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Are you ready to cruise to Tracy Arm fjord, one of the “most dramatically stunning fjords in Alaska”? Each Alaska cruise includes visits to iconic glacier destinations like Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions provide opportunities to explore additional glaciers, such as Mendenhall and Portage glaciers. There are some differences to consider when choosing between the two. Tracy Arm is narrower and has more icebergs, while Endicott Arm is wider and has more wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer Gallery
If you’re craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and island vibes turned way, way up, these getaways tick all the boxes. To take your holiday experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting. Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas.
Wildlife Sightings Are Prevalent
Cruising into Tracy Arm offers a chance to see Alaskan wildlife. It’s not unusual to see whales along Stephen’s Passage and inside the bay. Simon and Garfunkel’s “the sound of silence” is fitting for the gentle maneuver through the emerald waters. The silence was only broken by bergy bits hitting the side of the vessel or the sound of birds overhead.
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Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise: An Epic Journey To Sawyer Glacier
Cruise ships must navigate through the narrow fjord to reach the glacier at the end of the arm. The unhurried approach includes majestic views of towering mountains and granite cliffs. As the channel to the glacier narrows, it’s possible that cruise ships won’t have access in the future. North Sawyer or Sawyer Glacier may not be as impressive, maybe due to its accessibility.
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The steep cliffs prevented the sunlight from penetrating some angles in the meandering waterway. My Royal Caribbean Tracy Arm itinerary arrived in the fjord at 5 am. There was an abundance of low-lying clouds and mist in the fjord. Most travelers pick from Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park when planning a cruise to Alaska.
REAL-LIFE WATER WORLD
If you’ve visited Glacier Bay National Park before and considering another option, here are some reasons to book a cruise to Tracy Arm. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness contains both Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. A cruise to the Twin Sawyer Glaciers or Dawes Glacier offers topography beyond imagination. Below you will find some practical information on Tracy Arm fjord to help you decide whether it should be on your Alaska cruise itinerary. Tracy Arm fjord is up there with Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park as the most incredible destinations in Alaska. If you happen to visit on the second Friday of the month, go find the Government House and witness the Changing of the Guard, a British custom that's been performed since 1958.
Once the ice has melted, those wanting to get closer to the ice and waterfalls can take a Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion. As glaciers melt, they sometimes carve deep channels, leaving “U-shaped” valleys with vertical walls. Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas. The face of Sawyer is a little more than a half mile wide, so there is plenty of space for the vessel to be at the face of the glacier. The boat’s engine gets turned off at the glacier so you can listen to the ice crackle and pop and take in the sights uninterrupted while you wait for the glacier to calve. Some prefer the colossal Hubbard Glacier for its calving action.
In May, harbor seals give birth on the large icebergs near the glacier’s terminus. It’s the survival of the fittest as bald eagles swoop down to feast on the afterbirth or unattended baby seal. From the topside observation deck, enjoy this unforgettable experience with all your senses. You can sometimes even feel the 'white thunder' as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea.
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The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. The icebergs are framed by sheer mountain peaks that reach over 7,000 feet. Waterfalls flow from the ice-covered mountains to the jade colored inland sea. The ice in Tracy Arm interferes with the sonar of killer whales, so it is the perfect place for hundreds of harbor seals to have their pups in the summer months.
Both massive glaciers begin in British Columbia, Canada, with North Sawyer stretching 22 miles and South Sawyer flowing 31 miles to the ocean. The Twin Sawyer Glaciers are the main attraction in Tracy Arm Fjord. The glaciers are named after the Navy’s Secretary, Benjamin Franklin Tracy, who was in office under President Harrison. Since fjords have their own micro-climate, expect cooler, damper weather and lots of mist, especially in the early hours. The fog and low-lying clouds may hamper your ability to take photos. Regardless of your cruise date, bringing warm layers is essential, as the temperature can be chilly, even in the summer months.
Many cruise lines offer this tour, which takes guests on a smaller vessel from your cruise ship to explore Tracy Arm and see the Sawyer Glacier up close. If you're dying to see the twin Sawyer Glaciers up close, look for Tracy Arm Fjord tours in our Alaska shore excursions. You can board a high-speed catamaran right from the cruise ship and zig-zag close to the glaciers. Whether you experience Tracy Arm by cruise or catamaran, bring binoculars and warm rain gear, as it is known for wildlife sightings and drizzle.
Once you get chilled, step inside your cabin, and enjoy the views from behind the glass. It doesn’t matter whether you have a port or starboard stateroom because you’ll enjoy one side sailing in and the other going out. Once you reach the Sawyer Glacier, you’ll be captivated by its vivid blue tones. The ice in Tracy Arm is dense and absorbs all colors except blue. So, the crystalline structure appears with a beautiful blue tone.
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Like its southern sister, it starts in British Columbia and travels 22 miles to reach Tracy Arm. Your approach to the glaciers will be affected by the ever-changing ice conditions. Early in the cruise season, large ice flow blocks the passage of ships trying to reach the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. So, those wanting to see the Twin Sawyer Glacier should avoid booking their Alaska cruise in early May. Allen Marine is committed to the long-standing relationships we have cultivated with our cruise line partners. Booking through your cruise line’s website is the most expedient and effortless way to book a trip, and includes several built-in benefits and guarantees.
A service call means the ship stops at the fjord’s mouth, allowing some guests to disembark onto a smaller vessel to continue into the fjord. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, discover what to expect on a day in Tracy Arm. While it may be cold outside by the glaciers, you won’t need to struggle for a viewing spot. The fjord waters are a magnificent green color, which varies according to meltwater. During my last visit in the first week of May, the waters exuded a vibrant jade green. The increasing amount of floating ice is a welcoming sign for harbor seals who use the icy platforms to laze in the sun.
When cruising to Tracy Arm Fjord, you may be treated to the wondrous action of calving. A thunderous noise echoes in the bay as ice cracks and falls from the glacier’s toe. The vessel is built for exploration and intricate maneuverability, allowing guests to feel the spray of waterfalls.
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