Alaska consistently ranks among the most popular cruise destinations in the world, drawing travelers with its dramatic landscapes, historic frontier towns, and abundant wildlife. From majestic tidewater glaciers best viewed from the sea to expansive national parks and rugged outdoor adventures, the region offers an experience tailored to nearly every style of traveler.
Whether planning a focused, seven-day voyage through the scenic Inside Passage or looking for a more comprehensive combination of cruising and land-based exploration, travelers have a wide array of choices. Princess Cruises, one of the longest-running operators in the region, continues to solidify its prominent presence in Alaska by deploying more ships from more departure ports than almost any other cruise line. With more than five decades of experience navigating Alaskan waters, the company leverages its deep local expertise to offer passengers unique logistical advantages, including special permits for national park entry and an extensive portfolio of integrated land and sea packages known as cruisetours.
More Ships from More Ports of Call
Following the scheduled October launch of its newest and most luxurious vessel, the Star Princess, the cruise line will operate a fleet of eight ships in Alaska for the 2026 season. Ranging in passenger capacity from 2,000 to 4,300 guests, the fleet provides diverse options to suit various travel preferences and budgets. Itineraries include convenient round-trip sailings from major West Coast hubs such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver. Notably, the operator provides more departure options from Seattle than most competing lines—including weekend departures—along with popular one-way itineraries operating between Anchorage and Vancouver.
This variety of vessels translates into a broad spectrum of pricing tiers and stateroom categories. Passengers can select from budget-friendly and solo-oriented interior cabins to a diverse selection of balcony staterooms. At the highest end are the line’s signature Sanctuary luxury suites, which come with an array of premium amenities. Guests booked in these suites enjoy perks such as unlimited beverages, complimentary fitness classes, priority dining reservations, access to a private adults-only pool, and exclusive entry into the Sanctuary Restaurant, the Signature Suite Lounge, and the Sanctuary Club.
Beyond ship amenities, Princess distinguishes itself through the breadth and depth of its itineraries. The company offers more than 15 distinct sailing options ranging from 7 to 20 nights, alongside comprehensive cruisetours that venture into up to five different national parks.
Shorter sailings include seven-day Inside Passage cruises featuring port calls in Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, paired with scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. For travelers seeking extended glacier viewing opportunities, the line’s one-way voyages between Anchorage and Vancouver incorporate stops in Sitka and Icy Strait Point, alongside dedicated scenic cruising days within Glacier Bay National Park. These offerings are complemented by a series of longer itineraries and cruisetours that extend up to 20 days.
Special Access to Glacier Bay National Park
Few regions outside the polar latitudes allow travelers to approach living ice as closely as Glacier Bay National Park. Spanning approximately 3.3 million acres and containing more than 1,000 glaciers, this protected wilderness forms one of the most visually striking sections of Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, access to the bay is strictly regulated. To safeguard the pristine marine ecosystem, local wildlife, and delicate habitats, the National Park Service limits entry to only two cruise ships per day. Operators with the longest operational history and established standing in the state receive priority during the permitting process.
This regulatory framework allows Princess to secure more authorized sailings into the bay than the vast majority of competing cruise lines. While many Alaska itineraries include some form of glacier viewing, full-day transits through Glacier Bay offer a distinctly immersive experience. Ships typically spend nine to ten hours navigating the protected waters, providing passengers with sweeping panoramic views while scanning the shorelines and waters for bears, whales, harbor porpoises, rare birds, sea lions, and sea otters. The extended duration also allows guests to witness dramatic ice calving events from active tidewater glaciers.
To enrich the experience, National Park Service rangers board the vessels during the glacier-viewing days. These experts provide live narration highlighting the geographical and ecological significance of the area, host informative presentations on board, and lead specialized Junior Ranger activities for younger travelers.
Cruisetours Provide an In-Depth Experience
In addition to its maritime operations, Princess maintains a network of five upscale wilderness lodges designed to transport travelers deeper into the interior of Alaska. Because the company manages both the marine and land components of these journeys, transfers between ships, motorcoaches, and glass-domed railcars are coordinated seamlessly.
Through these integrated cruisetours, visitors can explore the wilderness surrounding Denali, try fly-fishing on the Kenai River, experience a traditional dog sled ride, embark on flightseeing excursions, or observe mountain landscapes and local wildlife from the comfort of their accommodations. The line offers approximately 30 distinct cruisetours that pair a seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruise with a land tour lasting three to eight nights, featuring stays at one or more of the proprietary wilderness lodges.
The Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, an 85-room property opened in 2002, serves as the newest addition to the lodge network. Located near Glennallen, a hub for regional tour operators and outdoor outfitters, the property acts as a primary gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. Guests on the grounds enjoy expansive views of Mount Wrangell, Mount Drum, and Mount Blackburn. Additional on-site or nearby excursions bookable through the lodge include salmon fishing, glacier cruises in Prince William Sound, river rafting, and coastal kayaking, alongside multiple dining venues, a gift shop, and family-friendly activities.
As the largest property in the network, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge features 666 rooms and a wide array of amenities, including multiple dining outlets and a nearby gift shop village. Situated just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park, the lodge functions as a convenient base camp for hiking, fly-fishing, river rafting, ziplining, and other outdoor excursions.
Further south, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge is situated along the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, offering picturesque views of the surrounding riverways and mountains. Recognized widely as a destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, the Kenai Peninsula provides easy access to nature hikes, sportfishing, river rafting, horseback riding, and sightseeing day cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors interested in local culture and wildlife can also arrange day trips to Seward directly through the property. The lodge itself features a restaurant and lounge, a general store, and wood-burning stoves designed to create a comfortable atmosphere for guests.
The Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge spans 146 acres inside Denali State Park, bordered by the Chulitna River. The 460-room property offers expansive views of Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Its central feature is a large "Great Room" complete with a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Alaska Range, and a massive outdoor deck. Surrounding activities include float trips down the Talkeetna River, horse-drawn wagon rides, river rafting, kayak tours, and extensive hiking trails.
Finally, the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge provides an urban retreat within Alaska’s second-largest city. The 328-room contemporary hotel is located near both the local airport and downtown attractions, offering views of the adjacent Chena River. Guests can dine overlooking the water, book excursions aboard an authentic sternwheeler riverboat, try gold panning at Gold Dredge 8, ride all-terrain vehicles through nearby forests beneath the midnight sun, or take guided tours of Fairbanks.
