and Final Day of Sailing

Our Hubbard Glacier cruise viewing marks the final day at sea. While the journey is not over, the cruise portion comes to an end.

The cruise is not perfect, but it is still enjoyable. Every trip feels different. Instead of comparing this cruise to the last one, I focus on what it offers. There is some sadness as this chapter closes, mixed with excitement for what comes next.

Our plans are simple today. We enjoy the Hubbard Glacier cruise, pack our bags, and savor our last full day onboard.

Hubbard Glacier cruise viewing

Between 8 and 11 a.m., we arrive at Hubbard Glacier. We head to the Windjammer for breakfast, just like previous mornings. Coffee tastes better during a Hubbard Glacier cruise, even with rain and mist in the air. Many passengers gather near windows and covered decks, all eager to watch the glacier appear.

The rain and haze limit visibility, and we do not get as close as I imagine. Still, the experience feels special. On our first Alaska cruise, the glacier stop was canceled. Because of that, this Hubbard Glacier cruise feels like a win. Watching the excursion boat move closer to the ice shows the glacier’s true scale. It also convinces me that booking the glacier excursion next time would be worth it.

Throughout the morning, onboard speakers share details about the glacier and the region. One speaker explains that Hubbard Glacier is still advancing. That fact makes the Hubbard Glacier cruise even more impressive. As we scan the water, we spot growlers, bergy bits, and a small iceberg drifting nearby.

We eat lunch in the Windjammer again, mostly to extend the Hubbard Glacier cruise experience. Afterward, we return to our room so Benson and Molina can nap. That quiet break also means starting to pack. Packing with kids is never easy, but it helps to start early.

Celebrating the Crew

That evening, the ship celebrates the crew and staff. We learn where they come from and what roles they fill onboard. Seeing familiar faces feels meaningful after a week together. The celebration moves into the dining room, where staff dance and guests cheer. Benson joins in, feeding off the energy.

Later, Benson heads to Adventure Ocean while Molina stays in the nursery. This gives us time to finish packing and reset for the next leg of the trip. Traveling with kids means packing heavy. Somehow, we leave with less than we brought. After seven days, two kids, and countless diaper changes, one carry-on ends up empty.

That night, we turn in early knowing we would arrive early at Seward, Alaska. We were scheduled to debark by 8 that morning.

Quiet Reflections

As the ship pulls away from the ice, the Hubbard Glacier cruise comes to a calm close. Alaska has a way of slowing time. This moment stays with me as a reminder to pause, look outward, and take it all in.

Stay tuned as we share more from our adventure at sea! To read about day seven of my Alaska adventure, visit Day 7: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska or Day 9: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska. Also explore the whole story at 2025 Second Alaska Cruise.