Cruise Guide to Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
Seeing the ice-cold beauty of an Alaskan cruise ship holiday is a great way to relax and see nature in all its wonder. If you are planning a trip for you and your family, then adding Tracy Arm Fjord to your list of things to do is a must. With, a cruise ship, you can get to see this fjord up close and trek through the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness.
Although the name sounds ominous, many Alaska cruises stop near this area to allow visitors to see a natural beauty up close and personal for an amazing experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
What is a Fjord?
For those who don’t know, a fjord is a narrow body of water that runs between two adjacent tall cliffs that are typically made from a glacier. These are found in areas near the Northernmost part of the Earth where there are frigid temperatures. They can be found in the coastal area of Norway, Scotland, Denmark, Antarctica, and, of course, Alaska.
Tracy Arm
This particular fjord got its name from a former Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Franklin Tracy, who served his country during the Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for doing so. The fjord is well over 30 miles in length and nearly 1/5th of the water is completely covered in ice.
If you choose to take an excursion from your Alaska cruise here in the summer, you will likely be able to see the many glaciers that form. Ice pieces can be seen throughout the area with some the size of an entire house!
By Cruise Ship
Some Alaskan cruise ships will go through the fjord itself, but if not, you can schedule a boat tour through one of the many recommended businesses nearby. The trip will last all day, and you will get the take in the breathtaking views from the surface of the water.
It’s recommended to take along binoculars and a camera to ensure that you don’t miss anything and so you can capture some of your favorite moments on film. Also, most boats will offer lunch and drinks during the trip for a small fee if you would like to have some snacks on the water.
Sailing along this fjord, you will not only get to see the icy waters and jagged cliffs towering over you as you sail through, during warmer times of the year, you may also catch a glimpse of eagles flying through the brisk air or seal bathing in the sun. You could also see, on rare occasions, a whale swimming through the waters beneath you, or a bear catching fish for its dinner.
By Kayak
If you would like the opportunity to kayak through this fjord on your own, then renting a kayak and rowing your way through the long fjord is a great way to get in touch with nature while having a day to spend on your own.
However, although this is allowed, only people who are very experienced should take this route. With a fairly consistent stream of large cruise ships and sailboats making their way through this area, you will need to be able to maneuver very well to stay safe.
Interesting Facts About Tracy Arm Fjord
While you are out on the water, you will notice that sounds travel quite differently than you are used to. There can be times when you may not have seen any other Alaskan cruise ships or travelers around, but suddenly be startled by an announcement from another ship’s speaker or one kayaker yelling something to another. This can be a bit trippy so try to spot where they are and see how close you can get!
Author: Sophie Anderson
Post Date: 18th January 2020
Categories: Ports
Tags: Alaska , Tracy Arm Fjord