Glacier Bay National Park Cruise: Royal Princess
Why We Chose a Glacier Bay National Park Cruise
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most breathtaking days on any Alaska cruise — and only a few cruise lines are permitted to sail here. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what to expect on a Glacier Bay National Park cruise day aboard the Royal Princess, including wildlife viewing tips, the best side of the ship, balcony vs. interior cabin advice, and how to make the most of this once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
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Quick Guide to Glacier Bay
Cruise line: Princess Cruises (Royal Princess)
Best viewing side: Starboard (return)
Wildlife spotted: Sea otters, whales
Glaciers visited: Margerie Glacier + others
Walking required: Minimal
Best for: Families, seniors, balcony lovers
What to Expect on the Glacier Bay National Park Cruise
Our boat tour of Glacier Bay National Park was from the ship. This ended up being perfect. It was much easier to stay warm this way. The night before we arrived in Glacier Bay National Park, we were left a map of Glacier Bay from the National Park Service.
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Not only was the day events in the app. There were signs were up all over the ship explaining the time of the day events.
Arrival of National Park Rangers
As you can see from the events above, the arrival of the National Park Rangers is early in the morning. We got up early and had a nice sit-down breakfast. We then went up to the 16th deck to start observing. My mom is not an early riser, so she skipped the morning exploring from the upper deck. It was windy and cool this morning, so we checked out blankets on the pool deck. You can see us wearing them below:
Wildlife Spotting from the Deck
We ended up finding a spot next to the ship where we avoided the wind. We were in the middle, so when the National Park Ranger would say Sea Otter port side. We could quickly make our way over. We saw so many sea otters on this trip! We also saw whales and more just from the Royal Princess. The Park Rangers did an amazing job explaining what they were seeing without talking nonstop. Their commentary was perfect and non-distracting. When we reached Marguerite Glacier, they turned off the radio and gave us an hour of silence. They came out to the decks to answer questions.
Marguerite Glacier Rotation & Silence Hour
At Marguerite Glacier, stop and rotate the ship 360 degrees so everyone gets a view, and then we head out. We enjoyed the view from the port side of the ship, and when the ship started rotating, we made it quickly to our cabin on the Starboard side of the ship. This is when my mom joined us!
Pro tip from Julie
Once we got back to our room, I ordered coffee and hot chocolate for everyone so we could sip something warm while taking in Glacier Bay. Apparently the entire ship had the same idea because it took over an hour for the drinks to arrive — but honestly, we didn’t mind. The views were so beautiful we barely noticed the time passing.
I also thought ahead and ordered lunch around 10:20, which showed up a little after 11. So yes… I basically hosted a Glacier Bay party in our cabin. My family was very thankful I planned ahead.
Balcony vs. Interior Cabin: What We Learned
We spent most of the morning and early afternoon taking turns on our balcony. The starboard side is definitely where it is on the way back through Glacier Bay. We were able to see the two other glaciers without leaving our room. With our balcony door open, we could hear the rangers talking from the Bridge over the intercom. It was perfect!
| Viewing Spot | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balcony | Warm, private, great photos | Higher cost | Families, photographers |
| Upper Decks | 360° views, ranger talks | Windy, crowded | First‑timers |
| Indoor Lounges | Warm, comfortable | Limited angles | Seniors, kids |
💡I originally purchased an interior cabin for this cruise. I am so glad my bid for the obstructed balcony was accepted. I don’t mind an interior room. I sleep amazingly, but this balcony for Glacier Bay National Park made our trip even more amazing. Sometimes I try to be too frugal. We would have enjoyed the decks if this had not been an option, so if you cannot afford the extra for the balcony, don’t worry! However, if you can afford the extra, I think it is 100% worth it.
Tips for Enjoying Glacier Bay from Your Cruise Ship
I’ll be honest, the pictures and video I took do not truly reflect the beauty we saw this day. I’ll post a few more so you can see what we experienced. We all truly enjoyed it. It was the highlight of our trip. I called my husband that night and said I was ready to come home. Nothing else could top this! He told me I had to stay on the ship until it returned to Seattle. I am the one who books these cruises, and I have to finish my journey on the ship as planned.
❄️ Glacier Bay National Park Cruise Day — FAQ
Do all Alaska cruises go to Glacier Bay?
No. Only a handful of cruise lines have permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park each season. Princess, Holland America, and a few smaller lines typically have access. If Glacier Bay is a must‑see, make sure your itinerary specifically lists it.
What is the best side of the ship for Glacier Bay?
Both sides offer incredible views, but generally:
Port side has better views on the way in
Starboard side has better views on the way out If you have a balcony, you’ll see plenty from your cabin — but you’ll still want to explore the upper decks for 360° views.
Is a balcony worth it for Glacier Bay?
If your budget allows, yes. A balcony gives you a warm, private viewing spot and lets you enjoy the glaciers without crowds. But you can still have an amazing experience from the open decks if you’re in an interior or oceanview cabin.
How cold is Glacier Bay on a cruise?
Expect temperatures in the 40s–50s, with wind that makes it feel colder. Layers are essential, and gloves or a hat make a big difference when you’re outside taking photos.
What wildlife can you see in Glacier Bay?
Common sightings include:
Sea otters
Harbor seals
Bald eagles
Mountain goats
Occasional whales
Wildlife varies by season, but Glacier Bay is one of the best places in Alaska for spotting animals from the ship.
How long does the ship stay at the glaciers?
Most ships spend 20–40 minutes at Margerie Glacier, often rotating so both sides of the ship get a great view. You’ll also pass several other glaciers throughout the day.
Do park rangers come onboard?
Yes — Glacier Bay National Park rangers board the ship early in the morning. They give commentary, host programs, and answer questions throughout the day.
Can you get off the ship in Glacier Bay?
No. Glacier Bay is a scenic cruising day only. You’ll enjoy the views from your balcony, stateroom, or the open decks.
What should I wear for Glacier Bay day?
Layers, layers, layers. A waterproof jacket, gloves, and warm base layers make the day much more comfortable. 👉 Alaska Cruise Packing List
What time does the ship reach Margerie Glacier?
It varies by itinerary, but most ships reach Margerie Glacier between 9 AM and noon. Your daily schedule or cruise app will list the exact timing.
Is Glacier Bay good for kids and seniors?
Absolutely. It’s one of the easiest, most accessible days of the entire cruise. No walking, no rushing — just stunning scenery from the comfort of the ship.
Can you hear the glacier calving?
Yes! If you’re outside or on your balcony, you may hear the thunder‑like cracks of ice breaking off Margerie Glacier. It’s unforgettable.
About the Author
I’m Julie — mom, traveler, and the voice behind NO POINT LEFT BEHIND. What started as a way to document our family adventures has grown into a place where I share the tips, hacks, and honest reviews I wish I had when we first started traveling. If you love cruising, exploring new places, or stretching your points and miles as far as possible, you’re in the right place.
Final Thoughts on Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park was everything I hoped it would be—and more. From the moment the park rangers boarded the Royal Princess to the silent rotation at Marguerite Glacier, the entire day felt magical. Watching sea otters float by and glaciers calve from our balcony was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you're planning an Alaska cruise, make sure Glacier Bay is on your itinerary. It’s a rare privilege to sail through this protected wilderness, and for our family, it was the highlight of the entire trip.
If Glacier Bay is on your bucket list, choose an Alaska cruise itinerary that includes it — not all do. It was the highlight of our entire trip.
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