Alaska Cruise Photography: Gear and Settings From Deck
Alaska is one of the most photogenic cruises anywhere, but it is also tricky: subjects are distant, the ship is moving, the light is often flat and grey, and everything gets wet. Get the lens and a few settings right, and the rest is patience.
The one lens that matters most
A telephoto zoom in the 100–400mm range (full-frame equivalent) does the heavy lifting. Whales, eagles, mountain goats and calving ice are rarely close. A standard zoom or your phone handles port scenes and wide glacier views.
If you don't own a long lens, renting one from a camera shop in your home city for a week is often cheaper than buying. Many phones now have a 3x to 5x optical telephoto, which is fine for glaciers but limited for wildlife.
Settings by subject
| Subject | Shutter | Aperture | Other tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whales surfacing | 1/1000s or faster | f/5.6–8 | Continuous focus and burst mode; pre-focus on the water |
| Eagles in flight | 1/2000s or faster | f/5.6–8 | Track the bird before pressing the shutter |
| Glacier face | 1/500s or faster | f/8 | Add +0.3 to +1 exposure compensation for bright ice |
| Port and mountain landscapes | 1/250s or faster | f/8–11 | Use the lowest ISO the light allows |
| Low light, dusk or aurora | As slow as you dare | Widest available | High ISO, brace on a railing, or use phone night mode |
Let auto ISO handle the rest. On grey days it will climb, and modern cameras cope well. Shoot RAW so you can lift shadows and pull detail out of a bright sky later.
Wildlife: patience and readiness
For whales, watch for the blow, then stay on that spot: a humpback often surfaces several times before a deep dive, when the tail lifts. Keep the camera on and ready. For calving ice, compose on the glacier face and wait; it can take many minutes for a big piece to fall, and the sound arrives after the splash.
A glacier-day routine
- Check the daily program for the arrival time at the glacier.
- Charge every battery the night before, and put a spare in an inside pocket to keep it warm.
- Head out early to a forward or side deck; see which side of the ship is best.
- Shoot wide first to set the scene, then switch to the telephoto for ice detail.
- Before going back inside, put the camera in a sealed bag so condensation forms on the bag, not the lens.
For where to stand, see the best spot on a ship for glacier viewing.
Protecting your gear
- A rain cover or even a clear plastic bag with a hole for the lens.
- A weatherproof camera bag or dry bag for tender rides and boat tours.
- Plenty of microfibre cloths; spray and drizzle land on the lens constantly.
- A polarizing filter to cut glare off water and ice.
- Spare batteries, since cold drains them faster.
Light and timing
Alaska's long summer days mean soft light lasts for hours in the early morning and evening. Overcast skies are actually kind to glaciers, bringing out the blue in the ice. Scenic cruising often happens at odd hours, so set an alarm for any narrow passage listed in the program.
Drones and etiquette
Most lines ban flying drones from the ship, and US national parks, including Glacier Bay, prohibit launching them; see cruise ship drone rules. On crowded decks, take your shots and make room for others at the rail.
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Ask a cruise expert →Planning for the shots
If photography is a big part of your trip, a balcony on the right side for your route and a sailing with Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier both pay off. Late summer adds bears at salmon streams; see bear-viewing excursions for trips that get you closer.
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Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
What camera settings work best for Alaska glacier photography?
Use at least 1/500s to counter ship movement, an aperture around f/8 for sharpness, and about +0.3 to +1 exposure compensation so the camera doesn't turn white ice grey. Shoot RAW to recover detail in overcast light.
Do you need a tripod on an Alaska cruise?
Generally no. A moving ship transmits vibration through a tripod, and crowded decks make them awkward. Image stabilization, fast shutter speeds and bracing against a railing work better.
Can you fly a drone on an Alaska cruise?
Usually not. Most cruise lines prohibit flying drones from the ship, and launching drones is banned in US national parks, including Glacier Bay. Rules in ports vary, so check before you pack one.
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