Princess cruise line. Visit the beauty that is Alaska.
Glaciers, whales
and so much more to see. Alaska is a
breathtaking vacation spot that you will never forget. Princess
is the leader in Alaska cruises and tours with more choices than any other cruise line. Feel the
thunder of a calving glacier. Experience awe-inspiring National
Parks. See moose and bear and the Midnight Sun. Alaska is a land
of endless possibilities from the Inside Passage to Mt. McKinley
and beyond. At Princess, we bring Alaska to you - from our ships
to our luxury rail cars to our exclusive wilderness lodges. So you
can enjoy the journey as much as each spectacular destination.
Alaska Cruise Highlights
Up north there's a land without fences. Animals outnumber people, sunlight shines at midnight and nature reigns. Life is different. This northern frontier still boasts pristine landscapes, majestic wildlife and a coastline that is one of the most enthralling waterways in the world. Beyond Alaska's fortress-like glacier walls lie scenic ports of call, treasured national parks, and abundant wildlife. And, with more than 1,400 miles north to south and 2,400 miles east to west, it's truly, a land of epic proportions.
Ice Age Glaciers
The glaciers of College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park offer some of the most spectacular sights and sounds you'll experience on your Alaskan cruise vacation.
Alaska’s ice-age glacial formations, thought of as static and motionless, are very much alive, active and powerful. Winding down from mountains and fjords, these massive rivers of ice are often on the move, some dropping their bounty into the sea. The process is known as "calving," and some tidewater glaciers shed enormous chunks of ice several times an hour.
In most cases, the cascading wall of ice you see is several hundred years old. While these newly formed icebergs rapidly melt in the relatively warm water, some are large enough to support seals and other wildlife looking for a free, albeit temporary, ride.
From the upper reaches of College Fjord and the splendor of Glacier Bay to the sites at Tracy Arm Fjord, leave it to Princess Cruises to offer you a front-row seat to one of the most magnificent views on Earth.
Of course, the only thing better than seeing glaciers is actually touching them. That's why we offer optional combination helicopter/hiking tours that put you square on the surface of these massive ice beds. You can also take a “flightseeing” (sightseeing by air) tour over glaciers, kayak around them, and even ride a dogsled across.
Abundant Wildlife
Whales, sea lions, otters, eagles, bears and an incredible diversity of seabirds can appear seemingly from out of the blue. And an onboard naturalist is always on hand during our cruises to offer insights into each new animal sighting.
The wildlife of Alaska is just one of the thrilling aspects of this amazing frontier land. And, on an Alaska Princess cruise vacation, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of creatures, all in their natural habitats
- A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Flying high above it all is the majestic bald eagle, which boasts a wingspan of up to eight feet. Some 40,000 bald eagles reside in Alaska today, with most nesting near water for easy fishing. They are one of more than 300 species of birds that can be found here, each a delight to observe and photograph. Other signature birds include the horned and tufted puffins, which thrive on the western end of Prince William Sound and along the Kenai Peninsula; the docile kittiwake, which nest in colonies along Glacier Bay; and the red-tailed hawk, a fixture at Wrangell-St. Elias.
Escape to Alaska with Princess Cruises—and experience the wild wonders of this spellbinding land.
Alaska's National Parks
Once you realize that an impressive one-half of all U.S. National Park land is located in Alaska, only then you can begin to understand the scope of this vast expanse.
- Glacier Bay National Park
Set on the state's southeastern coast, this glacier-rich territory is equally abundant in snowcaps, fjords and wildlife.
Spread across an impressive 3.3-million acres, southeastern Alaska’s scenic coastal islands, narrow fjords and substantial wildlife offer an inspirational glimpse of the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park.
The highest concentration of tidewater glaciers on the planet can be found here. Access to this natural wonderland is extremely limited and not all cruise lines can offer this access. But as a leader in the business, Princess Cruises is proud to include Glacier Bay on every one of our exclusive Voyage of the Glaciers cruises or Alaska Cruisetours (combined cruise and land tour).
- Denali National Park
Mt. McKinley keeps a watchful eye on the caribou, moose, bear and gray wolves that roam this 6 million acre wilderness.
From the moment you step off the Alaska Railroad at the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time, where skyscrapers and traffic jams have been replaced by snowcapped mountain peaks and flocks of native birds. This park defines the Alaskan Experience so Princess Cruises includes it on every Alaska Cruisetour (combined cruise-and-land tour).
