Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise: An Epic Journey To Sawyer Glacier

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• Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Cruise
• Bermuda Cruises
• Best Deals to Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
• Discover ethereal natural beauty.

These glaciers are even more mesmerizing up close than Sawyer Glacier. Entering Tracy Arm Fjord, steep slopes enrobed in emerald forests ascend dramatically from the fjord’s deep azure waters. Enormous icebergs drift past, detached from the twin tidewater glaciers farther inland. Resounding cracks echo through the mountains as chunks of ice split off and submerged into the sea. Approaching the actively calving glaciers, the air becomes markedly chillier. The glaciers’ vibrant blue compressed ancient ice emerges, streaked with bands of rock and sediment from the valley walls.

Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Cruise

Obviously, getting really close provides a more thrilling experience. Of the two, South Sawyer Glacier is larger and more accessible to reach. As North Sawyer retreats, the narrow passage becomes more hazardous and less maneuverable for larger cruise ships. At the end of the fjord, cruise lines open up the viewing areas at the bow, allowing closer views of the icebergs and towering glacier. We find it gets crowded, so arrive early for the prime front row standing spots. Cruise ships must navigate through the narrow fjord to reach the glacier at the end of the arm.

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I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure! The untapped beauty of Tracy Arm is its most significant drawcard.

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Sometimes, ships don’t enter Tracy Arm Fjord in the shoulder season due to too much fog or ice. It’s important to consider the size of the ship and the amenities offered when choosing a cruise line. A smaller ship gives closer access to the glaciers and wildlife, while a larger ship may offer more amenities and activities.

Once you get chilled, step inside your cabin, and enjoy the views from behind the glass. It doesn’t matter whether you have a port or starboard stateroom because you’ll enjoy one side sailing in and the other going out. Once you reach the Sawyer Glacier, you’ll be captivated by its vivid blue tones. The ice in Tracy Arm is dense and absorbs all colors except blue.

Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, which means it “calves” or breaks off. Pieces of ice anywhere from the size of a small car to a cruise ship fall off the face of the glacier and hit the water with a thunderous roar. No matter how many times you visit Sawyer Glacier, it is always a thrill to see a calving event. As the channel to the glacier narrows, it’s possible that cruise ships won’t have access in the future. North Sawyer or Sawyer Glacier may not be as impressive, maybe due to its accessibility. As it retreats, the narrowing channel makes it difficult for larger cruise ships to maneuver.

Allen Marine operates the tour, which typically lasts six hours and includes stunning views of the fjord, waterfalls, and wildlife. We have cruised there multiple times and find Tracy Arm Fjord to be an unforgettable experience. It allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Are you ready to cruise to Tracy Arm fjord, one of the “most dramatically stunning fjords in Alaska”? A cruise to Tracy Arm Fjord contrasts significantly with an itinerary to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

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Booking through your cruise line’s website is the most expedient and effortless way to book a trip, and includes several built-in benefits and guarantees. Because you are booking directly through your ship, your tickets will be ready ahead of time, and often hand-delivered to your stateroom. You are also guaranteed to make it back to your ship before it departs – the ship will stay in port if your shore excursion runs late. The value you receive by booking through your cruise line is truly outstanding.

To fully enjoy the outside observation decks, we recommend participants bring a warm, rainproof jacket, hat & gloves. The tour will disembark next to the cruise ship in downtown Juneau. For the best glacier viewing, visit Tracy Arm Fjord in mid to late summer. Choose a trip into the back of the fjord to see the stunning twin tidewater glaciers. Pack binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the splendor. Combine the cruise with a helicopter glacier landing or kayaking for more perspectives.

Alternatively, Seabourn Quest and American Constellation offer an intimate ship experience. June through September provides the best months for visitation when the weather is generally mild and the days are long. However, some cruise lines sail to Tracy Arm Fjord as early as May or even late April. Tracy Arm Fjord is in the Southeast Alaskan panhandle, a little south of Juneau.

We recommend packing a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, warm socks, and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glacial glare. Compact binoculars are handy to help spot harbor seals on icebergs and mountain goats high on the cliffs. From June onward, you can expect to see a lot of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, and various bird species. Where the fjord meets Holkham Bay, humpback whales may welcome your arrival.

