The wide blue face of Hubbard Glacier and the snowy peaks behind it, reflected in calm Alaska water.
Featured Cruises to Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
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Cruises to Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
Hubbard Glacier is a scenic cruising day on Alaska cruises, not a port of call: the ship sails up Disenchantment Bay to the face of North America's largest tidewater glacier, spends some time there, and sails out again. That face is about 6 miles wide and about 600 feet tall, with roughly 350 feet of blue and white ice above the waterline, and slabs of it break away and crash into the bay.
Can you get off the ship at Hubbard Glacier? No. The ship does not dock or tender, and everyone stays on board for the whole visit, watching from the open decks and lounges. How close does the ship get? It depends on the ice in the bay and the weather on the day. Federal guidelines ask ships to stop farther back when the ice is thick, partly to protect the harbor seals that raise their pups on the floating ice.
The glacier flows about 76 miles from the mountains on the Alaska and Yukon border down to the sea near Yakutat. Unlike most glaciers in the region, it spent the last century advancing rather than shrinking, and twice, in 1986 and 2002, it pushed far enough to seal off the mouth of nearby Russell Fiord for a few months. Cruises to Hubbard Glacier are part of many Alaska itineraries on Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, along with smaller ships from Viking, Silversea, Regent and Seabourn.
Plan for cold air near the ice even in summer: claim a spot on an outside deck before the ship reaches the glacier, and bring a warm jacket, a hat, gloves and binoculars.
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Destinations for Cruises to Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising). Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
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Cruise Lines with Cruises to Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising). Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising):
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
For nearly 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been taking their guests on expedition style trips around the world. Through their alliance with National Geographic, they're able to provide a unique variety of special features on their cruises. For instance, all Lindblad expeditions are joined by National Geographic experts, and their guests may be able to use state-of-the-art equipment including bow cameras, ROVs, kayaks, undersea cameras, hydrophones, video-microscopes, crittercams. Some of the destinations offered by Lindblad Expeditions are the exotic Galapagos Islands, Egypt, Alaska, South America, Antarctica, the Mexican Riviera, and Europe.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Seabourn is one of the world's most luxurious cruise lines, offering state of the art amenities such as complimentary welcome champagne, open bars, complimentary gourmet dining and personalized service. Since its founding, Seabourn's ultra-luxury ships have consistently ranked among the very best vacation experiences in surveys, polls and the annual honors lists of international guidebooks and travel critics. New for Seabourn in May 2018 was Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to the innovative Seabourn Encore.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
One of the world's leaders in premium land tours also offers fantastic river cruises in Europe, as well as small ship cruises. Their luxurious Tauck River Cruising fleet sails in some of the most famous rivers in the world, such as the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Seine. Tauck Cruises' small ship fleet provides expedition and cultural journey cruises worldwide. Every one of their river cruises is all-inclusive, providing guests with a great value, pairing fantastically with their intimate, club-like onboard atmosphere and the uncommon access they get their guests via exclusive cultural experiences on their included excursions ashore.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and now consists of 11 vessels, with 2 more sister ships to follow in 2025-2026. Itineraries include 8- to 32-day adventures all over Europe and the Mediterranean all year round and exclusive voyages to China and Japan in the fall plus World Cruises that can last 121 to 138 days. All staterooms on Viking ocean ships have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the p
Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line by Sir Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group companies Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines. This adults-only (18+) cruise line sails to unique ports in the Caribbean, including Miami, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, and Virgin's privately-owned beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, as well as Europe. Virgin Voyages showcases offbeat entertainment, high-tech environments, and inclusive fares that make vacationing easier than ever.
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Things to do in Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
Everything at Hubbard Glacier is seen from the ship, so the day is about finding the right spot on deck. These are the moments to watch for:
♦ The Glacier Face
The main event is the face itself, a wall of ice that the National Park Service puts at about 600 feet tall, with roughly 350 feet showing above the water. The ice you see at the front formed as snow in the mountains centuries ago and has been creeping toward the sea ever since. Up close, the cracks and ridges glow a deep blue.
♦ Calving Ice
Hubbard Glacier sheds ice into the sea, and patient watchers hear a crack like thunder before a slab breaks away and lands in the bay. Some of the icebergs it releases are as big as a ten-story building, one reason ships keep a careful distance from the face. Stay on deck through the visit, since calving can happen at any moment.
♦ Disenchantment Bay
The approach is part of the show. The ship sails up a narrow fjord between steep mountains, past floating ice of every size, from small chunks to larger bergs, with other glaciers spilling down the slopes along the way. It is a good time to take photos with the mountains for scale.
♦ Harbor Seals on the Ice
Disenchantment Bay is an important nursery for harbor seals, which have raised their pups on the floating ice here for centuries. Look for dark shapes resting on the floes. Federal guidelines ask ships to keep well back from resting seals, so binoculars make the difference.
♦ Viewing Tips
Head outside before the ship reaches the glacier, since the best rail spots fill quickly. Dress in warm layers with a hat and gloves, because the air near the ice is cold even in summer, and bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to pick out the texture of the ice and any wildlife.
Average Monthly Weather for Hubbard Glacier, AK (Scenic Cruising)
Temperature
Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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