The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an American/Canadian conservation area located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau. The area is comprised of 3,223,384 acres of wildlife conservatory and wilderness. Designated a binational UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is home to a diverse species of plants and animals.

The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a beautiful sight to behold. The expanse of land, rivers, and lakes are a natural bio-diverse wonder. The landscape is breath-taking… imagine an endless sight of glaciers, windy lakes, and streams. Undulating lands, home to some of the most exquisite species. In the park you could find whales swimming gracefully, seals laying lazy on floating ice, moose grazing leisurely, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines.

This area is home to Native American Indians and I was told that early explorers, tried without success to conquer the land. Although the area is designated a conservation paradise, sport hunting is allowed in some parts of the park and at certain times of the year.

My Experience at the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Although I have always wanted to see the park, going away for 7-days wasn’t a part of my plans at the time the opportunity presented itself. Never the less, I took reins of the chance and decided to go with the flow. I was a guest of a dear friend and the offer wasn’t something I could pass.

I was going on a cruise boat that is expected to pass through the park with special highlights and events in Alaska proper. Princess Cruise offers one of the best cruise service through Alaska with a view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

I was told that the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise is one of the best ways to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I have heard a lot of stories about this magnificent wonder of the world and was looking forward to seeing and experiencing it in all of its beauty and splendor.

I had made prior bookings on the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise and when the moment came, I took a flight out to Seattle from Las Vegas to get started on the journey with great anticipation.

The experience was more fascinating in real life than it was in any of my imaginations. I was picked up from the airport by the Princess cruise’s airport transfer service and ferried straight to the ship. I made all the necessary registrations and was settled comfortably in my cabin.

To the ship, I could live here for a long time and this is no exaggeration. I loved the energy, décor and the food. The staff were courteous and the crowd was simply wonderful.

There was so much to see and do on the trip but the major highlight wonder of the whole Alaska cruise itinerary, in my estimation, is the Glacier Bay National Park.

In confirmation of the advice, I had received, the cruise ship in addition to all the fun activities lined up for your entertainment, is the best way to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I was thrilled by the activities son board and marveled by the sights along the way, particularly the view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. On my trip, I was lucky to have caught the sighting of a rock or mountain formation (don’t know the one exactly) break off and dump into the sea – the white thunder as they call it was phenomenal.

I was told that behind those towering peaks was a large network of caves. The thought of which excited me and spiked the explorer instincts in me.

There was an eye full of attractions on our trip, crossing the park and at Alaska. I was privileged to visit the Alaska Sled Dogs shed at the Musher’s park, and the Alaska College Fjord – home to five tidewater glaciers (those that terminate in water), five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones, that created a crisscross of cascading water that starts to resemble frozen waterfalls resembling mountain snow draping the granite landscapes.

All 16 glaciers were named after Ivy League schools by the explorers who first navigated this area. There were several other activities such as whale fishing, dances, and competitions to further spice up the trip. In all, I wasn’t quick to disembark on our return to settle.

I will be making this trip again and I hope I would see you on board.