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7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour

• Cruises and Sailing
• Types of Travel

On my first morning after embarking on the Royal Princess Hamilton Cruise ship on a sea and land cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage of Alaska and up to Fairbanks, I sat on my portside balcony and watched the gray seas as the pale morning sun rose.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and the head of a humpback whale rose directly out of the water, suspended for a brief moment before it disappeared under the sea.

“Did I just see that?” I muttered sleepily to myself. As if to answer me, the telltale poof of water shot out of the sea, followed by the dark, subtle hump of the whale as he followed alongside our massive 1,083-foot long ship .

Instantly, I ran inside to wake my travel buddy, but by the time he got to the balcony, the whale was long gone. However, that whale sighting was a premonition of extraordinary adventures to come on the Princess Cruises’ 12-17 day Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour .

From luscious food choices and all-day entertainment to excursions and off-shore adventures through Alaska’s small coastal communities, the Alaska Cruisetour was probably one of the most fun trips I had taken all year. While I had my first cruise in January on a small excursion ship, I was invited and hosted by Princess Cruises to experience my first “big” cruise ship. For some reason, I had poo-pooed the idea of the big “floating city” cruise ships in the past, but the 12 days of sailing and traveling with Princess changed my mind.

I get it now. 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.

7 Things I Loved

1. medallion magnificant and the staff.

The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass™ ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. 

This thing is so cool. I had my Medallion customized with an astrological symbol and ordered the rubber wristband. While wearing it, the Medallion automatically unlocks and locks my stateroom door as I enter it, allows staff to find me anywhere on the ship to deliver my daily Bloody Mary, allows for touch-free boarding and purchases, let me find my travel companion on the ship, and more. 

“So let’s say you’re out tanning by the pool and you want to get some extra sunscreen, you can go on the app on your phone and order sunscreen which will be purchased through the app and delivered to you where you are anywhere on the ship,” said Briana Latner, public relations and marketing for Princess Cruises. “We’ve also introduced ‘Dine My Way,’ which helps you make reservations in the main dining rooms and the specialty dining, helps get rid of wait times and helps you with your special preferences.”

Another feature of the Princess Medallion is the Ocean Compass, which allows you to locate and message your travel companions. Whomever you are traveling with is automatically named as travel companions in the app, but you can remove each other if you choose to.

“Sometimes there are kids who are teenagers. They can go off on their own, but you want to make sure you know where they are and they’re safe,” Latner said. “Many people who are traveling with parents or the elderly who may get disoriented find it’s been really helpful  to be able to find each other too.”

Travel blogger Erin Cohen said the Medallion created a level of ease on her trip that shocked her.

“It makes you eat too much,” she laughed. “Everything comes to you at the snap of a finger or the touch of a button. The Medallion makes life almost too easy, but it’s great.”

Combined with the Princess Medallion, the staff on the boat is top-notch. Our stateroom was cleaned twice a day at least (the Medallion lets staff know when you are out of your room so they don’t disturb you), the bartenders all know your name and preferred drink, and every crewmember greets you with a cheerful hello.

Using the app and the Medallion was super convenient when it came to purchases, ordering, getting around, and more.

Pro Tip: Download the app before you embark on the cruise to upload safety and health documents, pre-book activities and dining, and get used to all the features. It’s a lot to learn. You can order the Medallion ahead of time and either have it sent to you prior to the cruise or you can pick it up upon embarkation.

Fun Fact: The Pacific Princess was the star ship in the 1977 television series called The Love Boat . That series also made the concept of a sea-going vacation popular with millions of people and has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.

2. By Land And By Sea

The Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetours are a combo land and sea experience. In addition to a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise that includes two glacier-viewing experiences and stops in the small Alaskan communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Whittier (Anchorage), you’ll also explore Alaska’s interior with a guided land exploration tour.

Once you’ve disembarked from the ship, you can spend 3 or more nights on land at the various Princess Wilderness Lodges , including the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, and the Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge.

These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. Each lodge offers its own unique personality.

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

We were on the Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour , which offers the highest level of service with a dedicated tour director, the 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers cruise, 5-10 nights on land, travel on the Princess Alaska rail service, stays at Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park (We saw three grizzly bears!), sightseeing opportunities, and most meals included.

What I loved about this option was the ability to see not only the glaciers and wonders of coastal Alaska along the Inside Passage, but a chance to explore the famed national parks of Alaska’s rugged and beautiful interior. It truly was the best of both worlds.

“You see pictures but to see it in person is just like, it’s hard to believe this is even real. The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen.

3. All The Choices (And Unlimited Drinks)

So maybe you are craving a pepperoni pizza while you lounge in one of the many hot tubs on the 16th-floor deck. Maybe one night, all you dream of is a big juicy steak with a Maine lobster tail. Maybe you want a lot of choices from the all-day buffet.

On the Royal Princess, the more than a dozen dining choices come in many different flavors, ranging from high-end steakhouse to Italian cuisine to sushi. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Princess has a buffet that features Asian, Indian, American, and Latino cuisine, as well as breakfast items, fresh fruit, a pastry bar, and more. On the fifth floor in the central Vista, a small deli is open 24/7 for the late night/early morning crowd.

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. 

Although I dined at the fancy Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, the buffet was our go-to option most days due to the sheer variety of foods to choose from. Be warned, though: It’s easy to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach, and you can end up eating more than you planned because the food is just so tasty.

4. Lots Of Viewing Areas

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. With glaciers, waterfalls, misty mountains, and otters and whales frolicking in the waves, it would be a crime not to take it all in.

I loved all the decks and viewing areas on the Royal Princess. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! I really regretted not bringing the pair I own. Trust me, you won’t regret taking them when the whales and otters make their appearance.

5. Performances And Special Programs

You’ll never get bored on this Cruisetour. Starting as early as 6 a.m. every day, the Royal Princess has events, special programs, classes, naturalist talks, and fun activities. From morning stretching on the deck to art auctions and contests to game shows and line dancing classes, this ship doesn’t stop!

In addition to the hourly activities, excursions, and options during the day, The Royal Princess presents big musical shows, comedians, naturalist talks, and more in its expansive Princess Theatre. The smaller bars and venues feature live musicians and fun, silly game shows while the main Vista area of the fifth floor holds concerts and dance parties. The ship even has a disco, a hopping casino with slots and table games, a very large fitness area on the 17th deck, poolside movies, a pickleball court, a Discovery Camp for kids, and more.

Every day, a daily newsletter listing all the activities on the ship is delivered to your room, so it’s easy to find and choose what performances or classes you’d like to take part in. If you are bored at all on this ship, that’s on you! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time picking which fun activity to do.

6. Being Pampered

After days of hiking, exploring Alaska’s small communities, whale watching, dancing all night, and maybe having one too many cocktails, it’s nice to be pampered. The Royal Princess’ onboard Lotus Spa brings you to a place of peace and Zen with services like traditional massage, acupuncture, facials like the La Therapie HydraLift facial, couples massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy Massage.

After relaxing, cruisers can head to The Enclave , a getaway of thermal suites and a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Sweat out your worries at a Turkish-style steam bath, steam rooms, and dry saunas for purification and detoxification, then doze off on the heated stone beds or relaxing water beds.

Another pampering experience is Royal Princess’ The Sanctuary , an adult-only retreat on the top deck with private cabanas, food and drink, and al fresco massages. The “Serenity Stewards” are quietly efficient in delivering everything you need, from fresh mimosas to towels.

7. All The Excursions

With 12 days of adventure, it would be impossible for me to list all the land and sea excursions available through the Royal Princess Cruisetour. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find all the options through the Medallion app and with the onboard concierges.

For my excursions, I went out on a crab boat in Ketchikan to learn about crab harvesting and to stuff myself silly on Dungeness crab, roared up winding mountain trails on a UTV, spotted whales, climbed glaciers, kayaked pristine mountain glacial lakes, toured and spotted wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park and so much more.

The excursions range from the sedate and relaxing to the wild and extreme, so there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. You can see the list of available excursions here .

4 Things I Didn’t Love

1. prices of excursions.

Alaska is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. 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.

You aren’t required to purchase excursions, however. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too.

2. Not Enough Time In Each Port Or Land Lodge

When you are cruising, you have a schedule to keep. You might fall in love with tiny little Skagway, but you only have a day in port. You may want to spend more time at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with its cozy rooms and fireplaces, but you only have one night.

The fact that you do not have control over how long you can stay in any one place is certainly not Princess’ fault, but it is a bummer and a fact of life when cruising.

3. No Coffee In The Room

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is not having coffee available in my room when traveling. Yes, ordering coffee to the room was easy and the staff at Princess were on top of my caffeine addiction, but it would have been nice to have one of those little coffee makers tucked away so I could make my own coffee.

One great thing about the Royal Princess is the ability to order coffee and breakfast the night before. Each day, you can fill out a form listing what items you’d like to order and what time they should be delivered, so that’s convenient.

4. Staffing Problems At The Lodges

Like so many other destinations, Alaska has a worker shortage. That desperate need for seasonal and long-term employees has led to some staffing issues at some of the lodges. While the Royal Princess ship boasts 1,346 crew members from more than 30 different countries, some of the lodges had problems filling spots, which led to slowdowns, some maintenance issues, and longer wait times.

My best advice is to stay patient with the destinations and with the staff that is working. Everyone is doing the best they can with less.

All in all, my first “big cruise” experience was stellar and has made me a believer! Hopefully, this won’t be my last cruise, and if you yearn for an easy, well-organized way to experience Alaska, the Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the way to go.

For more on cruises and sailing , explore these articles:

• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall
• 9 Tips For Cruising The Mediterranean With Costa

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

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Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess [Between Anchorage and Vancouver]

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How I Booked an Alaska Cruise

Day 1: anchorage, days 2 and 3: scenic cruising at hubbard glacier and glacier bay national park, day 4: skagway, day 5: juneau, day 6: ketchikan, day 8: vancouver, princess cruises’ medallionclass, mini-suite with balcony stateroom, entertainment, camp discovery kids’ club, captain’s circle loyalty program, final thoughts.

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I recently returned from an Alaska cruise with my family where we sailed the Inside Passage from Anchorage, Alaska, (via Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver, Canada.

Overall I enjoyed the trip, especially since I was traveling with family and I always have a good time when they’re around, but it wasn’t quite what I expected.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say the whole trip was a disappointment. I really enjoyed traveling to a new area (this was my first time in Alaska) and spending time with my family. Plus, the port stops were really fun. However, it wasn’t all great. There were some aspects of my Alaska cruise (the scenic cruising days and the ship’s food and entertainment, in particular) that left me feeling let down.

In this post, I’ll give you a look at what it’s like to cruise to Alaska, including what I liked and didn’t like about the Grand Princess, and I’ll share some tips to make your Alaska cruise the best it can be.

An Alaska Cruise on Grand Princess

I was excited to sail on Princess Cruises for this Alaska trip. I’ve been on 3 Princess voyages (in 2005, 2007, and 2008) and loved each of them, so I was eager to see if Princess was as good as I remembered it to be. I had even been on this ship, the Grand Princess , before.

The 2,600-passenger Grand Princess debuted in 1998 and was refurbished in 2019. It’s not a modern mega-ship; instead, it’s a mid-sized traditional cruise ship that’s been refreshed to appeal to today’s travelers.

While it’s possible to book cruises using miles and points , I opted to pay cash for this trip since it wasn’t too expensive and I prefer to save my miles for luxury hotels and business class flights.

We got a great deal through my father-in-law’s travel agent and ended up paying just about $3,550 for 3 people in a mini-suite for 7 nights. I would normally book a cruise through an online travel agency (they often offer extras like shipboard credit), but this method offered significant savings over the prices we found elsewhere.

If you happen to be traveling with a group of 3 and a single traveler, it’s usually much cheaper to book 2 people in each room. My family of 3 was traveling with my mom who was staying in her own room. Since the price difference between having 1 or 2 people in a room is negligible, we booked my daughter in my mom’s room, but she slept in our room once we were on the ship. This trick saved us almost $1,000 when compared to booking my daughter as a third person in our room.

I paid for the whole trip using my Chase Sapphire Reserve ® to earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar .

If you don’t have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, another card that is good for booking cruises is the Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card , which earns 3x points per dollar spent on all travel purchases, including cruises.

Alaska Itinerary: Inside Passage

We booked the 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Southbound) on the Grand Princess. This cruise started in Anchorage (Whittier) and sailed south to Vancouver.

• Day 1: Depart Anchorage, Alaska
• Day 2: Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising
• Day 3: Glacier Bay scenic cruising
• Day 4: Skagway, Alaska
• Day 5: Juneau, Alaska
• Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska
• Day 7: At sea
• Day 8: Arrive in Vancouver, Canada

We flew into Anchorage on the night before our cruise. I booked a 1-night stay at the Hyatt Place Ancohrage-Midtown , about a 10-minute drive from the airport. Cash rates at the time were over $500 per night (!) so I used a Hyatt Category 1-4 free night certificate instead of cash.

Alternatively, I could have paid 15,000 World of Hyatt points for this Category 4 property which would have resulted in a 3.46 cents per point value (which is awesome, considering we value World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each).

On top of the incredible value I got by using my free night certificate, the staff at Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown were wonderful and they had one of the best Hyatt Place breakfasts I have ever had.

