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7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour

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• Types of Travel

On my first morning after embarking on the Royal Princess Hamilton Cruise ship on a sea and land cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage of Alaska and up to Fairbanks, I sat on my portside balcony and watched the gray seas as the pale morning sun rose.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and the head of a humpback whale rose directly out of the water, suspended for a brief moment before it disappeared under the sea.

“Did I just see that?” I muttered sleepily to myself. As if to answer me, the telltale poof of water shot out of the sea, followed by the dark, subtle hump of the whale as he followed alongside our massive 1,083-foot long ship .

Instantly, I ran inside to wake my travel buddy, but by the time he got to the balcony, the whale was long gone. However, that whale sighting was a premonition of extraordinary adventures to come on the Princess Cruises’ 12-17 day Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour .

From luscious food choices and all-day entertainment to excursions and off-shore adventures through Alaska’s small coastal communities, the Alaska Cruisetour was probably one of the most fun trips I had taken all year. While I had my first cruise in January on a small excursion ship, I was invited and hosted by Princess Cruises to experience my first “big” cruise ship. For some reason, I had poo-pooed the idea of the big “floating city” cruise ships in the past, but the 12 days of sailing and traveling with Princess changed my mind.

I get it now. I get why people dream of cruises and just how easy it is to relax and just enjoy when you are being pampered, cared for, and catered to by a cruise ship company. Coming from the eyes of a brand-new cruiser (this won’t be my last cruise, I guarantee you), here are the seven things I loved — plus the four things I didn’t — during the Princess Alaska Cruisetour.

7 Things I Loved

1. medallion magnificant and the staff.

The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass™ ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. 

This thing is so cool. I had my Medallion customized with an astrological symbol and ordered the rubber wristband. While wearing it, the Medallion automatically unlocks and locks my stateroom door as I enter it, allows staff to find me anywhere on the ship to deliver my daily Bloody Mary, allows for touch-free boarding and purchases, let me find my travel companion on the ship, and more. 

“So let’s say you’re out tanning by the pool and you want to get some extra sunscreen, you can go on the app on your phone and order sunscreen which will be purchased through the app and delivered to you where you are anywhere on the ship,” said Briana Latner, public relations and marketing for Princess Cruises. “We’ve also introduced ‘Dine My Way,’ which helps you make reservations in the main dining rooms and the specialty dining, helps get rid of wait times and helps you with your special preferences.”

Another feature of the Princess Medallion is the Ocean Compass, which allows you to locate and message your travel companions. Whomever you are traveling with is automatically named as travel companions in the app, but you can remove each other if you choose to.

“Sometimes there are kids who are teenagers. They can go off on their own, but you want to make sure you know where they are and they’re safe,” Latner said. “Many people who are traveling with parents or the elderly who may get disoriented find it’s been really helpful  to be able to find each other too.”

Travel blogger Erin Cohen said the Medallion created a level of ease on her trip that shocked her.

“It makes you eat too much,” she laughed. “Everything comes to you at the snap of a finger or the touch of a button. The Medallion makes life almost too easy, but it’s great.”

Combined with the Princess Medallion, the staff on the boat is top-notch. Our stateroom was cleaned twice a day at least (the Medallion lets staff know when you are out of your room so they don’t disturb you), the bartenders all know your name and preferred drink, and every crewmember greets you with a cheerful hello.

Using the app and the Medallion was super convenient when it came to purchases, ordering, getting around, and more.

Pro Tip: Download the app before you embark on the cruise to upload safety and health documents, pre-book activities and dining, and get used to all the features. It’s a lot to learn. You can order the Medallion ahead of time and either have it sent to you prior to the cruise or you can pick it up upon embarkation.

Fun Fact: The Pacific Princess was the star ship in the 1977 television series called The Love Boat . That series also made the concept of a sea-going vacation popular with millions of people and has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.

2. By Land And By Sea

The Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetours are a combo land and sea experience. In addition to a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise that includes two glacier-viewing experiences and stops in the small Alaskan communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Whittier (Anchorage), you’ll also explore Alaska’s interior with a guided land exploration tour.

Once you’ve disembarked from the ship, you can spend 3 or more nights on land at the various Princess Wilderness Lodges , including the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, and the Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge.

These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. Each lodge offers its own unique personality.

You will also travel by rail in a private Princess Cruises scenic railroad car and by tour bus to the various locations.

We were on the Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour , which offers the highest level of service with a dedicated tour director, the 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers cruise, 5-10 nights on land, travel on the Princess Alaska rail service, stays at Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park (We saw three grizzly bears!), sightseeing opportunities, and most meals included.

What I loved about this option was the ability to see not only the glaciers and wonders of coastal Alaska along the Inside Passage, but a chance to explore the famed national parks of Alaska’s rugged and beautiful interior. It truly was the best of both worlds.

“You see pictures but to see it in person is just like, it’s hard to believe this is even real. The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen.

3. All The Choices (And Unlimited Drinks)

So maybe you are craving a pepperoni pizza while you lounge in one of the many hot tubs on the 16th-floor deck. Maybe one night, all you dream of is a big juicy steak with a Maine lobster tail. Maybe you want a lot of choices from the all-day buffet.

