Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: Address, Phone Number, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Reviews: 5/5
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
5
Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,390 reviews
Excellent
1,292
Very good
81
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Bernie
Canada101 contributions
The highlight of the trip was exploring the Glacier Bay for 9 hours. Our Alaska cruise sails to the Inside Passage of a series of waterways formed by glaciers. It’s a beautiful day visiting the national park to see gigantic snow cap mountains and huge glaciers. It’s wonderful to see bright blue icebergs rising out of the water. I was surprised to see the Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and pieces fall off across the waves.
I was amazed by this clean, natural preserved national park. The Glacier Bay Park Rangers went onboard early morning. They spend the day aboard to answer questions, explain the scenery as the ship explore the Glacier Bay to appreciate the wonders of the national park. At the same time, the Park Rangers enforce the laws to the safety, cleanliness of the national park and assist to prevent disaster for guests.
The full day tour at the bay is well worth it. Both the glaciers and the surrounding scenery are spectacular. The entire place was stunningly gorgeous.
I was amazed by this clean, natural preserved national park. The Glacier Bay Park Rangers went onboard early morning. They spend the day aboard to answer questions, explain the scenery as the ship explore the Glacier Bay to appreciate the wonders of the national park. At the same time, the Park Rangers enforce the laws to the safety, cleanliness of the national park and assist to prevent disaster for guests.
The full day tour at the bay is well worth it. Both the glaciers and the surrounding scenery are spectacular. The entire place was stunningly gorgeous.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca B
Mount Pleasant, NC659 contributions
Couples
Our cruise ship entered the park at about 6:30am and the park ranger boarded soon after. Once the Park Ranger made it to his microphone his started giving passengers details of the area and what we were seeing. Also, if he spotted wildlife he'd tell you what general direction to look. The only way to travel through the park is via boat so you can't hike it or drive to it from the inlet where we came into the park. There are breath taking views from front to back of the park. If you booked a balcony for your cruise, I promise you'll spend most of the day out there looking at the beautiful scenery sailing by. This is a photographer's dream day cruise with glaciers and wildlife galore.
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ed D
Pauline, SC386 contributions
We toured the bay on the Norwegian Encore. It is amazing to see the glaciers up close and our captain did a great job of turning the boat at least 3 full times so everyone could get pics of the Grand Pacific Glacier. We did see it calve some small ice pieces off of the face of the glacier. The number of glaciers in the Park is impressive. You can get closer on other tours that will take you in small boats right up to the face of the glaciers, but what we were able to experience in the vastness of the scenery was breathtaking. The weather was fantastic as the fog burned off and the sun came out to give us an unobstructed view in temps of the high 50's. Great time to visit.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
M H
Northern Virginia, VA823 contributions
Friends
Our inner passage cruise ship explored several parts of Glacier Bay, including trips on inflatable boats to see the glaciers, some breaking up or broken up, up close. We were excited to see just- born seal pups and their mothers on many floating ice bits with the moms helping the pups regulate their body temperature by keeping them on the ice. Some of the older seals came right up to us and swam along as we glided from one place to another. I was astounded to discover bright blue icebergs rising out of the water- a blue I’d never seen before. This was a once in a lifetime experience.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mochalab
Guelph, Canada251 contributions
Friends
I wasn't expecting this to be so, but it was the highlight of the trip. We were lucky to have a perfect day in the preserve to see the snow, glaciers, and animals. This was done on a cruise ship.
The scenery and magnitude that you see, can't be easily described. It is truly remarkable, amazing and I'm still struggling to find the words.
The park rangers were great at explaining geography and the animals were saw. We had sightings of sea otters, seals, birds, dolphins and even got to see whales fluking (we didn't even see that on our paid excursion).
Once we left, I did miss seeing the snow capped mountains. They'll stay with you for ever!
The scenery and magnitude that you see, can't be easily described. It is truly remarkable, amazing and I'm still struggling to find the words.
The park rangers were great at explaining geography and the animals were saw. We had sightings of sea otters, seals, birds, dolphins and even got to see whales fluking (we didn't even see that on our paid excursion).
Once we left, I did miss seeing the snow capped mountains. They'll stay with you for ever!
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Athena53
Kansas City, MO1,622 contributions
My experience in Glacier Bay was part of an UnCruise trip- a small ship with only 50 passengers. We were able to get close to the glaciers, hike, kayak and explore over a few days. I highly recommend this way to visit and also recommend reading up on glaciers beforehand. There are many glaciers but also places you're likely to see sea lions, mountain goats, kittiwakes, bald eagles, sea otters and whales. Take your time!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve C
Sun City Center, FL84 contributions
We cruised through and around here on our Alaska cruise. The weather was not great so it was hard to see in some area. The view at the glaciers were good and they were great to see. We did not see any wildlife going in or coming out. We did see seals on the icebergs by the glaciers.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mabel G
Sparta, WI67 contributions
Beautiful place! We saw so many bears (16) on the boat tour. The lodge had the best fish and chips I've ever had, and the staff was very willing to refill our water bottles over and again as we waited for our room to be ready for check in. The rooms are small, and there is no Wi-Fi anywhere other than the lodge, but all to be expected at a national park. We also really enjoyed the porcupines on site!
