Glacier Bay, Hubbard, or Tracy Arm?

[karlsselindh]

We're considering a 7-day round trip out of Seattle in late May, taking relatives who haven't cruised Alaska before. Many itineraries offer Tracy Arm as the "glacier" scenery, a few offer Glacier Bay, and one offers Hubbard. We've seen Hubbard on three past cruises (all if them in May or early June)--and the glacier and surrounding mountains are spectacular--but haven't been to Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm.

I'm leaning toward the cruise that offers Hubbard, to really impress the relatives. Or do you think they'll be equally impressed with Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm?

Thanks.....

[Chenega]

I'm for Hubbard or Glacier Bay. Too many variables to guarantee a close look at Tracy Arm, particularly if ice conditions are against it.

[Budget Queen]

With glaciers your priority, Glacier Bay is certainly impressive and you will see 4 maybe 5 glaciers. I would not consider Tracy Arm, UNLESS, you are on NCL, and budget for their costly add on Tracy Arm tour. BE also advised, last minute substitutes to Endicott Arm are way down the "scale" in my opinion, compared to all the other cruise routings.

[LindaKE]

Have only been on Glacier Bay of the 3 you listed, but it is sooooo beautiful. At the end you spend about an hour in front of a glacier (can't spell it so I won't even try). The ship turns around mid glacier viewing so both sides get a good view. You see several smaller glaciers going in and coming out. I'm hoping to see Hubbard next time, but I can say that Glacier Bay won't disappoint.

[MercedMike]

This question is asked so often that I have put up a web page of our experiences with all three. It is strictly my personal opinion but I hope it is helpful.

Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/alaskaglaciers.html

Have a GREAT cruise!

[vbmom87]

For first time cruisers to Alaska who have a Glacier Priority, I would not suggest Tracy Arm. It is a beautiful fjord, but no guarentee a cruise ship can get to the glaciers. Even if they do get to the glacier, it is not a top glacier viewing experience compared to Glacier Bay. Since you have been to Hubbard already, I would suggest Glacier Bay. Here are my photos so you can get an idea if you think it would be a good experience for you. I have not been to Hubbard and chose not to for a first trip to Alaska. Glaciers were my priority and many people on this forum posted that oftentimes Hubbard is fogged or iced out. I didn't want to be dissappointed on my first and maybe only trip to Alaska. JMHO.

Here are my Glacier Bay photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/mdomaz/GlacierBay2008#

[flipfloptan]

nice photos... our ship has no set excusions at glacier bay... what should we do for 9 hours?

[vbmom87]

Originally Posted by flipfloptan

nice photos... our ship has no set excusions at glacier bay... what should we do for 9 hours?

Actually cruising through Glacier Bay is your "excursion." People who are interested in the scenery and glacier viewing will be out on deck or "parked" next to a window, or out on their balcony, just taking in all the beautiful scenery. My DH and I were in total awe the whole time we were in Glacier Bay. We never ate lunch so fast as we did that day. If I hadn't started to get a hunger headache, I would have skipped lunch altogether. At lunch time we were stopped in front of a glacier waiting for it to calve. Thankfully the calving happened after we returned from lunch. My sister missed it, as she was eating lunch during that time. We were by a window while eating, but it just wasn't the same as being out on deck. If this is of interest, make sure you have proper clothing to be out on deck. Gloves, scarves, warm socks, layers to keep you toasty, etc. If you are cold, you will end up with inside viewing, which is okay, just not as magnificent. JMHO

[rjm1cc]

Skip Tracy.

[luvlake]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

Skip Tracy.

Unless you can do it through an excursion in Juneau. We were lucky to have enough hours in port to do the Adventure Bound excursion and must say it was my favorite. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, calving, huge icebergs and sea lions to watch. We were able to get very close to the glaciers. The beautiful fjord is also a highlight.

We have been to Glacier Bay twice and we also loved the day but our day in Tracy Arm will always hold a special spot!

[vbmom87]

Originally Posted by luvlake

We have been to Glacier Bay twice and we also loved the day but our day in Tracy Arm will always hold a special spot!

Glacier Bay was our favorite cruising day. The Adventure Bound Tracy Arm small boat tour was our favorite excursion in Alaska. For us, it beat out the Kenai Fjords tour and the shuttle into Denali. Others might disagree. But we are all different!! Everyone should do there homework, and pick what they think will most interest them.