Cruising to Alaska is a unique and unforgettable experience, partially because of the incredible glaciers you can see during your visit.
The scenery on an Alaskan voyage is simply stunning, with misty mountain peaks covered in lush forests, tiny islands blanketed in vegetation, and abundant opportunities to spot eagles, sea lions, and whales. And perhaps the most awe-inspiring sight of all are the glaciers - vast sheets of ice stretching across the horizon as far as the eye can see. It's no wonder that scenic sailing days are such a beloved part of an Alaska cruise itinerary!
So how do you pick an itinerary if it boils down to Hubbard Glacier versus Glacier Bay?
One advantage Hubbard has it its immense size, while Glacier Bay stands out because of how many glaciers you can see in one visit.
Hubbard Glacier
The awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier, located in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, is a must-see on any cruise. At more than 400 feet high and almost 7 miles wide, the glacier's sheer scale is something to behold - even from a quarter-mile or half-mile away.
Hubbard Glacier is often referred to as "the Galloping Glacier", due to its continuous advance into Disenchantment Bay over the past century.
This incredible natural wonder isn't just an impressive sight either. The area around Hubbard Glacier benefits from immense biodiversity; humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, seals and sea lions can all be spotted throughout Yakutat Bay during cruise season. Some cruises even include naturalists who can help passengers identify animals they may otherwise have missed!
Hubbard Glacier Pros: You're far more likely to see a movement that causes ice to break off and fall into the sea in a process known as calving. It's loud and impressive.
Hubbard Glacier Cons: Unlike Glacier Bay, there's only glacier at Hubbard. So if the weather doesn't cooperate, you might take a cruise and not see any glaciers.
Glacier Bay
You'll find seven glaciers in this national park. In fact, park rangers will come on your ship to talk about the glaciers and natural surroundings. With maps, charts and other materials, they can help answer your questions about the history and natural features of the Glacier Bay National Park. Plus, you can even get your passport stamped!
Depending on the itinerary, ships may spend 9 to 10 hours sailing through Glacier Bay National Park.
Fortunately for those who prefer more intimate settings, smaller tour vessels like UnCruise, Lindblad and American Cruise Lines are not limited by the park's daily two-ship maximum limit.
Throughout your journey, be sure to keep an eye out for various species of marine life like harbor seals, St whales. spot black bears or mountain goats along remote coves; or watch birds such as bald eagles and puffins fly overhead.
Glacier Bay Pros: A U.S. park ranger will join you on your cruise during your visit to the park. Your kids (and adults too!) will have a chance to ask questions and interact with the knowledgeable park ranger throughout the duration of your journey—providing captivating narratives and fun facts about the surrounding area.
Glacier Bay Cons: It's a long day of viewing, and you can't get off the ship during your visit.
Which is better: Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay?
Of course, the choice of which glacier to visit is going to be quite subjective because they're both amazing.
Here are a few reasons to pick one over the other.
Time spent at the glacier
If you want the most time possible at a glacier, Glacier Bay is the right choice for you.
Most cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier will spend a few hours near the glacier.
Most likely to see a glacier
The numbers game favor Glacier Bay yet again, because there are 7 glaciers in this park.
It's rare for a ship visit to not be able to see at least one glacier on a day at the park.
Wildlife
The only reason Glacier Bay is a better choice is because you'll spend more time near the glacier, thus, you'll have more time to potentially see animals.
If you have kids
Hubbard is a better choice if spending an entire day looking at glaciers isn't all that interesting. People in this category tend to be children.
Natural beauty
One advantage Hubbard has is how picturesque it looks, with its enormous size and color.