The larger of the two, South Sawyer Glacier is simply stunning and goes deep underwater. Look for wildlife—seals like to rest on ice floes with their young because they're safer from whales. Mountain goats also love the cliffs near the North Sawyer Glacier.

Enjoy a boating tour of Hardangerfjord — one of the world’s longest fjords — and hike through lush forests to towering waterfalls. Unlike in Tracy Arm, cruise ships cannot send smaller boats out for tours. So you will have to remain some distance from the actual glaciers. The water at the end of the fjord is nearly 600 feet deep and when underwater calving takes place, the ice remains intact, giving us Alaska’s largest icebergs. Underwater calvings surface like giant submarines that rise over 250 feet and then settle into the water like large, blue ships.

Many cruise lines offer this tour, which takes guests on a smaller vessel from your cruise ship to explore Tracy Arm and see the Sawyer Glacier up close. The contest between which is better to visit, Tracy Arm versus Glacier Bay, is a close race. Both of these Alaskan fjords offer spectacular scenery and geological wonders to admire. Glacier Bay is larger and has more glaciers to see, while Tracy Arm is more secluded and offers more up-close and personal views. Whichever you choose, you’ll be awe-struck by these spectacular natural wonders.

Tracy Arm Vs Glacier Bay: Visiting Alaska's Fjords

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• Disembarking in Juneau
• Alaska Cruises
• Appreciating Tracy Arm Fjord’s Untamed Beauty
• Weekend Cruises
• Panama Canal Cruises
• Discover ethereal natural beauty.

Opt for a cruise line like Princess or Holland America that uses smaller excursion vessels adept at maneuvering the fjord’s twists. For more inspiration, explore TracyArmFjord’s glacier webcams, photographs, and detailed visitor information regarding this phenomenal Alaskan natural wonder. There are two Sawyer Glaciers (twins), one in the north and the other in the south. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. The vessel is equipped with deluxe seating, a galley and a restroom. Cruising these glacier-scoured waters provides an unforgettable glimpse into an evolving icy landscape untouched by humankind.

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Disembarking in Juneau

It’s also good to note that some lines have “cruising Tracy Arm Fjord” on their Alaska cruise itinerary but don’t enter the fjord. You’ll also have the best chance to see the glaciers up close and witness the stunning blue ice. From the topside observation deck, enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. You can sometimes even feel the 'white thunder' as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Tracy and Endicott Arms run for roughly 30 miles and are bordered by sheer walls on either side.

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This homeward passage gifts additional time to absorb the hypnotic scenery within this remote Alaskan gem. There are some differences to consider when choosing between the two. Tracy Arm is narrower and has more icebergs, while Endicott Arm is wider and has more wildlife. Since ships going to Tracy Arm must negotiate turns in the fjord, generally smaller and mid-sized vessels go there. Booking a balcony provides private viewing space for both glaciers and wildlife. Don’t worry about which side to book as the ship rotates at the glacier’s terminus (toe).

Appreciating Tracy Arm Fjord’s Untamed Beauty

With hundreds of waterfalls, giant chunks of sliding ice and a huge variety of native wildlife, you won’t even want to blink as you cruise past this natural wonder. Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord are two popular glacier-viewing experiences in Alaska. Tracy Arm Fjord is known for its narrow passages and towering waterfalls, while Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America.

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No matter which glacier viewing experience you choose, there are some tips to keep in mind to make the most of your experience. We compare visiting Tracy Arm Fjord with Endicott Arm and Hubbard Glacier. Tracy Arm Fjord is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, eagles, and bears. Whales are more likely to hang out in Holkham Bay, and species can include both humpbacks and orcas. A service call means the ship stops at the fjord’s mouth, allowing some guests to disembark onto a smaller vessel to continue into the fjord. Some popular lines that offer Tracy Arm Fjord cruises include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.

