Between its brilliant blue colors, thunderous calving and monumental size, Hubbard puts on quite a show. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Sailing through the 30-mile long Endicott Arm Fjord, travelers will witness a frozen wonderland full of granite cliffs, verdant valleys, and several gushing waterfalls. I agreewe didnt take Disney to Alaska when we went because of Glacier Bay. In addition to the amazing scenery, when you sail in Glacier Bay the NPS rangers come on board to give talks, and we found those incredibly informative. McBride Glacier has been steadily thinning and retreating by calving since the 1960s after its separation from Muir Glacier. Credit: Professor Ed Hawkins (University of Reading). Sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the highlights of this experience, particularly on a smaller ship. About 50 medial moraines develop from the joining of these tributary glaciers. Known as the Galloping Glacier, Hubbard is quickly advancing towards the Gulf of Alaska at a rate of about 80 feet per year. All Contents Copyright 2023 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. . Look all around for glaciers during your voyage of discovery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers millions of acres and contains seven tidewater glaciers as well as mountains and deep fjords. These, include other active adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, and glacier hikes. You can enjoy an Alaska cruise without seeing glaciers, but if that's an important part of your dream Alaska experience, you should book a cruise that includes more than one opportunity to see glaciers because things can (and do) go wrong. Aside from the wonder of seeing these colossal ice walls from up close, its also a spectacle to watch pieces of them break down and fall thunderously into the sea; a natural phenomenon known as calving. We went again this last August, after having been to Glacier Bay several times in the intervening years. Too much ice breaking off the glacier. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. Since Hubbard Glacier can be the only major glacier on some Alaska cruises, . Luckily, Celebrity Cruises offers travelers the chance to visit three different iconic glacier destinations during a cruise through Alaska: Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and Glacier Bay. In 1892,. The price difference between the two sailings works out to about $175 more per person total to do the Glacier Bay sailing versus the cheaper Endicott Arms/Dawes sailing. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Thesetoursare highly recommended, as the smaller excursion boatscanget much closer at Sawyer Glacier and calving can be more easily seen. But if you're impressed by sheer size or if you've already experienced Glacier Bay, choose an itinerary that includes Hubbard Glacier in Alaska. While Hubbard Glacier is magnificent, there can be some downsides with. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdc-hkRvzsAQuantum of the Seas Full Ship Tour right here! I did it recently and had a marvelous time. If your Hubbard Glacier Alaska cruise itinerary includes a full port day in Juneau, it, may be possible to visit Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer. Visiting Mendenhall Glacier is a popular excursion for Alaska cruise guests spending the day in Juneau. Located in the northern area Prince William Sound, College Fjord contains five tidewater glaciers, five valley glaciers, and a number of smaller glaciers. Are you ready to book your Alaska cruise and see these iconic glaciers and fjords up close? JamieLogical, December 16, 2019 in Alaska. Reaching the height ofmore than a 30-story buildingabove the waterline,Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Is fog the reason the ships can't get into Tracy Arm? Plus, you'll get closer to land here than in the big open bays, offering a better view of waterfalls and wildlife. The average temperature from 1971-2000 is set as the boundary between blue and red. Other cruise lines such asAlaskan Dream Cruises,American Cruise Lines, CunardLine,Norwegian Cruise Line, andUnCruiseAdventures offercruises that visit Glacier Bay as well. Hubbard calves nearly every day, making for dramatic views as ice crashes into Disenchantment Bay. That means cruisers can miss out on an up-close experience with this scenic cruising marvel. McBride Glacier is about mile wide and 14 miles long. Links below!Thank you for your additional support if you also join Patreon, my YouTube membership, give a Super Thanks, or buy merchandise from my store!Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/cruisingwithjtCruising With JT Store: https://cruising-with-jt.myspreadshop.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cruisingwithjtInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruisingwithjtFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruisingWithJTTwitter: https://twitter.com/CruisingWithJT#RoyalCaribbean #Norwegian #Alaska #Cruise #QuantumoftheSeas #OvationoftheSeas #EndicottArm #ComeSeek #RoyalComeback #Nature #GlacierBayNationalPark #NorwegianCruiseLine #GlacierBay #Norwegian #NorwegianEncore #MotherNature #Beauty #Glacier #Snowing #Ice #GlacialIce #Unbelievable #OnceInALifeTime #Unforgettable #TheCruiseLife #CruisingWithJT Wet glaciers, on the other hand, are blanketed in powdery snow and can be harder to navigate, since the snow can conceal changes in terrain. For cost of the cruise: Both glacier stops are likely to require a one-way itinerary, which can add to your airfare costs, but Glacier Bay edges out Hubbard on this one. In the summer of 2003, a significant amount of calving had occurred, more so than in the previous two years. What makes Glacier Bay special: Besides the fact that you can see seven glaciers in one day, the bay itself is part of a national park. Some cruise lines