In short
- Wear insulated base layers and a windproof jacket.
- Bring a warm hat and mittens for the outer decks.
- Wear closed-toe, nonslip shoes for safety on wet boat decks.
In this article
Even during the summer operating season from mid-May through mid-September, conditions on Prince William Sound get cold. The 6-hour public cruise to Columbia Glacier covers 80 miles round-trip. You need the right gear to enjoy the outer viewing decks safely.
What are the best layers for a glacier cruise?
Start with thermal underwear and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer jacket.
Wear warm, insulated base layers like thermal underwear or long johns. The air gets much colder as you navigate the miles-long field of icebergs. Your top layer needs to be a windproof and waterproof jacket. This blocks the freezing wind while you stand outside.
Do I need a hat and gloves?
Yes, you need a warm hat and gloves or mittens.
Your extremities lose heat fast. Bring warm gloves or mittens so you can hold your camera or binoculars comfortably on the outer decks. A warm hat or beanie is essential to protect your ears from the freezing wind blowing off the glacier.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wear closed-toe, nonslip shoes.
The boat decks get wet and slippery during the 6-hour cruise. Closed-toe shoes keep your feet warm. Nonslip soles are required to move safely around the vessel, especially when moving between the heated cabin and the outer decks.
| Item Type | Recommendation | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Thermal underwear / long johns | Traps body heat near the ice |
| Outer layer | Windproof/waterproof jacket | Blocks freezing wind and ocean spray |
| Accessories | Warm hat and mittens | Protects ears and hands outside |
| Footwear | Closed-toe, nonslip shoes | Provides grip on wet boat decks |
Should I bring sunglasses?
Yes, sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from intense glare.
The sun reflects strongly off the water of Prince William Sound and the white icebergs in Columbia Bay. Wear polarized sunglasses. You should also bring high-quality binoculars to spot whales, plus a camera with a good zoom lens and extra batteries.
Should I prepare for seasickness?
Yes, take motion sickness medication before departure if you are prone to seasickness.
While the fjords are generally protected, the 80-mile round-trip journey can cause motion sickness for some passengers. Take your medication before boarding the vessel. You can also bring small coolers with extra snacks if you need specific foods.
What should kids wear on the cruise?
Dress children in the same warm, windproof layers as adults.
Ensure kids have thermal base layers, a waterproof jacket, a beanie, and mittens. Strollers are permitted on board. The heated cabins provide a warm place for kids to rest if they get too cold on the outer decks.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear shorts on a glacier cruise?
No. You should wear long pants with insulated base layers underneath. Temperatures drop significantly near the glacier face.
Are the cruise boats heated inside?
Yes, the boats feature heated indoor cabins. You will still want warm layers to spend time on the outer viewing decks.
Do I need a rain jacket?
Yes. A windproof and waterproof outer jacket is highly recommended to protect you from rain and ocean spray.
