Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska is renowned for its dramatic tidewater glaciers and abundant marine wildlife, including humpback whales and sea lions. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, access to its protected waters is strictly limited. Due to this focus on conservation, only a select number of cruise lines are granted contracts to enter the bay each year.
Understanding Vessel Quotas
The National Park Service (NPS) maintains strict control over the number of vessels permitted to enter Glacier Bay daily. This regulation is governed by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which established a framework for resource protection and visitor access. Regulations distinguish between large cruise ships and smaller tour or charter vessels, each with its own allocation of entry permits.
The total number of large cruise ship “use days” is capped at 153 during the summer season, which generally runs from June 1 through August 31. A maximum of two large vessels are allowed per day. This scarcity protects the delicate marine environment and ensures a quality wilderness experience, driving high demand for Glacier Bay itineraries. These use days are awarded through long-term concession contracts, meaning the list of authorized operators remains consistent over a period of years.
Major Cruise Line Operators
The majority of Glacier Bay access is granted to a few large, mainstream cruise lines through concession contracts. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises hold a significant portion of the use days. They are considered “historical operators” with rights established under ANILCA dating back to before 1979, and Holland America Line often holds the most permits.
Other major lines that routinely offer Glacier Bay itineraries include Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn, Cunard, and Viking Cruises. These large vessels typically provide a scenic viewing day, sailing deep into the bay to view the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers. A National Park Ranger often boards the ship to provide educational commentary about the park’s natural history and ecology.
Smaller Ship and Expedition Options
A separate quota is allocated for smaller, expedition-style vessels, which offer a more immersive experience. These ships typically carry fewer than 200 passengers, often fewer than 100, allowing for intimate exploration of the bay’s wilderness. Their smaller size permits greater maneuverability and potential for closer viewing of wildlife and smaller coves.
Operators in this category, such as Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, and Alaskan Dream Cruises, focus on natural history and offer active excursions. Passengers may have opportunities for guided activities like kayaking and skiff tours, which provide a low-impact way to explore the marine waters. These operators often provide multi-day itineraries focused solely on the park.
Securing Your Cruise Booking
Given the strict limits on vessel entry, securing a Glacier Bay itinerary requires proactive planning and early booking. Demand for these specific routes is consistently high, especially during the peak summer season (May through September). Travelers should begin their search well in advance, often six to twelve months before their desired departure date.
It is important to verify the exact itinerary, as a general “Alaska Cruise” does not guarantee a visit to Glacier Bay. The schedule must specifically list “Glacier Bay National Park” as a scenic cruising day or port of call. The limited number of permits means that only certain routes, such as specific 7-day Inside Passage or Gulf of Alaska itineraries, will include the park.