Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself

Table Of Content

• Princess Cruises to Alaska
• The Princess Cruises Fleet
• Katmai National Park cruisetour
• Eat Local.
• Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself
• I booked a Princess cruise to Alaska for $1,147 per person—take a tour of my tiny inside cabin
• Princess Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst

One thing you can definitely say about Princess Cruises’ fleet – it proves that newer ships aren’t always the most popular. Yes, some of the more recent Princess ships are near the top of the list, but some are down at the bottom too, and a lot of guests prefer the quieter atmosphere of the older ships. Sapphire Princess is another older ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, having been sailing for around 20 years.

Princess Cruises to Alaska

No promenade and the pools are out door so not suitable to be used when it is cold. Too large to sail in and out of certain ports and they have difficulty with some other ports. I would say the best ship is the one that goes to more of the ports that you are interested in.

The Princess Cruises Fleet

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. 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.

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts - Good Housekeeping

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts.

Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Katmai National Park cruisetour

The Majestic Princess will be sailing out of Anchorage, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2023. There are five unique itineraries that include a 7 day northbound and southbound sailings as well and as 8,10 and 14 day voyages. In addition to the natural wonders, the Inside Passage route includes stops at charming coastal towns such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Explore Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, and visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a majestic blue ice glacier nestled within the Tongass National Forest. In Skagway, learn about the Klondike Gold Rush era and take a historic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. And in Ketchikan, stroll along Creek Street and immerse yourself in the rich Native Alaskan culture.

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World - PR Newswire

Princess Cruises Ends 2023 with Top Awards from Prestigious Travel Industry Organizations Around the World.

Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Spend the first two days diving into Alaskan culture long before you arrive at the first port. Sit front row at an authentic axe-throwing competition hosted by Alaskan lumberjacks or experience the thrill of the gold rush with an authentic Klondike Festival full of animated dancers and live guitar performances. You might even feel like a true local by the time you arrive at your first destination. As one of the only cruise lines with access to Glacier Bay, enjoy untouched waters and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your ship. The alternate cruise itinerary will take you past Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and make an additional stop in Haines. From there, be whisked away into Victoria B.C. With fantasy-like gardens and storybook homes, you’ll experience first-hand the old-school charm of this historic port.

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself

While the most popular cruise regions in the world will likely always remain the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, there are some amazing destinations beyond those regions, including Alaska. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. This includes the Grand Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess. The Sky Suites on Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess and Discovery Princess also have two bedrooms but are much more expensive. A lot of the decision will come down to the itineraries but you need to bear in mind the atmosphere and facilities too. A busier ship may be more entertaining but can also feel overwhelming if you want peace and quiet.

When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill. That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. A quick note on how I pulled this list together, because there are a couple of important things to clarify.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero. Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there. Cruises include scenic cruising of Glacier Bay National Park as well as College Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier. For 2023, Sapphire Princess will be sailing out of both Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier), visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, Icy Strait Point and Sitka, Alaska.

The 11 Best Cruise Ships For Alaska (According to Real Reviews)

Ultimately, the best Princess Alaska Cruise for you will depend on your individual interests, preferences, and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to the glaciers, fjords, wildlife encounters, or a combination of everything, Princess Cruises offers an array of routes that cater to different tastes and desires. Take your time to research and weigh your options, and remember that no matter which route you choose, a Princess Alaska Cruise promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this stunning and awe-inspiring region. Regardless of the route you choose, Princess Cruises ensures that your journey through Alaska is filled with exceptional amenities and dining experiences. From luxurious cabins and entertainment venues to world-class dining options, the onboard offerings are designed to enhance your overall experience and provide the perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment.

Not only is the IC larger than the one on Coral but the Piazza is, in my opinion, a much better design. Greetings from just down the road in Biggera W. We did a southbound to Vancouver on the Royal last August which we found fantastic. Many on here will advise smaller ships for an Alaskan cruise but we found no fault with the Royal whatsoever, in particular viewing areas. Not sure whether it is in your plans but consider a Princess cruise tour to go with it.

She tends to offer more unusual itineraries, and her smaller size gives her a really pleasant, intimate atmosphere – the combination suits a lot of people who want an exciting adventure with excellent service. Onboard features are limited so she feels more like a classic cruise ship – albeit one that is beautifully maintained. Princess Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, with a large fleet of ships that offer very different experiences. Don’t just see the Great Land’s glaciers, feel them come alive on an Alaska cruisetour. Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.

