Alaskan Cruise: Glacier Bay National Park

An Alaskan cruise had been on my bucket list for quite some time and when doing the extensive research on different itineraries + ships, I quickly realized I wanted to take a cruise that went through Glacier Bay National Park. Only two ships each day are allowed through to protect the Park + the the wildlife, so that naturally narrows down your options. The ships also are smaller. That is ultimately how I choose Princess Cruises!

Some background: Glacier Bay National Park was designated a National Park in 1980 and offers a opportunity to witness both the power of glacial landscapes and the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the Alaskan wilderness. It's home to some of the most breathtaking glaciers. Margerie Glacier stands out as one of the park's highlights, with its colossal face and frequent calving events creating thunderous echoes across the bay (we did not hear/see one!) Next, the mesmerizing Johns Hopkins Glacier showcases stunning blue ice formations, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The Tidewater Glaciers, including Grand Pacific Glacier and Lamplugh Glacier, are equally impressive, providing a glimpse into the dynamic forces that shape these icy wonders.

Aside from the glaciers, the park has a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors may encounter humpback whales breaching, orcas gliding through the fjords, and sea otters playfully floating on their backs. On land, you can find grizzly and black bears, moose, and mountain goats. The skies are also bustling with activity, with bald eagles soaring overhead and a variety of seabirds.

What to expect: Our morning started quite early as our ship began to enter the National Park around 6 AM, and the Park Rangers came aboard early as well. They set up a shop for NPS souvenirs, maps, and all sorts of information that you'd get when you go to visit any other National Park, which made me so happy! Weather wise, this day was significantly colder than the other days so I did wear my lightweight winter coat, hat and gloves, and also had a blanket. I highly recommend you ask your room steward for a blanket the day before, so that you have it ready to go! I also recommend a pair of binoculars for animal watching -- we got ours at REI. They were super helpful there and knew what to recommend when I told them it was for animal watching on a cruise.

Our cruise also had a ton of Alaskan gear and shops open up on the deck outside, as well as a hot chocolate + coffee bar (with alcoholic options too!). This was included with our Princess Plus package, but those without a package would have to pay.

Where to watch the Glaciers/wildlife: We sat on our balcony for part of the morning, but because we were with family, we spent the majority of the morning on the top deck against the rails, with a few chairs pulled up to put all of our extra stuff and sit in between taking pictures. It does not matter what side of the ship you're on, as the captain maneuvers the ship so that it goes in a circle and every side will see the Glaciers. That said you still may want to switch sides to catch wild life or see something different, but no matter what you'll get an excellent view of the glaciers themselves!

What I'd do differently: Honestly, I would have woken up earlier! I would have loved to sit outside on our balcony right when we were approaching the park, as I hear that the wildlife sightings are more frequent. I didn't personally see any whales while were in the Park, but we did see lots of otters. This was an absolute highlight for me, and I'm so grateful that I got to see this beautiful National Park. For future cruises, I'd love to do Tracy Fjords and Hubbard Glacier!

Have you been to Glacier Bay National Park?