all these glaciers

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thomas

Guest
New to Alaska but confused by the array of variations among lines regarding glacier cruising. Is Glacier Bay a must? No one seems to be allowed in there anymore other than princess. (I am considering only larger carriers at this point) - What is the difference between Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier? College Fjord? The Mendenhall excursion out of Juneau? Are they all the same? Are any of these grander than others - should I choose a cruise that goes to one in particular? (Assume for now one way, Nbound june 2005). I am assuming that none of these are lame and that they're all pretty cool.

Thank you

th
 
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skagwaypilot

Guest
Perhaps I can help. I do flightseeing tours over Glacier Bay during the season.
Hubbard is one glacier - a big one, but its only one.
Glacier Bay has numerous glaciers. The cruise ships usually stop at the Marjorie, Reid, Lamplugh and the Johns Hopkins when conditions permit . The view of the mountains surrounding Glacier Bay is spectacular when they are not obscured by clouds.
Each glacier has its own characteristics - The Johns Hopkins has very pronounced morains and pressure ridges but access is frequently limited by icebergs. The Marjorie is more white and is approachable all the time.
Only two ships per day are allowed in Glacier Bay .
IMHO, the best way to see glaciers is both from the sea and from the air.
There are some helicopter tours out of Skagway and Juneau that land on a glacier - a bit pricey .
If you schedule a tour via the cruise lines and the weather is bad, you may be disappointed. If you wait until you get to the port and assess the weather, you may be able to walk up to a flight service and see what is available.
Skagway has one helicopter and two fixed wing operators that do glacier flightseeing. Only the fixed wing operators go into Glacier Bay and only when weather permits. Fortunately for you, June usually has good weather.
 
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Howie

Guest
Hubbard Glacier is very large and can be very beautiful, however we have been unable to get close to it at times due to a lot of ice flow from calving. In this case as suggested above a flight tour would be better.

College Fjord has many different glaciers. This is one of the most studied glacial areas in the world. One side is named after mens colleges the other after female colleges. There are all three types of glaciers in this area. I would not say that any of these glaciers are real spectacular but they are beautiful and interesting.

Glacier Bay always amazes me and the ships do spend quite a bit of time near Marjorie Glacier. More than one cruise line does go in here but as stated by the last poster they limit the number of ships that enter here. I mean no offense to the pilot but I prefer it in here when there are no planes around IMHO they distract from the beauty and quiet of the area with the sound they make but I do understand why the pilots take people here.

Mendenhal Glacier in Juneu is very easy to access which makes it a big attraction. It is also very cheap to get to Mendenhal. I have taken a raft ride from the lake created by the glacier down the river which is very beautiful.

Each glacial area has its own beauty and each glacier does have its own look. You truly would not be disappointed by seeing any of the glaciers. Also the type weather you are having for the day can greatly change the coloration and look of a glacier.
 
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