Considering Glacier Bay is one of Alaska’s most iconic national parks, it’s a fair – and expected! – question.
However, Royal Caribbean does not visit Glacier Bay National Park on any of its Alaska itineraries.
What’s interesting is that in 2019, Royal Caribbean was actually given the option to visit Glacier Bay for the next ten years (so until 2029).
But the cruise line decided not to sign an agreement with the National Park Service.
Instead, Royal Caribbean ships visit other major glaciers like Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier.
If Glacier Bay is a must-see for you, you’ll need to choose a different cruise line.
But if you just want to see huge glaciers and calving ice, Royal Caribbean still offers some great alternative options.
Why Doesn’t Royal Caribbean Go to Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay National Park is a protected area, and only a limited number of cruise ships can enter each day.
Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Line hold special permits to visit Glacier Bay.
Royal Caribbean chose not to apply for one of these permits, so its ships do not go there.
Instead of Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean offers cruises to other well-known glaciers in Alaska.
So Can You Still See Glaciers on a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise?
One hundred percent.
Even though Royal Caribbean does not go to Glacier Bay, you can still see massive glaciers on its Alaska cruises.
Here are some of the best glaciers you can visit while on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
- Hubbard Glacier – The largest tidewater glacier in North America, famous for its towering ice walls.
- Dawes Glacier – Located in Endicott Arm Fjord, known for frequent ice calving and stunning scenery.
- Mendenhall Glacier – A short trip from Juneau, with hiking trails and glacier lake kayaking.
- Sawyer Glaciers – Located in Tracy Arm Fjord, with steep cliffs and floating icebergs.
- Prince William Sound – Home to over 150 glaciers, including Columbia Glacier.
Even without Glacier Bay, these glaciers provide an incredible Alaska experience.
Glacier Bay vs. Hubbard Glacier
If you’re trying to choose between different cruise lines, knowing the answer to, does Royal Caribbean go to Glacier Bay?, can help inform your decision.
After all, if seeing Glacier Bay is a non-negotiable for you, then a Royal Caribbean cruise wouldn’t be in your best interest.
However, if you aren’t completely sold on Glacier Bay and are open to other iconic, breathtaking options, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itinerary – specifically Hubbard Glacier – could win you over.
Here’s how the two compare:
Glacier Bay
- Multiple glaciers. See up to seven different glaciers in one day.
- Onboard park rangers. Many ships include educational talks from rangers.
- Better wildlife viewing. Bears, whales, and bald eagles are commonly spotted.
- Fewer ships. Since permits are limited, the experience is quieter.
Hubbard Glacier
- Sheer size. Hubbard Glacier is over 400 feet tall and 76 miles long.
- Frequent calving. Ice breaks off often, making for a dramatic show.
- Easier to visit. Hubbard Glacier is part of many Alaska itineraries.
- Shorter visit. Cruise ships usually spend a few hours at the glacier, allowing passengers more time to do other things or visit other places
If you want variety, Glacier Bay offers more to see and do.
But if you’re after the majesty of a single massive glacier, Hubbard Glacier is an amazing experience.
Glacier Bay vs. Dawes Glacier
Dawes Glacier is another Royal Caribbean alternative to Glacier Bay.
Here’s what you can expect from both:
Glacier Bay
- Multiple glaciers. You can see up to seven or eight different glaciers in a day.
- Longer cruise time. Ships stay in Glacier Bay for most of the day, so you won’t have to worry about a short and/or strict timetable.
- Wildlife spotting. Get the chance to look for whales, bears, and sea otters.
Dawes Glacier
- More action. Dawes Glacier experiences frequent ice calving, which means you’ll have a higher chance to witness ice chunks break off and fall into the water — a truly amazing, once-in-a-lifetime sight!
- Surrounded by waterfalls. The approach through Endicott Arm Fjord is simply astonishing.
- Less time needed. The visit lasts a few hours, making it a shorter but exciting experience.
As mentioned in the previous section, if you want variety – and a lot of glaciers – Glacier Bay is a top spot.
But if you’d rather see a glacier up close (and be guaranteed an ice calving experience), Dawes Glacier is a better option.
Which Cruise Lines Visit Glacier Bay?
If you’ve got your heart set on Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean won’t be the best cruise line for you.
Thankfully, there are other reputable cruise lines you can choose from if you want to make the trip.
- Princess Cruises. One of the top choices for Glacier Bay cruises, with expert guides.
- Holland America. Offers longer stays in Glacier Bay for better sightseeing.
- Norwegian Cruise Line. A mix of modern ships and classic Alaska itineraries.
- Seabourn. A luxury cruise option with smaller, more intimate ships.
If Glacier Bay is your priority, consider booking with one of these cruise lines.
If you need help picking a cruise line, you can ask a travel agent for their expert opinion.
Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian for an Alaska Cruise
For travelers who want to visit Glacier Bay while on a cruise, a lot of people recommend Norwegian Cruise Line.
Here’s how they compare:
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Visits Glacier Bay
- More flexible dining options
- Go-kart tracks and water slides on newer ships
Royal Caribbean
- More family-friendly activities, including FlowRider surf simulator
- Larger ships with unique attractions
- Focuses on Hubbard Glacier and Dawes Glacier
If Glacier Bay is a must, Norwegian is a better choice.
But if you want an Alaskan cruise with more activities, Royal Caribbean is the way to go.
Can You Visit Glacier Bay on a Shore Excursion?
Even if it’s during a shore excursion, you still cannot visit Glacier Bay if you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
A common question people ask after, does Royal Caribbean go to Glacier Bay, is:
Can I take a boat from Icy Strait Point to Glacier Bay?
Some believe this is a viable way to visit Glacier Bay while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
However, the only way to visit Glacier Bay is on a cruise ship with the proper permits.
What Are the Best Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises?
If you’re fine skipping Glacier Bay and would rather cruise Alaska with Royal Caribbean, there are some great itineraries available.
Some top options include:
- 7-Night Alaska Glacier Cruise (Roundtrip from Seattle). Includes Dawes Glacier, Juneau, and Skagway.
- 7-Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise (Roundtrip from Vancouver). Features Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka.
- Alaska Cruisetours. Combine an Alaska cruise with a land tour to Denali National Park.
Even without Glacier Bay, these cruises provide stunning glacier views and unforgettable excursions.
Book Your Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise with Team Thompson Travel
So, does Royal Caribbean go to Glacier Bay?
Now that you know the answer, it’s time to plan your trip!
Even though Royal Caribbean does not visit Glacier Bay, you can still see amazing glaciers, stunning fjords, and incredible wildlife on their Alaska cruises.
At Team Thompson Travel, we help you choose the best cruise for your budget and travel style.
Why book with us?
- Expert guidance – We know Royal Caribbean inside and out.
- Personalized recommendations – We help you pick the best itinerary.
- No extra cost to you – Our services are 100% free.
Give us a call, and let’s plan your perfect Alaska adventure today!