The weather miraculously continued in our favor and a spectacular sunrise greeted us as we sailed up Icy Bay into Glacier Bay National Park. Stretch class was held on the sundeck as we sailed past Margerie Glacier, in transit to view Johns Hopkins Glacier at the northwestern point of the park. We spent the early morning hours admiring the most stable tidewater Glacier in the park as harbor seals hauled out on ice and otters popped up around them. A few calving events sent white thunder echoing through the bay. We looked for wildlife as we sailed out; soon after we enjoyed a beautifully prepared brunch from the galley team, complete with bloody marys and mimosas.
As we continued our journey through one of Southeast Alaska’s most incredible and protected areas, the views did not disappoint. We visited many wildlife hot spots throughout the day observing bears, mountain goats, and marine mammals. The children participating in the Global Explorer’s program joined certified field educator Kelly on the sundeck for watercolor painting.
Our final activity for today was a visit to Bartlett Cove, the headquarters for the National Park, where guests witnessed the story of a young forest emerging from a period of glaciation. Bartlett Cove is an incredible place to end the day, and from there we sailed south toward the next stop on our cruise of the Inside Passage.