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The Grand Pacific Glacier (GPG) is considerably slower than the John Hopkins Glacier, with a daily rate of 0.5 to 1 foot. The GPG varies between heights of 65 and 165 feet, is 1.35 miles wide, and stretches for more than 20 miles. The glaciers of Glacier Bay are receding (shrinking), along with most of the other melting glaciers in Alaska. Since the 1950s, there has been approximately 11% less ice than before. The face of Sawyer is a little more than a half mile wide, so there is plenty of space for the vessel to be at the face of the glacier. The boat’s engine gets turned off at the glacier so you can listen to the ice crackle and pop and take in the sights uninterrupted while you wait for the glacier to calve.

Endicott Arm has length 48 km (30 mi) and around 20% of the waterway is ice-covered. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning views and wildlife. Finally, be prepared for changes in the itinerary due to weather or other factors.

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Stephens Pass and Holkham Bay are the best places to spot eagles, bears, and whales. The fjord waters are a magnificent green color, which varies according to meltwater. During my last visit in the first week of May, the waters exuded a vibrant jade green. The increasing amount of floating ice is a welcoming sign for harbor seals who use the icy platforms to laze in the sun. When cruising to Tracy Arm Fjord, you may be treated to the wondrous action of calving.

At times, you can even feel the 'white thunder' as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Port Tracy Arm Fjord cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. When ships miss the fjord, they won’t include another glacier or bay experience.

Cascading down the mountains are 1,000 foot waterfalls, surrounded by alpine rainforests and an assortment of wildlife as significant as Glacier Bay. Tracy Arm is often blocked by icebergs that calve off the glacier, causing postponed cruises. Finally, Glacier Bay is generally more accessible than Tracy Arm. Although peak tourist season is between May and August, the park is open all year round, making Glacier Bay ideal for most visitors who cannot make the summer months. In 1980, Alaska authorities proclaimed Glacier Bay a national park and wildlife preserve, and in 1992 the UN declared Glacier Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fog and low-lying clouds may hamper your ability to take photos. These passengers would have prepurchased the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer tour through their cruise line. Since Juneau is a popular port and provides the most activities, having a full day might be preferred. So, consider choosing an itinerary with Juneau and Tracy Arm on different days. Below you will find some practical information on Tracy Arm fjord to help you decide whether it should be on your Alaska cruise itinerary. As the glacier continues to recede, more of the fjord becomes exposed.

Over approximately the last two centuries, the glacier shrank, exposing the Glacier Bay we know today. We work with agents and advisors to provide the best Alaska experience for your clients. Tracy Arm itineraries are available from Vancouver, Seattle, and San Francisco. Holland America and Windstar allows guest to combine their cruise with a land itinerary. While the raindrops fell scantily, they didn’t detract from the magnificence of the scenery.

The ice in Tracy Arm interferes with the sonar of killer whales, so it is the perfect place for hundreds of harbor seals to have their pups in the summer months. Book the excursion on the smaller vessel if you want a closer look and a different perspective of viewing the fjord. With deep valleys and snowpack in winter, the landscape produces rushing waterfalls as the snow melts. Early in the cruise season, large ice flow blocks the passage of ships trying to reach the Twin Sawyer Glaciers.

THE BEST Cruises from New York to Honolulu with Prices on Cruise Critic

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• BEST DEAL ON HAWAII CRUISES
• Cruise Ports
• Can You Drive From Honolulu To Maui?
• HAWAIIAN CRUISES
• RELATED PORTS

Immerse yourself in local cultures with overnight stays in Istanbul, Singapore, London and more, as you embark on a journey of a lifetime. The Big Island is made up of five connected volcanoes, two of which are extinct, one is dormant, and two are very active. There’s not a better place to understand the awesome nature of volcanoes than at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll see native rain forests, walk through a lava tube, discover remarkable volcanic formations and a splendid diversity of geography and climate. Depending on what’s happening with the active flow, you may walk out to view the red hot lava or witness it spewing into the ocean!

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Visit Barcelona’s cultural gems and explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. Visit one of the world’s best-preserved cities to discover ancient archaeological sites. Capture the vistas from Mount Carmel and tour Acre or visit Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Cross the Red Sea and trace the route of explorers in search of gold, incense and ebony.

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Discover the gastronomic array of Hawaiian staple food during your next visit. Hawaiian food and ingredients have influences unlike anywhere else on Earth. Despite being the smallest of the four main islands, Kauai is home to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" Waimea Canyon,the lush Fern Grotto framed by Wailua River, and so much more.

