Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
North America’s largest tidewater glacier fills the head of Disenchantment Bay with a wall of blue ice about six miles wide. Here’s how to make the most of a scenic cruising day from the deck.
A wall of blue ice
Hubbard Glacier flows about 76 miles from the mountains of Canada’s Yukon down to the sea at Disenchantment Bay, about 30 miles north of the small town of Yakutat. The National Park Service calls it North America’s largest tidewater glacier: its face is about six miles wide and roughly 350 feet tall above the waterline, and the ice at the front fell as snow hundreds of years ago. Unlike most glaciers in Alaska, Hubbard has advanced over the past century, and twice, in 1986 and 2002, it pushed far enough to briefly seal off neighboring Russell Fjord.
Cruise ships sail up Yakutat Bay into Disenchantment Bay, slow down near the ice and turn so both sides get a long look. Then it’s a matter of watching, listening for the crack of calving ice and spotting seals on the floes. Below are the lines that include it, what typically happens on board and where to stand for the best view.
Which lines sail here
Hubbard Glacier is most common on Gulf of Alaska one-way cruises, but not every Alaska cruise includes it, so check your itinerary or ask your advisor.
Gulf of Alaska favorites
Most visits come on seven-night one-way sailings between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the gateways for Anchorage and Denali, and some lines add it to longer round trips from Seattle or Vancouver. Big ships bring plenty of open deck and forward-facing lounges, and many pair Hubbard with Glacier Bay or College Fjord on the same cruise.
Used by: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America and Virgin Voyages.
Longer days at sea
Mid-size ships tend to fold Hubbard into longer Alaska itineraries, often one-ways between Vancouver and Seward or 10 to 14 night round trips. Fewer guests on deck makes it easier to find a spot at the rail.
Used by: Viking, Oceania, Azamara, Cunard and Explora Journeys.
Small ships & suites
Luxury lines and yacht-style ships visit Hubbard on many of their Alaska voyages. With a private veranda on most suites, you can watch the ice from your own balcony, and smaller ships have more room on the bow.
Used by: Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Windstar and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
On board
What usually happens on board during a Hubbard Glacier day. Details vary by line and ship.
- Narration from the bridge. Many lines have a naturalist, expedition guide or the captain talk you through the glacier’s history and what you’re seeing as the ship approaches.
- Open decks & the bow. Ships often open extra outdoor viewing areas, sometimes including the bow, for the hours near the ice. Watch for announcements in the daily schedule.
- Warm drinks on deck. Many ships bring hot drinks such as cocoa or soup out to the decks on glacier days. Specialty coffees and spiked drinks usually cost extra.
- Photo tips & talks. Some lines offer photo talks or lectures on glaciers and wildlife the day before or during scenic cruising. Expedition-style ships go deeper with onboard guides.
Where to watch
The ship does the sailing. These are the spots and habits that make the most of it.
Forward & up high
The bow and high forward decks give you the first look as the ship enters Disenchantment Bay and the widest view of the whole ice face. Go early; these spots fill quickly.
Your balcony
Ships turn slowly near the glacier so both sides get a view. If you have a balcony, you’ll get your turn, and you can step inside to warm up between photos.
Indoor lounges & promenades
Forward-facing observation lounges and promenade decks are a comfortable, sheltered way to watch, especially in rain or wind, or if stairs and crowded decks are a challenge.
Before the day
- Weather can change the plan. Fog, wind or heavy ice can keep the ship farther out, and on rare days the captain may shorten or skip the visit. Safety always comes first.
- Ice decides how close. Captains keep a safe distance from the face because large pieces of ice calve into the water, and floating ice can slow the approach.
- Dress for the cold. It feels much colder near the ice than in port. Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, and bring binoculars.
- Listen as well as look. Calving can be heard before you see it: a deep crack often called white thunder. Keep your eyes on the face for a while; patience pays off.
- Give wildlife space. Harbor seals rest and raise pups on the floating ice. Keep voices low on deck and enjoy them through binoculars or a zoom lens.
Sailing to Hubbard Glacier
Most visits come on seven-night Gulf of Alaska one-ways between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, with some longer round trips from Seattle or Vancouver.Find a cruisePlan with Harr Travel
Ready to see Hubbard Glacier?
We’ll match you with an Alaska sailing that includes Hubbard Glacier, and help you pair it with Glacier Bay, College Fjord or a land tour to Denali. There are never any booking or consultation fees.