On the Royal Princess, the more than a dozen dining choices come in many different flavors, ranging from high-end steakhouse to Italian cuisine to sushi. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Princess has a buffet that features Asian, Indian, American, and Latino cuisine, as well as breakfast items, fresh fruit, a pastry bar, and more. On the fifth floor in the central Vista, a small deli is open 24/7 for the late night/early morning crowd.

The ship also has numerous bars, and because we were given the unlimited drinks option, we put those to good use. From the poolside bars to the cozy Wheelhouse Bar with its live music, you’ll not have to worry about finding the perfect cocktail or Alaska beer to sip on. 

Although I dined at the fancy Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, the buffet was our go-to option most days due to the sheer variety of foods to choose from. Be warned, though: It’s easy to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach, and you can end up eating more than you planned because the food is just so tasty.

4. Lots Of Viewing Areas

The Alaska Cruisetour I was on started from Vancouver and sailed through Alaska’s Inside Passage through some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen. With glaciers, waterfalls, misty mountains, and otters and whales frolicking in the waves, it would be a crime not to take it all in.

I loved all the decks and viewing areas on the Royal Princess. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! I really regretted not bringing the pair I own. Trust me, you won’t regret taking them when the whales and otters make their appearance.

5. Performances And Special Programs

You’ll never get bored on this Cruisetour. Starting as early as 6 a.m. every day, the Royal Princess has events, special programs, classes, naturalist talks, and fun activities. From morning stretching on the deck to art auctions and contests to game shows and line dancing classes, this ship doesn’t stop!

In addition to the hourly activities, excursions, and options during the day, The Royal Princess presents big musical shows, comedians, naturalist talks, and more in its expansive Princess Theatre. The smaller bars and venues feature live musicians and fun, silly game shows while the main Vista area of the fifth floor holds concerts and dance parties. The ship even has a disco, a hopping casino with slots and table games, a very large fitness area on the 17th deck, poolside movies, a pickleball court, a Discovery Camp for kids, and more.

Every day, a daily newsletter listing all the activities on the ship is delivered to your room, so it’s easy to find and choose what performances or classes you’d like to take part in. If you are bored at all on this ship, that’s on you! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time picking which fun activity to do.

6. Being Pampered

After days of hiking, exploring Alaska’s small communities, whale watching, dancing all night, and maybe having one too many cocktails, it’s nice to be pampered. The Royal Princess’ onboard Lotus Spa brings you to a place of peace and Zen with services like traditional massage, acupuncture, facials like the La Therapie HydraLift facial, couples massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy Massage.

After relaxing, cruisers can head to The Enclave , a getaway of thermal suites and a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Sweat out your worries at a Turkish-style steam bath, steam rooms, and dry saunas for purification and detoxification, then doze off on the heated stone beds or relaxing water beds.

Another pampering experience is Royal Princess’ The Sanctuary , an adult-only retreat on the top deck with private cabanas, food and drink, and al fresco massages. The “Serenity Stewards” are quietly efficient in delivering everything you need, from fresh mimosas to towels.

7. All The Excursions

With 12 days of adventure, it would be impossible for me to list all the land and sea excursions available through the Royal Princess Cruisetour. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find all the options through the Medallion app and with the onboard concierges.

For my excursions, I went out on a crab boat in Ketchikan to learn about crab harvesting and to stuff myself silly on Dungeness crab, roared up winding mountain trails on a UTV, spotted whales, climbed glaciers, kayaked pristine mountain glacial lakes, toured and spotted wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park and so much more.

The excursions range from the sedate and relaxing to the wild and extreme, so there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. You can see the list of available excursions here .

4 Things I Didn’t Love

1. prices of excursions.

Alaska is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. Being able to enjoy the Alaska landscape on a guided excursion is going to cost you. Some of the most expensive excursions include flights on small planes and helicopters, but they tend to be the most popular as well, like the Denali Flightseeing tours and helicopter tours of surrounding glaciers.

You aren’t required to purchase excursions, however. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too.

2. Not Enough Time In Each Port Or Land Lodge

When you are cruising, you have a schedule to keep. You might fall in love with tiny little Skagway, but you only have a day in port. You may want to spend more time at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with its cozy rooms and fireplaces, but you only have one night.

The fact that you do not have control over how long you can stay in any one place is certainly not Princess’ fault, but it is a bummer and a fact of life when cruising.

3. No Coffee In The Room

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is not having coffee available in my room when traveling. Yes, ordering coffee to the room was easy and the staff at Princess were on top of my caffeine addiction, but it would have been nice to have one of those little coffee makers tucked away so I could make my own coffee.

One great thing about the Royal Princess is the ability to order coffee and breakfast the night before. Each day, you can fill out a form listing what items you’d like to order and what time they should be delivered, so that’s convenient.

4. Staffing Problems At The Lodges

Like so many other destinations, Alaska has a worker shortage. That desperate need for seasonal and long-term employees has led to some staffing issues at some of the lodges. While the Royal Princess ship boasts 1,346 crew members from more than 30 different countries, some of the lodges had problems filling spots, which led to slowdowns, some maintenance issues, and longer wait times.

