Alaska Cruise with Princess Cruises – Your Unforgettable Adventure in the Far North.

Imagine standing on deck, hearing the thunderous calving of a glacier as it releases its ice into the sea. The air is crisp—sometimes almost bracing—and suddenly a whale appears right beside the ship. Moments like these are what make an Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises so special. Our journeys take you to places where nature still feels truly untouched: into the vast wilderness of Alaska, to fjords, forests, and small ports that tell the story of the Gold Rush. On board, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a modern cruise ship, excellent cuisine, relaxing moments, and the attentive service you expect on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Why You Should Book Your Alaska Cruise with Princess Cruises

Alaska is not just any destination. Anyone traveling here quickly senses that nature and vast wilderness shape life in this remarkable region. To truly experience Alaska in all its richness, you need a cruise line that genuinely knows these waters. Princess Cruises has been sailing in this region for decades and is widely regarded as a leader in Alaska cruises.

With us, you can experience the famous “Voyage of the Glaciers”—a route that takes you straight into some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Glacier Bay, College Fjord, and the Inside Passage are names that inspire a sense of adventure and give you a glimpse of the region’s immense natural beauty. At the same time, you benefit from a level of service designed with great attention to detail. While majestic glaciers drift past outside, you enjoy onboard comfort that leaves nothing to be desired.

Another highlight is the wide range of combination options available. You can extend your sea voyage with land stays and experience the Denali National Park, charming wilderness lodges, or a journey on a historic railway. These “Cruisetours” offer impressions that go far beyond a classic cruise.

What Makes Princess Cruises the No. 1 Choice in Alaska?

Many cruise lines sail to Alaska, but few do so with the same dedication as Princess Cruises. Since the 1970s, our ships have been regularly navigating the fjords and coastlines of this extraordinary region. This long-standing experience truly shows. Guests often say that everything runs smoothly—from the well-organized shore excursions to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere on board.

One advantage that is rarely found elsewhere: Princess holds special permits for Glacier Bay National Park. Only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to enter these protected waters. Anyone who has heard the thunder of a calving glacier in this breathtaking bay knows exactly why this is so special. The experience is further enhanced by our own lodges in Alaska’s interior and by rail connections that take you deep into the wilderness. This unique combination—sea, land, and lodge—is exactly what makes Princess Cruises a true Alaska specialist.

What Highlights Await You On Board and On Land?

One of the most fascinating aspects of an Alaska cruise is the constant contrast. Outside, there is untamed nature; inside, the comfort of the ship. One moment you are looking out from your balcony at endless forests, the next you are sitting in the theater or enjoying a freshly prepared wild salmon dish in the restaurant. These contrasts are what make the journey so exciting.

It’s often the small moments that stay with you forever: a whale lifting its fluke while you cup of coffee; an eagle circling above the harbor of Skagway; or the sun barely setting late at night, bathing the soft reddish glow.

If you are in the mood for adventure on land, you can go on a wildlife safari in Denali National Park or travel along historic gold rush routes on the White Pass Railway. And in the evening, you return to a ship that offers every comfort—while nature is never far away.

Discover Our Cruise Routes

If you want to explore Alaska, Princess Cruises offers a choice between classic 7-night cruises and combined sea-and-land journeys. Depending on your itinerary, departures are available from Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Whittier near Anchorage. This ensures a seamless start to your adventure. Many sailings follow the Inside Passage along the coast of British Columbia before your Princess Cruises ship crosses into Alaska.

Voyage of the Glaciers

This 7-night itinerary connects Vancouver with Whittier near Anchorage. Typical ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The highlight: each of these cruises features two glacier experiences, often including Glacier Bay National Park as well as Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. This is why the route is a favorite among Alaska enthusiasts.

Inside Passage from Seattle

A stop in Victoria (British Columbia) combines garden architecture and colonial history with a maritime evening atmosphere. The route offers impressive glacier encounters, often Endicott Arm with Dawes Glacier, alongside historic ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as a visit to Victoria. Weekend departures make planning easy.

