Why cruise Alaska? Five unique reasons it’s the best way to visit

It’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy when it comes to our Alaska cruises, as we have so many to pick from. For those who enjoy city life, Ketchikan, located on the southeast coast, is home to the world’s largest collection of Native American totem poles, while also offering visitors the chance to crawl its local pubs or springboard 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.

We have a huge selection of Alaska cruises to choose from, spanning a range of durations, calling at various port stops and departing and returning from different locations. Getting a taste of everything Alaska has to offer is a breeze with our expansive itineraries. Some of our most popular Alaska itineraries are round-trip sailings from Vancouver, Canada.

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 getting you 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 our lounges or from the comfort of your own balcony, admire majestic views and you might just spy chunks of ice shuffling off the glaciers and sliding into the sea. Local park rangers will also be onboard sharing exciting facts about Glacier Bay National Park as you sail past, pointing out any wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, porpoises, black bears, bald eagles and much more.

We 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 over 600 feet tall.

Jaw-dropping views aren’t the only bit of Alaska you can experience onboard and on shore excursions. Our award-winning North to Alaska program enables guests to enjoy the flavors of this wild region in our restaurants and dining rooms, as we serve traditional Alaska dishes using the area’s finest ingredients. Our 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, our Cook My Catch shore excursions mean that guests can 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 our expert chefs.

Away from the dining table, we’re continually inviting Alaskans onboard to share with us 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 our North to Alaska cruise activities here.

Want to go all-out on your visit to Alaska? Why not opt for a landtour before or after your cruise, so you can see even more of the mesmerizing state.? Our Alaska cruisetours combine our 7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights onshore, exploring inland places such as Kenai Fjords National Park, Copper River and Denali National Park, which is home to the highest mountain peak in North America up close. As part of the cruisetour packages, you’ll travel to or from your ship via our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service and stay at our luxury Wilderness Lodges for the duration. If a landtour 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, it’s hard to know where to start when in Alaska. We’ve got you covered by highlighting some of the iconic experiences that are unique to Alaska you won’t want to miss with our shore excursions. Take the stress out of planning what to do in port and let us guide you through 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? Or perhaps taking to the water and kayaking around the 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier? The choice is yours.

If you’ve been wondering, "Why cruise Alaska?" we 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.