Armed with three cameras and a sense of wonder, we reached deck one, where an Alaskan-built vessel awaited. We boarded the boat directly from our ship and embarked on a three-hour immersion experience through the passage to the majestic glaciers that awaited. We were granted a beautiful, clear, sunny day in the low 50s. As we cruised quickly through the fjord, I was glad I wore my cozy Buff Bunny fleece sweater, as it can get quite chilly when the boat is in motion. Weaving through icebergs, the water was a beautiful crystal blue hue. We could see the Alaskan Terran and wildlife up close on the boat, compared to being on the Wonder due to its agility and size. If the occasion arises, the caption will stop to allow guests to view and photograph any wildlife spotted, such as bald eagles, harbor seals, and bears. Unfortunately, we did have a memorable encounter with wildlife, except for a brief interaction with a humpback whale. The humpback was shy, but we could see that it was there.
Most, if not all, Alaskan cruises will have a day in their itinerary dedicated to sailing through a glacier passage. On a Disney cruise, you will see Dawes Glacier or Sawyer Glacier. The DCL captain will decide which fjord the ship will transit, choosing either Tracey Arm (Sawyer Glacier) or Endicott Arm (Dawes Glacier) based on the ice conditions and the presence of other cruise ships. I found the Disney Cruise app misleading as it advertises Dawes Glacier as the main attraction on Glacier Day. I found out that wasn’t always the case while I was on board the ship since we sailed through Tracey Arm to the Sawyer Glacier instead. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get close to the glacier even in the smaller excursion vessels because there was too much ice to navigate through. We were forced to admire the glacier from afar. We approached a smaller arm of the Sawyer Glacier, but it was less picturesque as the water was muddy, and part of the ice was black and gray instead of icy blue. The glacier was unmoving; we didn’t experience any ice breakage or white thunder, as people like to call it. Despite not getting up close and personal with the glacier, it was still a magical experience transversing through the glacial passage. The scenery was out of this world, especially when we got to sit and take in Alaska's waterfalls and beautiful terrain.
The excursion was costly, especially since we didn’t see wildlife and our boat couldn’t maneuver through the ice toward the glacier. Still, I understand Alaska is unpredictable, and everyone’s experience will differ. I was gutted when the cruise after us saw orcas in the fjord. I would have sold my soul to see orcas in Alaska, but that wasn’t my journey. I think this excursion is worth it to have an outside perspective of what the Disney Wonder looks like sailing through the Alaskan glacier passageways, presenting a majestic sight against the stunning icy landscape. With its classic Disney aesthetic, the ship is pristine with its vibrant colors and iconic character accents contrasting beautifully with the deep blues of the surrounding glaciers and waters. Nevertheless, standing on deck, surrounded by fellow adventurers, I felt humbled by the sheer grandeur of the glaciers. The air was crisp, the scenery breathtaking, and I was in awe of it all. Disney added a special touch to the day as if the natural beauty wasn't enough. From character appearances against the icy backdrop to the Frozen-themed night, a sense of magic in the air made the day even more special.
As the day drew to a close and the ship set sail for port, I couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness. It was a day filled with wonder and a sense of gratitude for the beauty of our planet. Glacier Day on an Alaskan Disney Cruise was more than just a day—an experience infused with magic. So here's to chasing ice again in the future!
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