View Alaska on the mapThe destination is untouched nature itself, not a port town. With no shops or streets, it is a quiet day in which the sound of glaciers calving and the presence of seabirds, whales and seals take center stage.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park · United States · 58.66, -136.90

A national park in southeastern Alaska with glaciers and inlets, and a leading destination for scenic cruising, where passengers view glaciers from the deck without going ashore. A park ranger boards the ship to provide commentary, and ships usually spend about half a day proceeding toward the back of the bay.

Port highlights

The permanent population is almost zero. Even the gateway village of Gustavus has only about 500 people

Population

Even in summer, daytime is cool, and on a windy deck it feels much colder. Cloudy days with light rain are common, and clear skies are a matter of luck.

Climate

English

Language

US dollar (USD). There is no opportunity to go ashore, so payment is by onboard account only.

Currency

June to August (the period when entry is permitted, with long daylight hours)

Best time to visit

Local food

No local meals because there is no landing; Alaska salmon and crab are often served onboard

Sights

Margerie Glacier (ship approaches the face and stops)Glaciers of Johns Hopkins InletLamplugh GlacierWatching humpback whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lionsViews of the snow-covered Fairweather Range

Monthly average high / low temperatures

2°

-1°Jan

3°

-1°Feb

4°

-1°Mar

8°

2°Apr

11°

5°May

13°

8°Jun

14°

10°Jul

15°

10°Aug

13°

8°Sep

9°

4°Oct

5°

1°Nov

3°

-1°Dec

Unit: °C · NOAA climate normals · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: ELFIN COVE · about 61.3 km from port · Approximate (distant station) · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices

There is no price guide because this is a scenic-cruising or pass-through point with no landing (spending is mainly onboard).

Getting there from Japan

GST

Nearest airport

—

Airport to port (approx.)

C — Two or more connections

Ease of access

About 74 km from airport to port (straight-line distance)ApproximateCalculated from OurAirports coordinates (Oct 4, 2026)

Access from Japan: A = direct flight / B = one connection / C = two or more connections (indicative)

Itineraries calling here

AlaskaMay–Sep 2027

Sources

Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
Secondary sourcenps.gov

Source: Wikipedia “Glacier Bay Basin” (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Checked Jul 22, 2026