Our cruise left out of Whittier, which is about an 80-minute drive from Anchorage. We booked a private transfer to pick us up at the hotel and drop us off at the cruise terminal. Since we were traveling as a group of 7, the private transfer wasn’t much more than the cost of booking a train or bus and it was so much more convenient.

The first 2 days on Grand Princess were dedicated to scenic cruising. Unfortunately, the fog and ice were so bad on the day we were supposed to be at Hubbard Glacier that we had to skip the stop entirely.

The next scenic cruising day was spent in Glacier Bay National Park .

I was really looking forward to these scenic cruising days to get up close to some glaciers. However, in my opinion, I found the glaciers in the Alaskan summer to be disappointing. I had visions in my head that didn’t quite jive with reality, so I was underwhelmed by the experience.

The scenery was definitely beautiful, but the glaciers themselves weren’t what I was expecting.

One of the most important Alaska cruise tips I can offer is to manage your expectations. Weather can be a factor that may cause you to miss a scenic cruising day entirely. Plus, Alaska glaciers may be less dramatic than you’d imagine.

Our first port was in Skagway. This quaint gold-rush-era town is a common stop on many Alaska cruises.

We booked one of the most popular excursions at this port — a trip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad . A ride on this vintage train takes you up the mountain and actually crosses the Canadian border. One of the cool things about this ride is that you’re able to stand outside while the train is moving — a feature that will make the ride much more exciting for older kids who may be bored while sitting on a train looking at the scenery.

If you’re taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, sit on the left-hand side of the train (looking forward). While both sides will eventually see the same thing (the train turns around at the top of the mountain) all of the narration happens as you’re going up, when the people on the left side have better views.

I was looking forward to our day in Juneau because we booked an excursion to visit Dog Sled Summer Camp . We chose this activity because my daughter studied the Iditarod (a yearly long-distance dogsled race in Alaska) in school last year and this was an opportunity to bring all of that to life.

We loved learning all about these incredible dogs and the mushers who train them for races like the Iditarod. Our fantastic guide, Shaynee Traska, who owns about 50 of the dogs at the camp, competed in and finished the Iditarod herself — an incredible achievement. Her dedication and love for her dogs and the sport of dog sledding (Alaska’s state sport) was evident from the moment we met her.

Back on the ship, our day continued with a presentation by Libby Riddles , the first woman to win the Iditarod. She gave a great talk about her experience and then signed books and took pictures afterward. My daughter read her book in school last year so it was a cool experience to meet her in person. This day ended up being the highlight of my trip.

Check out more of my experience at Dog Sled Summer Camp on Instagram .

Ketchikan is the quintessential Alaskan town. It has wildlife, a rich native Alaskan history, totem poles, lumberjack shows, and of course, beautiful scenery.

It’s a very walkable town so it’s easy to just hop off the ship to explore on foot. Our boat docked just steps from downtown, but there’s a second docking area for cruise ships that’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown. You’ll want to double-check your ship’s docking location before assuming you can just walk off the ship straight into downtown Ketchikan.

We walked through downtown Ketchikan and over to historic Creek Street. Since we visited in July, just at the beginning of the prime salmon-spawning season, we missed the bulk of it. But, we were still able to see some brave salmon struggling to swim upstream.

There are plenty of spots to watch this phenomenon along Ketchikan Creek and there’s even a salmon ladder, which helps the fish get to their destination.

Our cruise ended in Vancouver, and we decided to stay a couple of days to explore before heading home.

I booked 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and it was my first experience as a Hyatt Globalist (hello, free breakfast!). At the time, this hotel was a Category 3 property, so I was able to book 2 nights for just 30,000 World of Hyatt points total at peak pricing. The cash cost would have been $846, resulting in a 2.8 cents per point in value (a great redemption in my book).

Hyatt Regency Vancouver is now a Category 4 hotel requiring 12,000 (off-peak), 15,000 (standard), or 18,000 (peak) World of Hyatt points per night.

On our first day in Vancouver, we visited the Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park . Then we did a day trip to nearby Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . It was a fantastic way to end the trip.

My Alaska Cruise Experience on Grand Princess

Let’s get to some details about my experience with Grand Princess on a 7-night Alaska cruise.

Grand Princess is a MedallionClass ship. Each passenger gets a small Medallion to wear on the cruise. This Medallion does everything from unlocking your stateroom door to identifying you each time you get on or off the ship.

It also allows you to track everyone in your party (either through the mobile app or via interactive boards on the ship), a huge benefit when you’re traveling with a group as I was. This feature is also fantastic when you’re cruising with kids . I felt comfortable letting my daughter roam the ship on her own (mostly back and forth to the kids’ club) since I knew I could pinpoint her location at any time.

One of the best things about sailing with Princess Cruises is the Medallion system. Each guest gets a quarter-sized Medallion to wear throughout their cruise. It acts as a room key, an ID when getting on and off the ship, and it can even pinpoint the location of your travel companions.

For this Alaska cruise, I booked a mini-suite with a balcony (stateroom D210, to be exact). At 323 square feet, the mini-suite offered about 100 square feet more space compared to the regular balcony stateroom.

The decor was a bit dated, but the room was very comfortable and had plenty of space.

There was a sitting area with a couch that could be converted to a bed, which is what we used for my daughter. Our stateroom attendant converted the couch to a bed and back again each day so it was very convenient.

Our mini-suite had tons of storage space and a full-sized shower/tub in the bathroom (which you know is a big deal if you’ve ever experienced a typical tiny cruise ship shower).

While not luxurious, the bathroom was clean and spacious for a cruise ship, which was exactly what we needed for this trip.

The balcony had a small table and 2 chairs. We were traveling with family so we booked 3 rooms next to each other with connecting balconies. Our stateroom attendant opened up the doors between our balconies so we could move freely between them. If you’re cruising with family, it’s worth it to book adjacent rooms with connecting balconies.

While our room’s decor wasn’t what I’d call contemporary or luxurious, the room itself was clean, spacious, and comfortable. For us, it was 100% worth it to book the mini-suite over the standard balcony stateroom.

Whether you decide to go for a standard room, a mini-suite, or a suite, be sure to book a stateroom with a balcony. So much of an Alaska cruise is about the scenery and you’ll be thrilled to be able to enjoy it from the comfort and privacy of your own balcony.

My first 3 cruises ever were on Princess and I remember the food being excellent. On this cruise, the food was fine. Not bad, not amazing, just fine . Don’t get me wrong — there were a few things that were fantastic, but overall it wasn’t as good as I had remembered.

One of the highlights was the International Cafe . Open 24 hours a day, this grab-and-go cafe offered pastries, sandwiches, and desserts throughout the day.

I’m a coffee-and-pastry kind of gal when it comes to breakfast, so I loved the selection there. I grabbed incredible pastries (the almond croissant was delicious) along with fruit and chia pudding each morning to bring back to my room. The International Cafe had specialty coffees for an extra charge, so instead I ordered coffee through room service (which was included in the cruise price) each morning.

The food in the dining rooms was decent, but it was a definite step down from what it used to be years ago.

In addition to the main dining rooms that were included in the cruise price, there were 3 specialty restaurants on Grand Princess that could be booked for an extra charge. I was traveling with my mom and she got a complimentary specialty restaurant dinner as part of a drink package, so we tried out Crown Grill , the only one we could get a reservation for.

The appetizers and desserts were delicious, but the steaks we ordered were totally flavorless (which was surprising considering this was the specialty steakhouse). Had I paid the cover charge, I would have been disappointed.

While I didn’t go hungry on this cruise, the food on Grand Princess was mediocre overall. There were some highlights (the pastries at the International Cafe were fantastic), but not much stood out otherwise.

The entertainment on Grand Princess was a letdown. I generally don’t get involved in too many cruise ship activities, however, I do enjoy going to the evening shows and the art auctions. Both were mediocre on my cruise.

The nightly shows in the main theater were OK at best. The production quality was lower than I’ve seen on any other cruise I have been on (across multiple cruise lines) and the hired acts (magician, comedian, etc.) weren’t much better. To be fair, the singers and dancers that performed many of the evening shows in the theater weren’t untalented — the shows themselves and the production quality is what was lacking.

Going to art auctions is one of my favorite things to do on a cruise ship. I’ve always been into art and I’ve enjoyed growing my collection with pieces I’ve purchased on cruise ships.

The art auctions on this cruise were run by Park West Gallery, as they are on just about any cruise ship you’ll find. Unfortunately, the art staff on board was unorganized and 1 member was downright pushy and rude. The art director himself was a nice guy and was able to find a specific piece I wanted (that wasn’t even on the ship) so I ended up buying that one and another from one of my favorite artists, David LeBatard, aka Lebo (sadly, the artist passed away a few days after my cruise).

When you’re going on a cruise with kids, having a kids’ club is invaluable. For little ones, it’s basically free babysitting, and for older kids, it offers a chance for them to have fun with other kids their own age while you can enjoy more adult things like going to a show, grabbing a drink, or enjoying a quiet dinner.

The kids’ club on Princess was called Camp Discovery and it was available free of charge for kids ages 3 to 17. There were 3 unique rooms that were divided by age group:

• The Treehouse : Ages 3 to 7
• The Lodge : Ages 8 to 12
• The Beach House : Ages 13 to 17

My 9-year-old was in The Lodge which offered activities like video games, skeeball, foosball, and crafts.

I loved that I was able to give her privileges to sign herself in and out of the kids’ club (available for ages 8 and up on days at sea only — adults need to sign kids in and out while in port). She enjoyed the autonomy of managing her own time and having a place to go to do things she enjoyed with other kids when she wasn’t into what the adults were doing (looking at glaciers, for example).

As mentioned, since Grand Princess was a MedallionClass ship, I was able to know where my daughter was at all times. This made me feel comfortable allowing her to go back and forth from the kids’ club on her own since I could see exactly where she was on the ship at all times. I even knew where she was when she ditched the kids’ club to go to the buffet with some new friends — ha!

Camp Discovery is the kids’ club on Princess Cruises ships. There were 3 separate areas that were divided by age group — The Treehouse was for ages 3 to 7, The Lodge was for ages 8 to 12, and The Beach House was for kids ages 13 to 17. Camp Discovery was included in the cruise price.

I love a good loyalty program and having elite status can really enhance a trip in my opinion. Status within the Princess Captain’s Circle program is earned either by the number of cruises you take or the number of cruise days.

I have Captain’s Circle Platinum status with Princess Cruises and this was my first cruise at that level so I was excited to see what perks I’d be able to take advantage of.

The answer, I discovered, was basically none.

The list of benefits offered To Captain’s Circle members was full of things that weren’t really benefits, like “Circle Center Online” (I still have no idea what this is) and “Circle Savings Account” (again, no clue what this is). As a Platinum member, I was able to save 50% on a Wi-Fi package , which was great until I realized that these packages used to be free for Platinum members.

I was very disappointed in Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, Captain’s Circle, as it offered no real tangible benefits on my Alaska cruise.

Perceptions of trips can change with time. While I did feel some disappointment during my cruise — specifically with the scenic cruising days and the food and entertainment on Grand Princess — I still look back on the trip with fond memories.

This was a family vacation and I got to spend over a week exploring new places with the people I love, which is what it’s all about. So, no, my Alaska cruise wasn’t exactly what I expected — but it was an incredible and memorable vacation nevertheless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the grand princess been refurbished.

Yes, the Grand Princess was refurbished in 2019.

How many guests are on Grand Princess?

The Grand Princess can hold 2,600 passengers and 1,150 crew members.

Does Grand Princess go to Alaska?

Yes, Grand Princess operates multiple 7- to 14-night itineraries in Alaska including Inside Passage cruises between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, round-trips from Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles, and a 4-day cruise from Seattle to Vancouver.

What is the best month to go on an Alaska cruise?

The summer months of June, July, and August are generally the best times to cruise to Alaska. However, they are also the most popular (and most expensive) times. If you’d like to avoid crowds and save some money on your cruise, look to travel during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall — April, May, and September can be great months to go to Alaska.

What is the difference between a balcony and a mini-suite on Princess Cruises?

When you book a mini-suite on Princess Cruises you’ll get a lot more space than you would with a balcony room — about 100 extra square feet. Plus, mini-suites have a separate sitting area, 2 TVs, lots of storage space, and a full-sized shower/tub combo.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

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.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

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. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. 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.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "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."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

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.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. 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.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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My Alaskan Cruise Experience on Discovery Princess (Review + Real Photos)

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It was always my bucket list dream to visit every US state – especially the country’s largest state: Alaska! But Alaska being the largest state meant I also had no idea where to start when it came to planning an Alaska adventure. That’s why I booked an Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruises to help guide me.

Disclosure: I sailed to Alaska on Discovery Princess, hosted by Princess Cruises. This review is based on my own experiences.

In July, I went on a summer Alaskan cruise on Princess Cruises’ newest ship: Discovery Princess , and I am excited to tell you all about it and show you real photos too.

If you want to learn more about cruises to Alaska, an inside scoop on the new Discovery Princess, and insight on what it is truly like to be on an Alaskan cruise ship, you’re in the right place.

Alaskan Cruise Itinerary on Princess Cruises

Alaskan cruise route details

If you are thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise you are probably wondering which routes are better, and which departure ports and ports of call are best too. The answer is, they are all great options – it just depends on what your travel needs are. 

the Alaskan cruise route I chose:

• Route: Alaska Inside Passage
• Ports of Call: Ketchikan, Endicott Arm + Dawes Glacier (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway (we ended up rerouting to Sitka on my sailing), Victoria BC
• Ship: Discovery Princess 
• Duration: 7 days
• Departure Port: Seattle round trip

There are a number of Alaska Ports of Call options available to choose from on Princess Cruises, depending on the itinerary and ship you choose. 

