princess cruise and train

April 5, 2024

Princess and brightline unveil new ‘rail & sail’ program offering affordable, convenient transportation and luggage express service for guests sailing from florida ports.

ORLANDO (April 5, 2024) – Princess Cruises, the world’s most iconic cruise brand, and Brightline, the intercity passenger rail seamlessly connecting travelers to top destinations and major events in Central and South Florida, have joined forces to introduce the innovative Rail & Sail program, offering guests swift and hassle-free access to Princess cruise ships departing from two popular Florida homeports – Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral).

With Rail & Sail, guests enjoy a seamless journey in luxurious comfort, arriving at their preferred homeport in significantly less time than traditional travel methods.

The announcement also included the debut of a train with four custom-designed cars adorned with Princess’ iconic Love Boat branding, complete with its signature seawitch logo and depictions of popular ports of call. Princess’ branding will also be featured within Brightline’s five terminals throughout Florida.

Also announced was a value-added luggage express service offering guests the ultimate convenience as their bags are checked at their Brightline station and are waiting for them securely in their stateroom upon arrival to the ship.

Princess guests can also enjoy special discounts of up to 15% when booking Smart and Premium Rail & Sail packages through Brightline’s web site. And for a limited time only, guests who book a Princess cruise through May 5 will receive a Brightline credit of up to $150 per person for its signature Smart and Premium class service based on stateroom type.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.”

One-of-a-Kind ‘Rail & Sail’ Service

Princess guests will have access to Brightline’s full schedule of convenient trains departing daily with 16 round-trip transits between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Options include:

• Southbound from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale (with stops at West Palm Beach and Boca Raton)
• Northbound from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando (with stops at Boca Raton and West Palm Beach)
• South Florida residents can also take Brightline from its downtown Miami and Aventura terminals with stops in Fort Lauderdale or Orlando.

Princess will also provide guests with complimentary motorcoach service between Brightline’s Orlando and Fort Lauderdale stations and their embarkation terminal.

Special Discount Offer, Convenient Luggage Express Service

With the convenient new luggage express service guests can check their bags upon arrival at their Brightline station and their luggage will be automatically delivered to their stateroom, making their cruise experience seamless and hassle-free and saving valuable time and effort. The cost is $35 per bag. Luggage express will be initially available on Orlando-to-Fort Lauderdale trains with plans to add the service to Fort Lauderdale-to-Orlando trains ahead of Caribbean Princess’ arrival and homeport at Port Canaveral in November.

For a limited time only, Princess guests who book a cruise through May 5 will receive a credit that can be used toward Brightline’s signature Premium and Smart class:

• Interior/Oceanview stateroom – $50 per person Brightline credit
• Balcony/Deluxe stateroom – $100 per person Brightline credit
• Mini-Suite/Suite – $150 per person Brightline credit

Brightline’s Smart service includes hand-stitched leather seats, complimentary WiFi and multiple power and USB connections at each seat while Premium service adds complimentary snacks and beverages and access to a Premium Lounge.

Love Boat Sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Space Coast

• Fort Lauderdale :  Princess is one of Port Everglades’ largest cruise operators with seven ships – nearly half its fleet – sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Voyages include week-long getaways to the Caribbean to longer length 10- to 20-day cruises offering guests a chance to explore a host of tropical island destinations, including through the Panama Canal.
• Port Canaveral : Caribbean Princess will inaugurate Love Boat cruises from Port Canaveral November 27, 2024, with a series of four- to 14-day sailings visiting some of the western Caribbean’s most picturesque locales, including Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, San Juan, Belize, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan). The program runs through April 2025.

Additional information on the new Rail & Sail service is available at princess.com/Brightline or gobrightline.com .

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

About Brightline

Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida.  The company serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando with future stops in Stuart and Cocoa. Brightline is recognized by Inc. 5000 Regionals as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast for 2023 and is one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company in 2024. Brightline offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. The company plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit  www.gobrightline.com and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and X .

