Destinations

Alaska Cruisetours: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Located just one mile from the Denali National Park entrance, this lodge is your home base for Alaska wilderness exploration. It features vaulted ceilings, exposed timbers, 30-foot high glass windows and an expansive deck that overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River. You'll also find fabulous fine and casual dining options, peaceful nature trails, comfortable accommodations and unbelievable views at every turn.

Your Alaska cruisetour will include an official Denali National Park tour, operated solely by the National Park Service and the only way to venture deep into the park. Princess offers you four different tour options, ranging in length and depth, so you can customize your time in this wilderness treasure.

Princess also offers an array of optional land excursions, allowing you to experience the Denali area in every way imaginable, from river rafting and wildlife viewing to flightseeing, fishing and more. We even provide complimentary shuttle service between the lodge and the Denali National Park Visitors Center.

Learn about: Denali National Park tours » or Optional land excursions »

Couple Enjoying Alaska Scenery - Princess Cruises

Alaska Wilderness Amenities

Your comfortable room is appointed with two double beds or one king bed, television and telephone. Relax by the rustic stone fireplace at the cozy Main Lodge, browse the gift shops and meet the friendly Princess experts at the Tour Desk.

Fine dining at Alaska’s Denali Lodge - Princess Cruises

Denali Dining

Enjoy spirits, appetizers and casual fare at the Base Camp Bistro. For wild Alaskan seafood and panoramic views, try the King Salmon Restaurant. Opt for mouth-watering pizza at Lynx Creek or lively dinner theatre, featuring a hearty Alaskan meal and a musical comedy.

Whitewater Rafting in Alaska - Princess Cruises

Alaska Land Excursions

From our Denali lodge, you'll have opportunities for Alaska's wildlife viewing, river rafting, jet boat safaris, flightseeing and hiking. There's even golf, the Music of Denali Dinner Theatre and much more. 

Click below to view Alaska shore excursions that interest you most.

Activities & Adventures

 

Nenana Gorge Whitewater Rafting – Fly through the rapids of the Nenana River, one of Alaska's most popular whitewater rafting destinations, during this thrilling, action-packed rafting in Denali National Park. Marvel at the splendid scenery, exhilarating whitewater and stellar wildlife sightings as an experienced guide navigates Class III and IV rapids in an oar-powered boat.

Nenana River Scenic Wilderness Run – Prepare for an exhilarating rafting trip along the scenic upper Nenana River. This thrilling excursion carries you through remote wilderness with your experienced guide at the oars. Watch for moose, Dall sheep, caribou and grizzly bears as you glide past rugged mountains and through exhilarating Class I and II rapids.

Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter – Soar over the Alaska Range for a glacier landing to view icefalls, moraines, ice bridges and glacial pools. This thrilling helicopter tour also offers views of Denali National Park and the chance to glimpse Mt. McKinley and sight bear, moose and Dall sheep. Expert commentary adds insight to your adventure.

Denali Excursion by Helicopter – Over 6 million acres of towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and valleys rich with wildlife are yours to explore on this sky-high, helicopter tour of Denali National Park. Witness Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain, Polychrome Mountain and Yanert Glacier on this tour.

Summit McKinley Flight Tour – This is the ultimate flightseeing tour of Mt McKinley! Your multi-engine, oxygen-equipped aircraft will climb to nearly 21,000 feet for a dramatic view of Denali's summit, the surrounding peaks and glaciers, and an amazing view of Denali National Park. Expert narration through interactive headsets enhances every minute of your adventure. .

McKinley Glacier Landing by Airplane – Experience spine-tingling adventure and astounding natural beauty on this tour of Denali's foremost attractions. Fly over the world's deepest gorge, explore the continent's tallest mountain and experience one of Alaska's most memorable thrills on a glacier landing. This flightseeing tour is ideal for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike

Covered Wagon Adventure with Backcountry Dining – See how Denali National Park's dramatic tundra and dazzling mountains appeared to early pioneers by embarking on this amazing covered wagon adventure through the Alaskan wilderness. As horses lead the way, learn about the area's fascinating history and rich terrain then savor a delicious gourmet feast at a rustic pavilion.

Black Diamond ATV Adventure – Awaken your wild side on this exciting ATV tour that puts you in the driver's seat to zip through gorgeous Alaskan backcountry. Soak up magnificent scenery while following rustic Alaskan trails covering Denali National Park's rugged northern tundra, Black Diamond Peak and Dry Creek riverbed, home to Athabascan Indian artifacts.

Denali Jet Boat Safari – Board a jet boat for an exciting ride along Nenana River to a remote wilderness camp in Brushkasna Creek Valley where local woodsmen, trappers, hunters and fishermen share captivating personal stories about surviving Alaska's extreme conditions. Pan for gold, inspect furs and enjoy a hearty snack on this spectacular adventure.

Discover Denali Flightseeing – For many this is the most satisfying way to ''climb'' Mt. McKinley. Step aboard a twin-engine airplane and get swept up in the thrill of experiencing North America's tallest peak. Fly over Denali National Park, trace the Alaska Range, and circle the ''Great One'' for sights few ever see.

Denali Jeep Backcountry Safari – Rev up for a wild ride on this exciting backcountry Jeep excursion along Stampede Road, a historic trail carved out of the wilderness by miners from the Kantishna gold fields. Throughout this rustic adventure, enjoy radio communication with your guide, breathtaking natural scenery and downtime to savor a hearty snack.

Tundra Mountain Golfing – Hit the greens during this spirited expedition to Black Diamond Golf Course, which offers magnificent views of towering mountains, rich terrain and amazing wildlife, including a crafty fox that enjoys stealing balls. Constructed directly on top of Alaskan tundra, this one-of-a-kind lakeside course offers golfers a truly memorable experience.