My best advice is to stay patient with the destinations and with the staff that is working. Everyone is doing the best they can with less.

All in all, my first “big cruise” experience was stellar and has made me a believer! Hopefully, this won’t be my last cruise, and if you yearn for an easy, well-organized way to experience Alaska, the Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the way to go.

For more on cruises and sailing , explore these articles:

• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall
• 9 Tips For Cruising The Mediterranean With Costa

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

Alaska Cruise & Land Tour

Some vacations combine a cruise of spectacular coastal Alaska with a land tour that features transportation by motor coach or train and hotel stays. Before or after your cruise, you might explore Denali National Park in Alaska or the resort towns of the Canadian Rockies, for example.

• The season for Alaska cruise and land tours generally lasts from May through September.  
• Alaska cruise and land tours are typically 9 to 19 nights in length.  
• You can find the most affordable rates in the off-peak periods of May and September.  
• Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.  
• Passengers who end their trips in Anchorage or Fairbanks typically are scheduled to return home on late evening "red-eye" flights.  
• If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

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Why Visit Alaska with Princess?

To some, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To others, it is a place they will vow to return. So why go to Alaska and not see all the wonders of the state -- among them glaciers, quaint seaports, sealife, wildlife viewing, wilderness adventures and, of course, Mt. McKinley. The full Alaska experience is truly available only to those who travel by both land and sea -- a Princess specialty.

Years of Experience -- For more than 35 years, Princess has blazed a trail as the leader in Alaska cruise and cruisetour vacations. As one of the cruise and tour pioneers, Princess has the vast experience to offer travelers a way to enjoy the absolute best of the state's wonders with a seamless land and sea vacation.

Glacier Bay and Denali National Park -- Only Princess includes both of Alaska's favorite attractions on every Gulf of Alaska cruisetour. Ships spend a full day cruising by the spectacular glaciers of Glacier Bay, while on land guests each stay at least two nights in the Denali National Park area.

Princess Wilderness Lodges -- Only Princess has built five riverside lodges showcasing the unspoiled natural beauty of the real Alaskan wilderness. Located in some of Alaska's prime wilderness areas, the lodges -- Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge -- offer guests the great outdoors with Princess service and style.

Princess Rail Service -- Only Princess takes guests directly from the cruise ship pier to Princess wilderness lodges in the Denali National Park area the same day. This exclusive service makes for a faster and easier trip to the wilderness, resulting in more time enjoying the natural beauty of the park. And as a result, only Princess cruisetour guests all get to spend at least two nights in the Denali area at a Princess lodge.

Affordable Balconies -- Princess ships offer affordable balconies on standard staterooms, not just suites and minisuites. With more balconies than any other cruise line the region, guests can enjoy views of glaciers and wildlife right from the comfort of their own balcony stateroom.

Dining Choices -- Onboard, guests can dine where, when and with whom they choose with a choice of Traditional Fixed-Seating or Anytime Dining. Multiple main dining rooms make it possible for each guest to enjoy dining just as they please.

Special Onboard Alaska Programs -- Cultural offerings in each port of call, unique partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, and an interesting lineup of local entertainers, historians and naturalists further enhance guests' Alaska experience. Programs include a special presentation from U.S. Forest Service rangers while in Ketchikan, a talk by Iditarod winner Libby Riddles, Junior Ranger programs and informative ranger presentations while in Glacier Bay.

State-of-the-Art Ships -- Princess vessels feature the best of both worlds -- big ship choice, small ship feel. Each ship offers the feel of a floating resort without ever feeling overwhelmed by a crowd, and are filled with an incredible array of onboard activities -- from the unique Lotus Spa, to spectacular evening entertainment in multiple venues.

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Phone : 1 661 753 1530 Email :  [email protected]

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Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

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• Princess Cruises deployes 7 ships in Alaska in 2023 (14...

Princess Cruises deployes 7 ships in Alaska in 2023 (14 itineraries & 25 cruisetours)

Princess Cruises announced updates for the upcoming 2023 cruise and cruisetour season in Alaska. As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, immersive programming, and unparalleled guest experiences.

The company sails 7 ships throughout The Great Land across 14 itineraries and 25 land-sea vacations, including the newest ship Discovery Princess along with Royal , Ruby , Majestic , Grand , Crown , and Sapphire Princess .

One of the highlights of the 2023 season is the expanded Wild for Alaska Seafood menu, available to all guests sailing with Princess in Alaska. This industry-first initiative, introduced in 2022, features a rotation of fresh Alaska seafood dishes, along with destination-inspired cocktails made from local spirits. Princess Cruises has partnered with Pacific Seafood, Alaska Seafood, and Alaska Leader Seafood, all known for their environmentally responsible practices and sustainable fishing methods, to develop this unique dining experience. Guests can indulge in a variety of Alaska seafood, including multiple varieties of salmon, wild Alaska cod, halibut, rockfish, Dungeness crabs, spot prawns, and razor clams, highlighting the freshest ingredients from the region.

In addition to the Wild for Alaska Seafood menu, Princess Cruises is also introducing a new Garden-to-Table menu for cruisetour guests staying at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Guests can stroll through the lodge's large garden, filled with Alaska-grown vegetables and flowers thriving in the summer sunshine, and enjoy the chefs' menu creations using the fresh produce harvested throughout the season.