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AU-KC
Kansas City, MO63 contributions
Friends
We cruised though Glacier Bay during our Alaskan cruise on Holland America Eurodam. We spent several hours cruising through the bay viewing glaciers. There were park rangers and naturalists on the ship providing commentary and educational information. We were also given maps and could follow the ship on the monitors so we knew exactly where we were and which glaciers we were viewing. This part of the cruise really makes you think about climate change and the impact people are having on our natural resources and the environment. EVERYONE should go here before it all disappears.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert G
Valdosta, GA95 contributions
This is an all day tour that starts from the dock outside the lodge. It provides everything you would want with beverages, snacks, bathrooms and a sandwich for lunch. There is plenty of seating inside if you wish. The glaciers are awesome but you will likely also see whales, otters, bears and even mountain goats. the Park Ranger will provide great information and all around this is really fun for all ages. You must do this.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
katc2214
Cleveland, OH35 contributions
Hi! Does anyone know if Glacier Bay is doing passport stamps for the National Park passport books? I specifically want to know if the stamps are available if you arrive in the park via plane then hop a ride in a car/van to get to the park. I know the visitors center is closed, but I've been to some parks that have the stamps still available even if the visitors center is closed. I'm not sure in Covid times whether the stamp is available. Thanks!
Lee B
Whitstable, UK5 contributions
Hi, my partner and I are booked up for this trip in May this year and was wondering just how cold it is in May. Its so difficult knowing what to pack as we are also flying over to the other side of Canada at the end of our trip where it will be warmish. Any advice on clothing would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Lee
Donald B
Kennesaw, GA247 contributions
The weather according to what I have seen looks to be about 50-60 degrees F which is about 10-15 C I believe. I would suggest layers because it can change somewhat. Things like fleece jackets, sweaters, windbreakers or light raincoats to wear over them. If you are going on a cruise like we did it was extremely casual. I have been on about 20 cruises and I have never been on such a casual cruise, so I would limit the formal or dress clothes. I guess because of the colder weather people even on the ship dining areas were bundled up in sweatshirts and jeans etc.. I hope that helps, if I can help with anything else let me know. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Yuan
Austin, TX5 contributions
Hi Jackie, very detailed information! Thank you. I just want to know where is your 'lodge' locate? And how did you get to your lodge, by ferry from Anchorage? And how long did the ferry take.
Thank again,
Yuan
Jackie
Fredericksburg, VA49 contributions
My apologies for not responding sooner. As Teresa stated, the Lodge is part of Glacier Bay National Park. It lies 10 miles from the ferry port, in Gustavus. The ferry we took was a ferry from the Alaska Maritime Highway system. The ferry we took was from Juneau. I don't believe any of the Alaska Maritime Hwy ferries from Anchorage (actually the ferry port for Anchorage is 62 miles away in Whittier) have a stop in Gustavus. Once at the ferry port in Gustavus, the Park Service picks you up and takes you back free of charge.
does carnival go to glacier bay
Sherry B
West Des Moines, IA26 contributions
I don't believe carnival cruises to Alaska
scn8ve
Bangkok, Thailand190 contributions
I’m on a cruise ship which will cruise through. Can I sit on my balcony and enjoy the sights or should I fight for a primo spot up on the top deck? And is it cruise in and then cruise out the same way or one way? Thanks
thundercat114
Sheffield, UK149 contributions
Hi, you should get a good view from your balcony. We went with Holland America, the ship sailed down the inlet. The first glacier you see is John Hopkins which you should see from the port side of the ship. When you arrive at Tarr Inlet our ship took over an hour to turn round so everybody had a good view of the glaciers. My wife stayed in the observation lounge while i went on deck, both of us enjoyed the scenery. Hope this helps.
Soufiane
Paris, France
I would like to go to Glacier bay in June but I do not really find information, how to book the excurisons once there and where can we book a lodge?
once on site can we move to the park at our leisure where only excusions are available
Thx you !
Steven D
Spring Hill, TN1,725 contributions
Most likely you will find yourself booking either a Cruise Line trip through this area of Alaska or booking a stay in neighboring island communities like Ketchikan or Skagway Alaska and taking a tour of the Glacier Bay from those "base camps." Enjoy.
I have gone to website and it never comes up with an available date. I put in a 3 year time frame.
LadyEll
Newport News, VA70 contributions
It only goes to 2 years in advance date
How far in advance do you have to book?
cherylmal2
76 contributions
Hello. I booked 7 months ahead. With National park lodging the sooner the better!
W4142HDpatricks
122 contributions
We are planning a visit. What month did you travel? What excursions do you recommend?
Thanks
W4142HDpatricks
122 contributions
Thanks LadyEll!
Paul J F
Westminster, CA20 contributions
Just want to know if we do not want to do a big cruise ship, what are other ways or places to stay during our road trip is we want to see?
LadyEll
Newport News, VA70 contributions
The Glacier National Park is only seen thru the air or by boat only. In my opinion this is the only way I will visit Alaska on a cruise ship because you can see other cities and the over size cruise ships are not allowed in Alaska anyway. You can select from Princess and Holland American for the Inner Passage.