Scenic Glacier Cruising: What to Expect at Alaska’s Top 5 Glaciers
- Brian Gibbons
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
For cruise passengers sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska, scenic glacier cruising days are the crown jewels of the itinerary. These majestic rivers of ice—carving through rugged mountains and calving into the sea—offer a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and raw power. While every glacier has its own personality, the experience of cruising past them shares common thrills: the crisp air, the sound of ice cracking, and the chance to witness nature’s grandeur up close. Below, I’ll walk you through what you can expect during scenic cruising days at the five most commonly visited glaciers by cruise ships: Glacier Bay’s Margerie Glacier, Tracy Arm’s Sawyer Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord’s Harvard Glacier, and Endicott Arm’s Dawes Glacier.
1. Margerie Glacier (Glacier Bay National Park)
Where: Inside Passage, accessed via cruises from Juneau or Sitka
What to Expect:Margerie Glacier is the star of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a staple on many Alaska cruise itineraries. On a scenic cruising day here, your ship will linger for hours, typically spending a full day weaving through the park’s icy waters. The approach is dramatic—snow-capped peaks rise sharply from the sea, and the water turns a milky turquoise from glacial silt. Margerie itself is a tidewater glacier, stretching 21 miles long and towering 250 feet above the waterline, with another 100 feet hidden below.
Sights and Sounds: Expect frequent calving—huge chunks of ice crashing into the sea with a thunderous roar, often called “white thunder.” The glacier’s face is a jagged wall of blue and white, streaked with crevasses.
Wildlife: Harbor seals lounge on ice floes, puffins and kittiwakes dart overhead, and humpback whales occasionally breach nearby.
Onboard Experience: National Park rangers board the ship to narrate, pointing out features and wildlife through the PA system. Crowds gather on deck, so stake out a spot early—bring binoculars and a warm jacket for the chilly winds.
Unique Vibe: Serene yet awe-inspiring, with a sense of untouched wilderness.
2. Sawyer Glacier (Tracy Arm Fjord)
Where: Near Juneau, often a day trip or scenic detour on Inside Passage cruises
What to Expect: Tucked into the narrow, steep-walled Tracy Arm Fjord, Sawyer Glacier (often referring to either North or South Sawyer) is a showstopper for its intimate, up-close feel. Your ship will navigate the 30-mile-long fjord, threading past sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and floating icebergs. The journey is as thrilling as the destination—some ships get within a half-mile of the glacier, though ice conditions can limit access.
Sights and Sounds: The glacier’s deep blue hues dazzle against the fjord’s emerald waters. Calving is less frequent than at Margerie but still possible, with a sharp crack echoing off the cliffs. Icebergs bob around the ship, some sculpted into surreal shapes.
Wildlife: Look for harbor seals on the ice, mountain goats on the cliffs, and bald eagles soaring above.
Onboard Experience: The ship moves slowly, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views from the bow or your balcony. Photographers will love the mirrored reflections on calm days. It’s colder and damper here—layer up!
Unique Vibe: Intimate and rugged, like sailing into a hidden world.
3. Hubbard Glacier (Yakutat Bay)
Where: Gulf of Alaska, often visited on cruises from Seward or Whittier
What to Expect: Hubbard Glacier is Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, stretching 76 miles and spanning 6 miles wide at its face. Scenic cruising here feels epic—your ship might linger for half a day, parked about a mile offshore (ice permitting). The glacier’s massive scale dominates the horizon, and its advancing nature means the water is often choked with icebergs, adding a sense of adventure.
Sights and Sounds: Calving is a highlight—expect towering ice slabs to plummet, sending waves rocking the ship. The glacier’s face is a mix of pristine white and dirt-streaked gray, with a low rumble as it shifts.
Wildlife: Seals dot the icebergs, and you might spot orcas or humpbacks in Yakutat Bay. Seabirds like gulls and terns wheel overhead.
Onboard Experience: The captain may rotate the ship for panoramic views, and onboard naturalists often provide commentary. Deck space gets crowded—arrive early withcoffee in hand to beat the chill.
Unique Vibe: Grand and untamed, with a raw, primal energy.
4. Harvard Glacier (College Fjord)
Where: Prince William Sound, typically on Gulf of Alaska cruises from Seward or Whittier
What to Expect: College Fjord is a hidden gem, lined with a dozen glaciers named after Ivy League schools. Harvard Glacier, the largest, is the main draw—a tidewater beauty framed by jagged peaks. Your ship will cruise slowly through the fjord, spending a few hours exploring the icy panorama. It’s less visited than Glacier Bay, so it feels like a special treat.
Sights and Sounds: Harvard’s face is broad and craggy, with occasional calving sending ripples through the fjord. The surrounding glaciers (like Yale and Vassar) add a layered backdrop, their ice glowing blue in the right light.
Wildlife: Sea otters float playfully in the foreground, while seals rest on ice chunks. Bald eagles and puffins are common sights.
Onboard Experience: The mood is relaxed, with passengers sipping hot cocoa on deck or listening to the cruise line’s naturalist talks. The fjord’s calm waters make for smooth sailing and great photos.
Unique Vibe: Quietly spectacular, with an academic twist.
5. Dawes Glacier (Endicott Arm Fjord)
Where: Near Juneau, an alternative to Tracy Arm on Inside Passage cruises
What to Expect: Dawes Glacier sits at the head of Endicott Arm, a 30-mile fjord rivaling Tracy Arm for beauty but often less crowded. Your ship will glide past granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ice-strewn waters, aiming to get within a mile of the glacier. Scenic cruising here typically lasts half a day, with the fjord’s narrower passages adding a sense of discovery.
Sights and Sounds: Dawes is a stunner, with a vivid blue face and frequent small calvings—think sharp pops rather than booming crashes. Icebergs drift close enough to study their textures.
Wildlife: Harbor seals and their pups are plentiful, often seen on ice floes. Bears occasionally roam the shores, and eagles perch on cliffs.
Onboard Experience: The ship’s slow pace lets you savor the views—grab a spot on the upper decks or your balcony. Crew might scoop up glacial ice for drinks or demos. It’s chilly and misty—hats and gloves are your friends.
Unique Vibe: Wild and secluded, with a touch of mystery.
What to Bring and Tips for Glacier Days
Gear: Warm layers (fleece, windbreaker, hat, gloves), sunglasses (glare off ice is intense), and binoculars for distant wildlife.
Camera: A zoom lens is ideal for calving shots and wildlife close-ups.
Timing: Mornings often bring clearer skies; stake out deck space early for prime views.
Mindset: Glacier days are weather-dependent—fog or rain might obscure views, but even then, the atmosphere is magical.
Extras: Hot drinks from the ship’s café keep you cozy, and some lines offer glacier-themed activities like talks or ice carving demos.
Final Thoughts
Scenic glacier cruising days are Alaska’s way of flexing its natural splendor. Whether it’s Margerie’s thunderous calving, Sawyer’s fjord-framed intimacy, Hubbard’s sheer scale, Harvard’s serene fjord setting, or Dawes’ wild charm, each glacier delivers a unique slice of the Last Frontier. Expect cold toes, jaw-dropping vistas, and memories that linger long after the ice fades from sight. Bundle up, charge your camera, and let Alaska’s glaciers steal the show!
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