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Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 17 Unlike many glaciers around the world that are steadily retreating, Hubbard Glacier is one of the few that is actively advancing. Fed by snowfields high in the Saint Elias Mountains, it pushes forward by several metres each year, earning its nickname "The Galloping Glacier." This continuous movement creates deep cracks, towering ice spires and dramatic pressure ridges, all contributing to its rugged, sculptural beauty. The glacier itself rises more than 60 metres above sea level, glowing with shades of turquoise created by centuries of compressed snowfall. Watching this dynamic river of ice shift and reshape itself is a rare opportunity to witness glacial geology in action. A NATURAL SPECTACLE Hubbard is one of the most active tidewater glaciers in North America, and you may witness the thunderous spectacle of calving. This is when enormous chunks of ice break away and crash into the water below. Guests often describe hearing sharp cracks echo across the bay, followed by a deep, thunderous boom as giant blocks of ice calve into the water. These sounds — created by shifting ice, trapped air bubbles and the glacier grinding slowly forward — are part of an ancient symphony that has played across Alaska for millennia. Against the backdrop of rugged mountains and vast wilderness, this natural performance is both humbling and exhilarating. THRIVING WILDLIFE The rich waters surrounding Hubbard Glacier support a thriving ecosystem. Harbour seals haul out on floating icebergs, resting safely away from predators while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Bald eagles often soar overhead, scanning the water for fish, and humpback whales are sometimes spotted feeding in nearby Disenchantment Bay. Even from the ship, you may see otters drifting through icy channels or seabirds diving for food — all drawn to the nutrient-rich waters released by the melting glacier. Whether viewed from your stateroom balcony or the ship's open decks, Hubbard Glacier is a highlight of any Alaskan voyage. It's a reminder of nature's strength, history and enduring beauty. HUBBARD GLACIER, ALASKA