I took a Celebrity cruise to Alaska several years ago and glacier bay was skipped in favor of college fjord and hubbard glacier. this time i really want to see glacier bay but am concerned about $$ so i need to be picky on choosing a cruise.
is glacier bay worth the extra effort to get to? i've noticed some cruises only go to misty fjords or tracy arm , are they worth it if price matters?

Celebrity and RCCL do not have permits to Glacier Bay.

Having seen both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, my vote does go to Glacier Bay. One of the awesome things about going to Glacier Bay is getting there - the scenary is gorgeous that whole day!

Since you have been to Hubbard- then definately make Glacier Bay a priority. Look at the 4 Princess one way ships- all go to Glacier Bay. I got the Sun 9-1-03 for $475 inside. Princess is a line that in the past has had terrific deals.

could you tell me about sawyer glacier compared to the others.

I sailed the Sawyer Glaciers via a small all day cruising boat out of Juneau - Auke Nu. Great slow trip. The cruiselines don't see both glaciers- at least people I have spoken to didn't know there were 2??? And no way can you get as close as on the tour boat. It is not as impressive as Glacier Bay nor Hubbard, my opinion only. There is so much ship traffic now going to Alaska and round trip Seattle cruises just don't have the time for Hubbard or Glacier Bay that Sawyer is now sailed.

Spoke to HAL this am--asked question on Glaciers, which side of ship etc, balcony cabin...

Here is the response..When you do the INSIDE passage, you see the glaciers from BOTH sides of the ship as the ship faces one way for a time frame , then pivots so the people on the opposite side of the ship see the glaciers...

We are doing Hubbard Glacier as the cruise time and date and sail city was a major factor..I have been told Hubbard is great..and that so is Glacier Bay...Glacier Bay was my #1 pick, but it wasn't doeable....

Try to Princess or HAL for Inside Passage and GLACIER BAY--- that is my first pick....

Glacier Bay is wonderful but Tracy Arm Fjord is as good in my opinion. I would try to find a cruise with one or both of these--we went with Glacier Bay Cruise line--expensive but very small ships so you can get really close to the glacier, and this is the only cruise line allowed to stay overnight in the park.

Spoke to HAL this am--asked question on Glaciers, which side of ship etc, balcony cabin...

Here is the response..When you do the INSIDE passage, you see the glaciers from BOTH sides of the ship as the ship faces one way for a time frame , then pivots so the people on the opposite side of the ship see the glaciers...


Sorry this is a "sales" response. Best views on glacier day is at a front open deck, not side viewing. AND my last Alaska sailing- the starboard side got NO glacier view. The ship made a right turn at Grand Pacific Glacier and LEFT- did not do the 180 and then 360. Side viewing is MUCH less than front. So do consider heading out on deck for part of the trip. Crowded yes, but usually a big movement of people due to most being unprepared for the cold, they stay out a few minutes then go in. I am out the entire sailing time- just spectacular scenery to enjoy.