MEDIA CONTACTS

For Brightline

Vanessa Alfonso, [email protected]

Michael Hicks, [email protected]

For Princess Cruises

Caitlin Dineen, [email protected]

Vance Gulliksen, [email protected]

Princess and Brightline Unveil New ‘Rail & Sail’ Program

• April 5, 2024

Princess Cruises and Brightline have joined forces to introduce the innovative Rail & Sail program, offering guests swift and hassle-free access to Princess cruise ships departing from two popular Florida homeports – Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Port Canaveral), according to a news statement.

The announcement also included the debut of a train with four custom-designed cars adorned with Princess’ iconic Love Boat branding, complete with its signature seawitch logo and depictions of popular ports of call. Princess’ branding will also be featured within Brightline’s five terminals throughout Florida.

Also announced was a value-added luggage express service offering guests the ultimate convenience as their bags are checked at their Brightline station and are waiting for them securely in their stateroom upon arrival to the ship.

Princess guests can also enjoy special discounts of up to 15% when booking Smart and Premium Rail & Sail packages through Brightline’s web site, according to a press release.

And for a limited time only, guests who book a Princess cruise through May 5 will receive a Brightline credit of up to $150 per person for its signature Smart and Premium class service based on stateroom type.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

“Brightline has been connecting travelers to South Florida ports since we began operations in 2018 and cruisers from the beginning have found our train to be the easiest way to start their vacation,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Today’s partnership with Princess Cruises and this train wrap with the iconic Love Boat branding is yet another example of the connection between cruisers and Brightline.”

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Anchorage to Denali By Train: Your Guide to the Princess Rail Tour

We recently went on a 2-night train trip from Anchorage to Denali. We loved the experience and I learned a lot about it.

In this article, I will go over the train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I’ll include all the onboard details, the route, stops, and highlights of the trip. I’ll also add some reasons you might not want to take the train.

This article is not sponsored, and everything written is my opinion of our experience.

About the Princess Rail Tour

This article discusses the Princess rail tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The same locations and views are found on the Alaska Railroad (and any other train for that matter) as they share the same track.

We booked the Blue Denali Rail Tour and did two nights in Denali.

Princess train cars are glass-domed rail cars. All seating is up top with nearly 360-degree views. The Princess Rail Tours are owned by Princess Lodges, while the Alaska Railroad has its own train cars.

Why Train Instead of Drive?

Sure, you can drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. It’s a beautiful way to see the state. But there’s something about exploring land by train.

There are many reasons to take the train instead of driving. For us, we’ve driven all over the state but had never been on the train before, so we wanted a new type of experience.

The Princess Rail Tours were also offering 50% off, which was really the main reason we went ahead and booked. It looks like they run deals regularly, so be sure to check their site often for them.

Here are some reasons why we enjoyed the train trip:

• No need to worry about potential traffic or delays
• We could relax, have some drinks, and take in the views
• The train doesn’t follow the road, so you see different areas than you would driving.
• It could be much cheaper than renting a car, especially as a solo traveler or couple.

Downsides to Train Travel in Alaska

Some of the cons to taking a train in Alaska include time, cost, and convenience.

Cost: Train tickets can be quite expensive. If you’re traveling with a family, it’s more cost-effective to rent a vehicle than pay for multiple tickets. Usually, one ticket will cost about the same as a one-day vehicle rental.

Time: The train takes significantly longer than driving, especially in the summer. The train trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is around 8-9 hours. If you drove, it would take 5 hours.

If you add in all the delays and stops to allow other train cars to pass, it gets even longer. Our trip back from Denali to Anchorage ended up taking over 9 hours because there were so many trains on the track.

Note: There is only ONE TRACK that all trains share. So there is a lot of waiting for others to pass.

Convenience: On the one hand, not dealing with driving and parking is incredibly nice. For a long weekend, we loved it. It’s also nice to stand, walk, and stretch your legs while moving (something you can’t do in a car).

