Glaciers

We parked at the long term lot last May for two weeks. As I remember, the shuttle back to the terminal operates when the train doesn’t so you may need to take the skytrain back to the airport to get other transportation downtown. We had quite a bit of luggage as well but just hopped on the train direct to downtown and it worked well.

Another thing about walking at night is that by mid-may the sun doesn't set until 11pm or so.

Yes, Johns Hopkins Inlet is closed to all vessels in May and June, sometimes longer. https://www.nps.gov/places/harbor-seal-glacier-bay.htm We’ve never made it up Johns Hopkins Inlet towards the glacier. Have always sat about 6 miles from the face of the glacier. Margerie Glacier is the highlight of a Glacier Bay trip and is usually visited just prior to heading for a glimpse of Johns Hopkins at a much closer distance. You’ll also be sailing past Lamplugh Glacier at a fairly close distance. The entire bay is very scenic. A couple of other areas of interest are as sailing towards Margerie is Gloomy Knob off the starboards side. There are frequently mountain goats along the cliffs. Also, as sailing out of the bay you’ll slow down as you pass South Marble Island where there is a sea lion haul out and nesting area for sea birds including puffins.

There are many locations. We used Curative at the Cornish Playhouse at the Seattle Center. Check Bartell's & Walgreens as well. https://curative.com/covid-testing?fbclid=IwAR3m6hOWEoKPT4Z_H7GGp94LxDnvd-o09CUD5MSc0BGTkN6MSY7UiYwrc5Q

Before we moved here we would use the Radisson across the street from the terminal and next to a nice restaurant in 13 Coins for a quick overnight. There are several others hotels near there as well although when it comes down to it, most hotels have an airport shuttle and are within a short ride. The Hampton Inn on 28th gets good reviews.

UnCruise, Alaskan Dream, Lindblad. Overnight in Glacier Bay, Misty Fjords, Taku Harbor. Port stops that can include in Petersburg & Kake, for example. The food is exceptional.

Nearly all of the whale tour operators depart from Auke Bay. Allen Marine has their own dock just north of there. You could book a trip and then meet them at Auke Bay but all of the tours depart from near the tram downtown via bus/shuttle which then takes you to Auke Bay. There is no savings in going to Auke Bay on your own, just convenience if you happen to be out that way. $145-$185 depending on vendor and time on the water. Some, like Juneau Whale Watch, will provide a combo tour that also takes you to Mendenhall Glacier before heading back to town where the cruise ships are docked. Not sure you can actually book when at Auke Bay and many of the popular tours will be sold out at that point.

Another vote for afternoon. The sun is higher in the sky and there are less shadows to contend with when taking photos.

Nice to see Paul and Gallant Adventures get a mention here. We went out with him several years ago and it was our best wildlife excursion we've been on too.

Thank you for clarifying this. So many want to add the “Mount” to Denali and it’s just incorrect. Most of the locals have always called it Denali regardless of any recent change.

Your ship will have a naturalist. On our trip with Princess in May the naturalist was taking cabin numbers and offered to contact anyone interested in the middle of the night if the lights happened to be out. Not sure he got much sleep but it was a great offer. Check with the naturalist.

You can begin dropping luggage at the terminal about 9:30am. It would be a bit inconvenient as the cruise terminal you’ll be departing from is 3 miles from the downtown shopping area. Another option is to use The Purple Store near Pike Place Market and then collect your luggage and head to the terminal when you’re done shopping. https://www.thepurplestore.com/luggage-storage-seattle.shtml

Another link for those authorized to operate in Glacier Bay. https://www.nps.gov/glba/planyourvisit/area-visitor-services-listing.htm

Looked about 3 blocks when mapped. https://goo.gl/maps/h8Y7eKq5L4ibeXWA6

Another option that's open late is Humpy's. About 3 blocks from 49th State.

The Edgewater Hotel will store luggage for non-guests. They are along the waterfront near the other cruise terminal, Pier 66. Another, near Pike Place Market is The Purple Store. https://www.thepurplestore.com/luggage-storage-seattle.shtml I’m reluctant to store my bags when they don’t give you the location upfront.

Everything is going to be up hill from your hotel. 49th State Brewing on 3rd Ave is fairly close and gets good reviews.

This is simplistic and inaccurate. I agree with Don that Sitka is a hidden gem. It’s the least touristy port frequented by the main cruise lines and has some interesting history with a strong Russian tie. It’s refreshing not to have the rows of touristy shops and to actually see locals shopping downtown as well. Not really the case so much in Skagway. We’ve been to both several times and although the train is dandy in Skagway, Sitka is our favorite, much do to with the opposite that has been mentioned here as a “tacky tourist trap”.

Yes, that’s the spot. There were several people just walking and not taking the shuttle.

Yes taxis can still drop right at the Terminal.

@CruiserBruce I was corrected recently when I advised that they drop at the terminal so I stopped by as I was walking along the trail. Photos are of the drop off location and also one taken from the drop off location looking towards the terminal.

Yes, that’s correct. Although uber/lyft were dropping at the terminal door last year, they are now dropping/picking up ¼ mile away. There is a shuttle to/from that location to the terminal.

If departing from Pier 66, the Marriott and Edgewater are very close. I don’t like those for a few days of exploring as most of the venues are up hill. Staying downtown near the Westlake Center gives you transportation options in the light rail and monorail and most of downtown is walkable. If you’re budget allows we love the Inn at the Market. Another consideration is the MLB All-Star game is mid July in Seattle this next year. Thousands of more folks in town so you may need to make a decision sooner than later. You will get specific hotel suggestions if you can mention a budget.

@Ferry_Watcher Not sure who owns it but I stopped by as I was on the trail. Was told by the guard at the gate as well as two others walking the trail that the bridge was open to anyone who wanted to use it. On the Expedia side of the bridge it is outside their facility near the gate.

I didn’t realize there were other eating options near Summit Lake Lodge. Another consideration is the road construction in the area if you’re traveling between Seward and the lodge. You may be fine with this as well but it’s something to look into as it can be a bit inconvenient. They were closing the highway at night periodically due to blasting. https://www.alaskanavigator.org/projects/seward-highway-mp-17-225-rehabilitation There’s a Facebook page that locals post updates on the highway. “Seward Highway Report”.