The beverage program for the 2023 season is also getting a makeover, with decadent coffee and hot chocolate-based creations, themed frozen drinks, Alaska wines, and flights of Alaska beer and cocktails being introduced. Guests can warm up with delicious drinks like Spiced Rum Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread Breakfast, sample Alaska beers through tastings or order beer flights, indulge in themed frozen drinks like Ketchikan Strawberry Shortcake and Alaskan Polar Bear, enjoy Alaska cocktails made from local spirits, and even participate in the Alaska Wine Experience with wine pairings featuring Alaska salmon.

The brand's commitment to showcasing the beauty of Alaska goes beyond dining and beverages. Every cruise itinerary includes at least one glacier-viewing experience, with Princess taking more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Cruises also visit marquee ports like Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway , with late-night calls in Juneau on select itineraries. Guests can choose from over 150 shore excursions, including unique experiences like lumberjack shows, dog sledding on glaciers, flightseeing adventures, and wildlife viewing tours to spot whales, bears, and more. Exclusive to Princess Cruises, Cook My Catch allows guests to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have it cooked for their dinner that night, creating unforgettable culinary memories.

For those looking to explore more of Alaska's interior, Princess Cruises offers cruisetours that seamlessly combine a cruise with land tour options, including visits to Denali National Park and Princess' five signature Wilderness Lodges. The 17-night Princess Connoisseur Cruisetour is back by popular demand, featuring 10 nights on land with stays at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges and visits to five national parks.

Princess Cruises also takes care of guests' transportation with their Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, which takes guests from the ship through the heart of Alaska with breathtaking scenery to the Denali-based wilderness lodges, providing more time to explore the vast interior of this stunning state.

Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

Find Cruisetours

Learn more about Alaska Cruisetours

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Learn more about cruises from Seattle

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

View Cruises

2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

Learn more about Alaska Wildlife

Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

View cruises with College Fjord

Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

Alaska Wildfire Disrupts Operations at Holland America and Princess Resorts

• July 3, 2024

A wildfire in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve caused disruptions to several resorts, including Holland America’s McKinley Chalet Resort and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

According to Alaska Wildland Fire Information , the Riley Fire was first reported on Sunday and spread to 350 to 400 acres in a matter of hours, covering the area across the Nenana River from the McKinley Chalet Resort, one mile from the park entrance.

As power outages spread across the area, Holland America’s McKinley resort is experiencing service disruptions while Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, located less than a half a mile from McKinley Chalet, has closed to new arrivals.

Princess has also closed its Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge within the park, and its Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, another gateway into Denali.

“Due to the impact of the Riley wildfire in the Denali National Park area, we have closed Denali, Mt. McKinley and Fairbanks to new arrivals,” the company announced.

“All hotel-only and land-only bookings through July 5 at these three properties will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time as we strive to keep everyone safe. We kindly ask that you not come to the hotels, as we will be unable to accommodate you.”

All visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area are currently closed, with the fire now 10 percent contained. Local authorities are working on restoring power to the area.

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The dos and don’ts of cruising to Alaska for a guaranteed good time

A cruise to Alaska is a bucket list opportunity for many, but doing it right takes a bit of planning.

The first thing that strikes you on a trip to Alaska is how wide open it feels, with plenty of breathtaking natural wonders and incredible wildlife to satisfy even the most discerning traveler. I should know, I’ve sailed there twice. There are also many mistakes you can make on this epic trip. Luckily, travelers can do a few things to ensure their cruise goes off without a hitch.

First, it’s important to note that every part of the 49th state is unique, from its vast interior full of bears, moose, and mountains to the adorable port cities with boutique shopping, whale watching and boating adventures. Some destinations—like the capital of Juneau—are only accessible by ship or air, and others—like Glacier Bay National Park—are great to see from the ship itself. Of course, traveling on a cruise allows you to hop from destination to destination, but it also means planning for changes in weather, various activities and, of course, the unexpected.

When planning a trip to Alaska, choices matter. Several important decisions could make or break a trip, from excursions and deciding if a land tour is the right add-on to ensuring you’re picking the right ship for your group. No Alaska cruise will look exactly the same, but here are 12 important dos and don’ts to take some of the guesswork out of planning the perfect trip to The Last Frontier.

Do : Splurge on a window or balcony stateroom

One of the best parts of a cruise to Alaska is the views, and between the nearly 24 hours of daylight and ever-changing scenery, you don’t want to miss them with an inside room. Your best bet is a balcony so you can sit outside and watch the world go by, keeping an eye out for birds, sea life—think playful otters frolicking in the icy waters—and even glaciers passing by. While it’s always possible to head to an upper deck for scenery, it’s more relaxing to watch from your own private deck, enjoying a room service breakfast or an evening Champagne toast (just note: some cruise lines charge a small room service fee).

One of the highlights of my Princess Cruises trip last summer was enjoying a lazy morning on our balcony as we sailed into Glacier Bay National Park, nibbling on croissants and watching the deep blue ice formations come into view as we listened to a park ranger from our stateroom TV.

