Dawes Glacier vs Glacier Bay (is it worth the extra cost?)

[Bonnie1222]

I'm hoping for some honest opinions, and experiences.

We are looking at booking an Alaskan Cruise out of Seattle on Princess. We have our choice of 2 ships, the Regal Princess or the Emerald Princess. One has a day at Glacier Bay and a day at Juneau, the other a stop at Dawes Glacier for a couple hours then on to Juneau later that same day. I know Glacier Bay is a National Park and always everyone's top choice... But we are looking at an ocean view on the ship going to glacier bay or a balcony going to Dawes... We can actually get a mini suit on the Dawes Cruise for less than a balcony room on the Glacier bay cruise.

I would love to know what you liked and disliked about either or both. Besides looking at the glacier, what else might we hope to see? Help me agree with or change DH's mind that they are both giant chunks of ice to justify the difference in pricing that could pay for a couple of excursions.

Thank you all in advance for your assistance.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Since the point of an Alaska cruise is to see the state's natural beauty, then I would choose the itinerary that offers the most natural beauty, and that's Glacier Bay. If you were trying to choose between lines, that would be a different issue, but since you've already chosen Princess, it seems obvious that you should choose their crown jewel itinerary. The kind of stateroom you have is less important than that. On our Alaska cruise, our best views were from on deck, even though we had a verandah. There is nothing like the panoramic view you get from being outside.

 

[Bonnie1222]

Since the point of an Alaska cruise is to see the state's natural beauty, then I would choose the itinerary that offers the most natural beauty, and that's Glacier Bay. If you were trying to choose between lines, that would be a different issue, but since you've already chosen Princess, it seems obvious that you should choose their crown jewel itinerary. The kind of stateroom you have is less important than that. On our Alaska cruise, our best views were from on deck, even though we had a verandah. There is nothing like the panoramic view you get from being outside.

Thanks. That is a valid point and I am glad to hear the balcony didn't make that much of a difference for you. That is what DH was saying

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Glacier Bay is worth it.

 

[over50visits]

I agree...we didn’t take Disney to Alaska when we went because of Glacier Bay. That is an overwhelmingly beautiful and (for us) an emotional experience seeing nature’s majesty. Alaska is beautiful, so you can have a wonderful cruise no matter where it goes, but Glacier Bay was the highlight of our trip.

 

[SamFaniam]

In addition to the amazing scenery, when you sail in Glacier Bay the NPS rangers come on board to give talks, and we found those incredibly informative.

 

[EmilyS92003]

I think the glacier bay one not because of glacier bay necessarily but because then you have a full day in Juneau which is one of the best locations for so many activities

 

[belle032]

Just wanted to say thank you for asking this! We’re planning on Alaska in 2021 on (most likely) either Princess or NCL. I was wondering what the difference was between these locations! Sounds like Glacier Bay is the way to go here

 

[Pens Fan]

We have been on two Alaskan cruises. The first one (Disney) went to Tracy Arm. I realize the OP wasn't asking about this in particular, but from what I've read the Endicott Arm (Dawes glacier) is a similar experience. Our second (NCL) went to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. All three glaciers were incredible experiences. Of the three, I'd say that Glacier Bay was the best, but all have their own special characteristics. The ability to see both Glacier Bay and Hubbard on the same cruise was pretty special, and was definitely our favorite itinerary.

I also want to echo the previous poster that recommended not shortening the Juneau day. It most definitely deserves it's own day in port and shouldn't be shared with another stop.

 

[Bonnie1222]

Thank you everyone! Glacier Bay won.

@belle032 Princess has a sale going on right now... we will get the premium drink package, wifi for all guests and free gratuities (including the drink package gratuities). That is a lot of extra money we won't have to spend!!! We sailed them once before about 15 years ago. We have never sailed NCL but are trying them later this year.