Hubbard Glacier: Beholding the Icy Giant on Our 2027 Adventure

Hello there, friends! Gina and Travis Rogers here, and we are just so delighted to have you following along as we plan our incredible May 2027 Alaska Group Cruise & Rail Adventure. This unforgettable journey is personally escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers aboard the Celebrity Solstice, and we’re also so thankful to be partnering with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket to help make this adventure extra special.

After we wrap up our breathtaking land journey through Fairbanks and Denali, and say a temporary goodbye to the beautiful port of Seward, we set sail on a journey that truly feels like entering another world. One of the most anticipated highlights of our entire trip occurs right at the start of our cruise: the majestic Hubbard Glacier.

As your hosts and travel partners, we want to share why this isn't just another "sight" on a list, but a soul-stirring experience that reminds us of the grandeur of God’s creation.

Entering the "Icy Garden" of Disenchantment Bay

As we depart from Seward, the scenery begins to shift. The lush greenery of the Kenai Peninsula gives way to the deep, sparkling blues of the Gulf of Alaska. As our ship turns into Disenchantment Bay, you’ll notice the water temperature drop and a gentle, crisp breeze start to tickle your cheeks.

This is the moment we always tell our guests to head out onto the deck! Together, we’ll watch as the water becomes a floating garden of ice. These "bergy bits", ranging from the size of a toaster to the size of a truck, float past in shades of electric blue and stark white. It’s the perfect time to grab a hot cocoa, kick back on the deck with us, and just soak in the quiet stillness before the "Giant" reveals itself.

Witnessing the Scale of a Legend

When Hubbard Glacier finally comes into view, it’s almost impossible for the human eye to process its scale. Let us give you a few "wow" facts to think about while we stand there together:

• It’s a Giant: Hubbard is the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent. It is actually larger than the state of Rhode Island!

• Massive Width: The face of the glacier where it meets the water is more than 6 miles wide. To put that in perspective, that’s like looking at a wall of ice that stretches across an entire city!

• Towering Height: The ice towers about 350 feet above the water: that's about the height of a 30-story building: and it goes another 250 feet below the surface!

• The Blue Mystery: The ice you see is incredibly dense and can be over 400 years old. The deep blue color comes from the way the ice crystals absorb all colors of the light spectrum except for blue.

One of the things that makes Hubbard so special compared to other glaciers we might see in Alaska’s glacial fjords is that it is actually advancing. While many glaciers in the world are slowly retreating, Hubbard is thick, strong, and actively pushing forward into the bay!

The Sound of "White Thunder"

One of the most unforgettable moments of our trip happens when the ship goes quiet. We’ll stand on the deck, barely whispering, just waiting. Suddenly, you’ll hear it: a sound like a crack of a whip followed by a deep, low rumble that vibrates in your chest.

Alaskans call this "White Thunder."

It’s the sound of the glacier "calving." A massive chunk of ice, sometimes the size of a house, breaks off the face and crashes into the sea. The splash is monumental, and the roar is a powerful reminder of the raw energy found in nature. Travis and I love watching the faces of our group members during this moment. There’s a shared sense of awe and wonder that brings us all closer together. It truly is a moment where you feel small in the best way possible, tucked into the palm of the Creator’s hand.

Traveling as a Family

What makes this visit to Hubbard Glacier different with Gina’s Adventures is the personal touch. We aren't just booking a ticket for you; we are experiencing this with you.

On this May 2027 trip, Travis and I will be right there to help you find the best viewing spot on the deck, to help you steady your camera for that perfect shot of the "White Thunder," and to share in the "oohs" and "aahs" of the day. As your personal escorts aboard the Celebrity Solstice, we’ll experience the unforgettable Hubbard Glacier viewing together and share in every breathtaking moment. We’ve found that these moments of shared beauty are where the best friendships are formed. We’ll talk about what we’ve seen, share stories of our land adventure in Denali, and look forward to our next stops in Juneau and beyond.

Our goal is to create a space where you can just chill and kick back, knowing every detail is handled. You don't have to worry about the logistics: just focus on the breathtaking vista in front of you.

Tips for the Best Hubbard Experience

To make sure you have the most cherished memories of this day, here are a few things we recommend:

1. Layers are Your Friend: Even in May, the air coming off a 6-mile-wide ice wall is chilly! Bring your favorite warm jacket, a hat, and gloves.

2. Binoculars: While the ship gets remarkably close (usually within half a mile), binoculars allow you to see the jagged textures and deep blue crevasses of the ice in stunning detail.

3. Patience is Key: Calving doesn't happen on a schedule. We’ll spend a good amount of time at the glacier face, so take your time, relax, and keep your eyes peeled!

4. Listen as Much as You Look: Sometimes the "crack" happens before the "splash." If you hear the thunder, look toward the sound immediately!

Official Short Version Itinerary

Here’s the official Short Version itinerary for our May 2027 Alaska adventure:

• Day 1: Transfer to Florida Airport, flight to Fairbanks.

• Days 1-3 (Fairbanks): Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Riverboat Discovery, Fairbanks City Tour with North Pole, Wilderness Express Domed Rail to Denali.

• Days 4-5 (Denali): Denali Park Village, Denali Park Tundra Wildlife Tour, Denali Jeep Adventure, Denali Cabin Nite Dinner and Show, Wilderness Express to Anchorage.

• Day 6 (Anchorage): Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains.

• Days 7-8 (Seward): Harbor 360 Hotel, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Tour.

• Days 8-15 (Cruise - Celebrity Solstice Glacier Route):Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Inside Passage.

• Day 15: Flight to Florida, Transfer back to Highlands County.

What makes the cruise portion so special is that Hubbard Glacier is one of the signature highlights of Days 8-15. As we sail the Celebrity Solstice Glacier Route, this breathtaking giant helps set the tone for the rest of our voyage before we continue on to Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and the serene beauty of the Inside Passage.

Join Us for the Journey of a Lifetime!

Hubbard Glacier is just one chapter in the remarkable story we’re going to write together in May 2027. From the golden heart of Fairbanks to the historic streets of Ketchikan, this trip is designed to be a lifetime experience filled with joy, fellowship, and wonder.

Are you ready to witness the "White Thunder" with us?

We would love to have you join our group! Space is limited for our personally escorted adventures, so don't wait to reach out. We’ve got you covered on all the details: from your airline tickets to your cozy cabin on the ship.

Click here to see the full May 2027 Itinerary!

We can't wait to soak up the Alaskan sun and marvel at these icy giants with you. Let's make some memories that will last a lifetime!

Blessings, ✝️

Gina and Travis RogersGina’s Adventures