Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier vs Glacier Bay

[cruise*enthusiast]

I've narrowed it down to 2 itineraries.  One does Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the other does Glacier Bay.  Is one better than the other and, if so, which one?

[Cruise Raider]

10 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

I've narrowed it down to 2 itineraries.  One does Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the other does Glacier Bay.  Is one better than the other and, if so, which one?

Glacier Bay has a series of different glaciers and it is spectacular!  
if you’re only going to Alaska as a one and done, I highly recommend Glacier Bay!  

[Outerdog]

Everyone will tell you to choose Glacier Bay over Endicott Arm / Dawes. And I agree with them. However, Endicott / Dawes is a beautiful fjord experience. If your choice brings you here, you will not be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

[oregonN]

If this is the only Alaska cruise you will take, Glacier Bay is the one.

Edited December 22, 2023 by oregonN

[Sea Hag]

32 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

I've narrowed it down to 2 itineraries.  One does Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the other does Glacier Bay.  Is one better than the other and, if so, which one?

Glacier Bay!  We've only gone down Endicott Arm once, and I fully realize that our experience isn't what others might have gotten. But our experience was truly the most underwhelming of any glacier-op day we've had. There was a lot of ice in the water, and I understand that the ship can't get close if that's the case. The end result was that when the glacier finally came into view, way in the distance, the sun was just clearing the mountains behind it. We were looking right into the sun and could hardly see the glacier at all. Again, I understand that this isn't a universal Dawes Glacier experience, and I'm happy for those who had otherwise.

[Donwoods123]

34 minutes ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

I've narrowed it down to 2 itineraries.  One does Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the other does Glacier Bay.  Is one better than the other and, if so, which one?

We have been to Alaska many times, always on Princess.  We have done both itineraries and, while they are both great, we prefer Glacier Bay.  You get to see several glaciers and it is spectacular.  We always get a starboard balcony.  They start to enter the bay in the early morning.  I get up early and watch the sunrise over the mountains.  It is so peaceful.

 

If you go to Endicott Arm, I recommend that you take the excursion on a small boat that boards fron the ship and goes really close to the glacier.  It is pricey, but one of our best experiences in Alaska.

 

We were scheduled to go to Endicott on our cruise last August, but the ice was so thick the ship couldn't get close enough to even see the glacier.  That doesn't happen in Glacier Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruise till you drop]

Very glad the OP posted this as we’re also newbies to Alaska and planning Aug 2025 and also narrowed it down to these 2 itineraries out of Seattle.

 

We liked Dawes because of the newer ship (Discovery) but also knew the main attraction was Glacier Bay but on a slightly older ship (Royal).

 

I think based on our own preference as well as others recommendations, we’ll go with Glacier Bay on the Royal Princess

[Cruise Raider]

4 hours ago, Cruise till you drop said:

Very glad the OP posted this as we’re also newbies to Alaska and planning Aug 2025 and also narrowed it down to these 2 itineraries out of Seattle.

 

We liked Dawes because of the newer ship (Discovery) but also knew the main attraction was Glacier Bay but on a slightly older ship (Royal).

 

I think based on our own preference as well as others recommendations, we’ll go with Glacier Bay on the Royal Princess

I think you will be very pleased with your decision.  And, the Royal is a gorgeous ship!  I also do love the Discovery but the Royal has a few distinctions that set it just a slight step above, IMO.  
 

The Discovery was released during all the supply chain issues so, their beds are just not quite as comfortable as those on the Royal.  I know that’s a slight issue for some but it is very noticeable. 
The Discovery doesn’t have a ‘separated’ nonsmoking section for the casino like the Royal does.  Also, Crooners gets so much smoke from the casino so, that’s not a pleasant place to have a cocktail.  She also doesn’t have a Vines but, the Gastropub bar does serve as a suitable alternative.  

Don’t get me wrong, they are both still fabulous ships.  There are just these few reasons why I would pick the Royal over the Discovery if I had to pick.  The Majestic is my absolute favorite.  She may be missing Crooners but has so many other positives that I can overlook that.  

[iamaqt2]

Be aware that no matter which you book, weather can impact glacier viewing day.  On our glacier bay cruise day it was raining heavily and foggy.  We were unable to see anything that day.

[Coral]

Glacier Bay, hands down!