GLACIERS

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Alaska is the unparalleled view of one of nature's most amazing feats – the glacier.

Winding down from mountains and fjords, these massive rivers of ice are often on the move, some dropping their bounty into the sea in a most spectacular fashion. The process is known as "calving," and some tidewater glaciers shed enormous chunks of ice several times an hour.

In most cases, the cascading wall of ice you see is several hundred years old. While these newly formed icebergs rapidly melt in the relatively warm water, some are large enough to support seals and other wildlife looking for a free, albeit temporary, ride.

Glacier Bay and College Fjord
Some of the best glacier viewing can be found in Glacier Bay and College Fjord – two of the most popular destinations on Alaska cruises.

Glacier Bay
Home to 16 active tidewater glaciers, Glacier Bay is a stunning network of inlets that channel the frozen tide toward the sea. Don't be surprised to find company along the way – humpback whales enjoy the ample supply of herring and shrimp in Glacier Bay.

College Fjord
Up the coast in the northwest pocket of Prince William Sound you'll discover magnificent College Fjord. Named for the Ivy League schools that were represented by a group of scientists who explored the area in 1899, College Fjord beckons like a shimmering diamond.

 

INSIDE PASSAGE
Alaska's coastline is filled with wonder, and our Inside Passage cruises offer the chance to journey through one of the state's most magical attractions – Tracy Arm.

Tracy Arm
Located 50 miles southeast of Juneau, the awe-inspiring Tracy Arm is sure to enhance your glacier-viewing adventure. With an Inside Passage cruise, you'll sail past snowcapped mountains, dazzling waterfalls and steep granite canyon walls that disappear into deep and narrow fjords.

Of course, the only thing better than seeing glaciers is actually touching them. Why not explore an optional combination helicopter/hiking tours that put you square on the surface of these massive ice beds. You can also take a flightseeing tour over glaciers, kayak around them, and even ride a dogsled across one.

We've thought of nearly every imaginable way to see and explore these Alaskan treasures.  Let our Travel Experts be your guide.