Plenty of cruise lines have mastered itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexican Riviera. Significantly fewer are recognized as true experts in Alaska.
That’s because Alaska is fundamentally different. The 49th state isn’t just another collection of ports. It’s a vast wilderness where glacier viewing, wildlife encounters, and even access to certain attractions can vary dramatically depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Some travelers spend a week exploring coastal towns and never set foot in Alaska’s interior. Others miss Glacier Bay National Park simply because their ship doesn’t have permission to access it. In Alaska, the cruise line beautifully shapes the entire vacation experience.
Princess Cruises® promises the most comprehensive ways to explore hard-to-reach areas, including Glacier Bay National Park (a privilege not granted to many large cruise lines) and immersive Cruisetours that combine rail, land, and sea travel. That’s why Discovery Princess® was named the 2026 Good Housekeeping Travel Award winner for “Coolest Way to See Alaska.” With more than five decades of experience in the region, here are just a handful of reasons Princess® continues to set the standard in Alaska exploration.
Cruising Is Part of the Sightseeing Experience
To some people, cruising is merely a way to get from one island port or European city to the next, but days at sea are quintessential to sailing Alaska with Princess®. Rarely are you traveling from point A to point B without spectacular views of both landscapes and wildlife. Leave the days labeled “scenic cruising” to enjoy the spectacular views and epic surroundings. Take Hubbard Glacier, for example. As you sail around Yakutat Bay, there’s no need to worry about being on the “right side” of the ship for the best views, as the captain will do a 360-degree turn during your visit. Pro tip: Bring binoculars so you can see your surroundings in stunning detail.
Pair Your Cruise With a Land Tour
While traditional cruises only focus on Alaska’s coastal towns, some of the state’s most noteworthy experiences live inland. Princess Cruisetours—available on one-way sailings starting in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Vancouver—combine a three to 10-day land portion with a 7-day cruise, inclusive of rail and motorcoach travel between cities, plus overnight stays at Princess Wilderness Lodges®.
Adventures include exploring Denali National Park and its abundant wildlife and charming pioneer towns like Talkeetna (halfway between Anchorage and Denali). Overnight stays are hosted in rustically comfortable Princess Wilderness Lodges. One popular highlight is traveling aboard Princess’ glass-domed rail cars, which provide panoramic views of the state’s unparalleled wilderness as they travel deep into the heart of Alaska (or towards Anchorage if you begin your trip on land). Along the way, your train will slow down for any wildlife spotted near the tracks. Together, the coastal cruise and land tour provide a much more complete picture of Alaska.
Visit the Highly Exclusive Glacier Bay National Park
No cruise to Alaska is complete without a visit to Glacier Bay National Park—but not every cruise line has permission to sail through. Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.
Spanning more than 3 million acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to dramatic tidewater glaciers, abundant wildlife, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. Access is limited by the National Park Service to protect the environment, and Princess is one of the few cruise lines that can enter.
National Park Rangers come aboard to provide live commentary during the scenic cruising day. As the ship glides past glaciers and wildlife, they share insights about the region’s history, geology, marine life and conservation efforts. Many Princess Alaska itineraries include scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park.
Whether you’re watching (and hearing!) a glacier calve into the water or scanning for seals, sea otters, whales, porpoises, and bald eagles, Glacier Bay National Park is often every passenger’s most beloved day of the cruise.
Enjoy Every Type of Offshore Excursion
Another reason Princess is a great way to explore Alaska is because the cruise line partners with trusted local tour operators to offer an impressive variety of experiences that provide opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Soar over glaciers by helicopter in Juneau, go salmon sportfishing in Ketchikan, or zipline high above forests and coastline in Icy Strait Point. Wildlife enthusiasts can spend their days searching for whales, bears, and bald eagles. Others may prefer historical tours, a lumberjack show followed by an all-you-can-eat crab feast, or leisurely walks through coastal towns.
This variety is one of the reasons Alaska works so well for every cruiser. From couples to multigenerational families and groups traveling with children, everyone can customize their daily experience while still sharing the larger journey together.
Continue Your Fun On Board
Dining is a particular onboard highlight. The Catch by Rudi (available on several ships in the Princess fleet and included with the Princess Premier® Package), is a sustainably sourced seafood concept by Chef Rudi Sodamin. Crown Grill is a classic American steakhouse with premium cuts, craft cocktails and a curated wine list. The entertainment lineup is as assorted and extensive as everything else Princess offers. Evenings offer Broadway-style production shows, live music performances, comedy, or game shows. There’s the full-service, signature Princess Lotus Spa® and a variety of quiet corners for relaxation. Comfortable accommodations ranging from interior cabins to spacious suites provide a welcoming place to recharge before another day of exploration.
Because of Alaska’s relatively short cruise season, it’s normal to plan years in advance. Hop on board the fleet’s newest, Star Princess—or explore popular itineraries, Glacier Bay National Park sailings, Cruisetours, and sought-after stateroom categories via Princess.com or contact your travel advisor to book.
