska (08 Jun 1500-2000); Glacier Bay, Alaska (09 Jun 0915-1930); Skagway, Alaska (10 Jun 0700-2030); Juneau, Alaska (11 Jun 0630-1600); Ketchikan, Alaska (12 Jun 1000-1800); Vancouver, Canada (14 Jun 0730-1800)

BTW, check the above itinerary directly on the Princess site to make sure it's accurate, I got that from a cruise search site and on rare occasion I've caught a mistake (which they immediately corrected when I told them about it.)

There are direct flights from Vancouver to ANC (1 per day, with Air Canada, usually in the afternoon), or if you don't mind a plane change, there are numerous flight options if you head back to Seattle then on to ANC.

Thankyou @maple_marshmallows,

This was our original plan but in reverse. May 31st saphire Princess northbound.

Wrangell St Elias tour to mine

Kenai Fjords cruise full day

Homer kayaking.

In my 30s I spent 3 months campin inland BC and Alaska but missed Glacier Bay hence its a must and wanting to share the magic with my daughter who has never been. I've been to Juneau , Valdez, Haines and Skagway but she hasn't.

Mmmm yes unfortunately a possibility

Re Wrangell St. Elias, did you mean the Bonanza Mine hike? That's a 10 mile round trip and isn't even offered until June 15: https://www.steliasguides.com/trips/bonanza-mine/ Driving to McCarthy adds 12+ hrs. of driving (round trip from Palmer) and means you need to either rent a vehicle allowed on gravel roads (McCarthy Rd.) or take a flight or shuttle from Chitina or Glennallen, info at bottom of this page: https://majohnsonshotel.com/getting-here/ That would take up at least 3 of your days....

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Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Awash in tourists, Juneau, Alaska, prepares to turn some cruise ships away

Cruise ships line the Juneau waterfront on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska’s state capital is set to become the first city in Alaska and one of only a handful in the United States to limit the number of daily cruise ship tourists.

Under the terms of a voluntary agreement announced Monday and effective in 2026, the nation’s four largest cruise lines will schedule ships containing no more than 16,000 standard beds in Juneau per day, what the industry calls “lower berths,” with the limit dropping to 12,000 on Saturdays.

The agreement comes after growing complaints by locals about overcrowding, housing shortages, noise pollution and air pollution.

“The goal and the message here is that Juneau is hitting pause on growth,” said Alexandra Pierce, the city’s tourism manager , of the agreement.

Because some ships sail above their listed capacity, the number of tourists allowed by the agreement may exceed 16,000 on some days, and that figure also doesn’t include visiting crew.

Some city residents say the agreement doesn’t go far enough to answer residents’ complaints, and they’re gathering petition signatures for a ballot measure that would ban cruise ships altogether on Saturdays.

One of the organizers of that measure, Karla Hart, said that even if the city’s agreement were for 12,000 or 5,000 people per day, it doesn’t give people a break from the cruise tourism season, which stretches from April through October.

“I’m still going to have helicopters flying over … there will still be whale-watching boats in numbers big enough that people can’t avoid those; all of the impacts of the industry will still be going even if there are some reductions in numbers of cruise passengers,” she said.

A counter-campaign, urging locals to not sign the petition, is already underway.

Juneau, a city of 32,000 residents, welcomes more than 1.6 million visitors annually , and on peak days, more than 21,000 tourists may visit by cruise ship.

By number of ships and number of visitors, Juneau is the most popular whale-watching destination in the world, the city claims. The Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, located within city bounds and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is the most-visited tourist attraction in Alaska.

“The full-on cruise season in Juneau now is about 22 weeks long, which spans all of our summer plus our spring and our fall,” Hart said.

Travelers frequently spread out across the city, climbing aboard helicopters, boarding whale-watching boats and riding buses.

Hart described listening to strings of eight or more helicopters flying over her home.

