Glacier Bay

Pandemic Cruise on NCL Encore, Round trip Seattle

September 21, 2021 -- Sailing Glacier Bay, Alaska

On this cloudy and gloomy day, we are sailing into Glacier Bay which is not that far from Icy Strait Point. That could be the reason we were docked at ISP until late last night. Sailing into Glacier Bay is one of the highlights of going to Alaska. Whether the sailing is successful depends on several factors. One is weather or condition of the water. We had one cruise in the past that the captain decided to turn around without going into the bay because of heavy floating of ice pieces. Then the captain can decide on how close they get to the face of the glacier or even turning the 360 degrees when at the glacier. I have read that the captain of NCL Encore did not make the turn on previous sailing which made some passengers very disappointed and I was very much concern. Let's see what is going to happened!

Entering Glacier Bay National Park.

Awesome sights!

We decided to enjoy the sailing on our balcony.

We were quite far away from the glacier when we stopped at John's Hopkins Glacier and the ship did not turn here. Making it a fuzzy sight that was not enjoyable.

As we sailing back out from the inlet, we past by the second glacier, Lampaugh Glacier and it was right on our side of the ship we we had a good look at this amazing glacier. 

Close enough for a good view but passengers on port side would not have seen this sight.

Amazing!

As the ship continued to sail to the third glacier, we decided to check out the bow that was opened on that day for glacier viewing. It was just a short walk from our cabin up to the front on deck 8 but it was very windy and cold just standing there.

The crew was providing hot cocoa and salmon chowder to keep us warm but we decided it was just not worth it to be out there.

Son was very brave and waited out there much longer than we did.

We finally arrived at Margerie Glacier, the major one at the very top of the bay.

Lots of ice floating around.

On our balcony. Good enough for us since this is our fourth time here.

The ship did make the turn here but not very close to the face of the glacier.

Slowly sailing way.

It was great to enjoy a hot bowl of noodle from the noodle station at the Garden Cafe after the cold experience.

Continued to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxing rest of the day inside our cabin.

Dinner at Manhattan, the main dining room:

For video of our day at Glacier Bay, please click here. 

"So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires. Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go."   -- I Kings 2:2~3