But on the other hand, you’re stuck to the train schedule and delays. You can’t make a quick stop in Talkeetna for an hour, go to many of the random shops on the side of the road, or stop to get photos of Denali if she’s out. With a train, there’s just a lot less flexibility in what you can do.

Princess Rail Tour or Alaska Railroad?

This heading is a bit misleading because all tracks and locomotives in Alaska are owned and operated by the Alaska Railroad. But, some companies pay to use their tracks. Princess Tours (the same company that owns Princess Cruises) runs rail tours and even owns lodges across the State of Alaska.

With that in mind, the main difference you’ll find is the onboard experience. All Princess Rail Tours have glass-domed upper viewing. The Alaska Railroad, however, has two different seating classes. Their Gold Star service has glass-domed upper seating, while the Adventure Class is below with large windows.

Gold Star tickets also include meals, soft drinks, and two alcoholic beverages.

I haven’t taken the Alaska Railroad, but it appears that much of the experience is similar except for the included food and drink with the gold star ticket. I’d recommend comparing prices and looking for deals to determine which is better.

The Onboard Experience

We arrived at the train station about an hour early. There’s a coffee stand with a few snacks for sale, but otherwise, there isn’t a whole lot to do.

When it was time to board, we were loaded onto large buses and taken to a location just a block away.

Once on board, we were immediately taken upstairs to the seating area. All seats are located on the upper deck of the train, with the restaurant and kitchen downstairs. At the back of the train is an outside open area. We ended up spending a LOT of time outside, as the weather was great, and it got a bit stuffy inside.

The seats all face forward like an airplane. There is a small storage pocket and a tray table as well. The seats recline a bit, similar to a plane.

On the upper deck is the bar cart. There’s one on each train car.

Are There Food and Drinks Available on Board?

Yes! Food and drink are not included in the ticket price, so be prepared to pay for everything separately.

We were offered breakfast and lunch each way when we went. Each meal is only available for a set amount of time, typically a few hours. This was plenty of time for everyone to have a turn and grab a bite to eat.

The dining carts are on the lower level. They are all booth-style seating, and we found the seats downstairs more comfortable than our seats upstairs. So, we spent as much time downstairs as we were allowed.

The food was good. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had, but I was happy with our meals. There are also smaller snacks available on the upper deck.

As for drinks, the bar carts open as soon as you start moving. They have you open a tab when you get your first drink, and then close it at the end of the trip. They have some fun Alaska-themed cocktails and a full bar available.

There are plenty of staff onboard. There’s a commentator on each train car that talks about all the different towns and areas that are passed by. Be prepared to get inundated with information; they talk for the bulk of the train ride!

The Train From Anchorage to Fairbanks

The train starts off heading north out of Anchorage.

The first views you see are about 45 minutes in. On the right-hand side, you will see beautiful Pioneer Peak mountain and Knik River. Then you’ll travel along the flats, a large area in a big valley.

TIP: When passing through the flats, look out for moose! They like to hang around this area.

After you leave the flats, don’t expect much for views for a while. You’ll pass through less than beautiful areas in Wasilla, although you get a small view of Wasilla Lake.

Then you’ll continue past some lake areas in Big Lake and Willow. Unfortunately, there are a lot of places along this route that just aren’t great or well-maintained. There are some junkyards or company storage sites. But there are also some really cute homes and beautiful places around many of the lakes.

After that, you’ll make your way to Talkeetna. The train stops for pick up/drop off only and you can’t see the town from the train. If Talkeetna is on your list, you can split up this trip by staying a night or two in Talkeetna and then heading north to Fairbanks.

Once you start moving again, you will soon get to the great outdoors (essentially no man’s land). The train skirts large rivers, passes through forests that look more like rainforests, goes over creeks and streams, and even passes by some homes that are off the grid.

This part of the train trip is so pretty.

