YAKUTAT BAY

Mt. Saint Elias, the second tallest peak in the United States, is 18,008 feet above sea level. As we approached Yakutat Bay around 8 am, it was the most prominent among a string of mountains on the horizon.

Naturalist, aka Wildlife Guide Kurt, was in the Crow’s Nest, providing commentary as we headed up Yakutat Bay.

Peak Finder is available for Apple and Android – More HERE

HUBBARD GLACIER

We closed on Hubbard Glacier around 10 am and spent the next 2 hours creeping closer and eventually pivoting to give everyone a nice view from their cabins.

Hubbard Glacier is named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, who was president of the National Geographic Society, which sponsored an Alaskan expedition led by Robert Peary in 1890. They explored this area and named Mount Hubbard and Hubbard Glacier in his honor.

Hubbard Glacier is North America’s largest tidewater glacier, extending 76 miles from Mount Logan to Yakutat Bay. The glacier’s face is more than 6 miles across and 300 feet high.

HAL SHORE EXCURSION

Around 11 am, about 150 guests boarded a small boat for a two-hour up-close tour of Hubbard Glacier. This tour sold out quickly, so if your ship is going to Hubbard Glacier, look for this one early if you have any interest.

Excursions by Catamaran: Hubbard Glacier & Enchanting Disenchantment Bay
Departs: 11:00 AM – 2 Hours Adult $349.95; Child $289.95

Board an Alaskan-built expedition vessel for stunning, unmatched perspective of Hubbard Glacier — one of Alaska’s most famous landmarks.

From the mouth of Disenchantment Bay, you will cruise in comfort amid shimmering icebergs and dramatic wilderness.

You will board a day-boat directly from the ship. Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin, surrounded by large windows, as the naturalist and crew orient you to the stunning scenery and prolific wildlife. You’ll cruise near the rocky shoreline and weave through a maze of icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glacier — the perspective from the smaller vessel is astounding.

Ice conditions permitting, the captain will navigate the narrow cut between Haenke Island and the mainland en route to Hubbard Glacier. Offering a variety of viewing angles for photos and video, this “river of ice” is often very active, calving icebergs with an almighty crash. Unlike many other glaciers, Hubbard Glacier is advancing. At times, this advance has been up to 7 feet a day, earning it the nickname, ‘the Galloping Glacier.’

Along the glacially-carved coastlines, an endless expanse of spruce and hemlock trees, snowcapped mountains, and glaciers are the subject of the naturalist’s compelling narration. On a clear day, you may see Mount St Elias — the second tallest peak in the United States.

Hot beverages are included; a selection of food is available for purchase (at your own expense).

Notes:

This tour departs directly from the cruise ship in a remote wilderness area. Little walking is required; however, participants must be able to walk across a narrow, moderately-steep gangway to (dis)embark the vessel with only minor assistance. Wheelchairs, walkers and strollers are not allowed to be used on gangway. Weather, sea and ice conditions may alter both the duration and route of the journey, including shipside (dis)embarkation areas. The cruise ship also stops within view of Hubbard Glacier and will be in sight from the excursion boat during the excursion.

Binoculars are available for use on board. It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing in order to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. USD cash and credit cards accepted for onboard purchases

WORLD STAGE

They didn’t have a live show on the World Stage this evening, showing “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” instead.