Inside Passage from Vancouver

Also available as a round-trip cruise. Vancouver in British Columbia is an ideal starting point for travelers seeking stunning panoramic passages through the islands off the coast, while providing quick access to Alaska’s ports and, depending on the route, select glacier areas. The island scenery off British Columbia provides early panoramic views. For photography enthusiasts, the fjords and islands of British Columbia offer photo opportunities right from the start, setting a high standard for the rest of the journey. An attractive option if you want to combine Canada’s west coast with an Alaska cruise.

Inside Passage from San Francisco

Longer voyages with embarkation and disembarkation in California. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, then head toward glaciers and historic ports of the Inside Passage. Another highlight on many itineraries is Glacier Bay National Park. Here, you spend several hours in front of massive ice walls, often with expert park rangers on board. For many guests, this is the moment that makes Alaska truly unforgettable.

 

Cruisetours: Ship Plus Wilderness

If you want to venture even deeper into the interior, combine your cruise with a land program—Princess offers a wide selection of unique Cruisetours. These feature personalized itineraries, our own Wilderness Lodges near the national parks, and travel via panoramic train. This allows you to reach highlights such as Denali National Park with its tundra landscapes and mountain panoramas, without sacrificing comfort and logistics.
 

Alaska’s Secret Star: Brown Bears

During land excursions or hikes in Alaska’s national parks, cruise guests may be lucky enough to observe brown bears, also known as grizzlies, in the wild. The fjords and waters of the Kenai Peninsula are particularly famous for their abundant salmon. When the salmon run begins in summer, the rivers attract numerous bears on the hunt. A favorite spot for wildlife watchers is Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where bears are often seen fishing. Guided bear-watching tours are highly sought after and should ideally be reserved before your cruise begins.

What Can Guests Expect on a Princess Cruisetour?

An Alaska Cruisetour with Princess Cruises offers far more than spectacular scenery: it combines culinary experiences, adventure, and fascinating encounters. At the Princess Wilderness Lodges, guests enjoy dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the lodges’ own gardens and can participate in workshops with bartenders to learn how to craft their own cocktails. Local experts, educators, and naturalists provide lectures and activities such as geocaching, giving deeper insights into Alaska’s nature and culture. A special highlight is meeting experienced mountaineers at the Hudson Theater of the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, who share stories and stunning images from their Denali expeditions.

How to Combine Ship and Land Tour for the Ultimate Experience

You’ll see the most if you combine your sea voyage with a land program: first, cruise along the glacier-lined coast; then, for example, take the Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train straight from the ship to the Princess Wilderness Lodges in the interior—no transfers, with glass-domed cars and panoramic views. This brings you seamlessly to where Alaska feels vast and serene: around Denali, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks.

On-site, you stay in Princess Lodges such as the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just steps from the park entrance. From here, guided tours of Denali National Park are offered (e.g., Natural History Tour or Tundra Wilderness Tour). The result: more wilderness, more time outdoors, and less logistical stress.

A clear structure helps with selection:

•  Denali Explorer (the most popular mix of 7-night cruise plus 3–6 nights on land),
•  Off the Beaten Path (deeper exploration toward Kenai or Wrangell-St. Elias)
• Connoisseur (escorted with many inclusive features).

All options include at least one night in the Denali area and combine ship, scenic train, and lodge stays.

 

Departure Ports and Best Travel Times

For your Alaska cruise adventure with Princess Cruises, convenient departure ports include Seattle, Vancouver (B.C.), San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage (Whittier). This allows you to choose whether to start a classic Inside Passage round-trip or the one-way 7-night Voyage of the Glaciers between Vancouver and Whittier—perfect if you plan a subsequent land tour toward Denali.
 

What Makes Alaska Such a Special Destination?

A cruise through the stunning landscapes of Alaska offers endless discoveries: diverse wildlife, glacier scenery, and other natural wonders.  

Which Animals Roam Alaska?