• Definition: A cruise port of call is a stop along the voyage route.
• Aboard Princess’ newest ship: Discovery Princess and along the sailing route I went with, the 7-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary provided an opportunity to explore glaciers, wildlife, culture and history, and local food.

Discovery princess Rooms and Review

What room to get on an Alaska Cruise

I stayed in a standard Balcony stateroom on the 11th floor (Baja deck) and wouldn’t change a thing!

If you are on a budget, the low price of an interior or ocean-view room may feel most appealing to you (after all, you can indulge in the Discovery Princess’ panoramic views throughout the ship). But if you have the ability to upgrade I would 100% recommend a balcony room at a minimum. 

Why I prefer a balcony room

An Alaskan cruise has tons of scenery. Imagine waking up to a stunning landscape as your captain pulls into the next port of call.

Marine wildlife sightings are sporadic. All of my whale sightings were from my balcony while I was getting ready for dinner. I would’ve missed it otherwise!

The balcony rooms are also quite spacious. My husband and I settled in nicely and I loved having a desk and refrigerator with plenty of closet room and walking space.

With a balcony, we were able to book a special romantic breakfast from our room too, set up for us with a scenic view.

Perks for your stateroom on Discovery Princess

You can order free robes for your room, and room service is complimentary too! There are also free laundromats on each floor.

We made the most of our closet and shelf space and immediately unpacked our bags to maximize space.

Be sure to allow your stateroom Steward to come in each day and evening to help put away extra decor pillows and turn down the room for bed — this makes it even more spacious.

Room Types on Discovery Princess

Interior Room: these are the lowest priced options and usually what the advertised price of a sailing shows on a website. You still get a comfortable bed, closet, bathroom, and tv, but you’ll have to enjoy the view on the top deck of the ship.

Oceanview: if you want a view but don’t need fresh air and a breeze across your face (or don’t mind an obstructed balcony), an ocean view window might suit you just fine. 

Balcony: there is a standard version, a deluxe version with a couch, or a premium deluxe version with a couch and a larger balcony. I stayed in the standard balcony stateroom, which I thought was a perfect size for us. For reference, I am 5’9 and my husband is 6’0, and both average weight.

Mini-suite: these offer larger balcony sizes, separate sitting areas with a sofa bed, and premium amenities.

Suite: you can choose from Vista, Premium, or Penthouse suites if you would like to splurge on your Alaskan cruise

Things to Do on Discovery Princess

What is there to do on a Princess Cruise to Alaska?

Activities on the Discovery Princess

For cruises longer than 3 nights (or farther distances), it is common to wonder whether there is enough to do on a cruise ship to stay entertained. Especially when there are multiple at-sea days.

I loved at-sea days on Discovery Princess because it was a good time to wind down, enjoy the ship’s facilities, and even book special services like a massage or pedicure (I did both!)

On the Discovery Princess Alaskan cruise, there are also lots of activities to enjoy from early in the morning through the evening. They include:

Active/Sports:

• Gym with fitness and meditation classes available
• Basketball court
• Mini golf 
• Running track on the top deck
• Outdoor ping pong tables

Wellness activities:

• Spa and salon services
• Non-surgical cosmetic services
• Sauna day pass at the Enclave
• The Sanctuary day pass
• Complimentary health and wellness workshops

Games/events:

• Competitions like bag toss, floating egg, and more
• Movies on the big screen on the top deck outside
• Cocktail presentations
• Evening shows at the theater
• Casino access

Dining Options with Discovery Princess

What are the dining options on Discovery Princess Alaskan cruise?

I was really impressed with the dining experience aboard the Discovery Princess. There is a nice mix of dining rooms and eateries included in the base price and a fantastic selection of specialty restaurants for an additional fee. 

My favorites were by far the French bistro, Crown Grille, and Sabatini’s Italian trattoria (all three are specialty dining), as well as Slice Pizzeria and the International Cafe (both included for free with your sailing).

Here is a breakdown of the dining options on the ship, including what is free and included in the standard sailing package, and what requires an upgrade or premium package.

Free Dining options on Discovery Princess

• 3 main dining rooms with a la carte dining (Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau)
• 2 bistros with buffet-style dining (World Market and Horizon Bistro)
• Gigi’s Pizzeria (a la carte dining)
• International Cafe (24 hours with pastries and rotating food items)
• Outdoor eateries on the top deck (Salty Dog Grille, Slice Pizzeria)
• Swirls Ice Cream
• The Pastry Shop

At-cost Dining with Discovery Princess

• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
• Bistro Sur la Mer (French bistro)
• Crown Grille (steak house)
• Ocean Terrace seafood bar (a la carte cost)

Other dining perks

If you have a full suite or mini-suite you get Club Class access to the Skagway dining room, which means you don’t have to make reservations and have dedicated waitstaff, exclusive menu items, and expedited service. On busy dinner nights this is absolutely worth it (I had access as press to check it out for myself and used it multiple times).

Shore Excursions with Princess Cruise – Alaska Options

Are the Princess Cruise shore excursions worth it for your Alaskan cruise?

It is no secret that the cost of excursions can add up when it comes to planning big adventures like an Alaska trip. The prices can range from approximately $15 to $800 from what I saw, depending on the excursion.

But, for most people on cruises, we want the help and guidance of a company like Princess Cruises who knows which Port of Call is best for which activities. The access, convenience, and expertise can make it worth it.

What kind of excursions are on a Discovery Princess Alaskan cruise?

Princess Cruises offer a mix of wildlife, local/cultural, food, and adventure tours. It is actually quite a large library of options and can get overwhelming if you aren’t sure what you want.

Read on for my tips on which ones to get…

The best tours to book on an Alaskan Cruise

I am still on cloud nine after some of my tours with Princess Cruises. Here are some I recommend out of the ones I tried, as well as any I would definitely choose the next time.

Helicopter Glacier & Dog Sledding Tour

I 100% recommend splurging on a helicopter tour over glacial planes and fjords in Juneau. That was top 5 most memorable things I’ve ever done. Paired with a dog sledding experience on this particular excursion, it is definitely bucket list worthy.

Seating note: Helicopters can load up to 5-6 passengers so you are not guaranteed a window seat. Make sure you have a good zoom lens if you want photos. I was in the middle with 3 other passengers and am glad I had a good camera!

Kayaking Tour

I did a sea kayaking tour in Sitka and, despite the rain, had so much fun! Kayaking of any sort is a great group activity that helps you get active without too much walking. The sea kayaking tour provided tandem kayaks which is super fun for a family or couples. 

Bear Watching Tour

Wildlife tours in general are perfect excursions for an Alaska cruise. I booked my tours too late and the bear-watching ones were sold out. If I was to do this tour again, I’d definitely sign up for a bear tour.

I thought I’d see them by chance (outside of a tour) but that didn’t happen, so doing a tour that takes you to a viewing platform where you can watch bears catch their salmon dinner would be so fun!

Culture Tour

There are thousands of indigenous peoples native to Alaska. You can take a culture tour for a low-impact experience that provides insight to the original people who still inhabit Alaska.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Totems and their significance in passing down stories across generations and about the Tlingit Nation.

Tips for choosing excursions with Princess Cruises

• Reserve your excursions early. I was shocked at how quickly tours booked up, and I selected mine about a month out.
• Choose activities you wouldn’t normally do; get outside of your comfort zone! My most memorable excursion was a helicopter ride over glaciers and fjords that landed on a dog sledding camp – like, what!? Amazing.
• Remember that excursions booked through the cruise have a guaranteed return (trust me, I saw it in real life). If your tour runs late the ship WILL wait for you if it was booked through the ship. That alone is super important because we definitely saw a tour show up late.

Discovery Princess Review: Costs, Value, and more

Cost, amenities, cruise facilities, etc.

My Alaskan cruise on the Discovery Princess really brought me up to speed on what cruising is like in 2022 and I loved it! I can’t wait for my next cruise adventure and am so glad I went during the summer.

Not exaggerating, my husband and I immediately went home and started looking up other cruise itineraries to enjoy for our birthdays, holidays, and more. Our text messages and my DMs were full of questions and people excited about the prospect of cruising for themselves. 

Check out my three Instagram videos from the trip here:

• About the ship
• About the experience
• About one of my tours

My highlights of this Alaskan cruise

• A sailing route to multiple cities I would’ve otherwise not have visited
• A stunning balcony room with 24/7 serene views
• Award-winning chefs with delicious dining options
• Access to bucket list excursions
• Life at sea!

What does an Alaskan Cruise cost?

This was a common question I received, though there is no set answer because it depends on the season, itinerary you choose, packages onboard, and shore excursions.

Yes, you can totally do this cruise for less than $1,000 if you don’t add on tours and extras (I recall the base price for an interior room on my sailing was $499, for example). But….you can also do it for significantly more. It all depends on your needs, which is what I love because there are so many options.

That said, if you wanted to do close to the exact trip I did, I recommend you estimate about $2,500 per person for the experience.

This will account for:

• standard balcony room
• plus drink package
• wifi package
• specialty dining costs
• shore excursions
• crew gratuity
• taxes and fees

Is cruising a great deal?

Yes! With the costs of travel accommodations skyrocketing for some destinations, cruising is more appealing than ever.

Expert tip: if you want to make the most of your sailing experience, be sure to look objectively at cruise offerings. I recommend the following to consider adding on to your booking:

• Beverage package: I got the Plus Beverage package for up to 15 drinks per day (valued at $12 max each), which was more than enough!
• Wifi package: there are multiple options here depending on the number of devices, but it is totally worth having so you can check emails, make calls, text while at sea.
• Specialty dining: I found that most specialty restaurants are $29/pp and gelato and sushi run for about $3.50 a piece. 

To save money on these essentials, I suggest upgrading to Princess Plus so that your drinks package, wifi for 1 device, and tips for the crew, are included. There’s also Princess Premiere if you want more (like 2 specialty restaurants per guest, more wifi devices, a higher drink limit, and unlimited photo package).

More ways to save on Princess Cruises

I definitely recommend getting on the Princess Cruises newsletter to be alerted about sales and last-minute availability on sailings.

I would also recommend inviting a 3rd or 4th person in your room so you can split your costs (they are often discounted or free ).

Last, I recommend you become flexible with dates ! Some dates will be cheaper than others, depending on the season.

What about COVID + cruising?

[This answer is about my sailing specifically. Check with Princess Cruises for up-to-date information.]

For my sailing during 2022, Princess Cruises took heed to CDC regulations: they required us passengers to show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR or Antigen test in order to board the ship. 

There were also hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship and the buffet bistros had hand-washing stations at each entrance. 

Ship staff all wore their masks, though masks were optional for passengers. I personally chose to wear my mask throughout the ship and only removed it in my room, the spa, and at meals or outside areas. 

Update 2023: unless traveling to destinations that specifically require it, most cruises have returned to normal operations without vaccine and testing requirements.

Would I do this cruise again?

A few people have asked me this too! The answer is yes. I would do an Alaskan cruise again (next time, a glacier/national park route!) and I would totally sail with Princess Cruises again. It is one of our fondest travel memories as a couple and we know of a few people who were inspired by our trip and booked one for the next year!

I like that Princess Cruises had plenty of activity options for adults, and there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of children (it didn’t feel like a theme park). This crowd had more couples and adult singles, and if there were kids they were old enough to hang in the kids/teen area on their own. 

Enjoy your Alaska cruise!

I hope my real review of my Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises gave you a taste of my experience and helped answer any questions you might have! Let me know what cruises you are considering with Princess Cruises, and be sure to try the new Discovery Princess.

Hey Pinterest Fam!

Share this review of My Alaskan Cruise Experience On Discovery Princess   by pinning the image below to your planning board.

wow what a beautiful fulfilling trip. Thank you for sharing this.

yes so beautiful!

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Cruising Alaska Was the Perfect Family Summer Vacation

Our family of 5 went on a 7-Day Princess Cruise to Alaska this summer—and we still can't stop talking about it!

Princess Cruise Lines

I’ve never wanted to go on a cruise before. I was worried it’d feel claustrophobic, that the kids would get bored, and that it was for...well...the retirement crowd. It turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong. 

My family of five—including kids ages 5, 9, and 11—went on a 7-day cruise to Alaska on the Discovery Princess for our summer vacation, and my kids still can’t stop talking about it. From the palatial-like main “lobby,” to the endless entertainment, to the breathtaking vistas and excursions, and of course, the endless gelato, it was a little (and big) kid paradise—and that’s just on the boat.

On port days, whales, bald eagles, salmon, and even a moose were all spotted. There’s definitely a reason that an Alaskan cruise was a bucket list trip for many of the families and fellow passengers we met on board.

We selected Princess Cruises’ newest ship (which launched in March 2022), partly due to their unique partnership with Discovery Communications. This meant that there were activities onboard like a special talk from a former captain on The Deadliest Catch or Puppies in the Piazza which sounds exactly like its name. There were also specific Discovery and Animal Planet “recommended” excursions at each port, like an unforgettable trip to a dog sledding camp, that are super family-friendly. 

The Alaska cruise stopped in four different ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, B.C., leaving a good amount of time to enjoy all of the ship’s amenities. 

It was essentially a one-and-done family vacation that met everyone’s needs—the perfect pause for a busy family of five.