The views continue as you get closer to Denali. You’ll eventually slow as you approach Hurricane Gulch.

Once past Hurricane Gulch, you still have a while until you reach Denali station. But the views continue as you pass by more lakes, mountains, and streams until you reach your final destination.

Train Stops Between Anchorage and Fairbanks

There aren’t many stops, but here are the few that were made and some of the highlights of the trip.

This was the only real stop made on the journey. They stopped so people could get on and off, which was about 5 minutes.

Hurricane Gulch

Hurricane Gulch is the longest and tallest Alaska Railroad Bridge. Hurricane Creek sits 296 feet below. If it’s clear out, you can even see Denali. Sadly we weren’t able to see Denali on both train journeys, but the views were still incredible.

On our return trip, the train stopped for about 10 minutes and we were able to get quite a few shots overlooking the valley and mountains beyond.

Salmon Streams

We went through a few large forested areas once past Talkeetna and were able to spot streams full of salmon (in August). We were in the middle of absolutely nowhere and it was a cool sight to see.

Is the Train Child Friendly?

There were many people with kids onboard. It’s not easy getting up or down the steep steps, especially if you have younger children. So although it seems like it would be nice to walk around, the reality is that the train can be jerky and the aisles aren’t wide.

As someone with a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old, I wouldn’t take my kids on the train. It’s too long, and the seats don’t recline much. With kids, driving and being able to stop whenever you want is more convenient.

But like I said, there were many people with kids onboard. A few brave couples even had babies.

What Should You Pack for the Train?

If you are trying to save money, you can bring your own food on board. We saw many people with their own meals and snacks.

Camera Gear

I used my GoPro quite a bit on the ride and also my phone. I had my big camera, but I only used it for a few shots along the way.

The train was surprisingly cold. They turned up the a/c because they said it can get really stuffy and warm if it’s not on due to the glass dome windows. It was probably 65F inside, and we found it to be a bit warmer outside. So I recommend a blanket or something to keep you warm if that’s the case.

Travel Pillow

This trip is long and you might find yourself wanting to take a nap. I have this simple travel neck pillow and love how compact it is. I don’t use the included ear plugs or eye mask ( I have this one instead ) but it’s a quality neck pillow for flights and train travel.

Things to Do

Bring your Kindle, bring a magazine, or something to keep you busy. You’ll lose cell reception quite a bit, so I recommend having something to do during the less exciting portion of the trip!

What Isn’t Needed For the Trip?

They had plugs to charge your phones and other electronics. I’d packed my battery pack just in case, but it wasn’t necessary.

More Alaska Articles

• If you’re flying into Anchorage, I have a few articles to help you out! If you’re short on time, check out my article on how to spend 24 hours in Anchorage and how to spend a few hours in Anchorage .
• You can also see glaciers easily from Anchorage and the northern lights too.
• If you’re planning to do some driving, I have guides on driving from Anchorage to Seward , and Anchorage to Homer .
• There are plenty of day trips available from Anchorage too, including the popular resort town of Girdwood .
• I have 10-day itineraries , winter travel guides , packing guides , budget guides , and general planning tips too.
• For all of my articles, you can visit my Alaska section here .

I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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Princess Rail Dome Train

Princess Rail Dome Railcars

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are both owned by parent company Carnival Cruises, and the combined companies operate the largest fleet of dome railcars in Alaska. The Holland America train cars operate as the McKinley Explorer , while Princess typically refers to their dome railcar operation simply as Princess Rail . You may still come across the occasional reference to the Midnight Sun Express which was the historical name used by Princess Rail in the past, but in practice both companies now market their rail product much more generically. Typically, independent guests will travel on the McKinley Explorer cars which is why AlaskaTrain.com just features the one product.

The Princess Rail train cars are similar to the McKinley Explorer, GoldStar Domes and Wilderness Express as all of these cars were custom built by the same company in Colorado. The primary difference with the Princess Rail cars is that seating in the upper level dome is at tables of 4, with half of the seats facing backwards.