Towering above it all is the venerable Mt. McKinley, the highest point in all of North America. At 20,320 feet, its summit beckons more than 1,000 climbers each year who brave the elements for the chance to scale its majestic face. Fortunately, the climate isn't a factor for guests of Princess Cruises, who can relax at one of our two exclusive, custom-built lodges - the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The highest coastal mountains in the world can be found here, near the Canadian border in south central Alaska.
With its grand vistas and boundless landscapes, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park exceeds even the most imaginative expectations because of its distinction as being the nation's largest.
Stretching along the Canadian border in scenic south central Alaska, this robust land is quilted with wandering rivers, lakes, glaciers and some of the most dramatic mountain ranges to be found in North America. In fact, nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country are here, including the park's namesakes: Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell — the latter an active volcano that last erupted in 1911.
- Kenai Fjords National Park
This rocky southeastern coast of the Kenai Peninsula in south central Alaska is home to more than 100 bird species.
Filled with rugged capes, sea arches and ice caves, magnificent Kenai Fjords is the kind of place that stirs the souls of artists, including some filmmakers, whose otherworldly sets are no doubt inspired by locations like this. Indeed, if you were in search of Superman's Fortress of Solitude, this would be a good place to start.
Set on the jagged southern end of the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage, the ice-sculpted land known as "Alaska's playground" just begs to be explored—and Princess Cruises provides a variety of ways to do it.
If marine life is your passion, our Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise is the perfect opportunity to see humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises and puffins. It's one of several family-friendly excursions that can be arranged during your stay at our exclusive Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, located on the northern edge of the park in the Chugach National Forest near the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. The only Cruisetour lodge in the area is just steps away from the glacial blue-green Kenai River, the perfect place for trophy-size fishing.
After a day of exploring, relax in our indoor or outdoor hot tubs, or enjoy a nightcap in our cozy Rafter's Lounge. With so much to see and do, you'll be ready for a little pampering, and on an Alaska Princess cruisetour, we’re prepared to do just that.
- Gates of The Arctic National Park
Located north of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range, this wide swath of tundra is unparalleled in its beauty.
Deep in the heart of Alaska is an unblemished land known for its pristine wilderness. North of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range lies the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a maze of glaciated valleys and jagged peaks that nurture a surprisingly diverse and stunning ecosystem.
Covering 8.4 million acres, the Gates of the Arctic is the second largest national park in the United States, but its remote location makes it one of the least visited. That's why we’ve included it on Princess Cruises Explorer itineraries, on the way to Prudhoe Bay.
Alpine meadows, forested lowlands and arctic tundra vegetation support four-legged wildlife, such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep and black and grizzly bears, as well as the two-legged, winged variety. More than 130 species of birds are here, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.
Onboard an Alaska Cruise
The difference between seeing Alaska and understanding Alaska is what Princess Cruises brings to life on your Alaska cruise vacation. Our onboard enrichment programs introduce the real Alaska for a personalized perspective of America's last frontier.
- Insider's View of Alaska
Libby Riddles comes aboard in Juneau to share her adventures as the first woman to win the grueling 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race. In Skagway, you'll enjoy the entertainment of an Alaskan storyteller. And in Ketchikan, a U.S. Forest Service naturalist will present a program about the largest forest in the country, Tongass National Forest.
- Rangers and Naturalists
Alaska's intriguing flora, fauna and geology come to life by the full-time onboard naturalists who sails with you the entire length of the cruise. While in Glacier Bay National Park, rangers from the National Park Service will board the cruise ship to serve as tour guides and answer questions about this national treasure. Rangers also lead our Junior Ranger and Teen Explorer programs in Glacier Bay, which teach kids about the wildlife and scenery in a fun and entertaining way.
- Alaska Signature Specialties
Our Signature Alaskan Cuisine showcases local specialties like fresh Alaskan Seafood. We also treat you to a Taste of Alaska Buffet, a festive on-deck Fish Barbeque and a Reindeer Chili and Rockfish Chowder Cook-Off. The Chef's Alaskan Dinner and Glacier Bay Gala Buffet are highlights not to be missed. Or indulge in our Glacier Bay Champagne Breakfast served on your own balcony onboard Princess Cruises.
Princess Cruises Rail Service
Princess Cruises Rail Service provides cruise ship to lodge transportation travelling through some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery.