“It’s every day that people who are in their own homes are interrupted and disturbed by helicopter noise,” she said. “Their enjoyment of their yard, of the trails around their home is disturbed by helicopter noise. And people who want to go out boating are disturbed or displaced or disrupted or endangered by a fleet of over 70 whale-watching boats … which creates horribly confused wakes and noise and disruption.”

Some businesses are already taking steps to mitigate the problems.

Wings Airways, which flies tourists via floatplane to a remote lodge, imposed its own limits on its operation, said Holly Johnson, a company vice president. It hasn’t grown its fleet of five airplanes.

“It’s something we’ve sort of always done behind the scenes, because it was the right thing to do for our business,” she said.

Wings is an exception: After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the number of cruise tourists visiting Juneau grew by 40% from 2022 to 2023.

“That was shocking for people, and we had a lot of community reaction,” Pierce said.

She said the busiest days “have felt a bit suffocating for a lot of people and we’re trying to eliminate that and create some balance for the community.”

For the city, the difficulty has been balancing the interests of workers employed in the tourism industry with the needs of local residents who feel the consequences.

As far back as 2019 , Juneau had convened a task force to consider a cap on the number of visitors, and current discussions began in March, she said.

Pierce said the new limit is designed to effectively hold tourist numbers steady, allowing businesses and the city to develop more infrastructure that spreads out the number of visitors, whether through new attractions like a summertime gondola planned for the city’s ski area, another cruise ship dock to spread out the crowd of arriving visitors, or changes to the Mendenhall Glacier site, planned by the Forest Service.

“Our goal is to make a million and a half people feel like a million people through infrastructure development,” she said.

By not having the cap take effect until 2026, cruise lines have time to reschedule their ships, said Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community Relations for Cruise Lines International Association Alaska.

Other ports in Southeast Alaska will also have time to anticipate the arrival of ships that otherwise might visit Juneau.

Juneau’s approach is a voluntary agreement, which differs from some approaches taken elsewhere. The city of Key West, Florida, passed several voter-approved ordinances putting hard limits on cruise ships, but those were vetoed by the state legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In Bar Harbor, Maine, locals installed a hard cap of 1,000 cruise ship passengers per day. A U.S. District Court judge upheld that limit after a legal challenge, but the case has been appealed.

In Alaska, the city attorney in Sitka rejected a Bar Harbor-like limit last year as unconstitutional under the language of the Alaska Constitution.

Juneau itself had an extended legal battle with the cruise industry over the use of head taxes paid by passengers. The city lost that case, which now limits how the city can spend passenger taxes.

That case, and the experience of other cities, encouraged Juneau to pursue negotiations and a voluntary cap. Pierce said that doesn’t mean the city will surrender to the industry if cruise lines decide to break the agreement.

Three of the four docks used by cruise ships in Juneau are city-owned, and in the worst-case scenario, “we’d say great, we’re closing our city docks,” Pierce said. “We do have a hammer. We just don’t want to use it.”

Meanwhile, Hart said she’s prepared to give Juneau residents the chance to vote on a tougher restriction. If the petition turns into a ballot vote this fall, she expects the resulting campaign could get “really ugly.”

Already, banners on some Juneau businesses are urging residents not to sign the petition.

“Our story is pretty clear,” she said. “It’s the lived experience of people. So we’ll just put in the work to give the community the chance to decide. And then it’s up to the community to decide. And we’ll see how it goes.”

Alaska Beacon is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: [email protected] . Follow Alaska Beacon on Facebook and Twitter .

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The post Awash in tourists, Juneau, Alaska, prepares to turn some cruise ships away appeared first on Rhode Island Current .

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The City of Juneau Just Implemented Restrictions on Cruise Ships — Here’s Why

The new rule will go into effect in 2026.

John Elk/Getty Images

The Alaskan city of Juneau will cap cruise ship visitors in the coming years in an effort to combat overtourism in the popular state capital.

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) reached an agreement with cruise lines to establish limits of 16,000 lower berths per day on Sundays through Fridays and a limit of 12,000 lower berths per day on Saturdays, according to the city . The new agreement will go into effect during the 2026 Alaska cruise season .

