Best Glaciers to See on an Alaska Cruise
From Hubbard’s dramatic calving to Mendenhall’s easy port access — here are the glaciers worth planning your itinerary around.
Hubbard Glacier
North America’s largest tidewater glacier, with a face nearly 6 miles wide. Ships spend hours cruising in front of it on scenic days, often included on Gulf of Alaska itineraries.
Glacier Bay National Park
A full-day scenic cruising stop through a UNESCO World Heritage site, with park rangers boarding the ship to narrate wildlife and glacier sightings.
Mendenhall Glacier
The most accessible glacier on any Alaska itinerary — a short drive from the Juneau cruise port, with visitor center and hiking trails.
Margerie Glacier
Located within Glacier Bay, one of the most active calving glaciers on the route, popular for photography.
Glacier-Viewing Itineraries
| Itinerary Type | Glacier Access |
|---|---|
| Inside Passage (round-trip Seattle/Vancouver) | Typically includes Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord scenic cruising |
| Gulf of Alaska (one-way Vancouver-Whittier/Seward) | Typically includes Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord |
Tip: Book a balcony cabin on the side of the ship facing the glacier on scenic cruising days — check your cruise line’s daily program the night before to confirm which side.