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The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

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See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

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Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

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Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

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2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

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Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

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. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

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Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. 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. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

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Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

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Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

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Glacier Bay National Park

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. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

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.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

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Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

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#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. 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. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.

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Princess Cruises Postpones Delivery of Star Princess

Rendering: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises' next new ship, Star Princess, will be arriving later than anticipated. The cruise line, along with shipbuilder Fincantieri, announced the delivery date for the ship has been pushed back from July 2025 to the end of September of the same year. As a result, nine sailings have been cancelled.

"Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure that Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

The new inaugural sailing of Star Princess will depart Oct. 4, 2025 from Barcelona for an 11-day Mediterranean voyage. This will be followed by a seven-day Mediterranean cruise, after which the ship will makes its way to Fort Lauderdale – via a 14-day transatlantic crossing – for its first Caribbean season.

All three new cruises will open for sale on April 30, 2024.

Guests who were booked on any of the nine impacted sailings are being given several options, including the choice to book any Princess cruise worldwide and receive future cruise- and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select. Guests can also elect to cancel and receive a full refund of the cruise fare.

Princess is protecting travel advisor commissions on all bookings that have been paid in full.

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Carnival Corp. made it very clear that travel agencies and advisors must also comply with the new law in their own marketing.

A sold-out Cruise360, presented by CLIA, kicked off this week in Fort Lauderdale with more than 1,250 advisors in attendance. 

The ship will officially sail starting in April 2025. 

Three Holland America Group brands -- and their cruise tours -- are affected. 

Options will include the line's first upscale Thai restaurant and a dedicated plant-based venue.

Carnival Cruise Line has introduced four enhancements to its GoCCL Navigator booking platform for travel advisors.

A ghost pianist and color-changing cocktails: Inside Princess Cruises' hidden magic club

The pianist at a lounge on Princess Cruises’ new ship played the theme song from “Titanic” while guests sipped their cocktails.

It may seem like dark humor, but the musician is a ghost, after all. As the story goes, Isabella lives inside the space entertaining guests (she even takes requests).

In actuality, the instrument – which appeared to play itself – is part of Spellbound by Magic Castle, a new venue on the Sun Princess that combines dinner, drinks and magic. The speakeasy-like space was created in partnership with the Magic Castle , a legendary private club in Los Angeles.

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Denise Saviss, the cruise line’s vice president for entertainment experience, said during a recent sailing that the Magic Castle has been a “well-protected secret.”

“As a members-only club, you can only attend by invitation, but they are keen to expand, and a partnership with us was a really great way to do that where we have a ton of international guests who may not ever get over to Hollywood and therefore it's not in reach,” Saviss said. 

USA TODAY got a preview of Spellbound during a cruise ahead of its opening next month. Here’s what guests can expect.

What is Spellbound like?

Guests will start the evening with dinner in the Horizons Dining Room, choosing from a menu not found elsewhere on board (our preview did not include the dinner portion). They will then be escorted through an inconspicuous black door off the ship’s Piazza into Spellbound’s small foyer. There, a voice on a speaker tells the story of the Larsen family, who opened the Magic Castle in 1963, for a few minutes.

We were prompted to say the magic words (“Open sesame”), and the fireplace in front of us moved aside to reveal a music room and the Parlor Bar, lined with art and artifacts curated with help from the Magic Castle. A pair of handcuffs used by famed escape artist Harry Houdini even hung on one wall.

Isabella and her companion, a white bird named The Professor, can be seen in a portrait in the music room. She is the cousin of another ghost, Irma, who lives at the Magic Castle in California.

“Irma never loved to travel, but Isabella did,” said Kerry Lovegrove, Princess’ director of entertainment experience. “She traveled probably one too many times across the Atlantic, and then all of a sudden she was lost at sea. So she suddenly found the Sun Princess being built in Monfalcone and thought she’d attach herself onto that ship.”

