Hubbard Glacier 19 May

All passengers were excited at the prospect of cruising beside the Hubbard Glacier.

The Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska at 3 miles across and 3-400 feet tall. We were fortunate to have a magical day with the weather. We had sunshine and clear sky which afforded spectacular views of the glacier as the captain manoeuvred within two nautical miles of the shore. The crew told us all that there are generally only a few days a year where the weather allowed views like this and we were there on one of them.

Our on board naturalist, Bret Nixon, who knows the area well having spent a lot of time involved in research in the area took over the commentary from the bridge keeping us well informed as we progressed and pointing out ice falls, birds and wildlife. We viewed from the front of the ship for a number of hours in awe.

We had expected it to be beautiful, but you really are overwhelmed when you experience it. We were able to hear to ice crackling as it melted in the water and viewed some ice falls from the glacier. The staff served hot chocolate and Baileys in travel mugs to keep it warm as we were cruising.

After we had left the glacier, we spotted a whale.