NoobCruise Posted March 14, 2016 #1 Share Posted March 14, 2016 So we're thinking of booking another Alaskan cruise. We sailed on the Westerdam a few years ago, out of Seattle to Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria B.C. This time, we want to sail out of Vancouver, and probably either Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier, or College Fjord. Is the small boat excursion to Tracy Arm better than the ship sailing in? We had the small boat excursion booked out of Juneau last time, and when we went to meet our group for it, it was cancelled. So, we'd like to try again, but I'm debating the excursion or the ship Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K.T.B. Posted March 14, 2016 #2 Share Posted March 14, 2016 So we're thinking of booking another Alaskan cruise. We sailed on the Westerdam a few years ago, out of Seattle to Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria B.C. This time, we want to sail out of Vancouver, and probably either Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier, or College Fjord. Is the small boat excursion to Tracy Arm better than the ship sailing in? We had the small boat excursion booked out of Juneau last time, and when we went to meet our group for it, it was cancelled. So, we'd like to try again, but I'm debating the excursion or the ship Yes, a small boat excursion is definitely the best. The high tides can prevent the ship from getting too close, but that's not the case for a smaller boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxo Posted March 15, 2016 #3 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Also think about which month.... May has higher incidents of ice congestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonvoyagie Posted March 15, 2016 #4 Share Posted March 15, 2016 We have been on two cruises into Tracy Arm back in 02 and 03 - the Sky got fairly close in 02 - but three large icebergs kept us out - so the captain ordered the ships photographer to take the zodiac into the basin and get some photos - as the glacier was actively calving. Yes we had to buy the photos- but they were great. In 03 we made it about the same distance - different captain he turned around and left. Now fwd to 2012 and our third AK cruise we opted to take the small boat tour out of Juneau - it was interesting to see the changes and how much the glaciers had retreated - North Sawyer has receded to the point where it is almost invisible from the main channel - I have photos from 02 where we could easily see it. It was also neat to be in the basin in a small boat and watch her calving (listening too). I highly recommend the small boat tours of Tracy Arm. I also recommend seeing Glacier Bay You need more than one cruise to see Alaska :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted March 15, 2016 #5 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Is the small boat excursion to Tracy Arm better than the ship sailing in? Yes. It is closer to the water, smaller, easier to navigate... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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