Alaska Glacier Cruises are also known as Gulf of Alaska Cruises. Every cruise line has a different name for it, but they all mean the same thing - they are cruises that sail one-way through the Gulf of Alaska where you'll find the greatest abundance of glaciers, mountains, wildlife and scenery.

Unlike an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise, an Alaska Glacier Cruise does not repeat its route by doing a U-turn back to the original departure port. Alaska Glacier cruises are one way itineraries that sail from North to South (Southbound Glacier Cruises) or South to North (Northbound Glacier Cruises). These itineraries allow you to spend more days in Alaska ports or National Glacier Parks at Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay as there are fewer days at sea compared to a round-trip cruise. If you only have a week and want maximum glacier viewing and time on land, this is your best choice for an Alaska Cruise Vacation.

Northbound Cruises begin in Vancouver and sail North, one-way through the Inside Passage and up to Seward or Whittier, where passengers disembark the ship. Along the way, Alaska Glacier Cruise passengers not only visit the same ports and attractions they would've seen on the Inside Passage Cruise, but they may also visit College Fjord for breathtaking glacier views and Valdez for yet another day in port. Once the ship arrives in Seward or Whittier, passengers then motor coach on to Anchorage where they will either fly home or continue on the land portion into the interior of Alaska as part of an Alaska Cruise Tour. An overnight hotel stay in Anchorage after your cruise may be required in order to meet convenient flights schedules for your return flight home.

Southbound Glacier Cruises are the same as Northbound Cruises except they begin in Seward or Whittier and you sail south to Vancouver. Passengers taking the Southbound Glacier Cruise itinerary arrive in Anchorage one of two ways: 1) They fly into Anchorage and motor coach directly to the pier in Seward for their seven day cruise; or, 2) They have just completed the land portion of an Alaska Cruise and Land Tour and are now ready to begin their cruise.

The Alaska Southbound Glacier cruise will depart from Seward and could stop in Valdez before continuing south into College Fjord for some breathtaking Glacier views. After College Fjord, the ship heads for the Inside Passage and visits 3 or 4 of the following ports, depending upon the ship and departure:

You will normally spend a full day in each port of call allowing you to sample the local community or take any number of exciting excursions including trekking on glaciers, a helicopter ride, city bus tours, whale watching, fishing and more. There is something for everyone!

When your Alaska Glacier cruise ends in Vancouver, consider spending a few extra days either after the cruise to enjoy some of the local sights. Most cruise lines offer affordable post-cruise hotel programs that give you the opportunity to experience some of the local attractions like the Space Need and the Pike's Market in Seattle or the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver/Victoria. Ask your TravelDep Cruise Specialist about this when planning your cruise.

The Alaska Cruise season begins in late April and continues through September. Whether you cruise when the Inside Passage is blanketed with spring wildflowers or ablaze with autumn foliage you'll be awed at Alaska's natural wonders. Spring whale migrations, autumn bald eagle gatherings, winter trumpeter swans - exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and substantial savings can be found during spring and autumn.