Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Cruise Vacation

Glacier View of Boat and Snow Capped Mountain

LIVE THE WILD LIFE

Endicott Arm Fjord Glacier is less frequently visited than its sister Tracy Arm, but its secluded nature only adds to its appeal. Catch a glimpse of imposing Dawes Glacier: It's actually formed by two glaciers meeting, one of which features an impressive icefall, a crevasse that looks like a frozen waterfall, into the fjord below. You're sure to see roaming wildlife here: Watch the waters for seals and sea otters, or look to the skies for a glimpse of soaring bald eagles.

Scenic Views of Mendenhall Glacier with Trees by the Lake

FJORD THE TURQUOISE WATERS

As glaciers move, they grind the earth to flour that turns the waters that wind through the fjords a gorgeous opaque turquoise color. Take an excursion or tour through the water-filled valleys of Mendenhall Glacier to bathe in the light that reflects off of the compressed ice. You can kayak through Mendenhall Lake, which is actually created by the melting waters of the 3,000-year-old glacier.

Scenic View of Glacier with Surrounding Pine Trees

ICE, ICE, BABY!

Age-old glaciers like Dawes or Mendenhall give way to meandering fjords all throughout Alaska. Kayak through the icy waters and catch a glimpse of the grazing caribou and the leaping mountain goats who frequent the massive mountains of ice.

Red Kayak Floating Among Icebergs at Spencer Glacier in Alaska.

ICY EXPEDITIONS

Sometimes, you want to relax and take in the views. Other times, you might prefer to take advantage of the thrilling adventures an area has to offer. In the glaciers of Alaska, you can do both at the same time during your Alaska cruise vacation.

People on Dog Sled in Mendenhall Glacier

TAKE A PAWS

A thrilling helicopter ride tour can transport you to the Norris Glacier on the Juneau Icefield. Meet with professional mushers and their spirited dogs for an unforgettable dog-sledding adventure of ancient proportions: Archaeological evidence suggests the Inuit have been getting around via dog sled since around 1,000 A.D.

GLACIER SIGHT-SOARING

Generally, Alaska glaciers are viewed from one angle, so you can see that they are massive, but flightseeing — taking a small, low-flying plane over the landscape for a true bird's-eye view — allows you to see just how vast these rivers of ice can be. Take up an excursion out of Misty Fjord in Ketchikan, or soar above the massive Denali mountain with a Talkeetna adventure tour group. You may even get the chance to climb one of these icy giants.

THE CAVERNS ARE CALLING

There's nothing quite like experiencing a glacier from the inside. Venture into Mendenhall Ice Caves or Matanuska Glacier Cave to see stunning views of intensely compressed ice — it's an otherworldly experience of actually standing underneath the glacial ice, which forms surreal landscapes like you've never seen before.

STEP INTO MAJESTIC GLACIAL MOUNTAINS ON AN

ALASKAN CRUISE ADVENTURE

Alaska glacier cruises are unparalleled in stunning views and unique activities. Whether you prefer kayaking, hiking, dog-sledding or viewing the ancient ice from the luxury of the ship, you'll never forget your glacial getaway.

Ovation of the Seas Alaska Double North Star

ADVENTURE IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

In Summer 2021, Quantum of the Seas® joins sister ship Ovation of the Seas in Seattle for our biggest, boldest Alaska season ever. The two largest ships in the region brim with ways to maximize your time under the Midnight Sun. Scope out calving glaciers from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Fill each sea day with activities designed for any weather. And bring awe-inspiring wilderness views into every room — even Interior staterooms — with Virtual Balconies. All while you sail to iconic northern destinations like postcard-pretty Juneau, majestic Endicott Arm, and Alaska’s dazzling Inside Passage.

Radiance on a Lake in front of a Snow Mountain

EXPLORE THE WILD FRONTIER

Nothing compares to glacier cruises on Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas . Sail between stunning Seward, Alaska and vibrant Vancouver, British Columbia, taking in wow-worthy sights along the way through acres of windows that line the ship — like brilliant Hubbard Glacier, the lush forests that border Alaska’s Inside Passage, and the towering, snow-capped peaks that frame charming Skagway. Want to level up your Alaska adventure? Go all out on CruiseTours that take you deeper into the Last Frontier, with excursions into the wilds of Denali National Park, train rides with sweeping views of Alaska’s rugged interior, and more.

Insider Tips

1 On northbound cruises, you'll get the best views of the glaciers on the starboard side of the ship; when you're sailing southward, the port side is the way to go.

2 Many of our Alaska glacier cruises depart from Vancouver or Seattle, so you can get in your dose of urban exploration before you explore the icy wilderness.

3 Alaska might not seem like a sun-soaked state, but make no mistake: Sunglasses are essential for glacier-viewing, as the glare off the ice can be intense.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.