provide the option of taking a small excursion boat that gets you closer to the glacier. Reviewed August 23, 2014 . We were on Legend (larger ship) and booked small boat for Tracy's arm but ship went into Endicott. The color scale goes from -0.7C to +0.7C. #1 Posted December 16, 2019 We have never been to Alaska and are considering two different Princess sailings in late August. With deep water at its margin, McBride Glacier is expected to continue receding at a fairly rapid pace. Many sailingsspend timevisitingmile-wideMargerieGlacier, anadvancing tidewater glacier that tends to calve frequently. Choose the ship that works best for your traveling companions, as well as your interests. On our Alaska cruise, our best views were from on deck, even though we had a verandah. Luckily, cruise lines devote time to cruising near some of Alaska's most scenic and famous rivers of ice, so passengers can have prime glacier viewing options. You may also see brown bears (coastal grizzlies), black bears, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, mountain goats, orcas and puffins. It was a week later than the other itinerary (so really no impact on our planning/timeline) and only $174 more per person (so not a huge impact on our budget). All rights reserved. From the bottom of the deepest glacial fjord to the summit of its highest peak, Glacier Bay encompasses some of our continent's most amazing scenery and wildness. This calving action is what many cruise passengers hope to see when they spend time in front of Alaska. NPS Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The glacier was originally called the Young Glacier by John Muir for Reverend S. Hall Young, who was a traveling companion in 1880. Since Hubbard Glacier can be the only major glacier on some Alaska cruises,if the weather isnt favorablethere is achance that passengers wontgetclose-up viewsof any glaciers at all on their cruise. Get to know Glacier Bay better with A Day in Glacier Bay. often included on Alaska cruise itineraries. Arm Fjord is truly spectacular, particularly when the weather is clear. The choice, though, for Princess roundtrip cruises from Seattle is either Glacier Bay on the Crown or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier on the Discovery. Click here for more information about the #warmingstripes. Ships typically get within a quarter- to a half-mile of the face of the glacier, but the amount of ice in the water can force ships to halt farther out in the fjord in some cases. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Executive Editor, U.S. Alaska has adventure to spare; your only difficulty is figuring out which magnificent glacier is on your bucket list. Ships travel up Tracy Arm Fjord, navigating, journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, cruise guests will marvel at the sheer, ste, is less than a half-mile wide and waterfalls often cascade down the, Mountain goats can sometimes be seen near Sawyer Glacier, and bears are occasionally spotted near the waters edge, Sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the highlights of this experience, particularly on a smaller ship. The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise, Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore, The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. While spectacular, Hubbard is just one glacier, whereas Glacier Bay consists of many glaciers; sailing Glacier Bay takes several hours and is an iconic Alaska cruise experience. I'm hoping for some honest opinions, and experiences. Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Tracy Arm branches to the north from Holkham Bay; Endicott Arm is the more southerly branch. The kind of stateroom you have is less important than that. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter \"Cruising With JT\". Ships stop in front of one of the tidewater glaciers for about an hour, rotating 360 degrees to give everyone on board a view. It was an early season, short cruise that only visited Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. Submarine moraines mark several positions in McBride Inlet where the ice margin was stable in position for several or more years. Before you visit one of these Alaskan glaciers, make sure you understand the logistics and safety protocol of scaling these incredible natural wonders. Hubbard Glacier also has the distinction of being one of the most active glaciers in Alaska. The Fairweather. Most notably, the park is one of the few places in the world where it is relatively easy to access glaciers. From camping to cruising, she's been writing about travel for 30-plus years. Boundary Peak 74, Boundary Peak 75, Hump Knoll. Sorted by Most Common to Least Common Viewings, Long-tailed Duck, Common Merganser, Canada Goose, Red-necked Phalarope, Northern Pintail, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Tree Swallow, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Kittlitz's Murrelet, Black-legged Kittiwake, American Crow, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Marbled Murrelet, Herring Gull, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Harlequin Duck, Bufflehead, Vaux's Swift, Spotted Sandpiper, Pigeon Guillemot, Arctic Tern, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Hermit Thrush, Rufous Hummingbird, Black Oystercatcher, Bonaparte's Gull, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Yellow-billed Loon, Pelagic Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Barn Swallow, Pacific Wren. Also, book a cruise with more than one glacier cruising day to double your odds. If you're someone who is susceptible to FOMO, you're going to want to do Glacier Bay, end of story. The glaciers in Glacier Bay are quieter, far less flashy and less likely to exhibit calving of large ice chunks. Since Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, calving does occur regularly. Tip: If your cruise is offering a glacier viewing excursion on the day the ship is scheduled for scenic cruising near a glacier, take it. Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in North America. Is Dawe's Glacier good enough or change for Glacier Bay? ere are some comparisons between visiting Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. She prefers shore excursions involving history, wine or wildlife. Report inappropriate content 1-6 of 6 replies Sorted by 1 fti Alaska Destination Expert for Alaska Level Contributor 19,398 posts 39 reviews 102 helpful votes 1. Tracy ArmFjordvs. Glacier Bay Advantages: Tracy ArmFjordvs. Glacier Bay Disadvantages: READ MORE: When is the Best Time To Cruise Alaska? Pictures of, from, or near Dawes Glacier. (I would go in may). Glacier Bay, Southeast Alaska. The Alaska community board shares more about incredible Alaskan adventures. Exit Glacier is the only glacier accessible via car at the park. The Dawes is a very striking glacier with deep dark stripes down the center. The list includes small- and medium-ship cruise lines like Windstar and Lindblad. On the other hand, if youre looking for a massive calving display, then you cant go wrong by booking a cruise to Hubbard Glacier. This area is also rife with wildlife similar to that found in Glacier Bay. The ship will visit the park for nine to 10 hours, traveling over 120 miles. If youre interested in visiting the largest glacier in Alaska, youll have to do it the hard way. I have done Endicott Arm on a large ship (missed Tracy Arm) and on a small boat (not booked via cruise ship). It was named for Gardiner Hubbard, the founder of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Magazine. Backpacking and multi-day hiking trips take travelers to see the impressive glacier. Map of tidewater and lakewater glaciers in Glacier Bay NP. Princess does offer a small boat excursion in Endicott Arm that will get you much closer to the glaciers. Glacier Bay itineraries arealwaysone of the most popular Alaska cruise routes. A Guide To The Best Glaciers In Alaska | Celebrity Cruises Destinations Alaska A Guide to the Best Glaciers in Alaska Last updated: May 17th, 2022 Mother Nature truly outdid herself in Alaska, where glaciers tower over the surrounding seas, making their steep incline seem insurmountable. Glacier Bay cruise vacations allow travelers -- both young and old -- to appreciate scenic cruising as they glide near seven glaciers. Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier are similar to each other since they are both large, active tidewater glaciers that have regular calving displays. Comparing Hubbard Glacier with Sawyer Glacier is easy when it comes to size. Sure. I did it recently and had a marvelous time. Determining which ships go to Glacier Bay is often an importa, d Princess Cruises have a large number of Alaska sailings that go to Glacier Bay, offering a wide variety of itineraries that include ports such as, generally include close to a full day in Glacier Bay National Park, several, rk includes eleven glaciers eight can be seen on clear days, Sailing through Glacier Bay includes traveling through inlets and beautiful scenery, More wildlife is often seen in Glacier Bay National Park, Park rangers come onboard to offer insights and narrate the trip while in Glacier Bay, Kids can earn Glacier Bay Junior Ranger badges while sailing in the National Park, Weather can be a safe bet, particularly early and late in the season, For those searching for the best Alaska glacier cruise, one of the most common questions is Which one is best Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay, in Glacier Bay National Park. Located south of Juneau, Tracy Arm is a long, relatively narrow fjord ending atthe twostunningfaces of Sawyer Glacier North Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier. Once you reach the end of Endicott Arm Fjord, youll come face to face with Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall and mile-wide active icecap that produces daily displays of calving, giving visitors the opportunity to hear the white thunder sound that is produced when a large chunk of ice splashes into the water. Even if youre not driving, you can walk from the parks entrance to the toe of the glacier. Alaska cruises are filled with spectacular scenery and memorable experiences. they often point out wildlife and other interesting sights during their talks. We also booked and aft balcony so we are really hoping to have amazing views from our private room. Aside from enjoying spectacular landscapes and seeing diverse wildlife, coming face to face with these icy natural wonders is a thrilling and often unforgettable experience. If your itinerary says you'll be cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord, you are there to see the twin Sawyer glaciers. We found itineraries that started as early as 6 a.m. and one on Holland America that arrived at 8:30 a.m. (it stays until 6:30 p.m.). As the largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glaciers toweringheight andmammothoverallsize is much more impressivethan Sawyer Glacier. Hubbard Glacier is the largest calving glacier in North America, and one of the few tidewater glaciers in the world that is still advancing. A cruise around the park takes around nine to 10 hours and cruisers can soak in the unique beauty while on their Glacier Bay cruise). College Fjord is another spectacular areathatssometimes included on northbound Alaska cruise itineraries. Ice flow rates have not been measured, but are estimated to be on the order of 3000 feet per year. You might see bald eagles flying overhead or even a brown bear swimming across the bay. Cruise lines that visit Hubbard Glacier: Almost every cruise line that cruises in Alaska includes Hubbard Glacier on at least one itinerary often on one-way sailings or longer round-trip cruises. 