Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and it’s certainly easy to see why. From its majestic glaciers – many of which can be best viewed from the sea – to its historic frontier towns, national parks, wildlife and outdoor activities, there truly is something for all types of travelers.
Maybe you just want to check out the highlights of a seven-day Inside Passage cruise — or maybe you’re looking for more in-depth cruise packages and land tours that take you to magnificent glaciers and national parks. Either way, Princess Cruises has you covered.
Princess, one of Alaska’s oldest companies, has more ships sailing from more ports than any other operator. The cruise line’s 50-plus years of service in Alaska translates to more options and perks for passengers, including access to private national parks and a wider range of “cruises.”
More ships from more ports of call

With the October launch of its newest and most luxurious ship, Star Princess, Princess will have a total of eight ships — ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,300 passengers — sailing Alaska in 2026. Itineraries include round-trip sailings from convenient West Coast ports like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver. They also offer more options from Seattle than most cruise lines (including weekend departures), and even one-way cruises between Anchorage and Vancouver.
Diversity of ships means more variety of price points and cabin options. You can choose from budget-friendly single-occupancy ensuite cabins to a range of balcony cabins, and finally the popular luxury Sanctuary Suites – which include perks like unlimited drinks and fitness classes, priority dining reservations, an adults-only private pool, and exclusive access to the Sanctuary Restaurant, Signature Suite Lounge, and Sanctuary Club.
But Princess really stands out in the breadth and reach of its itineraries. The company offers more than 15 sailing options ranging from seven to 20 nights, and “cruises” that visit up to five national parks.
Among the shorter seven-day cruises are Inside Passage cruises that stop at Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau with scenic sailings of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. If you want more glacial time, the line’s one-way trips between Anchorage and Vancouver also stop at Sitka and Icy Strait Point and include scenic cruises in Glacier Bay National Park.
The line offers a range of longer itineraries on its cruises and sailings of up to 20 days.
Private access to Glacier Bay National Park

Few places outside the polar regions allow travelers as close to live ice as Glacier Bay National Park. Spanning 3.3 million acres and containing more than 1,000 glaciers, this protected wilderness forms one of Alaska’s most spectacular stretches of the Inside Passage. But not all ships sailing in Alaska can enter the park. To protect this pristine bay and its abundant wildlife and ecosystems, the National Park Service limits access to two vessels per day — and those with the longest history in the state receive priority in the permit process.
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That’s why Princess can offer more Gulf cruises than most other cruise lines. Although almost any Alaska cruise includes seeing at least one glacier somewhere along its route, nothing quite compares to an all-day sail through the famous Glacier Bay.
The ships spend between nine and 10 hours sailing through the water, giving passengers enough time to enjoy the scenery from all angles while observing bears, whales, porpoises, rare birds, sea lions and otters. And of course, travelers can see the birth of ice from dynamic tidal-water glaciers.
While you watch the glacier throughout the day, NPS rangers come on board to recount sailing highlights and host special presentations and Junior Ranger activities for kids.
“Cruisetours” provide an in-depth experience

In addition to its many ships, Princess has five upscale lodges that take you deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Since Princess operates both land and cruise segments, transfers are seamless and include options for glass-dome bus and train trips.
During a cruise, you can get up close and personal with Denali, fish the Kenai River, ride a dog sled, go flight watching, or enjoy mountain views and hunt for wildlife from the luxurious comforts of your hotel. Princess offers about 30 cruises that combine a seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruise with a three- to eight-night land tour including a stay at one or more Princess lodges.
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
This 85-room hotel opened in 2002 but is the newest princess lodge. It is located near the town of Glennallen, which is home to many tour operators and outfitters, and acts as one of the gateways to Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Reserve – the largest national park in the country. The surrounding nature means guests can enjoy views of Mount Wrangell, Mount Drum and Mount Blackburn from the lodge grounds. Those who want to get closer to this nature can book additional excursions through the property, such as salmon fishing, ice cruising in Prince William Sound, river rafting and coastal kayaking. The inn also offers multiple dining venues, a gift shop and kid-friendly activities on site.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
This 666-room hotel is the largest of the Princess of Alaska wilderness lodges and offers plenty of amenities. There are multiple dining options, whether you are looking for a sit-down meal or a quick meal. There is also a gift shop village nearby where you can buy any supplies you may have forgotten. The lodge is located just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park, making it an ideal starting point for hiking, fly fishing, river rafting, zip lining or other nature excursions.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Located along the Kenai River in Cooper’s Landing, this 86-room property offers stunning views of the river and mountains. Known as a sportsman’s paradise, the Kenai Peninsula is a great starting point for nature hikes, sport fishing, river rafting, horseback riding and sightseeing day cruises to Kenai Fjords National Park. Travelers interested in seeing some of the museums, food, and wildlife can also book a day trip to Seward through the property. Back at the lodge, guests have access to a restaurant, lounge, general store and wood-burning stoves to make the stay very comfortable.
Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
Guests at Princess Lodge can enjoy resort amenities in the wilderness. The property’s grounds span 146 acres within Denali State Park and are bordered by the Chulitna River. It also offers some of the most stunning views you can find on Denali (aka Mount McKinley). The 460-room lodge has a spacious “great room” with a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Alaska Range, and a huge outdoor deck. Activities in the surrounding area include floating down the Talkeetna River, horse-drawn carriage rides, river rafting, kayak tours, and of course, plenty of hiking.
Fairbanks princess riverside lodge
Experience Alaskan urban living at this contemporary hotel located in Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city. The 328-room inn is located near the airport and downtown attractions, making it convenient for travelers. Guests can eat and drink while enjoying views of the neighboring Chena River or even book a cruise down the river on a river boat. Other activities include prospecting for gold at Gold Dredge 8, quad biking through the surrounding forests under the midnight sun, and taking city tours.