- Princess Exclusive*
Open-air viewing platforms allow you to step outdoors for the perfect snapshot or breath of fresh air. Dining choices include an elegant dining salon with picture windows and a menu of delectable entrees prepared fresh to your order or a club car serving delicious snacks and beverages in a more casual setting. Add reserved seating, plenty of legroom and friendly, attentive service and the number one choice for an Alaska cruisetour is Princess Cruises.
- Ship to Train to Denali — All in One Day
Our exclusive ship-rail-lodge connection takes you straight to Denali National Park. While others are still in transit, you'll be enjoying more time at one of our two Denali area lodges where fabulous Princess service meets the real Alaskan wilderness. Luxury dining on the train
- Fewer Transfers, Less Time Waiting
Disembark while you're still in the glow of your Alaska cruise. Then step directly from your ship onto your waiting railway carriage. Sit back, read, chat, dine and marvel at the panoramic vistas from the domed observation lounge. Arrive at Denali that same day ready to experience the wonders you've traveled so far to see.
- More Time at Denali
Wake up to the sights and sounds of Denali National Park. You'll bask in the pleasure of knowing you've reached your destination nearly a full day earlier than with any other cruisetour company. That means more time to sit by the fire, linger over grilled salmon and soak up the comfort and luxury of the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
- Breathtaking Scenery
Wrap-around glass domed ceilings ensure unobstructed views of Alaska's spectacular scenery while you relax and enjoy the food and beverage service and informative commentary provided by our onboard rail guides.
Princess Wilderness Lodges
Conveniently located near top attractions across the state, our deluxe lodges feature the same exceptional service you’ll find aboard our cruise ships. Located in riverside settings at Denali, Copper River, Mt. McKinley, Fairbanks and Kenai.
- Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Nestled in a prime location near the entrance to Denali National Park, this gorgeous lodge is the perfect starting point for your wilderness adventure.
- Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
On a bluff overlooking the largest national park, this lodge has a wall of windows featuring dramatic views of Wrangell-St. Elias.
- Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
North America's tallest mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the picture-perfect setting for this wilderness retreat just south of Denali National Park.
- Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge
The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge offers all the conveniences of Fairbanks with the comfort of a Princess lodge.
- Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Top-notch salmon fishing is only steps away from this well-appointed lodge set in the mountains overlooking the beautiful Kenai River.
Alaska Cruises
Choose from three Alaska cruise vacation types, and enjoy affordable balcony staterooms, Personal Choice Dining®, and all the perks of a big ship without losing any of the personal attention you'd expect to find on a small ship.
Possessing half of the U.S. National Parks, Alaska truly offers some of Mother Nature’s best work. Stretching across a staggering 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest parcel of land, but its sister parks—Glacier Bay, Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Gates of the Arctic—share equally in beauty and natural wonders.
So incredibly beautiful, you’ll think you stepped into a painting. This is Alaska as seen from the panoramic perspective of your dazzling Princess cruise ship. Monumental glaciers are nature’s draw and Alaska’s waterways reveal more of these thrilling Ice Age giants than anywhere else on earth. Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world, home to bald eagles, whales, sea lions, otters, brown bears, mountain goats and flocks of seabirds. Plus you’ll visit a variety of flavorful ports of call full of rich history and native culture.
Scenic view of Alaska
- Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise
All of the top coastal attractions are on this voyage. This cruise takes you 500 miles farther north than most other Alaska cruise itineraries.
- Inside Passage Cruise
Head to Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the rich history of southeast Alaska and its gold rush towns.
- Connoisseur Voyage Cruise
This two-week destination-rich voyage features Alaska’s out-of-the-way places, ones not often visited on other cruises.
Alaska Cruisetours
See more of Alaska. Combine a seven-day Princess Alaska cruise with a four-to-ten-day land tour. Enjoy staying at our custom-built Wilderness Lodges and Direct-to-the-Wilderness service aboard our exclusive railcars.
- Cruise + Land Tour = Cruisetour
There is no better way to see more of Alaska than on a Princess Cruisetour. These packages seamlessly combine our cruise voyage with land tours, onshore lodgings and rail travel. Get the total Alaskan experience. Embark on Our Voyage of the Glaciers 7-day cruise, plus four-to-ten days touring the interior of Alaska. Take in the magnificent scenery via luxury rail and stay at picturesque Princess Wilderness Lodges with a minimum two nights at Denali National Park. It's the premier way to see it all — by land and by sea.
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