Oosterdam or Westerdam; Hubbard or Glacier Bay

[brewersfan]

Trying to decide between Oosterdam (Glacier Bay) and Westerdam (Hubbard Glacier) for this summer. Prices/cabins are the same, ports are the same airfare a little cheaper for Westerdam. Help me decide which one based on ship, and glaciers.
This is our first cruise to Alaska and I want to make the best decision for me, my mom, and my boys 14 and 17. Thank you.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Both itineraries are absolutely amazing but I would grab the Westerdam to Hubbard. This is the last year for many cruise lines to go into Hubbard Glacier. The State of Alaska is limiting the permits given to cruise lines to enter Hubbard Glacier. If you notice next year the only ship of HAL going to Hubbard is the 14 day Amsterdam, HAL will not longer offer 7 day itineraries. You also will not find any other cruise lines going to Hubbard.

While Glacier Bay is one of my favorites we are returning this year in May just to be able to go to Hubbard one last time.

[CowPrincess]

.... nevermind .... laffnvegas got it covered :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

we have done both several times

JMO -- but we prefer hubbard glacier -- the ice is bluer and we have seen more calving there than at glacier bay

[catl331]

Another vote for Westerdam/Hubbard. Hubbard is five times the size of Glacier Bay's best, Margerie Glacier. See it while you can.

[localady]

I have to say, Hubbard Glacier is nice, but I would prefer the entire day at Glacier Bay hands down.

[RuthC]

On comparable good weather days, Hubbard has it all over Glacier Bay. The sail up Yakutat Bay is one of the world's prettiest rides. The glacier itself is spectacular. Watching the baby seals learn to climb up on the ice floes, then jump off to do it again, is like watching happy children learning a new trick---without the noise children make. ;)
It is a glorious day.

Oh, and the Westerdam is a great ship, too.

[Sea-travelers]

I have been to both and Hubbard would be my choice. It is spectacular and Glacier Bay has nothing like it.

[svalbard]

Hubbard is the best!

[cruisinjudy]

I have always preferred Glacier Bay.

[Himself]

I like both places but I find the scenery in Glacier Bay a lot more to my liking. However, I must say the Hubbard Glacier is much more awsome than the Marjorie Glacier.

[jtl513]

You really need to see both Yakutat (Hubbard) and Glacier Bays in your lifetime, and since Hubbard is becoming less accessible it makes sense to go there first. But once you've seen Hubbard, Margerie (not Marjorie) is a bit disappointing.

[Willsot]

We have seen both twice and give Hubbard the edge.

[Sillyjilly]

we have done both several times

JMO -- but we prefer hubbard glacier -- the ice is bluer and we have seen more calving there than at glacier bay

ditto:D

[ScottishMaid]

I see the ships spend a half day at Hubbard Glacier but a full day at Glacier Bay. How much difference does that make to glacier viewing?

[catl331]

I see the ships spend a half day at Hubbard Glacier but a full day at Glacier Bay. How much difference does that make to glacier viewing?IIRC we spent about 75 to 90 minutes at both Hubbard and Margerie glaciers. I think that the main difference is that G.B. is much longer and slower going in/out, and you may make a "side trip" to see Johns Hopkins glacier. There's many more small glaciers in G.B. than in Yakutat Bay, so overall there's more to see, but comparing just the Hubbard and Margerie glaciers Hubbard is far better IMO.

[catl331]

Yakutat Bay is about 30 miles long, while Glacier Bay is about 65 miles. Even without going into Johns Hopkins Inlet, at 15 knots (if they go that fast) that means at least 4 hours more sailing time going in and out.

[highland cruiser]

On comparable good weather days, Hubbard has it all over Glacier Bay. The sail up Yakutat Bay is one of the world's prettiest rides. The glacier itself is spectacular. Watching the baby seals learn to climb up on the ice floes, then jump off to do it again, is like watching happy children learning a new trick---without the noise children make. ;)
It is a glorious day.

Oh, and the Westerdam is a great ship, too.

Ruth said it very well...we loved Hubbard and saw so much on that trip. We have also been to both and give Hubbard the edge. But you can't go wrong with any Alaskan cruise...really spectacular scenery. Enjoy!

[janmcn]

Hubbard is a much more amazing glacier than Margery Glacier (which is the really only big one you see in Glacier Bay)...but weather sometimes is more fickle at Hubbard preventing you viewing it. Once you go on an AK cruise you'll be back!

[brewersfan]

Thank you to everyone who gave their opinions. Like some said, you can't go wrong with either glacier on an alaskan cruise. We have decided on the Oosterdam itinerary as I noticed one major difference with the Juneau port; the time in port in Juneau on the Oosterdam is much longer than on the Westerdam (whole day versus 1/2 day). There is a lot we would like to see and do in Juneau and would like the extra time there. Also, am a little concerned about the opportunity to get "close" to Hubbard, weather sounds like it can be a factor. Thanks again!

[Krazy Kruizers]

enjoy your alskan cruise

once you have been there you will want to go back