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. 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.

THE 25 BEST Princess Cruises to Alaska with Prices 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Alaska
• See Denali on an Alaska cruisetour
• Caribbean Princess
• or 11-day Alaska cruises
• Comparing the Princess cruise ships sailings to Alaska in 2022
• things I liked better about Princess Cruises than Royal Caribbean

Tours fill up fast in Alaska, and that’s especially true for some popular ones like helicopter excursions that land on a glacier. It’s important to book as far in advance as you can to ensure your vacation isn’t affected by your first option being sold out. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent. Weeklong cruises will voyage to  Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, British Colombia, and scenic cruising of Glacier Bay National Park.

Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Alaska

Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available. Princess Cruises has a wide selection of itineraries, 19 in total across 7 ships.

See Denali on an Alaska cruisetour

Currently don't know which will be in Alaska , so really can't give advice as to which ship. We are just waiting for cruising to start up and we will go anywhere, just to get going again. We liked the Coral so much that we sailed on her for our Panama Canal cruise too! We also had a reservation on the Coral for a March 2021 South America/Antarctica cruise, but sadly cancelled that reservation due to the pandemic.

Caribbean Princess

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. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska. 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.

or 11-day Alaska cruises

From September 2022 through February 2023, cruising in California expands with a return to San Diego. In addition, the ship will sail a unique 20-day cruise to Central America, roundtrip from San Diego in November 2022. 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.

Comparing the Princess cruise ships sailings to Alaska in 2022

With a few extra health and safety protocols, that mainly go unnoticed, the cruise line is able to offer the same great cruise experience. Princess has downsized the size of its fleet considerably over the past year with the removal of five vessels. But its still the worlds fifth-biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 14 ships that together offer more than 42,000 berths.

Royal Caribbean International

The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise. They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

According to customer reviews, the best Princess Cruises ship is the Regal Princess, the second of the Royal-class ships to launch when she debuted in 2014. Her sister ship Enchanted Princess is actually rated the worst of the cruise line’s ships. Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story. On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea. All of our Alaska cruisetours include a stay at our premier Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park overlooking the Nenana River.

Princess Cruises to Alaska

Here's How To Eat Really Well On A Princess Cruise - Forbes

Here's How To Eat Really Well On A Princess Cruise.

Posted: Sat, 30 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood, succulent steaks, and a variety of international dishes meticulously created by top-notch chefs. The ships also feature bars and lounges where you can unwind with a refreshing drink and enjoy live music or entertainment. Enjoy live entertainment shows, indulge in fine dining experiences, and relax in the onboard spa and wellness facilities. Princess Cruises also offer enrichment programs, ranging from educational lectures about the wildlife and history of Alaska to culinary demonstrations and wine tastings. The Inside Passage route offers a wide range of activities and excursions that cater to various interests.

And while there are elements of the ship that are showing that age, an extensive refurbishment in 2018 has helped to keep it looking fresh and removed many of the really dated features. The first new ship in 5 years, she was also significantly larger than prior ships in the fleet and she debuted exciting features including the SeaWalk, the glass-bottomed walkway extending over the side of the ship. On one hand, I loved the Alaska-themed programming and being able to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. These two pluses definitely enhanced my overall cruise experience and helped me learn more about Alaska’s nature and wildlife.

Or, test your inner thrill-seeker and soar down a 5,330-foot-long descent on the world’s highest ZipRider cable – which sits 1,300 feet above sea level. No matter where you choose to explore, your 14 days aboard an Alaska cruise will be filled with endless discovery and a newfound sense of wonder. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks.

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. We've done two Alaska cruise tours (we did the connoisseur tours and highly recommend them) and feel that doing the land portion first and the cruise portion after is the way to go.

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

Choosing the best Princess Alaska Cruise for you requires considering factors such as scenery, wildlife, activities, amenities, and your budget. Reflect on your personal interests and priorities to make an informed decision that aligns with your desires and makes your dream vacation a reality. With their commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail, Princess Cruises ensures that every guest’s needs and preferences are met. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, traveling with family, or seeking a solo adventure, the staff onboard is dedicated to providing a personalized and memorable experience for each guest.

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. "Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords," said Cicero.

"We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends." Some routes may be more affordable or offer shorter itineraries, allowing you to choose according to your financial constraints and available time. Keep in mind that the Alaska Cruisetours typically have a longer duration due to the additional land tour portion.