NCL - How much time is spent cruising Glacier Bay

[kazda]

Hi

Looking at a few different cruise lines that go to Glacier Bay.

 

A few cruise lines state the actual time spent cruising that area eg: 6am to 3pm, however NCL's itinerary just states 'cruise Glacier Bay'

 

As we are only choosing between cruises that go to Glacier Bay, if anybody that has been on the Norwegian cruises could advise how long they spent cruising this area that would be greatly appreciated as I know different lines spend a different amount of time in each port etc.

 

Thinking of travelling on the Pearl out of Seattle on their 'Glacier Bay' cruise.

 

Look forward to any info from past NCL passengers that have done this cruise.

Edited May 3, 2015 by kazda

[bonvoyagie]

They are there the same time - at least the Pearl was - can't say for sure about the Sun - however Glacier bay is sorta scripted - that is rangers come onboard and explain how the bay was formed and all about the glaciers, flora, and fauna found there. Both ships entering the bay that day have to arrive at the ranger pick up point about the same time - usually around 6:30 ( you actually enter the bay before they board. The ships must follow a strict time line so that everybody gets the same time with the glaciers and the ranger's script. The day ends around 3:30 when the rangers leave the ships and they exit the bay for their next port of call.

 

I suggest that you have at least one Alaskan Snowplow - they were delish:D

[kazda]

Thanks for the reply bonvoyagie

Good to know that a good amount of time is allocated in Glacier Bay and thanks for the heads up about the Alaskan Snowplow.

 

As you were on the NCL Pearl, you maybe able to help with another question I have.

Did you leave from Seattle or Vancouver. ? I have put up another post asking about the "inside Passage" and if you left from Seattle you may be able to answer my question.

Edited May 3, 2015 by kazda

[marshhawk]

CArnival Legend's last cruise in 2016 spends the day in Glacier Bay, but the hours are not listed. I booked that cruise for Glacier Bay too.

[theloo]

I suggest that you have at least one Alaskan Snowplow - they were delish:D

 

Do tell ... is this a dessert or an alcoholic beverage?

[Coral]

Glacier Bay only allows 2 ships per day. National Park Rangers board the ship at the entrance. I am guessing the different cruise lines all spend around the same amount of time, given conditions are equal.

[mapleleaves]

kazda, If you go to reply #45 of the 2013 Trip Report list, the reports are sorted by cruiseline and ship. There several from the Pearl ... hopefully the reports and photos will provide useful info for you:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1879117&page=3

Edited May 3, 2015 by mapleleaves

[bonvoyagie]

For most of the sailings the Pearl leaves out of Seattle. The first cruise of the season leaves from Vancouver and the last cruise of the season ends in Vancouver.

 

So if you leave from Seattle you will exit out to the sea ward side of Vancouver Island. Sunday PM you will be able to see Victoria on the right, several Orca Pods and loads of pleasure boats. Later that evening you will turn the corner and head north - you will be along the island all day on Monday. Tuesday you will be entering the inside passage heading for Juneau. This is where you will have scenery on both sides of the ship.

 

most of your travel from here on out will be in the evening with ports during the day. The next long sea day will be after you leave Ketchikan and head for Victoria that will be Fri afternoon to Sat eve - and you will be hauling the coals - 24-26kts all the way. We passed the Holland America ship that left Ketchikan 1/2 hr before us.

 

Yes the Snowplow is an alcoholic drink based on hot cocoa - don't remember all the ingredients - remember it was goooood.

[Giantfan13]

We sailed the Pearl out of Seattle and as was said, we spent a good part of the day in Glacier Bay. The ship travels very slowly the entire time in the bay and spends about an hour at the furthest glacier (name just escapes me at the moment {senior moment} :D:D)

We had just magnificent weather and enjoyed our second trip to Glacier Bay. We didn't get to see much calving, but the glorious blue sky made it all worthwhile.

 

A few pix from our time there

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain479.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain482-1.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain499-1.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain500.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain514.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/new%20alaska/alaskamain518.jpg

 

Cheers

 

Len

[Budget Queen]

I sailed glacier Bay on three different ships last year, for 4 trips. Carnival Miracle, NCL Sun and NCL Pearl. The sailing time is pretty standard.