• Bald eagles circling overhead
• Bears strolling to a stream in search of their next meal
• Whales in the open sea
• Discover the “Big 5” in Denali National Park: grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and caribou

Experience Glaciers from Every Angle:

• Take a scenic journey through Glacier Bay National Park
• Go on a glacier hike on the Mendenhall Glacier
• Fly by helicopter over the vast expanse of Denali National Park

A Range of Peaks to Awaken Your Adventurous Spirit:

• Admire unforgettable views from the ship’s glass dome and observation decks at our Princess Wilderness Lodges
• Enjoy vistas of mountains rising from rugged coastlines
• Marvel at Denali, North America’s highest peak at 6,190 meters

 

Best Time to Travel – What Fits Your Plans?

• May to mid-June: quieter and often more affordable; early blooms, good wildlife sightings, fewer mosquitoes
• Mid-June to August: peak season with the warmest temperatures, very long days, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and whale watching
• September: noticeably more relaxed on land, sometimes the best visibility for the Northern Lights on late-season sailings

A special highlight on many Princess itineraries is Glacier Bay National Park: access is strictly limited, and Princess is among the few cruise lines with the necessary permits. The season for ship entries runs from May to September, often with park rangers on board—making for a day that leaves a lasting impression.

Activities and Excursions – Experience Alaska Up Close

Marvel at Glaciers Up Close
Sail slowly into the fjords as the ship quiets, and then hear the rumble: a chunk of ice breaks off and plunges into the sea in slow motion. You can witness these moments in Glacier Bay, at Hubbard Glacier, or in Endicott Arm with views of Dawes Glacier. On days like these, stand at the railing with a warm drink in hand, and all that matters is the sight of shimmering blue ice walls. For those wanting an even closer experience, book a helicopter flight over the Mendenhall Glacier or a dogsled tour on the ice—classic Princess shore excursions that fill up quickly.

Adventure in Denali National Park and the Wilderness
After your sea voyage, continue inland if you wish. Princess combines the cruise with land programs, including panoramic train journeys and overnight stays in Princess Wilderness Lodges near the parks. In Denali National Park, you may spot caribou, moose, or bears against the backdrop of towering mountains. The advantage: everything is perfectly coordinated—from transfers to on-site tours. You don’t need to plan anything; you simply step in and are right in the middle of the action.

 

Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip

When Should You Book Your Alaska Cruise?

If you want to travel during peak season (mid-June to August), it’s best to book early. Booking 8–12 months in advance ensures the widest choice of routes and cabins—especially for balcony cabins, family cabins, and dates with Glacier Bay.

For May and September, attractive options are often still available, sometimes with price advantages. For one-way trips on the Voyage of the Glaciers, plan for “open-jaw” flights (e.g., flying into Vancouver, returning from Anchorage/Whittier or vice versa). Service staff can assist with booking flights in combination with your Alaska cruise.

Pro Tip: Decide on your route first (Glacier Bay? Inside Passage? Cruisetour?), then your cabin type, and finally your flights. Check travel insurance and flexible cancellation policies, as Alaska’s weather sometimes dictates the pace.

 

Which Cabins Are Best for the Glacier Route?

• Balcony Cabin: A classic choice for Alaska. Wrap up in a warm jacket, coffee in hand, and enjoy the glacier front in peace.
• Ship Location: Midship cabins provide noticeably more stability in rough seas; middle decks offer a good balance of view and tranquility.
• Side (Port/Starboard): During scenic cruising, the ship often turns to give both sides a good view, so the side is less important than often thought.
• Inside/Outside Cabins: Fine if you plan to spend most of your time on the outside decks; a budget-friendly option—most spectacular moments happen outdoors anyway.
• Families & Groups: Book early—connected cabins and suites fill quickly in Alaska.
• Accessible Cabins: Princess offers specially equipped cabins with wider doors, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and step-free showers. Thoughtful layouts ensure more space and maximum comfort on board.

Comfort and Experiences On Board

Between two natural highlights, you want to arrive and unwind. That’s exactly what Princess MedallionClass® is designed for: fast check-in, onboard navigation, service on demand, and, if you like, ordering via app delivered directly to your seat. Add dining options, entertainment, and quiet corners with water views. This keeps your mind free for what matters most: the next glacier, the next bay, the next day.

