Alaska Glaciers Alaska Glacier Cruise

Table Of Content

• Denali National Park Tours
• A Seward Glacier Cruise: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and Alaska SeaLife Center
• Ships on This Itinerary
• Explore the Great Land
• Visit Denali National Park on every Alaska cruisetour
• Explore Your Cruisetour Options

Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

Denali National Park Tours

On the banks of the Chena River lies the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®. With riverside dining and frontier décor, the Fairbanks Lodge is the perfect excuse to extend your Alaska cruise vacation and dive deeper into your surroundings. Cruise down the Chena River on a sternwheeler riverboat, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8 or ride ATVs through surrounding forests underneath the midnight sun. With glass-domed railcars, our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service takes you into the heart of Alaska without juggling multiple tickets or confusing transfers. Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area. We’ve taken care of everything on your Alaska cruisetour, so you can spend less time worrying and more time exploring.

A Seward Glacier Cruise: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and Alaska SeaLife Center

This five-hour, high-speed catamaran trip runs out of Whittier into the wilderness of Prince William Sound. Like Whittier (farther below), Seward is most often used as an embarkation and debarkation port. As such, this is an excursion that's also limited to participants who are sailing on back-to-back cruises to/from Seward if you buy through the line. It's also open to those who are ending their sailing in Seward with a late-night flight out of nearby Anchorage (or with an overnight stay in the city), in which case the tour includes an airport transfer, too. Unlike Prince William Sound in Whittier, note that those with motion sickness should take precautions since the Resurrection Bay waters can be a bit choppy. This combo tour in Juneau includes both a helicopter tour and glacier trek.

Ships on This Itinerary

Not to mention, you don’t necessarily ever have to leave the confines of your stateroom’s balcony as the ship will complete a full turn for perfect viewing on both sides of the ship. A hallmark of the Princess experience is its attentive and friendly staff, who are experts in making guests feel at home while also creating an escape from the ordinary. Your stewards will know you by name, and be sure to keep you feeling pampered and comfortable throughout your journey.

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

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Well, actually, half the fun of the Seawalk is to look down, as long as you aren’t afraid of heights. The Seawalk on Princess Cruises is a first of its kind glass walkway suspended over the ocean. This 60 foot long walkway extends 28 feet off the edge of the ship offering unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Visit Denali National Park on every Alaska cruisetour

Juneau shore excursions span a wide range on the wow-factor scale, but this combo glacier helicopter tour is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As if the ride in a helicopter over glaciers and landing on an actual glacier weren't exhilarating enough, you can also pretend you're in the Iditarod by getting on a real dogsled. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise

Travel aboard exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges. If you think you may be susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication the night prior to alleviate discomfort so that you can enjoy your sailing. Ketchikan not only showcases its rich native heritage but also offers unique cruise excursions that highlight the city’s natural beauty.

"These awards are to recognize and thank those who make the shore experience special for our visitors." The cruise ship will arrive in Victoria as the sun is setting, offering spectacular views at golden hour and sunset. Eating fresh croissants while silently gliding through the glassy waters of the bay in the early morning hours will go down as one of my top 5 most memorable travel experiences of all time. This iconic train ride takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery and provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by gold rush prospectors. Wildlife enthusiasts can opt for a nature tour, spotting bald eagles, bears, and other native wildlife in their natural habitats. After the whale-watching tour, you’ll board a bus and head to a traditional Alaska salmon bake.

Before migrating to Alaska, humpback whales spend six months in Hawaii mating and giving birth. If you want to make the most of your time at each port, I would highly recommend booking the excursions directly through Princess Cruises. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too. 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.

All sales of tours booked while on your land tour are considered final at the time of purchase and are 100% non-refundable except in the case of an operator approved cancellation. I also like the 4.5-hr., 11-mile Bike & Brew Tour, which sets off outside town along Fritz Cove Road. The ride ends at the Alaska Brewing Company () for a tour and sampling of the product. Don't miss tasting the smoked porter, which is produced in limited vintages each year. A tasting goes through several years, showing how the taste changes over the years, like wine.

All Princess Alaska cruises include at least one glacier-viewing experience. The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory.

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Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and discover captivating tales of prospectors who once journeyed through here in search of fortune. As you walk along Broadway Street, you’ll find that the town’s unique architecture has been preserved and provides a captivating glimpse into the past. If you visit between June and July, you will even have the chance to see hundreds of salmon spawning in the creek. Gold panning is also available where guests can pan for real flecks of gold to take home. You are even guaranteed to see a whale on the tour or you get your money back.

Crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, enjoy only the freshest fare on board Princess ships. Re in the mood for legendary Alaska seafood, pan-roasted steak or a veggie-heavy plate, there's an option for everyone. Alaska cruisetours combine top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park.

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions

Table Of Content

• Gold rush history
• Meet Local Alaskans
• Princess Reports Passengers' Favorite Alaska Excursions -- and We Report Ours
• ZipRider Zipline Adventure
• Shore Excursions on Princess Alaska Cruises
• Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising Day

The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks.

Gold rush history

From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting local celebrities, our North to Alaska program allows you to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too.

Meet Local Alaskans

Accompanied by two more National Parks, the 15-night cruisetour is designed for explorers and wanderers. I stood on the pool deck of Majestic Princess after boarding the ship for the first time, taking in the snow-covered mountains all around me. They were gorgeous, but they weren’t the first I’d seen that week — or even that day. From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Princess Reports Passengers' Favorite Alaska Excursions -- and We Report Ours

Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people. Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore.

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Upcoming Princess Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic.

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Ultimate Wildlife Adventure cruisetour

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. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

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. You then head to Saxman Totem Park, home to one of the largest collections of authentic totems in the world, where your guide will help explain the stories and meanings behind the poles. Poles are still created here at the Village Carving Center, where expert craftsmen pass along their skills to apprentices. The ride takes only 90 seconds before your gentle, brake-activated touchdown on the beach. For even more adventure, some tours combine the Icy Straight Point zipline with an ATV ride.

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With between 2,200 and 3,000 passengers, these ships are quite large, but have plenty of public spaces and dining options to cater to all guests comfortably. Several Princess ships sail to Alaska, including the Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Majestic Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Sapphire Princess. On each ship you'll find a spa, wellness center, casino, library, theater, many dining venues and bars, and of course, spacious, comfortable accommodations. Princess Alaska Cruises has been a leader in Gulf of Alaska cruising for many years, and has a strong presence in the Alaska region, with numerous Alaska cruise sailings throughout the summer months.

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I booked a Princess cruise to Alaska for $1147 per person—take a tour of my tiny inside cabin.

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In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Eventually the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government.Some 30,000 people live in Juneau. 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.

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

While Alaska cruises may focus more on the ports of call, there are still plenty of entertainment options on the ship. After a long day ashore, guests can enjoy nightly main theater shows, live music is several venues around the ship, and game shows in Princess Live. Led by local naturalists and other experts, these talks are informative and engaging providing guests with greater insight into the Alaskan Frontier and the ship’s ports of call. We even had Glacier Bay National Park rangers board our ship during our day of scenic cruising. Land Excursions cancelled prior to the cancellation deadline will be refunded to the credit card that you provided to purchase your tours. Excursions cancelled within three (3) days prior travel are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless the operator, at their sole discretion, is unable to operate the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

Check out the views if you dare to open your eyes as you literally zip down the mountain at speeds of roughly 60 miles per hour. Screaming is, of course, not required (but just might make the ride more fun). At certain points, you are 300 feet above the forest floor and might also catch views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait and your cruise ship. The White Pass Scenic Railway is one of the most popular Skagway shore excursions, especially on a clear day. It’s a historic narrow gauge railway that was built into amazingly rugged and beautiful terrain some 120 years ago. It follows the same Trail of '98 route taken in the late-19th century by a steady stream of gold prospectors looking for Yukon gold.

On an Alaska cruisetour with Princess, discover what makes the Great Land so special, and craft your own tales of your time on land and sea. All of our Alaska cruisetours include a stay at our premier Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®, just one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park overlooking the Nenana River. Access some of the most stunning sights on earth — wilderness, wildlife and untamed land. Go flightseeing by Denali’s snow-covered peak, fly-fish for Arctic grayling, raft the Nenana River or venture into Denali on a park tour. And then there’s the fact that you see different things on land and by sea.

In just minutes you can be out of downtown Anchorage observing Dall sheep on the steep mountain slopes or watching for the white backs of beluga whales as they chase salmon up Turnagain Arm. Shop in the morning and wander the 11-mile Coastal trail in the afternoon. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center boasts a superb collection of Native Alaskan art and artifacts, as well as paintings and pioneer treasures, or visit Lake Hood, the largest float­plane base in the world.

On this adventure, you'll check out the local terrain from above with a helicopter flightseeing experience. But the real action begins when you learn to climb up and rappel down glaciers using special equipment. The best part is that no experience is needed; a guide will instruct you in the use of the provided mountain gear, which includes boots, an ice ax and crampons. If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour.

The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen. These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. 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. Included in our North to Alaska program, hear first-hand from mountain climbers who have conquered Denali. Listen as they tell exhilarating stories of their journey and present photos in the Hudson Theater at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®.