The 5 Best Parts About the Discovery Princess for Kids

The kids club.

If you asked my newly turned 5-year-old what her highlight of the cruise was, she will unequivocally exclaim that it was the Kids Club, aka Camp Discovery. The Camp rooms—where kids are divided up by ages—were sparkling clean, filled with kid-friendly programming and toys, and the caregivers that worked there were so kind and lovely, remembering their names every day. There were planned games and activities all day long and every time we came to pick her up, she was so sad to leave.

The older kids were huge fans of their Camp Discovery room, too. They enjoyed participating in the pre-planned activities and crafts, playing video games, watching movies, playing skeeball, and reading books in their “camp.”

On the parent side, it was nice to be able to have several adults-only dinners (and if you get the chance to try out the truly innovative and immersive 360 dinner , we highly recommend it) and do things you’d have to wait ages at home to do, like get a massage or simply go to the gym. They even offer extended care during hours they’re not normally open if the adults (or adults and older kids) want to do an excursion like we did to view the awe-inspiring Dawes glacier. 

And yes, during certain days Camp Discovery even takes all the kids to dinner at the buffet. A vacation where you don’t even have to worry about feeding your kids is pretty much priceless. 

The Excursions

We were fortunate enough to be able to experience several excursions as a family at the various ports where we stopped. We booked directly through the ship for convenience and to ensure that we’d make it back to the ship in time for departure, after hearing stories of people being left behind when they chose to wander off on their own and lost track of time.

The process was super easy and can be done before your trip, but we did some the day before as well. Overall, there were tons of family-friendly options. 

The dog sledding camp visit in Juneau had to be one of the most memorable things we’ve ever done together as a family from petting the puppies to taking a sled ride with a musher and their team of dogs through an Alaskan forest. All the kids also loved the scenic train ride up the mountain in Skagway—and especially the gold mining that followed. While we didn't do it this time around, we heard from fellow families with kids that the whale watching tour was a huge hit as well.

We did leave our youngest in Camp Discovery—where she had a blast and didn’t want to leave—for an outing to the Dawes glacier, as a long small boat ride to view a glacier didn’t seem like the best activity for a 5-year-old, but every parent knows their child best. The great part is there’s tons of flexibility to mix and match family members and excursions, which we saw lots of multi-generational families doing. 

On-Board Entertainment

Besides traditional cruise ship shows in the massive Princess Theater like the comedian magician and a rock opera (both huge hits with the kids), there are activities to be found everywhere. From a putting green, to a basketball and pickleball court, and ping pong tables—not to mention the pool— the kids never got restless as I had initially feared.

And thanks to Princess Cruises’ partnership with Discovery, we were able to listen to a fascinating talk by naturalist Michael Modzelewski that even the 9- and 11-year-old were captivated by.

The daily schedule handed out each night was almost overwhelming in the amount of choices families had to spend the day. We played Mario Kart with other families one day and watched an ice sculptor at work the next.  

There were also various family-themed activities throughout the week like a family dance party, petting sled dogs that were brought onboard, and so much more. There literally wasn’t enough time to do and see everything we wanted to. 

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of cruise food but found myself pleasantly surprised—as did the kids. The allure of an all-you-can-eat buffet with cuisines from around the world was such a treat for them, as were the “fancy” gelato store on the main level and the soft serve and popcorn stand near the pool. 

Their favorite, however, had to be the The International Cafe where they eventually felt the confidence to go up and order pastries, sandwiches, fruit, and desserts for themselves. The coffee bar was conveniently located at the same location so the adults got to caffeinate while the kids snacked. 

Room service is also included in all of the packages, which was super convenient for when there was a napping child, or if we wanted breakfast delivered early and not deal with the morning crowds at the dining establishments—because the worst thing to tell a hungry kid is there’s a long wait somewhere.

There are premium dining options as well, like the Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, for a very affordable “cover charge” that we took advantage of to nosh on some delicious sushi while enjoying live music in the atrium. This may have been everyone’s favorite meal. 

The Medallions

This may sound silly, but the kids still rave about this, so I’d be remiss not to mention it. Unlike traditional cruise ships of the past, where every guest had a key card, on the Discovery Princess, each guest was given their own “medallion” on a lanyard to wear throughout their stay. This served as our room key, payments for anything extra, and even a personal GPS tracker. 

As soon as the kids neared our room door, the door would identify them and unlock, so there was no unnecessary fiddling with keys and cards. And after we felt comfortable letting the older kids walk to Camp Discovery on their own, we could track exactly where they were on our Princess Cruises app or on any of the giant touchscreens placed around the elevators to ensure they got to where they needed to go. 

The medallions also meant we could order food through our app and someone would know exactly where we were and find us to deliver that hot cocoa or adult beverage. 

As first-time cruisers, we had no idea what to expect and can definitely say everything exceeded our expectations—from the grandness of the ship itself to the beauty of Alaska, and there were definite tears when the ship finally docked back in Seattle. This is one family that’s already starting to look forward to the next cruise. 

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Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

Discover what it is really like sailing with Princess Cruises with our brand new Majestic Princess Alaska cruise review for 2021!

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Scroll down to watch our complete princess cruises alaska cruise review, ship overview.

Majestic Princes is one of Princess Cruises largest ships. As the third vessel in the Royal-Class of ships, this 144K gross ton ship offers some of the line’s newest features. Originally debuting for the Chinese market, there are still hints of Asian-influence on the vessel. From the western-themed Conservatory, to the signage, and the cruise line’s only Harmony Chinese restaurant, Majestic Princess is a bit distinct from her sister ships.

This 3,500+ passenger ship sailed at over 60% capacity this past week. Given its size, this was the greatest number of passengers we have cruised with yet in 2021.

As our first Princess cruise, there was a learning curve in terms of the ship’s layout. After a few days though, we were able to easily find our way around the uniquely designed interior spaces (well, at least I was). Boasting several bars, distinct eateries, and various public venues, this mega ship offers plenty of options for distinguished travelers.

Majestic Princess has two outdoor pools, one adult-only indoor pool, and a sports deck with a court and games like ping-pong. Even with these amusements, the ship retains an elegant and regal feel, with soft finishes and more intimate public areas.

The centrally located Piazza boasts live music, a 24-hour café with coffee and snacks, as well as 4 different lounges, making it the ideal place to relax on a cool Alaskan sea day.

Like most contemporary cruise lines, Majestic Princess offers a variety of daytime and nighttime activities. There is daily main theater entertainment from headliner acts and a production show cast, to informational talks by onboard naturalists and experts as part of the North to Alaska programming.

There is also trivia, game shows, Bingo, Movies Under the Stars, and live music, giving cruisers plenty of things to do when not ashore in one of the exciting ports of call.

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Majestic Princess also offers a more personalized and contactless vacation with its Ocean Medallion and MedallionClass app. This technology allows for keyless entry into your stateroom, on demand food and drink delivery, a digital copy of the Princess Patter activity schedule, and much more.

Given this cruise is only available to vaccinated passengers, there were few additional protocols in place once onboard the ship. Besides extra sanitation measures, staff serving in the buffet, and some additional signage throughout the ship, this Majestic Princess Alaska cruise felt just like old times. There was no testing requirement, no social distancing, or no need for passengers to wear face masks on the ship. Though, masks were required when going ashore on shore excursions and during the embarkation and disembarkation processes.

Related Post: What It’s Like Sailing on Princess Cruises Right Now

Day 1 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

A really early morning.

Given our recent travel schedule and some family obligations, we flew into Seattle for this Alaska cruise on Majestic Princess on the morning of embarkation day.

While we don’t like flying the day of the cruise, the three hour time difference worked to our advantage. This gave us plenty of time to get to the ship. Just to be safe, we did book with Princess Air. This ensured that if there were delays, the ship wasn’t going to sail without us.

However, this meant a 4:30 am car service for our 7:30 am Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle.

Luckily, there were no delays.

Grabbing our luggage and securing an Uber to the port were equally easy. So, we arrived to Pier 91 just before noon.

Pre-cruise, we had completed our online check-in a little late. So unfortunately, the earliest embarkation time slot was 1 pm.

Once we arrived, we showed the staff our “green lane” status and were directed to begin the check-in process. From verifying our passports and vaccination cards to getting our medallions (which never arrived by mail), we boarded the ship in about 30 minutes. 

While there was a steady crowd of fellow cruisers, Princess Cruises processed us all rather quickly.

Quite honestly, it didn’t seem like the Medallion app did much to speed up the process as we were never even asked for the generated QR code.

We Are Back

As this was our first Princess Cruises sailing, we spent a few hours exploring the vessel and taking some photos and video.

The staterooms were ready by the time we boarded, so we made a pit stop to drop off our carry-on items first.

Here, we met our stateroom attendant, Luis. He gave us an abbreviated tour of the room and reminded us to complete our muster drill.

Of note, he also informed us that there would only be once daily stateroom service. This meant no turndown service or towel animals. So, we did make sure to request extra towels since he would not be replenishing them in the evenings.

Grabbing some photos and videos of the room, we then completed our electronic portion of the muster on our television as it was not functioning in our app.

After watching the briefing, we needed to check-in at our muster station C. While not as simple as Royal Caribbean’s Muster 2.0, it was still a vast improvement over the muster drills of cruises past.

Then, we were off to explore, starting at the upper outdoor decks and working our way down. After well over an hour, we were hungry. Hearing rave reviews about the pizza on Princess Cruises, we snagged a table at the complimentary Alfredo’s Pizzeria on deck 6.

Each ordering our own personal pie, and our first cocktail of the cruise, the food certainly lived up to its lofty reputation.

Finishing up lunch, we toured some of the remaining indoor spaces, like the restaurants and the spa.

With sail away planned for 4 pm, we then headed to the outdoor decks. It was time to say “sea you later” to Seattle.

Come Sail Away With Me

The pool deck area was busy with many travelers also eager to be among the first to sail with Princess Cruises in over 16 months. With a slight delay, the ship finally pulled away around 4:30 pm.

Complete with a send off from the ship’s production cast and a horn farewell from Carnival Miracle docked alongside, the Captain maneuvered the ship out of Puget Sound towards our first port of call, Juneau, Alaska.

It was an exhilarating feeling and certainly the most lively sail away party of 2021. With a mix of happy cruisers, cruise director and entertainment staff, and a fully stocked bar, this was like the sail away parties pre-COVID.

Can We Stay Awake?

With a 6:40 pm dinner reservation tonight, we had to unpack first. We did receive our luggage hours earlier, but with our explorations, lunch, and sail away, we didn’t have time to get organized yet.

Our stateroom design offered limited storage options. We both loved the open closet with plenty of hangers. So, this gave us more than enough space for all our day time and night time clothes. Not to mention, we could hang all our outwear with no issues.

When it came to drawer space for other clothing items and technology gear, the cabin was a bit lacking. Further, there was limited counter space and no additional seating beyond the small desk.

Somehow, we managed to unpack everything, get showered and changed up, and arrived to dinner only about 15 minutes late.

We booked all of our My Time Dining reservations prior to our cruise. Although, it did not seem to matter for the main dining room. Other cruise lines tend to have separate lines for those with and without reservations; however, the Concerto dining room only had one line.

We waited only a short time before the host directed us to the other side of the dining room to be seated.

Dinner took nearly 2 hours this evening. We are used to night 1 dinner being a bit chaotic, but this seemed extra busy. The venue also seemed a bit short-staffed.

We both ordered a starter, entrée, and dessert. Overall, the food quality seemed on par with other contemporary cruise lines. My short rib entrée was perhaps the highlight, with tender beef in a rich demi-glaze sauce.

By the end of dinner, the jet lag was really kicking in for us. Still, we never miss the Welcome Aboard show. Tonight’s headliner was Darrell Joyce, a stand-up comedian.

Again, with a different theater configuration, we found some chairs in the general area where we normally sit.

The comedy show was family-friendly with most of the jokes pertaining to either COVID, cruising/cruisers, or the relationship with his girlfriend.

Fighting off the tiredness, we made it through the show with a few laughs.

Back to the room before 10 pm, we basically passed out. With plenty more in store on this hallmark Alaska cruise, we needed some shut-eye.

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Day 2 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

Just another work day at sea.

Given our travels, and my work schedule for my full-time job, I have been trying to work from the ship a few days each recent trip.

Expecting solid internet, I was certain I could get everything done on this sea day. With the time change, I was up at 6 am to begin working and attending Teams meetings on EST.

In between work, I grabbed us coffee at the International Café while the Princess got ready for the day. We also had some breakfast at the World Fresh Marketplace.

This cruise ship buffet felt massive but also maze-like. With two distinct dining rooms, and several central food stations, we wandered through the area to find our selections.

Food selection and quality were on par with cruise buffets from the likes of Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.

Unfortunately, the gray and misty weather outside precluded us from finding an outdoor work space today.

So, with meetings and work taking me basically to lunch time, we bounced around some of the public indoor venues looking for a better internet connection. While the morning started off strong, by 10:30 am local time, we were having issues.

Thus, we took a little break to squeeze in the Last Frontiers of Alaska talk by the onboard naturalist, Michael Modzelewski. Mixing personal narrative with wildlife facts, state history, and an excited storytelling style, his introductory session was inspiring and informative.

With no better luck on the WiFi front, I ended up missing a work meeting, and we weren’t able to get any blog work or social media done this afternoon.