Alaska Adventure Walking Tour – Delve into the fascinating world of Alaskan flora and fauna as seen through the eyes of an experienced naturalist on this comprehensive walking tour exploring the northern side of the Alaska Range. While enjoying low-impact exercise, learn about the area's many ecosystems and the incredible plants and animals inhabiting them.

Black Diamond Treasure Hunt & Dining – Wild, backcountry adventure abounds on this fun-filled, guided tour via ATV along old coal mining trails to Black Diamond Peak and Dry Creek, site of many fascinating Athabascan Indian artifacts. Follow treasure hunt-style clues to discover hidden mineral samples, mesmerizing views, wildlife and a hearty, mouthwatering meal at the finish.

Stampede Wilderness Adventure – Experience the Denali tundra on the Stampede Wilderness Tour by ATV. Explore the Stampede Road corridor west of Healy at Eight Mile Lake.

Special Interests

 

Music of Denali Dinner Theatre – Delight in a wonderful, feel-good musical comedy that hilariously depicts the legend of the first men to reach the summit of Denali, North America’s highest peak. Savor a delicious, family style dinner with Alaskan salmon, smokehouse BBQ, mashed potatoes and apple crisp while enjoying live musical performances before the show at this rollicking roadhouse.

Husky Homestead Tour – Experience the call of the wild during this incredible visit to a renowned husky homestead run by Iditarod Champion Jeff King. Meet the amazingly cuddly pups, watch their explosive energy during a training run and learn what goes into creating a winning team.

Denali Fly-Fishing for Arctic Grayling – Feel at one with nature during this extraordinary fly-fishing expedition to a small stream near Denali to catch Arctic Grayling. Learn the basics of fly-casting, how to match the hatch, landing fish and catch and release techniques while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it.

Wilderness Living Adventure & Dog Cart Ride – Embark on a fun-filled adventure at a riverside camp in Denali National Park. Learn what life is like in this "Far North" wilderness from the people that call this land of extremes home. Also enjoy a snack before taking a dogcart ride driven by an award-winning race dog.

Sightseeing & City Tours

 

Tundra Wilderness Tour – The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a comprehensive experience that travels deep into Denali National Park. This fully narrated tour provides in-depth information about the history of the park and provides plentiful wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. You'll enjoy incredible scenic vistas such as Polychrome Overlook and Stony Hill Overlook.

Denali Natural History Tour – Experience the rich diversity of Denali National Park from stunning scenery and abundant wildlife to historical sites and interpretive centers on this popular Natural History Tour. Enjoy an award-winning film, a Living History presentation and still have time left after your return for independent exploration or a favorite wilderness activity.

Kantishna Experience – Follow the trail of gold to the historic mining town of Kantishna. You'll visit the restored home of pioneer, Fannie Quigley, and stop at Wonder Lake and the Eielson Visitor Center. This all-day tour with lunch is your best bet for seeing diverse wildlife and dramatic Mt. McKinley views.

Teklanika Tour – Denali National Park beckons you on this wondrous tour. Journey in a bus to mile 30 of the park to Teklanika River Overlook for spectacular views of the park, a narrated history and possible sightings of the park's wildlife inhabitants. A snack and hot beverage are also yours to enjoy.

How to Book Alaska Land Excursions in Alaska

 

Pre-reserving a Princess Cruises optional land excursion is simple and by doing so, you’ll ensure your spot on the tours that interest you most. Plus we take care of all the details so you get the most out of your Alaska cruisetour.

Pre-Reserving an Alaska land excursion

  1. Review your Alaska cruisetour itinerary in the Cruise Personalizer®. Included is a list of land excursion options that are customized to best fit your itinerary with detailed information about each excursion. You may browse through these options or create a personalized brochure of your excursion options to save, print and/or review at your leisure.
  2. When you are ready to pre-reserve your land excursions, have your booking number and credit card information ready to enter. A credit card must be registered for each passenger that wishes to participate on a land excursion. Although a credit card is required to reserve your excursion(s), you may pre-reserve all of your land excursions with no deposit required. An auto-charge of all pre-reserved excursions will take place two days prior to your first land excursion booking. Confirmed pre-reserved excursions can be viewed at any time in your detailed itinerary in the Cruise Personalizer.
  3. The Cruise Personalizer will remain open until your cruisetour departure date so you may add or cancel tours prior to the cancellation deadline without penalty. Excursions cancelled once the auto-charge has been processed are subject to a 100% penalty. Note that excursion availability is based on cruisetour date, capacity limitations, and suitable weather conditions. Excursions are subject to change at any time and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to book early as space is limited and flightseeing tours in particular may not be available for pre-reserving right up to tour departure date. Prior to travel, print your Travel Summary which will have a listing of all of your pre-reserved land excursions. You will also receive information on confirmed excursions in your Welcome Envelope upon arrival at each location.

For more detailed information visit the Pre-Reserve Land Excursion page at the FAQ: Cruise Answer Place.

Why choose a Princess Land Excursion in Alaska?

 

Variety – A wide range of customized tours geared for all interests and activity levels, from less than an hour to all day immersions, so you can get the most out of your cruisetour.

Availability – You can pre-reserve your tours through the Cruise Personalizer® to ensure your spot on the most popular tours.

Expertise - Each tour is led by experts, often residents of Alaska, who truly know the Great Land.

Convenience - Princess organizes your tour so your time is maximized and worry-free.

Peace of mind - All tours are carefully selected by Princess to ensure your safety

Click below to see excursions available at other Princess locations:
Mt. McKinley | Copper River | Kenai | Anchorage | Fairbanks

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