Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. From majestic glaciers (many of which offer some of the best viewing) to historic frontier towns, national parks, wildlife and outdoor activities, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Maybe you just want to see the highlights on a 7-day Inland Waterway cruise, or maybe you’re looking for a more in-depth cruise and land tour combination that takes you to spectacular glaciers and national parks. Either way, Princess Cruises has you covered.
Princess is one of Alaska’s longest operating companies, with more ships sailing from more ports than any other operator. The cruise line has operated in Alaska for more than 50 years, offering passengers expanded options and benefits, including special national park access and extensive “cruise tours.”
More ships calling at more ports
With the launch of the newest and most luxurious Star Princess cruise ship in October, Princess Cruises will sail in Alaska in 2026 with a total of eight ships ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,300 passengers. Routes include round-trip flights from convenient West Coast ports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver. It also offers more departure options from Seattle than most cruise lines (including weekend departures) and even one-way cruises between Anchorage and Vancouver.
Diversity in ships means more variety in price points and cabin options. You can choose from affordable on-site cabins suitable for single occupancy, as well as a range of balcony cabins, and finally the famous Sanctuary luxury suites, which include unlimited drinks and fitness classes, priority dining reservations, an adults-only private pool and benefits such as the Sanctuary restaurant, the signature suites lounge and the Sanctuary Club.
But Princess does stand out for the breadth of its itineraries and transportation. The company offers more than 15 sailing options ranging from 7 to 20 nights, as well as “cruises” that visit up to 5 national parks.
Its shorter seven-day cruises include Inner Bay Passage cruises with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, and scenic sailings in Endicott Bay and Dawes Glacier. If you’re looking for more glacier time, the line’s one-way itinerary between Anchorage and Vancouver also stops at Sitka and Glacier Strait Point, and includes a scenic cruise into Glacier Bay National Park.
The company offers a range of longer cruises and sailing itineraries lasting up to 20 days.
Special access to Glacier Bay National Park
Outside of the polar regions, few places allow visitors to get as close to live ice as Glacier Bay National Park. Covering approximately 3.3 million acres and home to more than 1,000 glaciers, this protected wilderness is one of the most spectacular areas of Alaska’s Inside Passage. But not all ships sailing in Alaska can enter the park. To protect this pristine bay and its rich wildlife and ecosystem, the National Park Service limits access to two boats per day — and those with the most historic presence in the state get priority in the permitting process.
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That’s why Princess can offer more sailings in the Gulf than most other cruise lines. While nearly all cruises to Alaska feature at least one glacier spot somewhere along the way, nothing beats a full-day cruise through famous Glacier Bay.
The ship cruises the waters for 9 to 10 hours, giving passengers plenty of time to take in the scenery from all angles while spotting bears, whales, harbor porpoises, rare birds, sea lions and otters. Of course, visitors can also see the dynamic ice calving of tidewater glaciers.
During the full day of glacier viewing, NPS rangers are on board to talk about highlights of the cruise, as well as conduct special presentations and Junior Ranger activities for children.
“Cruise trip” provides in-depth experience
In addition to its many ships, Princess has five upscale cabins that take you deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Since Princess Cruises operates both land and cruise segments, transportation is seamless and includes coach tours and glass-dome train options.
On a cruise, you can get up close and personal with Mount Denali, fly fish on the Kenai River, ride a dog sled, take a sightseeing flight or enjoy the mountain views and spot wildlife from the comfort of a luxurious hotel. Princess offers approximately 30 cruises, including seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises and three- to eight-night land tours that include stays at one or more Princess hotels.
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
Opened in 2002, this 85-room hotel is the newest Princess Inn. It is located near the town of Glenallen, which is home to many travel agencies and outfitters and is one of the gateways to Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Preserve—The largest national park in the United States. The surrounding natural beauty means guests can enjoy views of Mount Wrangell, Mount Drum and Mount Blackburn from the lodge grounds. Guests who want to get up close and personal with nature can book additional excursions at the hotel, such as salmon fishing, Prince William Sound glacier cruises, rafting and coastal kayaking. There are also several dining options, a gift shop and kid-friendly activities on site.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
This 666-room hotel is the largest of the Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodges and offers a variety of amenities. Whether you want a sit-down meal or a quick bite to eat, there are a variety of dining options. There is also a gift shop village nearby where you can purchase any supplies you may have forgotten. The lodge is located just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park, making it the perfect starting point for hiking, fly fishing, rafting, ziplining, or other nature excursions.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Located along the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, this 86-room hotel offers river and mountain views. Known as a sportsman’s paradise, the Kenai Peninsula is a great starting point for nature hikes, sport fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and day trips to Kenai Fjords National Park. Travelers interested in museums, fine dining and wildlife can also book a day trip to Seward through the hotel. Back at the lodge, guests have access to a restaurant and lounge, a grocery store and a wood-burning stove to make their stay even more comfortable.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
At this princess cabin, guests can enjoy the convenience of a resort in the wilderness. The property is located on 146 acres in Denali State Park and adjacent to the Chulitna River. It also offers some of the most stunning views of Mount McKinley, also known as Mount McKinley. The 460-room hotel features a spacious “great room” with a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Alaska Range and a huge outdoor terrace. Activities in the surrounding area include tubing along the Talkeetna River, horse-drawn carriage rides, rafting, kayaking tours, and of course, plenty of hiking.
Fairbanks Princess River Inn
Experience Alaskan city living at this modern hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city. This 328-room hotel offers travelers convenience by being close to the airport and downtown attractions. Guests can eat and drink while taking in views of the adjacent Chena River, or even book a cruise down the river on a sternwheel river boat. Other activities include panning for gold at Gold Dredge 8, driving ATVs through the surrounding forests under the midnight sun, and exploring towns.