At least the weather was clearing. So, we headed outside for some lunch from the Burger and Lobster Grill. With a long and somewhat unorganized line to order, it was close to 20 minutes before we got our food.

An Afternoon Around the Ship

In an attempt to get some WiFi signal, we made our way back inside to some seats on the outskirts of the wine bar, Vines. Along with sipping some coffee and nibbling on sweet treats from the nearby café, I was at least able to get some work emails done.

Finishing up for the day, we snuck over to the logo shop to take advantage of the Alaska “sale”. We purchased a few shirts and our usual cruise ship ornament for our travel tree back home. The Alaska merchandise was very reasonably priced.

Getting Into Our Routine

Assuming day 2 would be Formal Night, we booked the French specialty restaurant, Bistro Sur La Mer, before our cruise. The only time we could secure a reservation was 5:30 pm, which meant no time for formal photos.

Surprisingly, there were a number of cruisers dressed up for this first formal night. There were also several photo stations scattered around the central Piazza area.

We found the service and food at Bistro Sur La Mer to be on par with similar venues on other cruise ships. For an up-charge price of only $29, this specialty restaurant is certainly a worthy alternative to the main dining room.

My ahi tuna appetizer was flavorful, and the braised veal shank was tender and well prepared. Heidi raved about the potato au gratin even though it looked like it should be a side dish instead of an entrée.

Dinner was also more reasonably paced tonight at about 90 minutes. Thus, we had some time to kill before the game show at 8:15 pm.

Somehow, we were able to find a table for two at the Crown Bar to order our first signature martinis of the cruise.

Finishing our drinks, we secured seats at Princess Live about 10 minutes before showtime. This venue is themed as a “tv studio” and features a variety of game shows and other activities like trivia.

Tonight’s show was one of our favorites, Yes or No. The concept is simple. Cruisers have to answer the cruise director’s questions without using the words yes or no. It is a lot harder than it sounds.

Cruise Director Dan was on fire, and only one guest survived, even though she technically only made it to 2:59 minutes before uttering a “yeah”.

Like many in the venue, we exited and made a b-line to the theater for the first production show of the cruise, Sweet Soul Music.

The 35 minute production was a pretty average cruise ship show featuring Motown music. It was rather interchangeable with all the other shows we have seen through the years.

Still a bit tired, we retreated to our cabin following the show. Sadly, with no turndown service, there were no towel animals there to greet us when we returned.

Related Post: Alaska Cruise Planning Guide

Day 3 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

A morning to catch up.

Our first port of call in Juneau was a late day stop, not docking until 12 pm.

All along, I planned to work today, as it would be 4 pm EST by the time we arrived in port. Up at 5 am, I grabbed coffee and some photos along the way and was ready for some work meetings beginning at 6 am local time.

Given some delays, Majestic Princess was now due to arrive about 45 minutes late. This gave us even more time to catch up a bit. After the previous day’s headaches, the WiFi was working better this morning.

We made quick dash to the buffet in between work meetings.

Finishing up work around 12 pm local time, we prepared for the cruise ship’s arrival at our first port of call.

The excitement grew as we could see the city of Juneau in the distance. As the ship pulled into port, it was official. Princess Cruises was now back in Alaska!

Exploring All Juneau Has to Offer

Pre-cruise, we booked a dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier excursion. Unfortunately, we found out about two weeks before our cruise that our original excursion was cancelled. This is the second time that we’ve had this particular tour cancelled on us now.

With several tours sold out already, we settled on a whale watching and Mendenhall glacier hike combo tour as an alternative.

Given many tours were meeting in the theater, it was a sea of anxious cruisers ready to explore the first port of call when we arrived. With the first groups called within minutes, we too were ready to head ashore.

So, it was a bit concerning when it took over 30 minutes to finally be escorted off the ship. 

While waiting for our tour, we were informed that we would need to wear masks while disembarking the ship and during most of our tour. Of course, we are happy to comply with these local requirements if it means we can cruise again.

Meeting our tour representative at the pier, it was a very unorganized scene. When one rep said she was leaving now with 20 people, we made sure to follow close behind as she headed to the bus.

Approaching 2 pm already, the tour was way behind schedule. Exchanging our tickets for two seats on the bus, we meet our guide Aleta.

The 20 minute bus ride to our whale watching vessel included a narrated history of the city and the state of Alaska, intermingled with some personal narrative.

Our group then boarded a custom made vessel perfectly designed for whale watching in Alaska.

The close to two hour excursion included several sightings of humpbacks. Though mostly fluking, we did manage to see one whale breaching off in the distance.

Along the way, Aleta provided several handouts and displays about the different types of whales. Honestly, it ended up being one of our better tours this cruise.

Following the whale watch, we took a short bus ride to the Moraine Ecology Trial near Mendenhall Lake. This approximately one mile hike was a more tranquil and less crowded experience versus our previous trip to the Mendenhall Glacier National Park back in 2018 . It also didn’t hurt that we were the only cruise ship in town.

Escorted by a local Tlingit guide, the tour included narrative about the native history and the local fauna and flora.

While we were advised to be on the lookout for bears, we didn’t spot any during the walk. We did get to see Nugget Falls and the glacier from a different perspective though. Even better, the weather was sunny and clear, unlike our last visit when it was downpouring!

A Night on the Town

Getting back in town by 6:45 pm, Juneau was empty. I mean completely empty.

So, instead of hustling back to the ship for dinner, I convinced the wife to grab some food and drinks at the historic Red Dog Saloon. When else would we have such an opportunity again?

We were able to get a table right away. We then ordered some local drinks and chowed down on some food, including a locally caught salmon burger. With live country music and plenty of rustic theming, it was the perfect way to end our evening in Juneau.

We departed through the adjacent gift shop, purchasing a new t-shirt and ornament for our vacation tree.

We made it back to the ship just in time to drop off our gear and clean up a bit before heading to the one performance of the evening in the Princess Theater.

The soloist tonight was the soprano Barbi McCulloch. As a show “dedicated to divas”, she sang a range of songs from Whitney Houston to Cher and other Broadway classics.

After another long day, it was time for bed. Tomorrow was our next port of call in Skagway.

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Day 4 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

Getting the ship all to ourselves.

Today, Majestic Princess was scheduled to arrive in Skagway at 7 am. Before the cruise, we booked an excursion to Haines to visit the Bald Eagle Preserve. Given the transit time, we knew this was going to be another long day ashore.

With our tour not departing until 11:15 am, we slept in until 7:30 am. This still gave us a little time to relax around the ship. As the Princess got ready, I grabbed coffee and some additional photos and videos before getting back to the room to change up myself.

Luckily, I had no work commitments today.

Looking to change up our breakfast routine, we snagged some breakfast sandwiches and pastries from the International Café. Certainly, these options were much better than the typical cafes on cruise ships.

So far, the International Café was winning me over.

We exited the ship around 10:30 am. This gave us the prime opportunity to get a few photos of the ship sitting pretty in Skagway before our tour.

Where Are All the Eagles?

Getting to our arranged meeting spot on the pier a few minutes early, it was rather congested.

Our tour company rep arrived a few minutes late. Checking us in, we were directed to a different location near the adjacent pier where we proceeded to wait an additional 30 minutes.

Finally boarding the ferry just before noon, it was close to an hour ride to Haines. It was then another 30 minute bus ride to the meeting spot for our Jet Boat tour.

Along the way, our school teacher bus driver gave us a narrated tour about the town and the preserve.

Finally arriving at the destination, we were issued gear and directed to specially crafted river boats designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Chilkat River.

This massive Eagle Preserve is home to the most eagles anywhere. It is also a known location to spot moose and bear.

Prepared with our borrowed heavy duty jackets as well as our personal cameras, we set off on a close to two hour jet boat adventure.

These boats move at speeds of close to 20 MPH. With the open design, it certainly feels like you are zooming across the river.

Sadly though, we did not get lucky with wildlife sightings.  

We saw only a couple eagles and one “log” that was allegedly a moose off in the distance. We actually saw more eagles sitting on telephone poles in Juneau than we did in this natural environment. Needless to say, we were a bit disappointed.

While we were back to the ferry and ready for the 5pm departure, another tour bus was stuck in traffic due to construction on the Haines Scenic Byway. So, we were even further delayed and didn’t arrive back at the ship until after 6:30 pm, the ship’s scheduled all aboard time.

Back to the Main Dining Room

We made Dine My Way dinner reservations for 7:20 pm tonight, knowing ahead of time that we had a full day tour planned. Now that we were 30+ minutes behind schedule, we only had time for a quick costume change before dinner.

Entering the main dining room wearing jeans (cue the gasps), it was relatively quiet.

Tonight, our reservation was in the Symphony dining room. As far as we could tell, it had very similar décor and setup to Concerto.

It was Italian night on the menu. Thankfully, our server Jenny was much better than our night 1 waiter. She was very friendly and attentive.

The entrees and desserts were better as well. Both of us agree that the starters in the MDR were a bit lacking all cruise though. My veal scallopini and the wife’s stuffed chicken were both well prepared and very flavorful. The desserts, including the chocolate trio and profiterole, both satisfied our sugar cravings.

Dinner was close to 75 minutes. This meant that we were out right in time to head to the main theater for the 9:15 pm show.

Tonight’s headliner was magician Michael Misko. He was certainly more comedian than illusionist, with some very basic tricks. The show was entertaining though, even if the magic was not as grand.

Ending around 10 pm, we headed aft to the Vista Lounge. It was day 4 already, and we hadn’t explored any of the nightlife or live music anywhere on the ship yet.

The band, Ocean Boulevard, was schedule to start at 10:15 pm.

We stayed for the band’s 45 minute set. This Romanian rock group was a little all over the place, playing songs from Shania Twain, to Cher, to Bruno Mars, and Bon Jovi. While listening to the band, we continued our “drink around the ship”.

Finishing up by 11 pm, we headed back up to our room. With the ship entering Glacier Bay at 6 am tomorrow, it was going to be another long, but exciting, day onboard Majestic Princess in Alaska.

Related Post: Alaska Cruise Packing Guide

Day 5 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

Cruising glacier bay national park.

Our two previous Alaska cruises included visits to the Sawyer Glacier and the Dawes Glacier.

So, we were excited to be sailing Glacier Bay National Park this time. The day’s itinerary had us entering the park around 6 am and arriving at the Marjorie Glacier around 9 am.

I had some work meetings that required us getting up by 5:30 am anyway. So, we were certainly ready for some scenic cruising and once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Completing my meetings and work by 8 am local time, we were up to the outdoor decks prepared for glacier viewing.

Some National Park rangers had boarded the vessel a few hours earlier and were giving intermittent narration from the Conservatory. We popped in to see the display and schedule of events.

From this vantage point, we could see the “dirty” Pacific Grand Glacier straight in front of the ship. Still, the most majestic glacier was not in sight just yet.

Not wanting to miss anything, we snagged a quick bite to eat from the nearby World Fresh Marketplace before the main event. Almost on cue, we could see the glacier off in the distance off the ship’s port side around 9 am.

For the next two hours, the ship maneuvered the area allowing guests to view the Marjorie Glacier from all vantage points.

With amazing visibility and relatively mild weather, it was the picture perfect setting to view the glacier.

On the way back out of the park, the ship also circled around the vibrant blue Lamplugh Glacier, as well as Eddy Glacier. It was certainly an unforgettable morning.

With most of the significant viewing completed by 11:30 am, we headed back indoors for a bit. The game plan was to grab a snack and coffee before the 1 pm ranger presentation in the main theater.

Expecting the presentation to be busy, we headed over slightly before 12:30 pm for this 1 pm talk. Surprisingly, the theater was relatively empty. The 45 minute presentation by Ranger John integrated the park’s history with his family’s personal journey up to the state. It was well done, even if it was slightly less factual than I was expecting.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Evening

With the ranger presentation done before 2 pm, we had the rest of the afternoon to do some work and social media. Working until around 5 pm, it was time to start getting ready for dinner.

It was the second formal night of the cruise. Given we did not take any pictures on the first dress up night, we made sure to visit a few of the studios tonight.

Of all our cruises so far in 2021, this one had the most photo studios by far. With short lines at each, we did three different backdrops before dinner.

Lobster night meant one thing; the Concerto main dining room was busy.

Our server, Max, was working very hard but seemed to have quite a few tables. Thus, service was slow. The restaurant felt understaffed as Max did everything from taking our food and drink orders, to clearing plates, and grabbing food from the kitchen.

Of course, I tried the lobster tail and beef wellington. Honestly, I was disappointed in the lobster tail. It was cold and lacked any flavor. The beef wellington was an improvement, even though it too was not very warm.

Our desserts were probably the highlight of the meal, including the rotating profiterole option and the Chocolate Journeys selection.

With dinner taking us close to 8 pm, this gave us just enough time to find seats for the Marriage Match game show in Princess Live. Most cruise lines have some variation of this popular game show where married couples need to match answers on a series of questions about their relationship.

The cruise director, Dan, did a fantastic job hosting the event. In general, Dan was a fun and energetic cruise director.

This episode of Love and Marriage did not disappoint. Another smart scheduling move by Princess Cruises is offering two different showtimes for the popular game shows. Given the venue is small, this gives cruisers the opportunity to watch either the early or late show.

Following the game show, it was straight over to the Princess Theater for the second production show of the cruise, Encore.

This musical revue included a mix of different songs and Broadway tunes. I thought it was better than Sweet Soul Music on night two.

