Glacier Bay National Park Cruise: Royal Princess
Updated May 2026
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most breathtaking days on any Alaska cruise — and only a handful of cruise lines are permitted to sail here. After experiencing Glacier Bay aboard the Royal Princess, I’m sharing exactly what to expect, the best side of the ship, balcony vs. interior cabin tips, wildlife viewing advice, and how to make the most of this once‑in‑a‑lifetime day.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise for 2026, here are the tools I personally use to compare itineraries and prices:
CruiseDirect (my favorite for comparing prices without extra booking fees)
Affiliate note: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
Quick Guide to Glacier Bay (Royal Princess)
Cruise line: Princess Cruises (Royal Princess)
Best viewing side: Starboard on the return
Wildlife spotted: Sea otters, whales, bald eagles
Glaciers visited: Margerie Glacier + others
Walking required: Minimal
Best for: Families, seniors, balcony lovers
What I Packed for Glacier Bay
Layers are everything. My MVPs:
Warm fleece
Waterproof shell
Cozy leggings
Gloves + hat
Portable charger
Binoculars
I packed everything in my Mother Lode Junior carry‑on - read my full review.
👉 Shop my Alaska Cruise Essentials
What to Expect on a Glacier Bay Cruise Day
The night before Glacier Bay, Princess left a National Park Service map in our cabin — a fun preview of what was coming.
Princess also posted the full Glacier Bay schedule in the app and on signs around the ship, which made planning super easy.
Arrival of the National Park Rangers
Rangers board the ship early in the morning. We grabbed a sit‑down breakfast, then headed to Deck 16 to start wildlife spotting.
It was windy and chilly, so we checked out blankets from the pool deck (highly recommend). My mom skipped the early morning deck time — she’s not an early riser — but she joined us later when the ship rotated at the glacier.
Wildlife Spotting from the Deck
We found a spot mid‑ship where we could quickly move port or starboard depending on where the ranger spotted wildlife.
We saw:
Dozens of sea otters
Whales
Bald eagles
Harbor seals
The rangers were fantastic — informative without talking nonstop. When we reached Margerie Glacier, they turned off the commentary and gave us a full hour of silence. Magical.
Margerie Glacier: Rotation & Silence Hour
At Margerie Glacier, the ship does a full 360° rotation so everyone gets a great view.
We watched the first half from the port side, then hurried back to our starboard balcony for the return. This is when my mom joined us — and honestly, it was perfect timing.
Julie’s Pro Tip
Once we got back to our room, I ordered coffee and hot chocolate for everyone. It took over an hour to arrive (apparently everyone had the same idea), but we didn’t mind — the views were unreal.
I also ordered lunch around 10:20 AM so it would arrive right after the glacier viewing. Yes… I basically hosted a Glacier Bay balcony party. Zero regrets.
Balcony vs. Interior Cabin: What We Learned
We spent most of Glacier Bay on our balcony. With the door open, we could hear the ranger commentary from the Bridge.
Starboard side was definitely the winner on the return — we saw two additional glaciers without leaving our room.
💡 I originally booked an interior cabin and only upgraded because my bid for an obstructed balcony was accepted. I’m so glad it was. If you can swing the upgrade, Glacier Bay is the day it pays off. But if not — don’t stress. The open decks offer incredible views.
👉 Interior Cabin Cruise Hacks — how we make interior rooms feel bigger, brighter, and totally worth it.
Tips for Enjoying Glacier Bay from Your Cruise Ship
Claim a spot early if you want deck views
Bring binoculars
Dress in layers (it’s colder than you expect)
Order room service early
Keep your balcony door cracked to hear ranger commentary
Don’t overschedule — this is a slow, peaceful day
It was the highlight of our entire trip. I even called my husband that night and said, “I’m ready to come home — nothing else will top this.” He reminded me I had to stay on the ship until it returned to Seattle. Fair.
Planning Your Own Glacier Bay Cruise?
Here are my favorite tools for booking:
CruiseDirect — compare prices
Cruises.com — find itineraries
Princess Cruises — book direct
❄️ Glacier Bay National Park Cruise Day — FAQ
Do all Alaska cruises go to Glacier Bay?
No. Only a few cruise lines have permits (Princess, Holland America, some small ships). Make sure your itinerary specifically lists Glacier Bay.
What side of the ship is best?
Port on the way in
Starboard on the way out
Is a balcony worth it?
If your budget allows — absolutely. But you can still have an amazing day from the open decks.
How cold is Glacier Bay?
40s–50s with wind. Layers are essential.
What wildlife can you see?
Sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, mountain goats, and sometimes whales.
Do park rangers come onboard?
Yes — they board early and provide commentary throughout the day.
Can you get off the ship?
No. Glacier Bay is a scenic cruising day only.
What should I wear?
Waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, hat.
About the Author
I’m Julie — mom, traveler, and the voice behind No Point Left Behind. 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 ranger commentary to the silent rotation at Margerie Glacier, the entire day felt magical. Watching sea otters float by and glaciers calve from our balcony was unforgettable.
If Glacier Bay is on your bucket list, choose an itinerary that includes it — not all do. It was the highlight of our entire trip.