Lower berths essentially refer to passenger capacity on a ship.

“The cruise industry is vital to our local economy, and we need to improve our infrastructure and grow our tour capacity to create a great guest experience and reduce impacts on residents,” Juneau Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce said in a statement. “With this agreement, we are committing to a cap to manage our busiest days and to meet annually to ensure that our visitor numbers remain sustainable.”

The agreement was signed by major cruise lines that stop in the city, including Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Renée Limoge Reeve, the vice president of government and community relations at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said the agreement “reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to work with CBJ and the residents of Juneau to deliver win-win partnerships.”

This isn’t the first time the city has implemented rules to limit crowds. Last year, the city passed a similar measure limiting large ships to a maximum of five ships on the same day. That agreement went into effect this year. 

Juneau also isn’t alone in placing restrictions on cruise ships. In 2022, the town of Bar Harbor, Maine, voted to limit disembarking passengers to no more than 1,000 people each day; and last year, the California city of Monterey effectively banned cruise ships by voting to terminate city services for them.

Related Articles

Watch CBS News

Alaska set to limit daily number of cruise ship passengers who can visit Juneau

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: June 6, 2024 / 4:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Cruise aficionados looking to experience Alaska's capital, Juneau, may have to vie for permission to disembark and step foot on land, under a new agreement between the city and major cruise lines that sail there. 

The agreement between Juneau and Cruise Lines International Association in Alaska (CLIA), finalized last week, seeks to limit the number of daily cruise passengers who can arrive in Juneau to 16,000 on Sundays through Fridays, and to 12,000 on Saturdays, effective in 2026. 

The measure intends to limit the congestion and wear and tear tourists can cause a city. Visitors to Juneau skyrocketed to a record 1.6 million last year, after the pandemic depressed numbers for two years. Other popular cities have taken similar measures to limit tourists and their effect on daily life for residents. For example, Venice, Italy, in April became the first city in the world to charge day-trippers a fee just to enter  on peak days.

Alaska's new agreement is designed to cap levels of visitors to roughly where they are now.

"The cruise industry is vital to our local economy, and we need to improve our infrastructure and grow our tour capacity to create a great guest experience and reduce impacts on residents," Juneau Visitor Industry director Alexandra Pierce said in a statement Tuesday. "With this agreement, we are committing to a cap to manage our busiest days and to meet annually to ensure that our visitor numbers remain sustainable."

CLIA, the cruise lines association, applauded the measure, calling the agreement "a well-balanced and thoughtful approach to keeping Juneau a great place to live and visit."

"Ongoing, direct dialogue with local communities is the best way to jointly self-regulate to preserve great resident and visitor experiences while providing a predictable market for the many local businesses that rely on the cruise industry," CLIA said in part in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

In Alaska, residents have complained that record numbers of visitors contribute to bad traffic and increase noise pollution when they visit glaciers by helicopter. On the other hand, many local businesses rely on the cruise industry and the steady flow of visitors it provides, the city of Juneau acknowledged in a statement . 

Cruise seasons have also been extended from early April to late October, offering year-round residents little reprieve from tourists' presence.

Under a separate agreement, only five large ships are permitted a day during the current cruise season. 

Pierce said other projects in the works will also likely diminish the impact tourists have on the city. They include installing a gondola at the city's ski area, updating its downtown sea walk and expanding capacity for visitors at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. 

City leaders are "trying to balance the needs of our residents, the needs of our economy, the needs of future opportunities for people to stay in our community," she said.

The agreement has its skeptics, though. Cruise industry critic Karla Hart says the new measure isn't sufficient to curb unsustainable levels of tourism. "It feels like we're just getting led along again, and expansion will continue and more time will pass," she said, according to the Associated Press. 

Hart is behind a local ballot proposal that would ban ships of at least 250 passengers from stopping in Juneau on Saturdays or on July 4. 

—The Associated Press contributed to this report

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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