Don’t : Wait until the last minute to book excursions

Popular excursions can sell out on any cruise, but that’s especially true in Alaska, thanks to the mostly small-group tour options on helicopters and boats. When booking your excursion, always have a plan b (and even plan c) in case your first choice is unavailable.

This has happened to me on more than one occasion, and on my most recent trip, even booking two months in advance wasn’t early enough. If you’re set on a specific excursion with limited space—think a helicopter landing on the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or a remote search for bears in Icy Strait Point—then it’s important to book several months in advance.

Do : Try something new

You may not get your first choice of excursions, but that can also be a blessing in disguise: Alaska is full of adventures for travelers who are open to it. From a vertigo-inducing zip line that starts above the clouds in Icy Strait Point to piloting a zodiac boat across rough water in search of seals and bald eagles near Ketchikan, there’s no shortage of available thrills. And while I may have picked the zip line because all my other choices were booked, it became one of the trip's most memorable moments and a great way to face my fear of heights.

Don’t : Skip the land tour

Alaska is huge—as a whole, it’s two and a half times larger than Texas and boasts more than 6,600 miles of coastline. Each part of the state is different. A cruise is the best way to see certain wildlife, such as whales, and reach cities like Juneau, which is surrounded by water. But if you want to see Alaska’s moose, try to glimpse the elusive Denali (North America's tallest peak), or even appreciate the stunning turquoise water along the Kenai Peninsula, you’re going to need to plan to spend time on a land tour.

On my trip with Princess, I spent a week on land and a week on the cruise, flying into Fairbanks and leaving from Vancouver. It was during that time I suited up for a hair-raising (and muddy) four-wheel adventure, slashing through streams and coming face-to-face with a moose, watched a larger-than-life grizzly bear saunter down a snow-covered road in Denali National Park & Preserve, and watched the world go by from beneath a glass-domed train. Without the land tour, I would have missed all that and my trip would not have felt complete.

Do : Bring a back-up charger

Typically, cruises dock at the port early in the morning and leave in the evening, allowing you to spend what could be eight hours or longer at the destination. Excursions can range from as little as an hour and a half to half a day, with the possibility of exploring the port longer after you get back. All that equates to plenty of time on your phone. And you don’t want it to die while you’re taking photos, using it for tap payments when shopping, or sending videos home to your friends and family. For long days out, it’s always a good idea to bring a portable charger so the only fuel you’re worried about is your next cup of coffee.

Don’t : Underpack

Alaska can be cold, hot, rainy and sunny—all in one day. A trip to Alaska is not the time to try to pack light. It’s important to pack layers, bringing heavier items for early mornings and late evenings and light options for the middle of the day. That’s especially true if you’re on a land and cruise trip since the weather can vary widely from city to city. In Fairbanks, for example, temperatures can vary from lows around 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit to highs in the 80s in a single day. And in Juneau, what started out as a chilly day when I was there quickly turned sweltering in the afternoon.

Do : Remember your passport

Alaska is, of course, a U.S. state, and American travelers don’t need a passport to fly there, but most Alaskan cruises start or end in Vancouver or stop in Victoria, British Columbia. That’s because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act , which requires foreign-flagged ships embarking and departing from U.S. ports to also stop in a foreign port. So, while you’re spending most of your time in the U.S., it’s important to remember to bring a passport if you’re headed on an Alaska cruise.

Don’t : Eat every meal on board

One of the benefits of cruising is not having to think about where to eat. However, if you only ever plan to dine on board, you will miss out on some delicious local flavors. Instead, build in some time before or after excursions to walk around and check out some local restaurants. Enjoy an IPA and a bowl of addictively seasoned popcorn at Devil's Club Brewing Company in Juneau, or sit at a picnic table and snack on house-smoked tacos at El Green-Go’s in Anchorage. And in Icy Strait Point, venture into nearby Hoonah to try some salmon tacos or beer-battered halibut perched at a table steps from the harbor at The Fisherman’s Daughter .

Do : Bring an eye mask

One of the benefits—and one of the hardest things—about being in Alaska in the summer is the sun almost never sets (especially the farther north you are). Nearly 24-hour daylight is great for exploring, but it sometimes makes sleeping hard. Since you can’t always control how good the curtains are at blocking out the sun, an eye mask will help ensure you get some shut eye so you’re well-rested for a busy day exploring The Last Frontier.

Don’t : Be afraid to go big—or small

Not every ship is right for every traveler, but there is a cruise for everyone. Larger ships offer wonderful amenities for travelers of all ages, from multiple restaurants (pro tip: specialty restaurants really are worth the splurge) and elaborate after-dinner shows to kids’ clubs, casinos, and special programming like beer tasting with local brews. These big ships, like Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean, bring travelers to some of the most popular ports in Alaska and offer a wide choice of excursions to fit every taste.

On the other hand, small ships, like UnCruise Adventures (which fits just a few dozen guests on its ships to Alaska), offer a more intimate and immersive experience. This allows travelers to venture into lesser-explored areas the big ships can’t go, like deeper into Glacier Bay National Park. These ships, however, don’t offer the extensive onboard entertainment of the giant cruise ships.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer, just different styles of travel.