Can You Drive From Honolulu To Maui?

Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea. Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

For a history lesson visit Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Enjoy a walk around the partially restored 16th-century village, complete with thatched huts, canoes, forbidding idols, and a temple that holds the bones of 23 Hawaiian chiefs. These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world’s most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia, in one vacation. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region.

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From the emerald mountains of Kauai to the white-sand beaches of Maui, discover the best Hawaiian Islands to visit when you sail with Princess. Hawaii offers a tropical twist on the hip travel hobby called "forest bathing." It's all the rage among spiritually minded travelers these days and a great way to see nature close. Hike to Rainbow Falls on the Big Island, or through the lush Hana Rainforest on Maui. The best Hawaii cruises allow you to trek through the lush Hana Rainforest, or enjoy a more volcanic experience on the Big Island.

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Why settle for seeing just one island on a Hawaii resort-based vacation when you can cruise in style and explore multiple island jewels? From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to our immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm — and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty. We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui. We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Sail the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Sail in the wake of the Dutch East India Company’s merchant ships in the Java Sea. See Queenslander and modern architecture, or venture to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Pass the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, or admire the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains. Marvel at the city’s collection of art deco architecture or sample wines from Hawke’s Bay.

Visit Messina’s many piazzas in Old Town or venture out to explore UNESCO-listed Mt. Etna. Admire colonial architecture in this cosmopolitan city and venture to Borobudur Temple. Sample delights of Balinese cuisine and discover its influences, and relax on pristine shores. Visit the harborside of Tauranga or mingle with the locals and learn about their culture. Explore Waitangi’s role in the history of New Zealand and its network of picturesque islands. Sail the indigo waters of the South Pacific, sailed by island tribes for millennia.

Long Beach, CA and Oakland, CA also serve as common transit points. From there, ships cruise south along Central America and through the Panama Canal to access the Atlantic side. Some particularly adventuresome ships may opt for northerly routes too. For example, a ship could sail north to Alaska along gorgeous mountain coastlines.

Cruise Industry News has found four cruises to help travelers comfortably explore the state this month and season. You can also take advantage of Princess transportation, hotel, and sightseeing packages to discover these cosmopolitan cities. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us.

For your trip, experience the sights, culture, and wonders of the Hawaiian island with a ship that offers just the accommodations you want. Find Hawaiian vacations with luxury characteristics or family-friendly features on board Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, or Holland America. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii.

The stunning Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, such as Jurassic Park and King Kong. With endless emerald landscapes, Kauai truly lives up to its nickname of "The Garden Island". Ahi tuna has become famous all over America, most commonly seared and added to Asian-style salads. The best way to sample this Hawaiian favorite, however, is in bowl form. There are several varieties of poke, with modern versions substituting avocado and spicy mayo for classic accompaniments like seaweed and rice. Seafood is an important part of the Hawaiian diet, but there's so much more to enjoy.

On Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can tour six different recreations of traditional villages. Watch a Polynesian dance, play ancient games that have been handed down through the generations, and learn the old ways of fishing without a net. Hawaii might look like a postcard, but it's more than just a pretty face.

Next ports of call include Maui (Kahului), Kona and Hilo, before the Miracle heads to Ensenada in Mexico for day 14 and back to Los Angeles early on day 15. Whether you’re exploring the islands or on board a Princess ship, there are countless ways to experience the best of Hawaii and relax and rejuvenate. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. According to major cruise lines like Norwegian, Princess, and Carnival, expect cruise durations from Hawaii to New York to take approximately days. This accounts for stopping at ports along the U.S. west coast before crossing Panama and sailing up the Atlantic seaboard.

Expect cargo trips to require 2-3 weeks minimum to fully cross the country by sea. Delta flies from Honolulu to New York JFK using Airbus A330s and Boeing 767s. They advertise a block time of 10 hours 15 minutes for this transcontinental service. The flying distance from Hawaii to New York is about 4,980 miles (8,005 km). This long haul flight takes roughly 10 hours and 30 minutes to complete nonstop. There are a few airlines that offer direct flights without any layovers, such as Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta.