Do you see icebergs on an Alaskan cruise?

Tracy Arm Fjord You'll have the chance to observe glacial calving as sizable chunks of ice fall into the water. You'll also notice icebergs ranging from a few inches tall to three stories floating by your Princess Cruises ship.



Seeing icebergs is a hallmark of the Alaskan cruise experience, especially when sailing through fjords like Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, or Glacier Bay National Park. As glaciers "calve"—the process where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea—they create various sizes of floating ice. You will see "growlers" (small chunks about the size of a car) and larger bergs that often glow with a deep, crystalline blue due to the intense pressure of the glacial ice. In 2026, these sightings are guaranteed on glacier-viewing days between May and September. Many passengers are surprised to see harbor seals hitching rides on these icebergs to avoid predators. While the ship maintains a safe distance from the larger bergs, the sight of these ancient, floating ice formations against the backdrop of towering green cliffs and snow-capped mountains remains a once-in-a-lifetime highlight for travelers.

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Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

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Land Mammals Along Alaskan Shores Many land mammals can be seen right from the deck of your cruise ship. Bears, moose, wolves, deer, and many other creatures are known to walk right up to the water's edge, even strolling along the beach or venturing into the water.

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Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.

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Tracy Arm Fjord You'll have the chance to observe glacial calving as sizable chunks of ice fall into the water. You'll also notice icebergs ranging from a few inches tall to three stories floating by your Princess Cruises ship.

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Best Months to Travel to Alaska. Alaskan cruise season is May through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier.

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On top, you probably want to dress in layers with a long-sleeve t-shirt topped with a sweater, light fleece jacket, or a down vest. I would still bring one or two short-sleeve t-shirts and a pair of shorts just in case it is warm enough to enjoy the sun deck or your balcony.

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With all this in mind, here is a suggested packing list for your Alaska cruise vacation: A lightweight waterproof jacket or raincoat (not a parka or bulky winter jacket, that would be overkill) Heavy sweaters, sweatshirts or fleeces (for a layer under the jacket)

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Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.

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Cruises are a great way to see Alaska's coastal mountains, glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. But you don't want to miss our highest mountains, “Big Five” land mammals, or vast interior landscapes, so… If you choose a conventional cruise, take a cross-Gulf itinerary and add a land tour.

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10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

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Formal wear: Anticipate two formal nights per week. Ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen don a suit and tie or tuxedo. Smart-casual wear for dinner: Slacks and collared shirts or sweaters for men. Skirt or trousers, sweater or blouse for women.

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