Does Princess bring a National Park ranger on board for Glacier Bay?

[atobols]

I've read on the NP website that the rangers will bring a cancellation stamp on board with them, but I haven't seen anything saying Princess will bring a ranger on board.  I'm hoping someone on here will know the process.  What I'm really hoping is that a ranger will board and bring junior ranger books and badges with them.  Does anyone know that level of detail? 

[tcdcruiser]

yes.

 

The NP Ranger is quite a fine addition.  As a funny side note, since you are in a NP gambling is against the law, so PCL closes the casino.

[LoriPhil]

Yes, Princess typically brings two rangers, with a formal program plus ongoing commentary as you sail through the Park.  I’m remembering a nice display as well.  There may be a special program for the kiddos, but I don’t have experience with that.  Princess strives to provide a more immersive experience in Alaska, which is very cool.

Edited June 6, 2019 by LoriPhil

[idahospud]

Yes! There is also a makeshift ranger station, a place to stamp your National Parks Passport, and a Jr Ranger program for the kiddos. Here are some ranger-related photos from our Glacier Bay sailing last month.

 

[atobols]

You guys are awesome, thank you!!

[Coral]

It is a requirement - any ship that goes to Glacier Bay - National Park Rangers board the ship and provide educational sessions. Most of the rangers I have encountered have been excellent.

[ontheweb]

Our Princess cruise through Glacier Bay not only had the Ranger board, but also had an excellent naturalist for the entire cruise.

[Hlitner]

The rangers are a great addition to the ship and are very friendly.  But while they help with commentary they are also onboard to make sure that the ship complies with the very strict environmental regulations in the park.  For example, they do not allow plastic or Styrofoam on the deck.  I recall that the last time we were in Glacier Bay (it was on Crystal) all the deck service for coffee/tea/hot chocolate was in normal china cups.  The usual "to go" cups were banned (and disappeared) during our half day in the park.   Even paper napkins were gone....

 

Keep in mind that Carnival Corp recently agreed to pay a $20 Million fine for illegal dumping...which included violations in Glacier Bay.  The sad thing about this Federal court case was it was not the first time that CCL has been nailed for such violations.  We wonder if the only solution is to start tossing top management (who are involved in violating environmental regulations) in Federal Prison.  One can be sure that Mr. Donald will take a bigger interest in preventing violations if the "Pen" were part of the deal.  They could care less about fines which can simply be passed on to the cruisers through higher cruise fares and onboard prices.

 

Hank

[LoriPhil]

As you can see from the photo above, there are some items for purchase at the ranger tables - nice mementos and supports a worthy organization.

[Thrak]

9 hours ago, tcdcruiser said:

yes.

 

The NP Ranger is quite a fine addition.  As a funny side note, since you are in a NP gambling is against the law, so PCL closes the casino.

 

There are also no "to go" cups available from IC while in Glacier Bay so there are no large coffees of any kind to be had during that time.

Edited June 7, 2019 by Thrak

[triple7tahoe]

One of those that will come on board is an ex-student of mine. If you happen to have Karie Metz, be sure and tell her Dale Newhouse says HI!---Thanks

[atobols]

Just in case anyone else is interested, I contacted the Nation Park to ask them about Junior Ranger programs.  They emailed me back and this was their response.

 

"There are junior ranger books and badges on the Princess Cruise ships coming into Glacier Bay National Park. These items are available in the kid's center on the Glacier Bay day. There will be several rangers on board to answer questions and provide programming - including a Junior Ranger program in the kid's center. Young visitors can attend this program to earn their Jr. Ranger Badge." 

[RJAM3]

5They not only bring on park rangers watching them board the ship is incredible.  The ship does not stop when they board .. they pull along side in a small motor boat, grab hold of a rope ladder that has been dropped down and climb the rope ladder while the ship is moving.  Same when they get off the ship.  Princess has the rangers do a great presentation in the Princess theater  

Edited June 22, 2019 by RJAM3
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[BarbinMich]

On 6/6/2019 at 8:55 PM, Thrak said:

 

There are also no "to go" cups available from IC while in Glacier Bay so there are no large coffees of any kind to be had during that time.

Any idea why?  When we were on the Star in GB a few years ago, they offered hot drinks out on Promenade Deck where I "parked" myself as it was a drizzly day and I wanted to take photos.

[Colo Cruiser]

2 minutes ago, BarbinMich said:

Any idea why?  When we were on the Star in GB a few years ago, they offered hot drinks out on Promenade Deck where I "parked" myself as it was a drizzly day and I wanted to take photos.

Maybe has to do with pollution possibilities?

We never paid attention.

[Thrak]

No paper or foam type of cups allowed out on the decks.  People empty them and some just set them down rather than finding a proper place for disposal. Princess wants no chance of having anything  blow into Glacier Bay.

[anthonyy7]

You'll also receive the official map/booklet for Glacier Bay along with your patter.  There is a sign setup as well you can have your photo just like those at park entrances.  Enjoy your visit, it was the best day of our AK cruise!

[Eaglecw]

We had 3 Rangers on board the Ruby on the June 8th sailing. They put on an excellent presentation in the theater. Yes they had a lot of items for sale up in Skywalkers. They hangout up in Skywalkers most of the day.

[KG2019]

On 6/21/2019 at 8:53 PM, RJAM3 said:

5They not only bring on park rangers watching them board the ship is incredible.  The ship does not stop when they board .. they pull along side in a small motor boat, grab hold of a rope ladder that has been dropped down and climb the rope ladder while the ship is moving.  Same when they get off the ship.  Princess has the rangers do a great presentation in the Princess theater  

Do you know if they always board on the same side of the ship, and what side is it usually...….someone else on another post said she saw them port side, and that no announcement was made, she just happened to see them.  I think this would be interesting to watch......maybe I should inquire on the ship the day before we go into Glacier Bay?

[anthonyy7]

On 6/25/2019 at 7:25 AM, KG2019 said:

Do you know if they always board on the same side of the ship, and what side is it usually...….someone else on another post said she saw them port side, and that no announcement was made, she just happened to see them.  I think this would be interesting to watch......maybe I should inquire on the ship the day before we go into Glacier Bay?

 

I just looked at the ship cruise log from last year on the Ruby and it says "The rangers boarded the ship using the starboard pilot ladder at 06:00.  As the ship approaches Glacier Bay the park HQ, etc.. is off the starboard side so make sense to board from that side.

[KG2019]

24 minutes ago, anthonyy7 said:

 

I just looked at the ship cruise log from last year on the Ruby and it says "The rangers boarded the ship using the starboard pilot ladder at 06:00.  As the ship approaches Glacier Bay the park HQ, etc.. is off the starboard side so make sense to board from that side.

Thank you!