When travelers dream of visiting Alaska, two names consistently rise to the top: Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. These icy giants represent the heart and soul of Alaskan cruising, drawing millions of nature lovers who want to witness towering blue ice, calving glaciers, fjords, and pristine wilderness. If you are planning a Royal Caribbean journey and wondering which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean, this guide gives you a complete breakdown with clarity, excitement, and actionable insights.
Royal Caribbean is known for its breathtaking Alaska itineraries, and while not every route includes these major glaciers, several carefully curated sailings offer unforgettable glacier viewing experiences. Because Glacier Bay National Park has strict permitting rules, only specific ships and itineraries are allowed entry. Meanwhile, Hubbard Glacier is more accessible, often included in routes that focus on northeastern Alaska and the Gulf of Alaska.
In this in-depth pillar guide, you’ll discover exactly which Royal Caribbean itineraries feature Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, how the routes differ, and what makes each experience extraordinary. You’ll also get tips for choosing the best glacier-focused cruise based on time of year, departure port, ship style, and what type of scenery you want to experience most.
Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises vary significantly depending on ship size, route direction, and specific park permissions. While some itineraries revolve around scenic cruising days, others offer extended ice viewing sessions or visits to towns near glacial regions. Understanding the differences helps you confidently choose a glacier-focused vacation.
When asking which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean, it’s important to start with Hubbard Glacier because it appears in far more Royal Caribbean itineraries. Hubbard Glacier is famous for its dramatic size—over 70 miles long—and for being one of the world’s fastest-moving tidewater glaciers.
Hubbard Glacier is accessible from both northbound and southbound Gulf of Alaska routes. Its calving activity, crackling ice, and massive face make it a favorite for scenic cruising days. Royal Caribbean includes Hubbard Glacier primarily on:
Week-long cruise itineraries
Open-jaw voyages between Alaska and Canada
Select round-trip sailings from Vancouver or Seward
Royal Caribbean often pairs Hubbard Glacier with popular port stops such as:
Juneau
Skagway
Icy Strait Point
Sitka
Ketchikan
These combinations create immersive experiences where passengers enjoy both glacier viewing and cultural immersion.
Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most protected natural parks in North America. Cruise lines must hold special permits to enter, and access is limited each season. This means only a small number of Royal Caribbean itineraries include Glacier Bay.
Glacier Bay requires:
Environmental compliance
Strict ship quotas
A park ranger presence onboard
Because of these restrictions, Glacier Bay appears predominantly on select special voyages, repositioning cruises, or a handful of seasonal sailings.
Glacier Bay is a spectacular collection of fjords and tidewater glaciers, typically including:
Margerie Glacier
Lamplugh Glacier
Johns Hopkins Glacier
Towering cliffs and wildlife
These itineraries feature extended scenic viewing time, making them particularly immersive for photographers and nature lovers.
To understand which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean, it helps to explore how Royal Caribbean structures its major Alaska cruise types. Each route style highlights a different glacier experience.
The Inside Passage is the classic scenic route for Alaska cruises. While most Inside Passage itineraries do not automatically include Glacier Bay, many do feature Hubbard Glacier as their scenic cruising highlight.
Passengers sail through narrow waterways surrounded by forests, mountains, and wildlife before reaching the glacier. This combination creates a balanced trip of nature, culture, and adventure.
All-day scenic viewing
Panoramic glacier approach
Routes often operated on mid-sized Royal Caribbean ships
Mix of quieter ports and busy towns
Gulf of Alaska sailings are typically open-jaw itineraries, meaning they begin in one port and end in another. These are the itineraries most likely to include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.
Because they cover more coastline and deeper wilderness, Gulf of Alaska routes provide the most time for extended glacier viewing.
Passage through Hubbard Glacier area
Possible Glacier Bay scenic day (select sailings only)
Calls to northern towns
Mix of cultural and natural destinations
When asking which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean, travelers often want to know whether one is better than the other. Both glacier experiences offer something unique.
If you want:
A national park experience
Multiple glaciers in one day
Calm fjords and abundant wildlife
Exclusive viewing opportunities
Then Glacier Bay is the better choice.
If you prefer:
A guaranteed glacier on most sailings
A massive, active tidewater glacier
Dramatic calving events
Routes that include diverse port calls
Then Hubbard Glacier is ideal.
Most first-time travelers choose Hubbard Glacier because it appears on a wider range of itineraries, making planning simpler. Travelers seeking rare or premium experiences gravitates toward Glacier Bay.
A glacier day is often the highlight of an Alaska cruise. Whether your Royal Caribbean itinerary includes Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, the experience typically follows a special schedule.
Your ship approaches the glacier slowly, passing:
Icebergs
Snow-capped peaks
Evergreen forests
Wildlife such as seals and eagles
Naturalists often give commentary throughout the morning.
Once the ship reaches the glacier:
Royal Caribbean ships spend hours at the glacier’s face to allow:
Calving ice viewing
Photography
Observation from multiple decks
Park rangers (in Glacier Bay) or onboard experts (Hubbard Glacier) describe geology, wildlife, and cultural history.
When the ship pulls away from the glacier, passengers enjoy peaceful views, glowing sunsets, and breathtaking mountain silhouettes.
To make the most of which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean, consider these smart planning tips.
Limited availability means Glacier Bay itineraries sell out quickly. Booking early ensures you secure a cabin with premium viewing.
A balcony stateroom allows private viewing of glacier moments without crowds. This is especially valuable during calving events.
These months often provide:
Clearer skies
Higher wildlife activity
More stable temperatures
Your departure port influences your likelihood of experiencing Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.
Vancouver
Seward
Whittier
These ports connect to itineraries containing scenic cruising days.
Whether you decide on Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, Royal Caribbean offers unforgettable journeys into the heart of Alaska’s natural beauty. Hubbard Glacier appears on many of the line’s popular Alaskan sailings, making it the more frequent glacier destination. Glacier Bay, though rarer, delivers a one-of-a-kind national park immersion that appeals to scenery lovers and photographers who want a deeper wilderness experience.
Understanding which itineraries include Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier Royal Caribbean empowers you to plan a trip that fits your travel style, timeline, and dream experience. Each route offers something magical—from thunderous calving ice to peaceful fjords and snow-covered landscapes. With the right itinerary, your Alaska cruise becomes a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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