Glacier Bay cruises are an absolutely amazing experience. I still remember my first time entering Glacier Bay National Park. It is a place that defies description and whose beauty cannot be captured adequately in pictures.
To understand just how majestic this place is, you simply have to experience it for yourself, and once you do, you will never forget it.
Only three of the major cruise lines have regular access into Glacier Bay, due to park service regulations which limit the number of ships that enter park waters.
These cruise lines are Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian. Of the three, Holland America and Princess have the most access to the park. Holland America sails 7 ships into the park, and Princess sails 5 ships into Glacier Bay on a weekly basis during the summer Alaska cruise season.
Carnival Cruise Line does dun one ship occasionally into Glacier Bay, but the ship currently only stops there on 3 cruises, one in May and two in September.
Both Holland America and Norwegian offer cruises to Glacier Bay out of Seattle, while Princess only cruises to Glacier Bay from Vancouver and Whittier (by Anchorage).
Both Holland America and Princess offer round-trip and one-way (north or southbound) cruises that stop in Glacier Bay.
It is also possible to cruise Glacier Bay on a smaller ship, like those run by Cruise West. However, these cruises cost anywhere from 2-5 times as much as those on the major cruise lines.
So if you are looking to see Glacier Bay and remain within your budget, look into cruises on Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian.
It also may be possible to fly into Glacier Bay as a shore excursion during cruise stops at Juneau.
However you get to Glacier Bay, you are sure to be absolutely awe-struck by the place. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