Following the show, we continued our “drink around the ship” at the Good Spirits Bar. This is another one of the lounges on the ship with a signature menu of craft cocktails.

Listening to some music from the Piazza below, we stayed here until about 10:45 pm when we decided it was time for bed. Our final shore excursion of the cruise was scheduled to meet at 8 am tomorrow morning.

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Day 6 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

A sunny day in ketchikan.

Up at 6 am, we were both surprised to get a glimpse of something rare in Ketchikan , the sun! It was a bright, beautiful morning as we slowly made our approach to the cruise pier.

I grabbed us coffee and some small bites from the International Café ahead of the ship’s arrival.

With our tour meeting time of 8:15 am ashore, we were getting a little anxious as the ship was pulling into port a tad late and there was no announcement made about the delay.

Today’s excursion was another wildlife encounter. This time around, we were doing the Neets Bay bear watching cruise. We were hoping for a more eventful trip than our eagle preserve tour in Haines.

Wanting to be prepared, we packed our bags with extra layers, additional batteries and memory cards, and face masks. One last weather check on our balcony indicated it was gorgeous outside.

Approaching our meeting time now, we decided to head down to deck 7 before any announcement was made that we were cleared to go ashore. We were not alone. There was a large line wrapping around the Piazza.

Joining the queue, we slowly made our way down to deck 4 and off the ship.

Once again, it was a bit chaotic ashore. Despite the sea of people, we found our tour guide (even though he was holding a sign with the wrong tour number), checked-in, and were sent off to the side to wait.

Yet again, it would appear that things were running a little behind schedule. By 9 am or so, our guide escorted our group to the nearby pier to board our sightseeing vessel.

Is That a Bear or a Dog?

This specially designed boat included two viewing decks with plenty of space for our group.

The onboard naturalist did an amazing job throughout the morning pointing out specific landmarks and providing us with a history of the area.

With such clear weather, you could see on for miles. It seemed like the ideal conditions for spotting wildlife.

Along the way, we passed the state totem park, as well as some research facilities. There was also the naval submarine testing area, as well as an old paper mill off in the distance. Still, a good hour into the cruise and no wildlife.

At one point, we did come upon an eagle nest, and not too long afterwards, one lone eagle sitting in a tree off in the distance. We also spotted some sea lions sitting on a rock.

As we got closer to the hatchery in Neets Bay, our entire group was on bear watch. While we didn’t have binoculars, I was using my rented zoom camera lens looking for any signs of animal life on the shore line.

After over 2.5 hours on the boat without any bear sightings, we began to drift away from the salmon hatchery and make our way back to Ketchikan.

Just then, I spotted something on a small beach front. Even zoomed all the way in, it was unclear if this was an animal or a rock. When this unidentified object began to move, I snapped a few pictures. Honestly, from this vantage point, I thought it was someone’s dog.

Showing the photos to Heidi, then our naturalist, we came to the conclusion that it was a small bear albeit blurry in the photos.

Sadly, that would end up being the only appearance of these elusive creatures during our excursion.

Heading back to our drop-off point about twenty minutes east of our ship, most of us were surprised to hear that the tour included a bus ride back to the ship?!

Getting dropped off around 2 pm, we popped into the nearby souvenir shop then made our way back onboard the ship.

Are We in Alaska or the Caribbean?

Back onboard, we dropped our gear off in the cabin and headed to the outdoor decks. There was no way we were going to miss out on this unseasonably warm and bright day in Alaska.

Of course, we were not alone. The pool deck was starting to fill in, and the outdoor dining and bars were beginning to welcome back travelers from a morning ashore.

Strolling around for a bit, we decided to grab lunch at the World Fresh Marketplace.

This massive restaurant offers plenty of seating and various food stations, but the navigation leaves much to be desired. There are no clearly labeled stations, minus the multiple salad bars and the centrally located Bakery.

We both ended up getting a Mexican-inspired lunch and a few sweet treats.

With the afternoon to ourselves, it was time for cocktails. After all, it was the second to last day of the cruise already.

Starting at the aft located Wakeview Bar, I tried the line’s signature 24K Gold Margarita, while the Princess ordered the Dirty Banana frozen drink.

Sipping these connections while gazing at the bright Ketchikan coastline was serene. Absorbing these unforgettable vistas for a while, we then moved on to some of the other outdoor spaces.

We found ourselves at the Seaview Bar next. It was almost like we were on vacation!

This time around, we opted for a shaded seat near the bar as we enjoyed our second round of cruise cocktails. Sharing our adventures on social media, we headed back downstairs to our room around 4:30 pm, from where we watched sail away.

Another Predictable Night on Majestic Princess

Predictably, we made dinner reservations at the Symphony dining room for 6:20 pm. This reservation gave us adequate time to get ready for dinner. Showered and refreshed, we were down to the restaurant exactly on time.

Not too surprisingly, the restaurant was quite empty. Even though I would have liked to relax and enjoy something more casual for dinner, I was overruled.

Service was extremely fast tonight. Our server, Natalia, was very friendly and attentive as well. The food too was perhaps the best we had all cruise in the MDR.

My pork belly and beef tenderloin entrees were well prepared and seasoned. Tonight’s signature profiterole, featuring chocolate peanut gelato, was also quite delicious.

Given our waitress’ timeliness, we were out of dinner early. This gave us some time to look at our formal pictures at the Photo Gallery before heading to Princess Live for the cruise line’s version of The Liar’s Club.

The premise of this game show is simple. Three staff members are the contestants who must convince the audience that their “definition” of some strange words are correct. Of course, two are lying, and one is telling the truth.

The scripted one liners and unique commentary make this game show a must-attend event.

Finishing up right before 9 pm, we exited the venue and made our usual trek to the Princess Theater. Tonight’s headliner was named Princess Cruises’ first entertainer of the year.

The comedian Carlos Oscar was interesting. Neither of us found his unusual presentation all that funny though. I think we were in the minority, as the other cruisers seemed to love him.

I do give him credit for creating a set that was vastly different than many comedians we have seen on cruise ships over the years. We just weren’t fans of his weird faces and delivery.

Done at 10 pm, it was time for another drink. We opted to try one of wines featured at Vines, continuing our drink around the ship.

While sipping our glasses of wine, we listened to the live music of the Pacific Trio. Similar to last night, we called it a night around 11 pm.

Heading into our last day of the cruise, a sea day, we were going to lose an hour sleep. This was a reminder that our cruise was coming to a close. Sadly, we were sailing back to the “real world”.

Related Post: Best Time of Year to Take an Alaskan Cruise

Day 7 – Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review

A much cooler morning at sea.

Losing an hour of sleep, our normal wake up felt even more tiresome today. In contrast to the unseasonably warm and sunny weather the day before, this morning was rather cloudy and overcast.

As a sea day, and the last day of the cruise, we still had some items to check off our list.

I grabbed our usual coffees from the International Café, but we skipped breakfast as the Princess wanted lunch in the MDR today.

We then headed out to begin crossing things off the Princess’ list. This included grabbing photos of some venues, like the Hollywood Pool Club. While there, we also grabbed a round of mimosas as part of our drink around the ship. It was like killing two birds with one stone.

We also wanted to test out the virtual shooting range. It was not exactly what I had in mind, but at least we can say that I tried it.

The Final Afternoon Onboard

Next up was lunch in the main dining room around noon. Mainly, the Princess wanted to try the James Beard French Toast on the menu.

Overall, I am not a huge fan of MDR lunch, and this one did not win me over either. The service was quick, with the entire process taking about an hour, but most of the food was no better than the buffet.

By now, the public areas were getting busier. With plans to attend the cruise director’s talk about what it is like to live on a cruise ship at 3 pm, we had some time to kill.

So, we grabbed some espresso martinis and seats in the Piazza. As piano music played in the background, we took this time to relax a bit.

We arrived to Princess Live at 2:45 pm to find a line of eager cruisers also interested in this behind the scenes talk. We learned a few tidbits from Dan’s informative and honest look at life onboard the ship.

Afterwards, we decided to get our last “cruise drink” outdoors. With the sun shining and the temperature certainly a few degrees warmer now, we grabbed some lounge chairs and frozen drinks.

Unfortunately, this downtime was short-lived, as we had an early dinner in Crown Grill tonight at 5:30 pm. My attempts to change the dining reservation to a bit later at both the hostess stand and with Guest Services were unsuccessful.

One Last Night on the Cruise

When we arrived at the restaurant, it was not very busy, yet service was still rather slow. To no fault of our waiter at all, he just seemed to be serving most of the tables in our section of the venue.

This cruise ship steakhouse was certainly on par with similar specialty restaurants on other cruise lines. The lobster cake was hot and filled with lobster. My steak was cooked as requested, and the sides of sautéed mushrooms and truffle fries were well flavored.

Oddly, the waiter wouldn’t leave the side dishes on the table and insisted on serving them to us, a very small portion at that.

The desserts were certainly standout, with the apple and rhubarb cobbler, chocolate trifle, and triple chocolate treasure all being fabulous.

Of the two specialty restaurants, I much preferred this one and would definitely book another dinner at Crown Grill on a future sailing.

Even though we had an earlier than normal dinner time, the slow pace did not leave much time for us to pack. Rushing back to our room after the meal, we were able to get two suitcases packed, tagged, and out the door just in time to get back down to Princess Live for Hollywood Hiccups.

Although advertised as a game show, it was actually an enhanced movie trivia. Still, we stayed and played along. While we knew all of the movies being “re-enacted” by the entertainment team, we scored a miserable 5 out of 20 points. Who knew David Hasselhoff’s name in Baywatch was Mitch Buchannon?

As you would expect by now, following this event, we made a b-line to the theater for tonight’s performance.

This final show of the cruise featured the most recent Princess Cruises’ entertainer of the year, Tom Franek. This piano-playing singer offered a highly technical display of piano skills.

His set consisted of popular songs from the likes of Elton John, Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, and more. It also included complicated arrangements and stunts, like playing the piano upside down.

I found the show to be a bit cheesy, but Heidi was more impressed with his masterful piano skills.

Done by 10 pm. We made our way upstairs to “find” the reported nightclub. Along our way to the Hollywood Pool Club, we stopped to get a glimpse of the Movies Under the Stars.

Arriving at least 10 minutes after the dance club was supposed to begin, we again were greeted with DJ equipment but no DJ, music, or nightclub vibe.

So, we decided to end our final night of the cruise with two rounds of Milky Way martinis at the Ocean Terrace bar. The Pacific Trio jammed in the background with the real party occurring on Deck 5. Fellow cruisers were grooving to the mix of Latin music and other pop hits. A birthday conga line even formed in the middle of one of the songs.

Finishing up our cocktails a little after 11 pm, it was time to call it a night. We still had to pack our carry-on bags in the morning. With our disembarkation scheduled for 7:30 am, this meant another early wake up.

A Smooth Disembarkation

Up at 5 am, we had some last minute packing to finish. As Heidi prepared for the day, I got us coffee and a few snacks from the International Café.

Back in the room, I struggled to wake up as we crammed our extra outwear and souvenirs in the two bags that we were carrying off the ship.

In the Caribbean, we tend to do self-checkout, but with no early flight to catch, there was no need to rush.

Our assigned meeting time was 7:30 am in the Deck 6 casino lounge. Securing some seats, our luggage tag, Brown 4, was called about 10 minutes later. From leaving the lounge, to scanning off the ship, grabbing our bags, and going through immigration, it took only about 15 minutes. Given the price of our previous Uber to the port, we just hopped into a cab at the nearby stand.

Getting to the airport by 8:30 am, we had to wait several hours before we could even check our bags and proceed through security. This gave us plenty of time to do some work while we waited to board our flight back home. It was going to be another long travel day.

One of the only solaces was that we would be doing this all over again in less than 3 weeks! That’s right, we will be heading back to Alaska at the end of the month with Holland America Line. So, stay tuned for more adventures.

Did you enjoy our Majestic Princess Alaska Cruise Review? Have you sailed to Alaska with Princess Cruises? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love about this cruise line.

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I totally enjoyed your review, especially since I have never sailed on the Princess Line. I would like to know if you could include in your next Alaska review with Holland American, could you include the daily temperatures for each day. Alaska and the Panama Canal Cruise are the 2 next cruises I hope to take in 2022.

Thanks so much for the readable and engaging report. We have reservations for next March, so hopefully everything will be even better by then!

We have done Alaska twice with Princess, but we did the land tour and then the ship ending in Vancouver. (I know that wasn’t an option this year.) I really enjoy Princess although I am disappointed that you seemed not to have the same wait staff every night in the MDR. We have sailed on both Royal and Regal and really enjoyed them. We have Alaska with Princess again in June 2022. We have done the White Pass Railroad in Skagway, Mt. Roberts in Juneau and the lumberjack show in Kitechen. One of the trips we stopped in Juneau and I toured alone. I ended up at the state capital building and just in time for a guided tour.

Excellent and informative, I thoroughly enjoyed your blog for Majestic Princess to Alaska. We will be doing the final Alaskan sailing in September. Interestingly, I had asked a passenger on the current sailing to find out of they offer espresso martinis. Well you obviously answered that question for me 🙂

Have a great cruise. You should try the Milky Way martinis, they were amazing!

so sorry you did not have a great dining experience . We have switched our loyalty to Princess because of excellent food and service. Animal towels they only do it ( in normal times) for cabins with little ones. we have taken your cruise 2x with both princess and Holland and we had excellent tour experiences. I do think it will be a bit before services on land and sea will be back to proper standards. Hope you tried the sea day pub lunch and give princess a try again when things settle.

