There are Alaskan cruises that visit glaciers, and then there are Alaskan cruises that visit Glacier Bay. The former are a treat, but the latter are simply spectacular, for Glacier Bay can aptly be described as the crown jewel of Alaskan cruising. This 5,130 square mile national park, accessible only by sea, is a veritable ice-stravaganza, with 1,045 glaciers competing for attention. The National Park Service limits entry permits, thus shutting out most cruise lines completely. Holland America Line, however, has historically garnered a large share of the permits, as has Princess.