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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.
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