We didn’t try the sea pub lunch as we don’t believe it was on our cruise. We will have to try another Princess Cruises trip to test out the dining again. Thanks for reading.

Thanks for a great review. I’v been on the Majestic once & enjoyed your experiences.

How soon prior to your cruise could you pick your arrival for check in at the pier?

As a professional photographer before I enjoyed your photos.

Glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks for reading.

Oh My Gosh! Short handed, first cruise back and all you did was tell us how late they were and nothing was as you expected. Who the heck do you think you are Mr. Perfect. You should try the Celebrity ,all they do is up sell you. actually you belong on Carnival !I wish I heard more of what you wife thought. All the different dinks and no comments on what you enjoyed most. Your review was weak and not what I expected. I did like the photos, wanted to see more shots of the ship, you came up short there. Thanks anyhow, Mike

I think your response to this review was spot on. Don’t go to Alaska thinking you are going to have the perfect internet cruising experience, that’s Alaska. Don’t think I have ever read such a nit picking review. Maybe an all inclusive would suit you better.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

When it comes to the top Alaska destinations , adventure is around every corner. From Tongass National Forest to Glacier Bay National Park , here are the most popular Alaska destinations to explore on your next cruise or cruisetour vacation.

Alaska Destinations on a Cruise

When you sail on a Princess cruise, get up close to some of the world’s most famous glaciers. Journey through breathtaking fjords and witness beloved wildlife in their natural habitat.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Alaska. Admire the snow-capped mountains and sky-high glaciers from the comfort of the ship. Learn about this unique area from park rangers who come on board, or sit back and watch animals — like sea otters and whales — relaxing in their natural habitat. However you choose to experience Glacier Bay National Park, do it without ever having to leave your Princess ship.

While the largest city in Alaska boasts modern buildings, Anchorage also retains historical charm with notes of late Victorian and Tudor Revival architecture. However, you won’t find Anchorage’s most alluring characteristic in the construction of this town, but rather in the people — and the wildlife — that reside here. Locals fish for their own dinner in shallow waters off the shore while moose meander across paved streets. Anchorage is truly an adventurist’s nirvana. Steps away from the heart of the city, lakes and calving glaciers invite visitors to take in the scenery by boat, plane or train. Board a raft on Spencer Lake and drift past glacial monuments. Or hop onto a charming trolley for a 15-mile exploration of Anchorage’s past and present.

Tongass National Forest

With over 17 million acres of land, Tongass National Forest is home to a collection of landscapes and wildlife. Ferns carpet the forest floor while Sitka spruce trees tower over the terrain. Traverse rivers by way of wooden boardwalks and descend hills with the help of man-made stairs that blend perfectly into the environment. Weave your way through these lands and keep an eye out for grizzly bears scouring the waters for fresh catch or eagles soaring above.

Alaska Destinations on a Cruisetour

On a Princess cruisetour, spend more time on land exploring Alaska’s winding rivers, meeting locals and their sled dogs, or flying over the rolling mountains. With the ability to sail into smaller fjords, our Alaska cruisetours bring you to breathtaking national parks as well as the Golden Heart City, also known as Fairbanks . Spend even more time on land with an overnight stay at one of our exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges. Located amidst legendary natural preserves like Denali National Park, enjoy convenient access to untouched lands and then relax fireside with emerald forests and regal mountains as your backdrop.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Lined with flowers, the sole park road woven throughout Denali National Park and Preserve welcome you to explore parts of this untouched natural land that spread over six million acres. Rivers carve through the base of mountains, glaciers decorate the landscapes and hundreds of animals claim residence, including Denali National Park’s Big Five: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep. Explore these regions on a tour with knowledgeable guides who can teach you about the unique landscapes and the wildlife that call Denali National Park their home.

Kenai Fjords National Park

At 669,000 acres and decorated by one of the four major ice caps in the United States, Kenai Fjords National Park is a sight to be seen. The Harding Icefield, expanding over 700 miles in length, paints the park white and feeds the glaciers that surround the crystalline fjords. Regal humpback whales leap out of the waters while seals draped over rocks bask in the sun. In this oasis, cruise through the unspoiled water and relish in the artistry of Mother Nature.

Wrangell St.-Elias National Park

As America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Snow blankets the rocky topography, adding even more character to this national treasure. Amidst the vast waters and powder blue glaciers lie some of the largest volcanoes in North America. Raft out and cast your rod into the salmon-filled Copper River to reel in your next meal, all the while taking in the glacial sights around you.

Known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks still holds true to its historical roots. Experience the city’s rich Gold Rush history via sternwheeler or visit one of the region’s many gold mines. You can also tour the city by kayak, floating under the centennial footbridge and enjoying the still waters of Chena River. Or watch sled dogs undergo training at Trail Breaker Kennel. Over in Pioneer Park lies a wonderland of activities for parents and children of any age. Saddle up on the antique carousel, try your hand at disc golf or taste delicacies plucked from Fairbanks’ waters — like fresh Alaska salmon.

From exploring Denali National Park and Preserve to fishing for fresh salmon in Anchorage, the top Alaska destinations are home to adventures for every kind of visitor. Book an Alaska cruise or cruisetour with Princess today and uncover the thrills that await you.  View Alaska cruises .

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Majestic Princess Review on an Alaska Cruise

By: Dori Saltzman · Updated On: November 2, 2023

When it comes to Alaska cruising there are two cruise lines that have been doing it longer than anyone else: Holland America and Princess Cruises. I looked forward to this opportunity to finally cruise again, and to share my Majestic Princess review in detail.

With such a long history of cruising to Alaska, both companies claim to be able to provide experiences on their Alaska cruises that no other cruise line can duplicate. I’ve always wanted to know if that was true.

Not to mention, the description of Princess’ “North to Alaska” program always sounds so enriching!

From food to culture to onboard enrichment by local Alaskans, Princess Cruises’ “North to Alaska” program provides passengers with a deeper insight into The Last Frontier, our 49th state.

In This Post...

Despite having taken an Alaska cruise three times before with other cruise lines, an excellent deal (and some FCCs) were enough to get my husband and me onboard for a mid-August sailing. We looked forward to trying a Princess Alaska cruise and our first experience aboard Majestic Princess .

Our itinerary was a one-week Alaska Inside Passage cruise, roundtrip from Seattle. The voyage included three port days, two full sea days, and a half-day of spectacular scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.

Our ports included:

Because our sailing was one of the “special” Alaska cruises permitted by the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, the ship was not required to stop at any Canadian port of call as would be typical of a roundtrip Seattle cruise.

Fast Facts – Majestic Princess

Year built : 2017 Year refurbished : n/a Weight: 143,700 gross tons Decks: 19 Passengers at double occupancy: 3,560 Crew : 1,346 Total staterooms: 1,780

COVID-19 Protocols

As with all Princess Cruise sailings, you must be vaccinated to get onboard Majestic Princess . The line will make some exceptions (up to 5% of the total capacity) for those who can not get vaccinated for medical reasons and for children. But you must apply for an exception ahead of time and it’s not guaranteed.

A negative pre-cruise COVID test is required to board the ship. The test must have been administered within 72 hours before your sailing and must be either a PCR test or an antigen test.

Mask wearing is required onboard except when outside or actively eating or drinking in a restaurant or bar. We saw this rule flouted several times, but especially at night in the casino when almost no one wore a mask.

Welcome Aboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess

Our embarkation at the Seattle cruise port was fast and easy despite being the first Majestic Princess cruise departure to require pre-cruise COVID-19 testing.

All Princess ships are Medallion-class. That means everything is digital!

You need to have the Medallion app downloaded onto your phone. And, assuming you filled out all the information requested in the app and have uploaded the appropriate photos, all you need to show at the port is your passport, vaccine card, and proof of negative COVID-19 test.

READ MORE:   Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska cruise?

It’s not the most user-friendly app, but having been on several previous Princess cruises, most of my information was already there. All I had to update were some sailing specific requests (dining and bed preferences, traveling companions, etc.).

From the moment we got to the port to getting onboard took maybe a half hour. Most of that time was spent on line waiting to get to check in and go through the security baggage check.

INSIDER TIP: If you’re having any trouble with your Medallion App or want to get on to Wi-Fi right away, head straight to the OceanFront desk on deck 7, midship. The first two days here are packed and the wait can be a bit long. If you only want to get online and don’t need help with the app, head to the Internet café on deck 6, midship, where someone can help set you up.

First Impressions

My first cruise after an 18-month “pause” due to COVID-19, I had high expectations for this Majestic Princess sailing. I’ve been on Princess ships before, including other Royal-class ships and knew to expect gorgeous hardware, the most comfortable bed at sea, and excellent service.

And my first glimpse of the ship once onboard didn’t disappoint. Built in 2017, Majestic Princess is a beautiful example of the direction the line has been moving in since it launched Royal Princess in 2013.

Decked out in neutral shades of gold, blue and white, the ship is shiny and beautiful. The atrium rises three-levels and is full of light. I’m in love with the small pools of water that partially surround two of the glass staircases. Such an elegant touch, reminiscent of a true outdoor piazza.

It didn’t take long to spot one of the main differences between Majestic Princess and other Princess ships: there’s lots of Chinese writing! That’s because Majestic Princess was built specifically for the Chinese cruise market and has been sailing almost exclusively in Asia since it launched.

Though the ship will spend the next year or so in North America and then move to Australia, the line didn’t not remove all the signs of its Chinese past. Most signage is in English and Chinese, including on the elevators.

Plus, you’ll encounter Chinese style artwork and other design elements throughout the ship. (There’s a gorgeous painted dragon on an upper outside deck that makes for a great photo-op!)

By the way, the bed didn’t disappoint. So comfortable!

Service on the other hand, was hit or miss, which is not something I expect from Princess Cruises. Everyone was friendly and happy to have us onboard, but there were times the service felt, well, rusty. Like crew had forgotten how to do their jobs during the long pause.

Bartenders charged the wrong prices. Waiters forgot to ask how we wanted something cooked. Dishes we ordered were forgotten and never brought out.

Standard Balcony Stateroom

One fun thing about all staterooms on Princess ships. The doors can only be opened using your wearable OceanMedallion device (there are no cruise cards). 

The locking mechanism has a sensor built into it that picks up your OceanMedallion’s signal before you get there. By the time you’re standing in front of your room, the door is unlocked and all you have to do is open it.

My standard balcony stateroom on Majestic Princess was comfortable. Located on Deck 9, the room had a queen-sized bed with two nightstands (each with two drawers), a desk (with three drawers) and a piece of furniture that hides that mini-fridge, has two small storage shelves, and space on top to pile things.

It’s about 220 square feet in size, which is slightly larger than the average balcony cabin on other mainstream ships.

And, did I already mention the bed? Seriously, if you’ve never been on a Princess ship before, the beds are some of the most comfortable at sea.

Stateroom Amenities

You’ll find outlets at the desk and on one side of the bed. (In our case, that was the side of the bed closest to the desk.) Outlets are U.S. and European style, plus there are two USB ports for charging your cell phone.

Thankfully, we’d brought a long enough USB cord that I could plug in to the USB port on my husband’s side of the bed and stretch it behind the pillows so that I could charge my phone from my side of the bed.

There is no closet per se, but there is bar for hanging clothes located opposite the bathroom door and a cabinet with several shelves and drawers. You can ask for more hangers if you need them, but I always bring extra wire hangers with me.

READ NEXT:  What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

The bathroom is a bit tight. But I love that there’s three rows of glass shelving, definitely enough space to put all my and my husband’s toiletries … and I bring a lot of toiletries with me when I cruise!

Inside the shower you’ll find dispensers with shampoo and body wash. The shower also has a small ledge, which is perfect for holding your own bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

Our cabin category, though standard in size and layout, was high enough that it came with individually-sized spa-branded shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion.

The balcony is maybe 40 square feet, which was big enough to fit four of us during the Glacier Bay scenic cruising. There are two chairs and a small glass table, but because it was cold and rainy for much of our cruise, we didn’t use the balcony too often.

Our Room Steward

As on all cruises, service varies by room steward. My guy both impressed me and let me down at various times.

He totally impressed me when he replaced the handful of tissues I’d taken from the bathroom to keep next to the bed with a full tissue box. I always keep tissues by my bed on a cruise and no one, not even on the ships where I’ve had a butler, has ever thought to do that.

He let me down because he had a tendency to forget to refill the ice bucket. No worries though, you can use the stateroom TV or the Medallion app to order an ice bucket.  

Review of Dining Options on Majestic Princess

What would this Majestic Princess review be without mentioning the dining. But sadly, dining was the biggest disappointment for me. Though we did have a few good meals, overall, the food was mediocre to poor.

And it didn’t matter whether we ate in an included or extra-fee venue. In fact, some of the best food I had was in the buffet and the worst dish (a filet mignon) was in the $29 per person steakhouse, Crown Grill.

The ship has six complimentary dining venues (I’m counting all four main dining rooms as “one” option). There are three extra-fee restaurants including Harmony, the only Chinese restaurant in the Princess Cruises fleet. (Unfortunately, I was the only one of my four-person group who wanted to try Harmony, which meant I was solidly outvoted.)

Our two favorite spots during the day were Alfredo’s Pizzeria and Chopsticks Noodle Bar. The first is Princess’ signature – and free – pizza place and has some of the best pizza you’ll find at sea.

INSIDER TIP:  If you want to have lunch at Alfredo’s get there before noon. The eatery opens at 11 or 11:30 a.m. most days and by noon, there’s usually a line. If you don’t want to wait, try getting there by 11:45 a.m. for your best chance at getting a table right away.

The second, Chopsticks Noodle Bar, is another Majestic Princess -only venue that’s a leftover from its day in Asia. Wonton noodle soup and a vegetarian miso ramen were always available, plus there was always a special of the day.

I had the vegetarian miso ramen several times, and the special (a lo mein) once. They were always super yummy, with just a little bit of a kick. (You could have them notch up the spiciness if you wanted.) Chopsticks is free. It’s located outside on the Lido Deck and was usually open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

International Café was our favorite spot for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks. The mini quiches and sandwiches are perfect when you just need a little nosh, as are the array of desserts!

We spent most dinners in one of the three main dining rooms, rotating ourselves through each a couple of times. How good the service was depended on our waiters, with the best service we experienced in Allegro (the aft choice). Food was mostly fine and there was always “North to Alaska” option. My favorite main dining meal was a “North to Alaska” rockfish dish on Italian night.

Majestic Princess Crown Grill Review

Of the three extra-fee restaurants, the only one we visited was Crown Grill. Other than the beet and goat cheese salad appetizer and the creamed spinach side, which were delicious, the rest of our food was a big letdown.

Let’s start with my entrée. As someone who doesn’t eat red meat or pork, I usually rely on the sides at a steakhouse.

But on our Alaska cruise, Crown Grill offered a “North to Alaska” menu that had several fish options. I selected the wild Alaskan halibut.

There was the option to order my fish grilled, pan-seared or baked, and with lemon butter or drawn butter that I forgot to request when I ordered and my server didn’t ask. As a result, the entrée was a dry, baked piece of halibut with no flavoring. Oh, and did I mention it was dry?

Speaking of dry. One of my friends ordered a filet mignon, medium. It came seriously charred on top and quite red inside. She was never offered any sauce or au jus. Eventually, she had to leave the table because the steak was so dry and charred it made her cough.

My husband ordered lamb and said only a small portion of his dish was cooked well. The rest was tough and overcooked.

Only my friend who wanted her filet mignon well-done was happy.

To top off a not-so-great meal, I was disappointed to find Princess has changed its super popular Norman Love chocolate sampler dessert. What was once a highlight of any visit to Crown Grill is now combo of mediocre desserts none of us wanted to finish.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

With three sea days (half a day of scenic glacier cruising aside), there was plenty of time to fill up onboard Majestic Princess . As avid trivia players, we tried not to miss any trivia sessions. But we made it to only one theater show, which was a guest comedian. We skipped all the song-and-dance revue style shows.

Insider Tip: Got a hot game of bridge going in a lounge and don’t want to have to leave to get food? You’re in luck! Order food via the Ocean Medallion and it will be delivered to you almost anywhere on the ship…in your room, by the pool, or hanging out in a lounge. Choices are varied, with free and for-fee options.

We also went to a few of the game show-style events put on by the entertainment team. They were mostly amusing though it often felt like the entertainment team was in on a joke that left the audience out of it.

To be fair, as only the fourth sailing since the COVID-19 pause, many of the crew members were still enthusiastically catching up with friends and enjoying life at sea again. The result was that sometimes it felt like the passengers were an afterthought.

LOTUS SPA   I also spent more than my fair share of time in the spa. Unfortunately, Steiner, the operator of the spas on Princess cruise ships, no longer offers the 10/20/30 sail, where you get progressively better discounts if you book three services at once.

Plus, they’d raised their prices a bit. More unfortunately for my wallet, that didn’t stop me from booking three services! All three services (massage, facial and keratin hair treatment) were great, but the hard sell after the first two were pretty next level.

Daytime Activities

My husband and I also got in a session of laser shooting, but we had to do it late on a port day. The activity is offered sporadically throughout the cruise and had pretty much booked up by the end of day one.

It’s one person (or same-family/friend group) at a time so space is limited. Majestic Princess is just one of a handful of Princess ships that offer the activity.

Other daytime activities included art talks, retail events, wine tastings, sports (mini golf, basketball, ping pong, etc.) competitions and outdoor movies. And, of course, there’s always Bingo.

On Alaska cruises, you’ll also be able to attend one or two “North to Alaska” presentations from geologists, historians and/or scientists. These are great introductions to the ports and Alaskan history and nature for those who have never been to Alaska.

Insider Tip: Skagway stops on Princess ships always include a visit from a musher and a sled dog puppy. If you want to attend the “Life as a Musher” presentation, get there super early. Everyone wants to see the puppy!

Watch out for the so-called fitness seminars, which are really just high-pressure sales tactics for the spa and fitness staff. (For example: Complimentary Footprint Analysis).

An outdoor activity unique to Princess Cruises is “Games Under the Stars,” which despite its name is an afternoon event. Here cruisers use their Medallion apps to compete in video-style games against other cruisers with all the action visible on the big screen by the pool.

Evening Entertainment

At night, you have a choice of shows in the main theater, trivia or game shows in the Princess Live Lounge, or live music in the Piazza, Vista Lounge and Crown Grill Bar.

Those who like to gamble can while away their night hours – and their money – in the casino.Two interesting evening entertainment options that are each worth checking out once are the Princess Watercolor Fountain Fantasy and the Good Spirits at Sea bar show.

If you’ve ever seen the lit-up water fountain show at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, then you can picture what Princess’ Watercolor Fountain Fantasy looks like. The water fountains are set to themed music and programmed to “dance” as colored lighting adds to the effect. It’s worth seeing once, with the shows later in the evening or later in the cruise less crowded than the earlier ones.

Good Spirits at Sea takes place at the Good Spirits bar and it’s always the same thing. A video about the featured specialty cocktails accompanied by the bartender making each one.

If you’re a cocktail lover, it’s worth going once to learn about the drinks and giving one or more of them a try. (Our favorite was the Apples Delight.)

Who’s Onboard

Our Majestic Princess cruise had a fairly well-rounded assortment of cruisers onboard, which isn’t unusual for an Alaska sailing. Alaska, as a destination, attracts people of all demographics.

The one thing we noticed was a decided lack of was families and young children, which was most likely due to the COVID-19 protocols. There were some teenagers and kids that could have been in the 10 to 12-year-old range. I’m fairly certain there was no youth programming of any type during the sailing.

There also weren’t many young 20-somethings, which wasn’t surprising. Princess Cruises is a laid-back cruise line that focuses less on fun and more on relaxation. As a result, it doesn’t usually attract the young (under 35) crowd.

There were plenty of past Princess Cruises passengers onboard, but we saw plenty of blue medallions, which indicate first-timers.

Final Thoughts – Majestic Princess Review

Overall, I had a wonderful time on my Majestic Princess sailing. The ship has almost all of the Princess staples I love and you can never go wrong in Alaska!

The food was a disappointment and there were times it seemed like some of the crew had forgotten how to do their jobs during the long pause.

But overall, Majestic Princess is a perfect example of the “new” Princess Cruises. It might not be right for those who loved the older, smaller Princess ships, but for anyone who likes the Princess vibe on a larger ship, it’s just right.

Cruise Review in a Nutshell Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess Category: Premium ($$$) Internet/Wifi: Extra fee, though included in many cruise fare packages. Date: August 15-22, 2021

Disclosure: I paid the full fare for my Majestic Princess cruise, but was hosted for a complimentary dinner at the Crown Grill restaurant, which normally costs $29 per person. All opinions are my own and reflect my cruise experience and observations.

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About Dori Saltzman

Dori Saltzman is a content and copy writer who previously spent 15 years covering the travel and cruise industries at several travel trade publications and at CruiseCritic.com. You can find out more about her at Dori Saltzman.com.

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We are taking the Princess shuttle from Vancouver to Seattle in 2024. Would like to hear from anyone who has taken it in 2023. What was your experience? Appreciate suggestions and things to keep in mind.

2 replies to this topic

Will do. Thank you.

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Reader's Digest

Best Alaska Cruise for Every Type of Vacationer

Posted: May 5, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best time to cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you're also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we've got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget.

The state's long, cold winters are not conducive to cruising, so the Alaska cruise season is relatively short. The best time to travel to Alaska is from late spring to early fall, with peak cruising happening during July and August. Those are also the most crowded and expensive months, so don't rule out September, which is actually the best time to see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. But with dozens of ships sailing to Alaska, how do you decide which are the best cruise lines for you?

Luckily, when it comes to Alaska cruises, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, whether you're looking for total luxury or a bargain and whether you love giant ships or something more intimate, we've found the best Alaska cruises to fit your needs. See which one sounds right for you, and once you're booked, get a head start by checking out these hidden cruise features, cruise ship code words and things you can't do on cruises .

How we chose the best Alaska cruises

To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I've been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises.

Best overall

Princess cruises.

Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat , which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks , so you can add a land extension to your trip.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities for both adults and kids, including the North to Alaska enrichment program, which brings the state's culture to you so you can sample fresh Alaska seafood and hear from local celebs like Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

• Guests can meet Alaskan Huskies on the ship through Puppies in the Piazza!
• So many options for cruise length, extensions and land and sea packages
• Price is not all-inclusive

Best for families

Disney cruise line.

With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney . Kids will love whale watching, panning for gold, searching for black bears and going dog sledding—and they'll equally love everything Disney has planned for them on the Disney Wonder, from live shows ("Frozen" takes on a whole new meaning in Alaska) and character greetings to kids clubs they won't want to leave to themed pools and restaurants. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids . Before you go, check out these Disney cruise tips .

• Disney is beloved by kids of all ages
• The focus is on families
• On the pricier side

Best adults-only

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska without the distraction of little kids, you'll be in good company on Viking . Their gorgeous ocean ships sail with a maximum of 930 passengers, all over the age of 18, so you can indulge in adult conversation over a bottle of wine or a cocktail or two. One of the many features that makes Viking the best adult-only cruise is that every single room comes with a private veranda, so you can take in the views and feel that fresh Alaska air with no one else around—and without paying extra. You can also get away without paying additional fees for shore excursions, because one is included in every port, giving you an opportunity to see the highlights of destinations including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez.

• Every stateroom has a veranda
• A shore excursion is included in every port
• Optional cruise extensions let you explore Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage on land
• The shortest Alaska cruise is 11 days

Best for solo travelers

Norwegian cruise line.

Cruising has traditionally been a bit of a challenge for solo travelers because of the single supplement that basically makes them pay the same price for a room as two people sharing a room would pay in total. Not with Norwegian , the best singles cruise ! The first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for solo travelers, they've made it easy for singles to cruise to Alaska comfortably and affordably. The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point.

• No single supplement
• A dedicated lounge just for solo travelers
• Lots of families and kids, which may not appeal to solo travelers

Best for couples

Celebrity cruises.

The best cruise for couples , both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. What a backdrop for a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal! Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity's exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.

• Many options for cruise length
• Offers land tour extensions
• Families with kids may disrupt the romantic atmosphere

Best budget

Carnival cruise line.

Yes, you can visit Alaska without spending a fortune, thanks to Carnival . You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don't cost anything, and they're all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare. Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won't be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

• Affordable way to see Alaska
• Lots of cruise length options
• The party atmosphere may not be for everyone

Best luxury

Regent seven seas.

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares , which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. With only 750 passengers, service is exceptional and personal. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska's history or eat your way through the state.

• Truly an all-inclusive cruise
• All-suite accommodations are roomy and plush
• Only one Regent Seven Seas ship sails to Alaska

Best small ship

Seabourn cruise line.

A great choice for fans of smaller, more intimate ships, Seabourn's Odyssey holds 450 passengers and treats them to a personal, all-inclusive luxury experience. Smaller ships can take you to spots where the bigger ones just can't fit, and the Ventures by Seabourn program offers optional excursions where you can get up close and personal with some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring sights via kayak and Zodiac. You'll be sailing with a world-class expedition team, including a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and natural experts who share their knowledge through lectures and casual conversations during scenic cruisings.

• All-inclusive
• Offers 7- to 14-day cruises
• Gets you closer to Alaska's natural beauty

Best large ship

Royal caribbean cruises.

Built for cruisers who believe the bigger, the better, Royal Caribbean's megaship, Quantum of the Sea, is the biggest ship in the region, with the capacity to hold 4,905 passengers. It also boasts the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship—perfect for enjoying the stunning Alaska scenery. Three other Royal Caribbean ships sail to the state, as well—all big and beautiful and filled with enough activities to keep travelers of every age busy, including their signature Rock Climbing Wall, simulated skydiving and surf sessions on the Flowrider. Yes, you can "surf" in Alaska!

• There's literally something for everyone
• Studio staterooms are designed for solo travelers
• It can get crowded

Best for land and sea

Holland america line.

With more than 75 years of experience in Alaska—the longest of any cruise line— Holland America knows the state inside and out and presents you with lots of ways to enjoy it, from both the sea and land. Not only do they feature the most Glacier Bay itineraries, but they're also the only way to see the Yukon in combination with a cruise. You'll get to stay at Holland America's Westmark Hotels and their beautiful McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park, enabling you to get closer to wildlife and explore more of Alaska on land.

The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska's bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

• Every cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations
• Only cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon
• Land and sea Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days
• Caters to an older crowd

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

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