Do : Add an extra day in your departure or arrival city

Most cruises to Alaska start or end in major cities like Seattle or Vancouver. And while the point of going on a cruise to Alaska is to see Alaska, there are plenty of great things to see in those cities, too. It’s well worth adding a day to explore the independent shops and artist studios of Vancouver’s Granville Island or to eat your way through Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

It’s also always a good idea to arrive at the embarkation city a day before the cruise starts just in case there are any flight delays or issues with luggage.

Don’t : Compare your trip to others

In a world dominated by social media, it’s easy to compare everything we do to others. However, Alaska is an ever-changing destination, and every trip there will be different. On my most recent trip, I had the fortune of seeing humpback whales, while others on the cruise got to see orcas. And on my first-ever cruise to Alaska I was lucky enough to experience the thunderous boom of a glacier calving, but had no such luck the second time around. The beauty of Alaska is how wild it is, and a trip there might surprise you.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: March 15, 2024 | Last updated: March 15, 2024

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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• Princess Cruises

Alaska Land and Sea

By chopper825 , May 29, 2022 in Princess Cruises

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Doing an Alaska land and sea tour on June 6th. Land first. We booked EZ Air. Can anyone tell me when we get cruise documents and luggage tags since we are on land 5 days prior to cruise. We obviously can't check i  to cruise as we will be on land. A little confused.  Also does our cruise suitcase disappear while we are on land or is it delivered with our land luggage. Thanks.

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You will have one set of luggage to keep on your land portion. Set aside a  small carryon for the train if you need. They will collect the larger  cruise case night before and it will magically appear in your room on the ship !   We watched them load the trailer in Fairbanks one morning before our excursion. You should have a suitcase you will tag with "See Me Onboard" that they will wisk away day after you start your land portion. No need for high heels , sport coats and dresses on land!  We got our welcome packet at the airport that will have your info.

You should have your docs and tags in your personalizer now. Under print travel summary. I am old fashioned, I like to have it in print also.

We have our 3rd Alaska trip in Sept and would love to hear how things went on your land portion. So many changes . The old adage applies, "Bring half the clothes and twice the money". Most of all...enjoy....It's beautiful.

Steelers0854

I think we may be on this same trip as you.  You get all the cruise documents now, just login to Princess website and you can print your luggage tags right now.  You also will want to download the Medallion App and start that process if you haven’t done so already.  

You get 1 suitcase per person that will travel with you on land.  Anything else will be send directly to the ship and meet you there.

Thank you. I did find the luggage tags. I assume we put these on after our many flights to Fairbanks. As far as documents we usually have our boarding pass but I dont see that anywhere.  Am I missing it. We are on the Majestic boarding on the 11th. Have Medallion downloaded witn as much as we can do at this point. I guess we do health questions whole we are on land portion. I have ArrivalCan downloaded. Just really worried about getting there. So it sounds like transfer pick up will have documents at airport. We dont arrive till after midnight.  Lots of anxiety. 

There aren't boarding passes anymore. You have medallion or just printed paperwork and your passport. I print that whole mess out so I have the itinerary too. P!us it shows the perks and credits in case there is an issue. Probably overkill but, that's me ! Or at least take pics with your phone.  I am not good with surprises .

There was a kiosk at the airport that had all the envelopes with tags, tickets, room keys etc. Princess does a great job of getting that ready so no standing in long lines.  All hotels were just walk in and go to your room.On the train they had representatives checking you in to the ship prior. Walk off the train , thru security and to your room. Like magic. Well,, at least that was 5 years ago.

I can tell you to relax but come Sept I will be panicking myself. 

Just reading Princess is now requiring a test prior to land portion. One more hoop. Just a heads up.

1 hour ago, jinpasco said: Just reading Princess is now requiring a test prior to land portion. One more hoop. Just a heads up.

I was just read that which makes sense but if everyone doesn't read their email thoroughly very easy to skim over it. Our cruisetour begins on the 10th although we don't meet everyone till breakfast on the 11th. We are arriving in Fairbanks on the 9th so will either have to do it that night when we get in or Friday morning. I had 2 proctored tests for our trip home so guess I need to get a couple more as we are staying overnight in Vancouver to get an early flight out the next day..

I think it should have been a separate email with the change as it could go unnoticed for many people.

I think you'd have to not read the notification email at all to not know what it's about.

On 5/29/2022 at 12:32 PM, chopper825 said: Thank you. I did find the luggage tags. I assume we put these on after our many flights to Fairbanks. As far as documents we usually have our boarding pass but I dont see that anywhere.  Am I missing it. We are on the Majestic boarding on the 11th. Have Medallion downloaded witn as much as we can do at this point. I guess we do health questions whole we are on land portion. I have ArrivalCan downloaded. Just really worried about getting there. So it sounds like transfer pick up will have documents at airport. We dont arrive till after midnight.  Lots of anxiety. 

I hope after your trip you can find the time to tell us of your adventures, both good and not so good.  Looking forward to hearing how things are progressing .Reading some of these posts makes me rethink our decision to travel far. May your trip be uneventful !

