Which one and why?

[lindasuej]

I only have 1 shot at an Alaska cruise. (Land/cruise is not a possibility). I see Glaciar Bay and Tracy Fiords. Which one would you choose and why. Thank you. Linda

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[Budget Queen]

I suggest you look at and evaluate the entire itinerary. Are the ports the same? if there are differences then find out about each port and determine, what activities are your priority. look at port times, price of cruise?

 

With Tracy Arm, I do find it "necessary" to recommend booking the cruise ship add on tour, since it is grossly superior to the cruise ship transit.

 

I will post some of the differences between Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm.

 

Glacier Bay is a 70+ mile dead end, wide bay. You will see at least 4 glaciers- if conditions are favorable and you look. :) (you'd be surprised at the number of people who miss some). Park Rangers do escort the ship in and give commentary. Very easy to get a view of sea otters at the entrance, and sometimes humpbacks. Sea lions are also plentiful but people usually miss them. Sea birds are always seen, with this being a possible area for puffins. Binoculars are necessary.

 

Tracy Arm is a narrow fjord, 30 mile dead end with two glaciers at the end. Probably only about 25% of the cruise ships make any transit past Sawyer Island. From Sawyer Island, you get only a far off, partial, distant view of the South Sawyer Glacier. Cruise ships do not include the North Sawyer glacier. The fjords is nonstop, close up twisted sailing beauty. At the entrance, several hours prior and after, is a humpback feeding area.

 

Both areas are worthwhile to visit. It is not anything I label as "better" or worse. But you are sure to get that slant asking this question.

[xlxo]

I only have 1 shot at an Alaska cruise. (Land/cruise is not a possibility). I see Glaciar Bay and Tracy Fiords. Which one would you choose and why. Thank you. Linda

Some cruises have the option to do both... Main viewing is Glacier Bay, but as the ship approaches Juneau (50 miles out).... a small boat intercepts the cruise ship early in the morning for a mid-ocean transfer to take you to Tracy to find Sawyer. The boat will rejoin the cruise ship in Juneau.

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-destinations/ExcursionDetails.action?excursionCode=100030935

 

BTW... I like Glacier Bay more.

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Edited March 15, 2015 by xlxo

[bunnyrab]

If you have the time, 2 weeks, I would recommend the Statendam since it goes all the way up to Anchorage with stops in Homer and Kokiak and you will see Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier. Cruise might cost more but you will save on the airfare. No matter which cruise you choose don't miss Sitka. It has the best wildlife I saw on a shorter cruise 10 years ago. We will be going on the Statendam this May for these reasons.

[MilliesMom]

We actually like them both. We have two future cruises booked now (1 this year and 1 for next) that are each Tracy Arm.

 

Both cruises have absolutely gorgeous scenery along the way. Typically (not always) the Glacier Bay cruises are more expensive. For us, it would add on about $1000 for our cabin compared to Tracy Arm. (for mini-suite)

 

When we book I look at the itinerary, dates, ship, and cost. Then make the decision on which to go with.

Edited March 16, 2015 by MilliesMom

[CowPrincess]

If you have the time, 2 weeks, I would recommend the Statendam since it goes all the way up to Anchorage with stops in Homer and Kokiak and you will see Tracy Arm and Hubbard Glacier. Cruise might cost more but you will save on the airfare. No matter which cruise you choose don't miss Sitka. It has the best wildlife I saw on a shorter cruise 10 years ago. We will be going on the Statendam this May for these reasons.

 

Not sure what you mean by "save on the airfare". A 7 day R/T Seattle would have the same airfare costs as the 14 day trip, wouldn't it? And the 14 day cruise does cost more.

 

OP, there isn't a better or worse between Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay IMHO. They are different. As Budget Queen suggested, look at the ports and the port times, too.

 

Sitka is a tender port, and occasionally (infrequently) is missed because sea conditions are not good for tendering. (This is my big fear with my upcoming 14 day cruise -- that we will miss Sitka and my DH will never forgive me for dragging him on another Alaska cruise :) -- he's pretty much going for Sitka :rolleyes: )

[bunnyrab]

Not sure what you mean by "save on the airfare". A 7 day R/T Seattle would have the same airfare costs as the 14 day trip, wouldn't it? And the 14 day cruise does cost more.

 

OP, there isn't a better or worse between Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay IMHO. They are different. As Budget Queen suggested, look at the ports and the port times, too.

 

Sitka is a tender port, and occasionally (infrequently) is missed because sea conditions are not good for tendering. (This is my big fear with my upcoming 14 day cruise -- that we will miss Sitka and my DH will never forgive me for dragging him on another Alaska cruise :) -- he's pretty much going for Sitka :rolleyes: )

 

A lot cheaper to fly return Seattle than one way Seattle and one way ANCHORAGE. If you want to go as high up as possible by ship. And another bonus for us only 1 plane each way. Anchorage would need a stop in Vancouver or Seattle.