Stay overnight in Glacier Bay National Park on these Alaska cruises

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a must for many Alaska cruise passengers. But a slate of upcoming itineraries will feature extra-long visits.

While cruise ships typically spend between nine and 10 hours there, according to the National Park Service, American Cruise Lines passengers can stay overnight as part of its 2025 Alaska season.

The company is doubling its cruise capacity in The Last Frontier this year, repositioning its American Constitution ship to sail there alongside American Constellation. Both vessels can accommodate 170 passengers.

“Among all the options available for cruising Alaska in 2025, American’s ships and itineraries offer a unique way to explore this bucket-list region,” the cruise line said in a news release. “The company’s offerings are notable, because they blend small-ship expedition access with large-ship luxury and comfort on board.”

When are the cruises?

Departures will take place from May through September.

What can guests expect?

All American Cruise Lines’ Alaska itineraries offer extended time in Glacier Bay.

The five itineraries range from the nine-day Southeast Alaska Cruise to a 19-day Grand Alaska National Parks voyage. The latter, along with a shorter 16-day option, also includes a week of guided land travel in two other national parks, Denali and Kenai Fjords.

At Glacier Bay, passengers take in the scenery, from the Fairweather Mountains to wildlife like sea otters and brown bears. Head out onto your balcony – which nearly every cabin has – and watch for calving glaciers and icebergs. A National Park Service ranger and a Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter will also provide context to the sights beyond the ship.

Most of the sailings will arrive in Glacier Bay at about 8 a.m. and depart at 1 p.m. the following day, while select dates are currently scheduled to make more abbreviated stops from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Southeast Alaska Cruise on American Constitution on May 30, July 20 and Aug. 3

• Southeast Alaska Cruise on American Constellation on July 15

• Alaskan Explorer Cruise on American Constellation on July 30 and Aug. 8

• Alaskan Explorer Cruise on American Constitution on Aug. 17

Those shorter visits may be extended, but travelers can contact American Cruise Lines to confirm the length of their stop.

Alaska cruises: Why the journey is the destination in the Last Frontier

How much do the cruises cost?

The line’s 2025 Alaska itineraries currently start at $5,800 per person based on double occupancy, according to its website. The fare includes pre-cruise hotel stays, food and drinks onboard and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spend the night at Glacier Bay National Park on these Alaska cruises