Glacier bay family of 5

[momof3afraidofnorovirus]

Hi-

Thanks to all your advice- we would like to do a one way cruise and a must see is Glacier Bay. I have looked at Princess and HAL. The Norwegian names Glacier Bay but they don't give a time that they are there. Some of the literature I have from Princess suggests that only 2 cruise lines really stay in Glacier Bay so does that mean Princess and HAL?

My children will be 14, 11, and 8 any suggestions for one way cruises that include a full day in Glacier Bay?

We can get more space for our money on HAL but concerned about smoking policy. Deal breaker to smell smoke in my room or on the balcony if I am paying that much to be out there.

Princess seems to have more enrichment activities for the kids- prefer they don't just play video games and actually be exposed to more about Alaska.

AAA agent seems to be very hesitant to recommend Princess, she feels that customer service has really gone down.

We plan to do our own land tour and go to Denali for a few days precruise.

Any recommendations are much appreciated...currently top pick is Coral Princess southbound with a mini suite and interior across the hall. Room recommendations also needed!

Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

NCL also has a small number of permits for Glacier Bay, so they do go there. Just nowhere near as often as Princess or HAL.

 

Glacier Bay is never a full day, at least not in my experience. It is usually 4 to 6 hours.

 

DW is essentially allergic to cigarette smoke, yet we have 8 cruises on HAL, with two more booked. It isn't as big a deal as some would have you believe.

[lmintzer]

I was just on the NCL Pearl (July 24 sailing). We spent a half of a day in Glacier Bay. We entered early in the morning (probably around 8) and exited around 1:00 p.m. Those are just estimates. I can check the Dailies if you would like.

 

It was an incredible experience! We were able to see a number of glaciers--spent most of our time at Margerie Glacier but also saw Johns Hopkins and briefly passed at least 2 others.

 

I didn't notice any cigarette smoke smell on the ship except in the casino.

 

I traveled with two children, ages 12 and 15, who really enjoyed the trip--and the Pearl!

 

ETA: Just realized you are looking for a one-way cruise. The Pearl cruises round-trip out of Seattle. Would have to check to see if any of their one-way routes include Glacier Bay.

 

On the Pearl, a mini and an inside cabin across the hall would work.

 

There are some enrichment acvities for kids, but you are right--not a ton. My older son is very into sports and enjoyed playing basketball, soccer, and dodgeball on the outdoor courts (you can't beat the view!), and my younger son enjoyed the rock wall and the hot tubs.

Edited August 14, 2016 by lmintzer

[TheCalicoCat]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind. Enjoy your trip.

 

AKA Don't second guess your self by coming here for validation, you know what your needs are & where your fears are if your selected cruise works for you then go for it.

[jimsig]

ETA: Just realized you are looking for a one-way cruise. The Pearl cruises round-trip out of Seattle. Would have to check to see if any of their one-way routes include Glacier Bay.

 

The NCL Sun Northbound does GB. The southbound trip does not.

 

 

The glacier viewing time in GB is about 4 hours and I believe that is for all big cruise ships. They mentioned on our cruise, NCL Pearl, that the ships only get 4 hours in the "critical area." You are in GB itself for a longer period, aprox 9 to 10 hours, as it takes time to get from the entrance to the glaciers and back out.

 

To see this years GB schedules look here:

http://claalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Glacier-Bay-GB-2016-1.pdf

 

The 2017 port times are still being finalized and GB is not listed yet.

http://claalaska.com/?page_id=1250

Edited August 14, 2016 by jimsig

[Coral]

Only 2 cruise ships per day can visit Glacier Bay. These 3 lines have regular access to Glacier Bay.

 

NCL

Princess

HAL

 

Some small nature lines also have approvals. Carnival has access beginning and ending of the season.

[spidybabe]

Just off the 8/7/16 sailing on the Pearl to Glacier Bay. It is absolutely amazing!! We started entering the area early (by 8am), stopped at Margerie Glacier, and the captain slowly spun the ship around 3 times, so everyone could see, proceeded to more glaciers, saw wildlife. Left the area around 2.

Fantastic day -- mother nature at her finest

Safe sailing

[born2cruize]

I was on a B2B cruise just this year. I was on the Star Princess (but I will assume that all Princess times would be approximately the same). Northbound we picked up the Ranger at 6:15 and departed Glacier Bay about 3:15. Southbound the Ranger boarded about 9:15 and and we stayed until around 7:30.