2017 we cruised in july and could not get in. Her first cruise was on Carnivals second ship, Carnivale. Larsen et al (2007) observed a rapid thinning of the Stikine Icefield and that Dawes was thinning faster than all but Muir Glacier in Southeast Alaska during the 1948-2000 period. The data are from the UK Met Office. Dawes Glacier starts near the Alaska-Canadaboundary and flows northwest for 20 miles (32 km) to tidewater in Endicott Arm, about 100 miles (161 km) northeast of Sitka and 80 miles (129 km) southeast of Juneau, Alaska. Aialik is one of the largest tidewater glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. As for choosing Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay, our vote goes to Glacier Bay for ease of viewing, time spent in front of the glaciers and cost to visit. NW of Sitka, Coast Mts. For me, the best glacier cruise would include both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, but if forced to choose, it would be Glacier Bay. Its common for ships to spend an hour or so in front of one of the glaciers so guests canpossiblysee multiplecalvings. That movement causes ice to break off and fall into the sea in a process known as calving, which is not related as much to temperature as it is to the physics of the glaciers thickness and the steepness of the land mass it crosses. Our second (NCL) went to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. During the journey to the glacier, keep your eyes open for animals in Alaska like sea lions, porpoises, and sea otters. Sailing through narrow TracyArm Fjord is truly spectacular, particularly when the weather is clear. Glacier Bay Park brochure map (3.3MB Jpg) Covers the entire park. Please view our, DEPARTING FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA. Tracy Arm Fjord is less than a half-mile wide and waterfalls often cascade down the fjords craggy cliffs. Detailed Map of the Bay only (500KB Jpg) Detail of Glacier Bay and its West Arm. One has a day at Glacier Bay and a day at Juneau, the other a stop at Dawes Glacier for a couple hours then on to Juneau later that same day. As part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the world's largest protected areas. Wildlife including harbor seals, mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles are often seen during the trip. Read more here and here. Hubbard Glacier is renowned for its strong blue color on clear days as well. I ended up booking the Glacier Bay itinerary. Hubbard Glacieris notin Glacier Bay National Park. So, actually the OP can have both and not . - Available for Transfer Only, Something About Nothing #14, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure Forums. Since a number of Alaska cruise destinations include the word glacier their description, it can often be toughto decide whichAlaska itineraryis the best option. Unseasonably warm weather is expected to continue into Wednesday in the Bay Area, with possible record-breaking temperatures in San Francisco, which had a Dec. 1 high of 70 degrees in 1959 and . Can have more seals hauled out on ice floes, depending upon the time of year, scenery in Tracy Arm can include snowy peaks and, including mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles, at Hubbard Glacier and can occur more frequently, ions for travelers seeking the best Alaska glacier cruise, on their Alaska cruise itineraries. Weather in Glacier Bay tends to be more reliable, although it can be quiterainy at times. cruise through Glacier Bay, exploring its inlets and saili, ng past various glaciers. Please view our, Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, DEPARTING FROM VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA. Cruise ships are dwarfed by this glaciers. Somecruise linesincludeEndicott Arm and Dawes Glacieron their Alaska cruise itineraries. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I think in Tracy's arm the ship does not get as close but Endicott while it is a nice tour (take in a few extra areas) Just get to Alaska! From there, you can board a fixed-wing plane and soar over the massive national park, where youll witness glaciers and animals from a first-class viewpoint from up above. You will view more than one glacier. The majority of glaciers in the park have receded or thinned in the last decade. Tracy Arm is more scenic as it has more twists and turns. In addition glaciers within Lituya Bay continue to show advance. That is an overwhelmingly beautiful and (for us) an emotional experience seeing natures majesty. Which one should we pick? Visiting Mendenhall Glacier is a popular excursion for Alaska cruise guests spending the day in Juneau. The narrow fjord is stunning in its beauty. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. offer optional small boat excursions which can get closer to Hubbard Glacier. My glacierless cruise was not a surprise. Locatedsoutheast of Juneau, Endicott Arm Fjordis part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. Cruise ships spend much of their time sailing past several of the parks, plunge into the sea. With these Tracy Arm Fjord excursions, avidglacier seekers may have the option of visiting this stunning area in addition to Hubbard Glacier or Glacier National Park. The time of the year is a little different but otherwise pretty much the same. Can you cruise to Alaska and not see glaciers? Rivaling other hotspots for glacier cruising, Glacier Bay is part of the National Park system with more than three million acres and 1,000 glaciers for visitors to enjoy. Named in 1891 by U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) for Henry Laurens Dawes, 1816-1903, lawyer and statesman from Massachusetts. HubbardGlacier vs. Glacier Bay Advantages: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay Disadvantages: Tracy Arm Fjord is anotherbreathtakinglybeautiful area thatsoften included on Alaska cruise itineraries.