Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Recently, we took our very first cruise to Alaska on Celebrity Cruise Lines. At the various stops along the Inside Passage route, we took advantage of the zipline, ATV tours, hiking trails and shopping expeditions. We're glad to say it was a wonderful trip, the staff and the food were excellent -- and we'll certainly take another cruise soon.

One of the many interesting places we visited was Hubbard Glacier. The ship's captain slowly gave us a 360 degree view, therefore providing the opportunity for excellent photographs. What surprised me was the sound of the massive glacier. It is constantly moving, moaning and groaning as if it were alive. Then suddenly, a loud crack can be heard as a huge section breaks off and falls into the water. It's a magnificent sight, almost surreal. Even at a height of approximately 75 feet (standing on the deck of the ship) the sections were so big that when seals climbed aboard, they looked tiny in comparison.

The origin of Hubbard is unclear. Some say it takes about 400 years for ice to traverse the length of the glacier, and that "calves" break off that can be the size of a ten-story building. In any event, it is truly a spectacular sight and one I will not forget any time soon.