Safe travels. Mary Ellen

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The bucket-list cruise holiday with sea lion spotting, gold-panning activities and onboard champagne waterfalls

• Beverley Watts
• Published : 19:22 ET, Jul 6 2024
• Updated : 20:13 ET, Jul 6 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

IT was the TV show Ice Road Truckers that got me interested in Alaska. 

Who wouldn’t want to drive a lorry across frozen lakes? 

But, as a bucket-list trip, I decided a seven-night cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage on the Discovery Princess was a far more comfortable way to experience the majesty of this incredible destination.

It was, and there was still plenty of ice. 

Russia sold this northwest corner of North America to the US for a song in 1867. Twice the size of Texas, Alaska is a remote, mountainous wilderness, carved by flowing glaciers over thousands of years. 

From Seattle we sailed to the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, with a stop-off on the way back in Victoria, Canada . 

And we were definitely sailing in style. Princess Cruises are known to be specialists at Alaskan cruising and the new Discovery Princess can accommodate 3,660 passengers over its 19 decks.

Built in Italy , the  two-year-old vessel has a luxury spa, theatre, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and themed bars. 

Though family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ club, there are no waterslides or zip lines and it feels very much a playground for grown-ups. The popular casino even allows those feeling lucky to smoke.

I did wonder how we’d all manage to haul our luggage up the gangways and find our cabins but it’s well organised with the MedallionClass app. You book a time slot for boarding and drop off your suitcase at the dock. 

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There’s also a linked Medallion on a lanyard to collect as you check in. It works as a digital onboard passport, opening doors, logging orders and pinging your name to crew members. 

You feel like a celebrity when the barman says, “Hello, Miss Beverley, here’s your mimosa cocktail”.

Yes, I had my binoculars ready to spot humpback whales and giant moose, but cruising is definitely also about enjoying the ship. My balcony stateroom was stylishly decorated in pale tones with a queen-size bed. 

To make things simple, the Princess Plus package I added to my booking includes extras such as wi-fi, drinks up to $15 (£12) each and crew tips.

There are loads of excursions at every port — at various prices — but you can just disembark and do your own thing. It’s only risky if you go it alone, get hammered in a bar and miss the return deadline. The ship will sail without you . . . 

Ketchikan, our first stop, is an important breeding ground for salmon and has a strong Alaska Native culture, with colourful totem poles posted around town. 

The lumberjack show on slippery logs is great fun. I ate a stack of long-legged king crab at a waterside crab fest and watched a bald eagle called Harold swoop for food on my wilderness boat trip. 

Back onboard Discovery, there are organised activities throughout the day and evening entertainment, with live bands, musical theatre shows, magicians, comedians and fun quizzes. 

The Piazza is the main meeting place and the Captain’s Welcome Aboard party kicks off with a champagne waterfall. If you’ve ever wanted to try salsa or line dancing, here’s your chance.

For my favourite excursion, we anchored at sea southeast of Juneau and were picked up to sail into Endicott Arm, a narrow fjord 30 miles long.

Its forested slopes are home to bears and wolves and at the head stands Dawes Glacier.  Wedges of ice regularly sheer off the edge and become icebergs, shimmering blue in the water. On the cloudless day we floated in, sea lions were sunning themselves on rocks.

The Princess chefs buy catches of seafood in Alaska and all the ship’s restaurants have tempting menus (some at additional cost). 

Batty Betty

I loved Sabatini’s Trattoria and Gigi’s Pizzeria but the buffet at the World Fresh Marketplace was so wonderful that, apart from the chance to dress up, I’d have happily just dined there. 

Room service is complimentary but I prefer to hang out with other travellers and socialise.

In Skagway, it’s all about gold. During the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, there was a stampede to Yukon from this deep-water port. I got to try a bit of gold-panning (sifting is not easy!) and learnt about the gruelling journey up what was dubbed Dead Horse Trail. 

The prospectors also used dogs to pull their sleds and dog-mushing is still important in Alaska today. The excitable teams begin training as puppies and, with their thick double-fur coats, can race through blizzards. They wear little boots to protect their paws.

By 1900, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway had been constructed to replace the treacherous mountain path and it now runs as a scenic heritage train route. 

Go: Alaska cruise

A SEVEN-night Alaskan cruise on board the Discovery Princess departing Seattle on May 11, 2025, is from £844pp.

Calling at Ketchikan, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising), Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (Canada).

Includes full board and entertainment. Flights extra. See princess.com . 

Our guide Batty Betty, dressed in period costume, regaled us with stories about entrepreneurial Klondike characters such as Betty Pullen who flattened empty tin cans into pie pans. 

Travelling into the Alaskan interior on the railway made me want to see more of the national parks. If that’s more your thing, too, a Princess “cruisetour” from Vancouver is a cruise option with a direct-to-the-wilderness train trip and overnight lodge stays on land.

We didn’t dock in the Canadian city of Victoria until early evening so a guided walk at dusk was rather atmospheric, with the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel all lit up. 

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Then it was back to Pier 91 in Seattle to squeeze in a visit to the Space Needle and historic Pike Place Market before my flight home.

I may not have roughed it in Alaska like the Ice Road truckers but my cruise-ship odyssey was a trip of a lifetime.