Your Personal Alaska Packing List

“Onion” Principle: Layers instead of one heavy jacket. Weather can change on the same day from sun to drizzle to fresh wind.

Clothing:

• Base layers, mid-layer (fleece/wool), insulating jacket, waterproof hardshell
• Hat, gloves, scarf/neck warmer
• Waterproof, non-slip shoes (grip soles) + a pair of comfortable sneakers
• Sunglasses, sunscreen (ice reflection is strong)
• Onboard: Smart casual for evenings; optional formal outfit for dress nights

Equipment & Small Items:

• Binoculars (whales, eagles, bears—you’ll use them)
• Daypack (20–30 L), dry bag or zip bag for phone/camera in case of splashes
• Reusable water bottle, small thermal cup
• Travel adapter (US plug), power bank, camera batteries if needed
• First-aid kit with plasters, personal medication, seasickness remedies
• Optional: insect repellent (especially inland from June), lightweight trekking poles

Documents & Organization:

• Passport, credit card, insurance certificates
• Booking documents (digital is fine; offline backup recommended)
• For Cruisetours: keep lodge and transfer confirmations organized
• ESTA application in advance (at least 2 weeks before departure)

 

Small Tip: Pack less “just in case” and more “for the moment.” A good rain jacket, warm layers, and sturdy shoes matter in Alaska more than a fifth dress shirt.

 

Princess Cruises at a Glance: Your Advantages in Alaska

You want to see plenty of nature without worrying about logistics. That’s exactly what Princess Cruises is known for in Alaska. Thoughtfully planned routes, well-coordinated land excursions, and comfortable ships take care of the planning so you have more time for the moments that truly matter.

 

 

Quick Overview

Advantage	What It Means for You
Voyage of the Glaciers	One week with two glacier highlights, often Glacier Bay plus Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Maximum ice experiences without detours.
Access to Glacier Bay	Highly limited; Princess holds exclusive permits. Hours of natural theater with onboard rangers and countless photo opportunities.
Inside Passage Routes	Protected waters, stunning panoramas, Classic ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
Cruisetours with Land Programs	Seamless transition from ship to inland, overnight stays in Princess Wilderness Lodges, time in Denali National Park.
MedallionClass Technology	Faster boarding, onboard navigation, service on demand, orders delivered to you. More relaxation, less searching.
Strong Focus on Nature	Whale watching, glacier voyages, scenic cruising. Expert-led lectures and presentations onboard tailored to an Alaska cruise.
Experienced Land Excursions	Well-coordinated tours, clear schedules, Reliable return to the ship.
Dining and Quiet Areas	Great dining options, retreats with water views, Balanced experiences between adventure and relaxation. Cuisine is aligned with destinations, supporting local suppliers.
Family-Friendly Options	Activities for all ages, consistent routines, simple organization onboard.

 

What Princess Cruises Stands For in Alaska

• Routes with real glacier focus, not just short panoramas.
• Smooth operations on ship and land, noticeable in transfers, timing, and returns.
• Cohesive experiences from balcony views to ranger commentary at the glacier.
• Planned departures in the May–September season, with many weekly sailings.
• Significant added value when combining an Alaska cruise with a land program.

 

Who It’s Especially Good For

• First-time visitors wanting to see the big names: Glacier Bay, Denali, Inside Passage.
• Nature enthusiasts who spend time on deck actively watching wildlife.
• Comfort lovers who use technology like MedallionClass and enjoy smooth operations.
• Families benefiting from set routes and planned land excursions, giving more quality time together.
• Photographers who value stable deck positions, extended glacier viewing, and reliable itineraries.

 

Glaciers. Wildlife. Princess. Your Adventure Starts Here

If you’re ready for the crack of glaciers, whale flukes, and peaceful evenings on deck, choose your preferred route now—Inside Passage or Voyage of the Glaciers—and secure a balcony cabin for the best views on your cruise adventure. We are happy to assist you with dates, cabin location, and Cruisetour selection. Book your Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises and trade planning for anticipation.