Isabella disappears from view when she’s ready to play. The Professor, meanwhile, moves over to a nearby birdcage to enjoy the music (I saw him swaying to “My Heart Will Go On” at one point).

Behind the bar, a library holds its own not-so-hidden treasures. I picked up a gold rotary phone and heard someone ask “How can I help?” before changing their mind and hanging up. Guests might also see books float and fall, according to Lovegrove.

Even the drinks appear enchanted. One cocktail I ordered, The Magician, featured butterfly pea tequila that turned from blue to purple as the server poured it into the glass (also containing mezcal, lime, grapefruit, serrano peppers and agave).

Spellbound hosts magic in the bar as well as its 30-seat theater. Before theater seating opened, Mark Gibson kept us glued to his card deck, at one point finding the card a fellow guest chose by cutting the deck with the assistance of a tiny plunger. Woody Aragon also used cards in the theater, including asking an audience member to call someone who wasn’t in the room to pick one. (Spoiler: he named their chosen card correctly.)

The Parlor Bar magician will stay on the ship for a couple of months at a time, and the magician performing in the theater will change every cruise or two, but all are vetted by the Magic Castle team.

When will Spellbound by Magic Castle open?

Spellbound will open April 8 and is now available to book. Guests must be at least 13 to enter and just like at the venue’s Hollywood namesake, there is a mandatory dress code (my invitation called for cocktail attire).

The cruise line also will host its second Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise themed sailing on Sun Princess in November.

How much does Spellbound cost?

The experience costs $149 per person, including dinner, entertainment and unlimited drinks. 

Spellbound will offer three theater shows a night and can accommodate a total of 90 guests (30 each night). Once they’re in the space, they can stay as long as they like (until it closes for the night). There are dinner seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., and Spellbound is expected to close around midnight, though there is no hard closing time.

Best times to go on a cruise: We broke it down by region

Lovegrove said the venue serves as a new home base for magic, which already proved popular with Princess guests in other spaces on its ships. “If you love magicians, this is the spot for you.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A ghost pianist and color-changing cocktails: Inside Princess Cruises' hidden magic club

Disneyland Railroad Guided Tour

All aboard .

Get a look into Walt Disney’s love for trains and discover the impact it had on the Disneyland Resort. On this eye-opening, 2-hour tour sure to delight both Disneyland fans and railroad enthusiasts alike, you’ll:

Start with a Treat Enjoy a beverage and a pastry to steam power your journey through Disneyland park.

Step into the Past Walk through the park listening to stories about where the idea behind Walt’s train creations first started. Understand the impact trains had on Walt Disney’s dreams—from animation and film all the way to the theme parks.

Catch a Rare Glimpse of the Disneyland Park Roundhouse This is where “the magic happens” for the historic Disneyland Railroad system and it’s not typically viewed by the public. You’ll learn more about the Imagineers that look after the Disneyland Monorail and trains.

Take a Special Ride During your guided tour, climb aboard Disneyland Railroad’s special Presidential Car, the Lilly Belle. Take the scenic route along the Rivers of America to see landscapes inspired by 4 of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. Each are carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests, wildlife and 5 picturesque waterfalls.

Riding in the Lilly Belle is dependent on weather and availability.

And Enjoy a Special Keepsake A memento to remember your tour is included.

Know Before You Go

Required Park Reservation and Admission

Reservations

Late arrivals may not be able to join the guided tour. Please be prepared to present your reservation confirmation, photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking.

This tour is only available during regular park hours at Disneyland Park.

Cancellations

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged and forfeited if Guest cancels within one day or is a no-show for the reservation.

Riding in the Lilly Belle

Guests utilizing wheelchairs must be able to transfer from their mobility device to a wheelchair provided at the attraction.

Guests younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older during the entire experience.

Important Details

All prices, experiences, information and offerings are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

Related Activities

Premium experiences at the disneyland resort, disneyland resort vip tours, walt's main street story tour, safety, accessibility and guest policies.