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The bucket-list cruise holiday with sea lion spotting, gold-panning activities and onboard champagne waterfalls

• Beverley Watts
• Published : 0:22, 7 Jul 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

IT was the TV show Ice Road Truckers that got me interested in Alaska. 

Who wouldn’t want to drive a lorry across frozen lakes? 

But, as a bucket-list trip, I decided a seven-night cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage on the Discovery Princess was a far more comfortable way to experience the majesty of this incredible destination.

It was, and there was still plenty of ice. 

Russia sold this northwest corner of North America to the US for a song in 1867. Twice the size of Texas, Alaska is a remote, mountainous wilderness, carved by flowing glaciers over thousands of years. 

From Seattle we sailed to the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, with a stop-off on the way back in Victoria, Canada . 

And we were definitely sailing in style. Princess Cruises are known to be specialists at Alaskan cruising and the new Discovery Princess can accommodate 3,660 passengers over its 19 decks.

Built in Italy , the  two-year-old vessel has a luxury spa, theatre, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and themed bars. 

Though family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ club, there are no waterslides or zip lines and it feels very much a playground for grown-ups. The popular casino even allows those feeling lucky to smoke.

I did wonder how we’d all manage to haul our luggage up the gangways and find our cabins but it’s well organised with the MedallionClass app. You book a time slot for boarding and drop off your suitcase at the dock. 

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There’s also a linked Medallion on a lanyard to collect as you check in. It works as a digital onboard passport, opening doors, logging orders and pinging your name to crew members. 

You feel like a celebrity when the barman says, “Hello, Miss Beverley, here’s your mimosa cocktail”.

Yes, I had my binoculars ready to spot humpback whales and giant moose, but cruising is definitely also about enjoying the ship. My balcony stateroom was stylishly decorated in pale tones with a queen-size bed. 

To make things simple, the Princess Plus package I added to my booking includes extras such as wi-fi, drinks up to $15 (£12) each and crew tips.

There are loads of excursions at every port — at various prices — but you can just disembark and do your own thing. It’s only risky if you go it alone, get hammered in a bar and miss the return deadline. The ship will sail without you . . . 

Ketchikan, our first stop, is an important breeding ground for salmon and has a strong Alaska Native culture, with colourful totem poles posted around town. 

The lumberjack show on slippery logs is great fun. I ate a stack of long-legged king crab at a waterside crab fest and watched a bald eagle called Harold swoop for food on my wilderness boat trip. 

Back onboard Discovery, there are organised activities throughout the day and evening entertainment, with live bands, musical theatre shows, magicians, comedians and fun quizzes. 

The Piazza is the main meeting place and the Captain’s Welcome Aboard party kicks off with a champagne waterfall. If you’ve ever wanted to try salsa or line dancing, here’s your chance.

For my favourite excursion, we anchored at sea southeast of Juneau and were picked up to sail into Endicott Arm, a narrow fjord 30 miles long.

Its forested slopes are home to bears and wolves and at the head stands Dawes Glacier.  Wedges of ice regularly sheer off the edge and become icebergs, shimmering blue in the water. On the cloudless day we floated in, sea lions were sunning themselves on rocks.

The Princess chefs buy catches of seafood in Alaska and all the ship’s restaurants have tempting menus (some at additional cost). 

Batty Betty

I loved Sabatini’s Trattoria and Gigi’s Pizzeria but the buffet at the World Fresh Marketplace was so wonderful that, apart from the chance to dress up, I’d have happily just dined there. 

Room service is complimentary but I prefer to hang out with other travellers and socialise.

In Skagway, it’s all about gold. During the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, there was a stampede to Yukon from this deep-water port. I got to try a bit of gold-panning (sifting is not easy!) and learnt about the gruelling journey up what was dubbed Dead Horse Trail. 

The prospectors also used dogs to pull their sleds and dog-mushing is still important in Alaska today. The excitable teams begin training as puppies and, with their thick double-fur coats, can race through blizzards. They wear little boots to protect their paws.

By 1900, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway had been constructed to replace the treacherous mountain path and it now runs as a scenic heritage train route. 

Go: Alaska cruise

A SEVEN-night Alaskan cruise on board the Discovery Princess departing Seattle on May 11, 2025, is from £844pp.

Calling at Ketchikan, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising), Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (Canada).

Includes full board and entertainment. Flights extra. See princess.com . 

Our guide Batty Betty, dressed in period costume, regaled us with stories about entrepreneurial Klondike characters such as Betty Pullen who flattened empty tin cans into pie pans. 

Travelling into the Alaskan interior on the railway made me want to see more of the national parks. If that’s more your thing, too, a Princess “cruisetour” from Vancouver is a cruise option with a direct-to-the-wilderness train trip and overnight lodge stays on land.

We didn’t dock in the Canadian city of Victoria until early evening so a guided walk at dusk was rather atmospheric, with the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel all lit up. 

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Then it was back to Pier 91 in Seattle to squeeze in a visit to the Space Needle and historic Pike Place Market before my flight home.

I may not have roughed it in Alaska like the Ice Road truckers but my cruise-ship odyssey was a trip of a lifetime.

• Holiday tips tricks and hacks
• The Sun Newspaper
• Travel Deals
• United States