Glacier Bay first week of June

[Wink87]

We are thinking of booking Royal Princess the first week of June next year. DH seems to think we won't be able to get as far in Glacier Bay as to see John Hopkins Glacier. Would love to hear of any experiences with this. Tyia

[dfilpus]

We were in Glacier Bay the last week of May 2019. The ship did a full turn at both Margery and John Hopkins. 

[Wink87]

1 hour ago, dfilpus said:

We were in Glacier Bay the last week of May 2019. The ship did a full turn at both Margery and John Hopkins. 

Ty. Hubby was reading an article that said the inlet to Johns Hopkins was closed May and June due to seal pups. Old article tho. Hmmmm

[Glaciers]

18 hours ago, Wink87 said:

Ty. Hubby was reading an article that said the inlet to Johns Hopkins was closed May and June due to seal pups. Old article tho. Hmmmm

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.

[Wink87]

1 hour ago, Glaciers said:

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.

Fabulous information! Ty so much! This will be our 5th Alaskan cruise and on only one did we go to Glacier Bay. The highlight of all the trips! Hubby would have been so disappointed if we couldn't get into Johns Hopkins due to lack of research. Now it's up to the weather Gods! We have booked Royal Princess for later in July.

[Crew News]

On 9/27/2022 at 9:45 AM, Wink87 said:

Fabulous information! Ty so much! This will be our 5th Alaskan cruise and on only one did we go to Glacier Bay. The highlight of all the trips! Hubby would have been so disappointed if we couldn't get into Johns Hopkins due to lack of research. Now it's up to the weather Gods! We have booked Royal Princess for later in July.

Bring 8X binoculars to spot the harbor seal pups in Glacier Bay and then use your camera with telephoto lens to capture a photograph.

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by Crew News

[hawk1972]

We got back from Alaska on the Norwegian Sun on September 15. We had beautiful weather in Glacier Bay and we were able to go up close to both Margerie and Johns Hopkins Glaciers. We were told we were the first ship to do so this summer. The rangers on board also told us that ships aren't allowed past Jaw Point in Johns Hopkins inlet, about 5 miles from the glacier, until September because of baby seals.

Edited September 29, 2022 by hawk1972

[skrufy]

On 9/26/2022 at 11:39 AM, Wink87 said:

We are thinking of booking Royal Princess the first week of June next year. DH seems to think we won't be able to get as far in Glacier Bay as to see John Hopkins Glacier. Would love to hear of any experiences with this. Tyia

Have been to Glacier Bay two times, late August and mid September. Had no problem making it to Margerie and Grand Pacific Glacier. There are other glaciers on your way to Margerie Glacier, keep your eyes open. Glacier Bay is very wide, ice does not jam up. Looking at a map prior to entering the bay gives you a good layout of where the glaciers are.