Why cruise Alaska? Five reasons to sail to the Great Land

It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” policy when it comes to Princess Alaska cruises, as there are so many to choose from. For those who enjoy city life, Ketchikan on Alaska's southeast coast is home to the world’s largest collection of Native American totem poles. It also offers the chance for local pub crawls and access to Misty Fjords National Monument, a glacier-carved wilderness featuring fjords, waterfalls and towering mountains. Then, there’s the state’s capital, Juneau, where you can shop for handmade crafts, embark on a foodie walking tour or go whale watching.

For something completely different, bike ride through the rainforest in Dyea, accessible from the port of Skagway, where you'll cycle around historic ruins, coastal tidal flats and wildflower meadows.

Princess has a huge selection of Alaska cruises to choose from, spanning a range of durations, calling at various ports and departing and returning from different locations. Getting a taste of everything Alaska has to offer is a breeze with Princess' expansive itineraries. Some of the most popular Alaska itineraries are roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia.

If taking in the sights of Alaska via walking, hiking or sailing excursions (or any form of excursion, in fact.) isn’t your bag, opt for an itinerary that includes some scenic cruising. Simply sit back and take in the breathtaking scenery as your ship slowly sails past some of Alaska’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.

Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Glacier Bay National Park, providing access to views found nowhere else. Located west of Juneau, the national park is home to some of the world’s most spectacular tidewater glaciers, such as Margerie Glacier. From the top deck, inside one of Princess' lounges or from the comfort of your own balcony, you can admire majestic views — you might just spy chunks of ice shuffling off the glaciers and sliding into the sea. Local park rangers will also be onboard to point out wildlife and share exciting facts about Glacier Bay National Park as you sail past. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, porpoises, black bears, bald eagles and much more.

Princess also offer scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America; College Fjord, which contains five tidewater glaciers; and Endicott Arm Fjord leading to Dawes Glacier, which stands at more than 600 feet tall.

Jaw-dropping views aren’t the only bit of Alaska you’ll experience onboard and on shore excursions. Princess' award-winning North to Alaska program enables guests to enjoy the flavors of this wild region onboard in different dining venues. You'll dig into traditional Alaska dishes that use the area’s finest ingredients. The Wild For Alaska Seafood menus champion the state’s rich fishing heritage along with sustainable fishing practices, and feature everything from crab cakes to seafood chowder — a favorite from the city of Skagway. On top of that, Cook My Catch shore excursions allow guests to spend the day fishing for salmon or halibut, bring their catch back to the ship and then have it cooked for lunch or dinner by expert chefs.

Away from the dining table, Princess is continually inviting Alaskans onboard to share with guests what makes their state unique. Join local lumberjacks and totem pole carvers as they give demonstrations, Glacier Bay National Park rangers as they explain the evolution of a glacier or listen to the thrilling stories of mountaineers who have climbed Denali. Discover more about the locals you can meet as part of Princess' North to Alaska cruise activities here.

Want to go all out on your visit to Alaska? Why not opt for a land tour before or after your cruise to see even more of the mesmerizing state? Princess Alaska cruisetours combine the Seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to 10 nights onshore, exploring inland gems such as Kenai Fjords National Park, Copper River and Denali National Park, which is home to the highest mountain peak in North America. As part of the cruisetour packages, you’ll travel to or from your ship via Princess' exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service and stay at luxury Princess-owned wilderness lodges. If a land tour isn’t for you, don’t worry: You will have lots of time to explore Alaska while your cruise ship is in port.

When it comes to unique, life-changing experiences in Alaska, it’s hard to know where to start. But Princess has you covered, highlighting the iconic experiences unique to Alaska with award-winning shore excursions and authentic experiences often led by local Alaskans. Are you keen to discover the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and pan for golden nuggets yourself? Or do you fancy ziplining through an alpine forest? Perhaps you'd like to take to the water and kayak around the 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier? The choice is yours.

If you’ve been wondering, "Why cruise Alaska?" — hope it’s clear that cruising is the best way to experience the wonders of the Great Land. From breathtaking glaciers and diverse wildlife to exclusive excursions and unmatched ship access, a cruise offers a unique perspective on Alaska’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Learn more about why we are the #1 Alaska cruise line.