View of Glacier Bay National Park with snow-capped mountains and vibrant green slopes, their reflections shimmering in the calm turquoise waters below.

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Alaska Glacier Bay National Park Cruises

View cruises

Things to do in Glacier Bay National Park

A cruise to Glacier Bay National Park is all about the views—massive glaciers, rugged mountains and wildlife everywhere you look. The park's pristine wilderness offers some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery, from towering tidewater glaciers that calve dramatically into the sea to fjords carved by ancient ice flows. Whether you're hoping to spot humpback whales breaching or listen to the thunderous crack of glacial ice, every moment brings new wonders to discover. Here are some of the top things to do while visiting Glacier Bay National Park.

Explore things to do in Glacier Bay National Park
01 / 05
  • A view of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, with towering blue ice and snow-capped mountains reflecting in the still waters below.

    Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Margerie Glacier, towering over the waters of Glacier Bay National Park, framed by rugged mountain peaks.

  • A bald eagle perched on a piece of ice in Glacier Bay, Alaska, with a raven sitting beside it, both facing the calm waters surrounded by a pristine landscape.

    Soar into the wild beauty of Alaska and witness a majestic bald eagle perched alongside a curious raven, both taking in the serenity of Glacier Bay National Park.

  • Humpback whale tail emerging from blue water with snow-covered mountains and cloudy sky in background at Glacier Bay, Alaska.

    A humpback whale's tail flukes break the surface of Glacier Bay National Park's pristine waters against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

  • Large white and blue glacier flowing from snow-capped mountains into calm blue water with forested rocky shoreline at Glacier Bay, Alaska.

    A massive tidewater glacier cascades down mountain slopes into the deep blue waters of Glacier Bay National Park, showcasing the park's spectacular glacial landscape.

  • Three harbor seals lounging on white ice floe with large icebergs and snow-covered mountains visible in background at Glacier Bay, Alaska.

    Harbor seals rest on an ice floe surrounded by towering glacial formations and dramatic mountain peaks in Glacier Bay National Park.

01 / 05

Shore excursions to explore Glacier Bay National Park

01 / 05
  • Snow-capped mountains and lush green terrain along Glacier Bay National Park, mirrored perfectly in the calm waters below.

    Take in the untouched scenery

    With no roads leading into Glacier Bay National Park, it remains one of Alaska’s most untouched destinations. Cruising through this remote wilderness feels like stepping into a world few get to see.

  • A brown bear and her cub walking across a rocky shoreline near Glacier Bay National Park, with the cub following closely behind.

    Spot wildlife

    Glacier Bay National Park is full of incredible wildlife. Watch for humpback whales surfacing nearby, sea otters floating on their backs and bald eagles soaring high overhead. Watch for humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, bald eagles, and brown bears. Peak viewing is typically June–July.

  • A scenic view of a majestic glacier flowing between snow-capped mountains, surrounded by a tranquil turquoise water in Glacier Bay National Park.

    Chat with Glacier Bay National Park Rangers

    When you cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, Park Rangers come aboard to share stories about some of Alaska’s best glaciers, ecosystems and wildlife. Their firsthand knowledge brings the park’s remote beauty to life as you sail through its icy waters.

  • View of Johns Hopkins Inlet in Glacier Bay National Park with floating icebergs and a glacier descending from snow-capped mountains into the turquoise water below.

    Sail by the Johns Hopkins Inlet

    If conditions allow, your ship may glide past Johns Hopkins Inlet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls. It’s one of Glacier Bay National Park’s most dramatic and secluded spots, making it a top Alaska destination.

  • A view of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, with towering blue ice and snow-capped mountains reflecting in the still waters below.

    Watch the glaciers

    See the towering Margerie Glacier up close, a wall of deep blue ice stretching into the sea. If you are lucky, you might witness giant ice chunks crashing into the water, sending a thunderous roar across the bay. Most ships spend several hours viewing multiple glaciers during the full-day cruise.

01 / 05

Experience the Glacier Bay National Park port on your next cruise

Sailing through Glacier Bay National Park on our Alaska Cruisetour feels like entering another world, where untouched landscapes and icy giants surround you at every turn.

01 / 06

7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound)

View cruise

10-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

View cruise

11-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

View cruise

Explore the stunning Glacier Bay National Park with Princess

Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska’s most incredible sights, and Princess® is one of the few cruise lines permitted to sail here. On this Alaska cruise, you’ll see towering tidewater glaciers, icy blue waters and abundant wildlife, creating a scene straight from nature’s masterpiece. As you cruise through the pristine Glacier Bay National Park, Park Rangers will join the ship to help you spot humpback whales, sea otters and bald eagles, sharing fascinating insights along the way.

Cruises spend most of a full day in the park, giving you extended views of glaciers like Margerie and Grand Pacific. Only a limited number of ships per day are allowed in Glacier Bay National Park, making this a unique and uncrowded experience. 

Best time to visit: Late May through early September, with June–July offering the best weather and peak wildlife activity.

Common departure ports: Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier

Cruise to Glacier Bay
Close-up view of a towering glacier with deep blue ice, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and ice floes drifting in the calm water of Glacier Bay National Park.

Marvel at the towering glacier, its deep blue ice reflecting off the tranquil waters of Glacier Bay National Park.

A close-up of an orca's dorsal fin and spout in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, with clear blue water and a rugged, forested coastline in the background.

Glide through the serene waters of Glacier Bay National Park and spot majestic orcas as they surface for air, their dorsal fins cutting through the calm sea.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

You may also like

Alaska Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

LEARN MORE
Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Glaciers

LEARN MORE
Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

LEARN MORE
01 / 06
Powered by Translations.com GlobalLink Web SoftwarePowered by GlobalLink Web