This article is about my experience on a cruise ship around Glacier Bay, Alaska. The trip was the most amazing one-week adventure I have had in years! There are so many fun things to do while on an Alaskan cruise and it seems like there’s always something new happening at any given moment.
The “cruise lines allowed in glacier bay 2020” is a cruise that will be sailing through the area. The cruise line promises to offer an experience like no other.
The entire day of picturesque traveling through the Alaska Inside Passage is undoubtedly one of the key attractions of any Alaska trip that includes Glacier Bay National Park. This national park, which spans 3.3 million acres and includes mountains, glaciers, temperate rainforest, fjords, and a diverse range of animals, is also part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, making it one of the world’s biggest international protected areas. With cruise ships accounting for over 80% of visitors to Glacier Bay, it’s easy to choose an itinerary that includes a full day of picturesque sailing through the region.
Glacier Bay National Park is located in the state of Alaska (Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a national park and preserve in Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Glacier Bay, located west of Juneau, was first designated as a national monument in 1925, and then as a national park and preserve in 1980, according to President Jimmy Carter’s Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. There are around 1,045 glaciers in the park, which represent roughly 27% of the total area. Seven active tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea are among the more than 50 glaciers identified.
Muir Glacier, named for naturalist John Muir, who first visited Glacier Bay in 1879, and measuring roughly 2 miles long and 260 feet thick, is one of the most popular tidewater glaciers. The glaciers of the Grand Pacific, Brady, and Carroll each occupy more than 200 square miles.
Despite the fact that the park is open all year, the greatest and busiest time to visit is during the summer, when most cruise ships arrive from May through September. Even still, you should bring some warm clothing since temperatures seldom get beyond 60 degrees – even on a beautiful day.
Glacier Bay, Alaska’s Norwegian Jewel (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
How to Get to Glacier Bay
The majority of tourists to Glacier Bay arrive by cruise ship, since the park is usually included in a seven-night Alaska itinerary. Guests aboard should set their alarm clocks early so that they can secure good viewing places on the outside decks. While only two ships are permitted in the region each day, cruise lines that have previously operated there are granted priority.
If you don’t want to take a cruise, the only other method to view Glacier Bay is via small aircraft or boat. Gustavus, the nearest town to Glacier Bay, is approximately 10 miles from Bartlett Cove, where the park’s headquarters and Glacier Bay Lodge are situated. Bartlett Cove is also the starting point for all boat and aircraft trips. There is no charge to visit the park, regardless of how you wish to tour the region.
Before arriving to Glacier Bay, cruise ship passengers will usually get a copy of the park map or a guide in their stateroom. The cruise ships normally stay at Glacier Bay for a whole day, allowing passengers plenty of time to explore and take in the breathtaking views while listening to National Park rangers provide information on the region and special kid’s activities. This is particularly useful since passengers are unable to disembark and special excursions are not available.
Actions to Take
If you decide to explore Glacier Bay on your own, take in aware that, unlike most other national parks, it lacks roads and pathways. As a result, it is one of the most distant and lonely parks in the country, making it a nature lover’s dream. Anyone daring enough to visit the region, however, must be self-sufficient, since aid may be a few hours or days away if anything goes wrong.
Guided excursions are provided for guests staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge, and they supply all equipment and meals, as well as manage all logistics. A sea kayak, which can be rented or offered as part of a guided trip, is another fantastic option to get up close and personal with the region. Rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers from Canada to Dry Bay offers a more adventurous experience, cutting through one of the world’s highest coastal mountain ranges.
Grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, and mountain goats, to mention a few, live in the region, making it ideal for wildlife watching. The park’s marine fauna is also diverse, with otters, sea lions, whales, and orcas often seen.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is awe-inspiring, with spectacular vistas of America’s wild side. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the world’s largest internationally protected Biosphere Reserves. Whatever mode of exploration you select, be sure to bring warm layers, rain gear, waterproof boots, binoculars, and your camera to capture every element of the area’s breathtaking splendor.
READ NEXT: Everything You Need To Know About Alaska Glacier Cruises
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Glacier Bay, Alaska is a place that many people dream of visiting. The best way to experience this sight is to take a cruise. There are many different cruise lines that go to Glacier Bay. Reference: which cruise lines go to glacier bay in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise lines have access to Glacier Bay?
A: Cunard, Carnival, P&O Cruises.
Do you see glaciers on an Alaskan cruise?
A: I do not see glaciers on an Alaskan cruise.
Is Glacier Bay National Park worth seeing?
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