Top 10 Things to Know Before Sailing to Alaska with Princess
Alaska is one of the most requested cruises I book, and Princess is one of the best ways to see it. Here's what to know before you go:
1. Princess Has Special Access to Glacier Bay
Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park, one of the few cruise lines allowed to bring guests into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Park rangers actually board the ship to narrate as you sail through.
2. Season Matters
Alaska cruises run June through September. You'll get long daylight hours, which is ideal for glacier viewing and wildlife spotting, but weather and wildlife activity can shift depending on when in the season you sail.
3. Consider a Land and Sea Cruisetour
Princess pairs a 7-day glacier cruise with stays at their own wilderness lodges, and every cruisetour includes time at or near Denali National Park with options for wildlife tours, flightseeing, rafting, and hiking. Getting between the ship and the lodges is part of the experience too, Princess uses glass-domed railcars for the trip into Alaska's interior. If you want more than just the coastline, this is worth considering.
4. Ports Are Full of Gold Rush History
Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and other Alaska ports carry real Gold Rush-era history, plus opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor excursions.
5. Departure Ports Vary
You can sail round-trip from Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, or one-way through Anchorage (Whittier) if you're doing a cruisetour.
6. Pack in Layers
Alaska weather shifts fast. Even in peak summer, mornings can be cold and afternoons mild, so layers matter more than any single heavy coat.
7. The Onboard Programming Leans Into Alaska
Princess's "North to Alaska" program brings in local personalities, Alaska culture, and fresh local seafood as part of the onboard experience, not just scenery from the deck.
8. Book Early for the Best Cabins
Alaska is one of Princess's most popular itineraries, and balcony cabins for glacier viewing sell out well ahead of the season.
9. Know What Princess Plus and Premier Actually Include
Princess Plus runs about $65 a day and covers gratuities, 15 drinks a day, Wi-Fi on one device, and four casual dining meals. Premier runs about $100 a day and steps that up to unlimited drinks, four devices of Wi-Fi, unlimited casual and specialty dining, and up to $300 in shore excursion credit per guest. Worth comparing against what you'd actually use before deciding.
10. Excursions Book Up Fast
Between wildlife tours, glacier hikes, and flightseeing, the best Alaska excursions sell out early, especially on popular sailing dates.
Thinking about Alaska for your next trip? I can help you pick the right itinerary, whether that's a straightforward cruise or a full land and sea cruisetour. Reach out for a free quote.
