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7-day Princess Cruise - Inside Passage

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7-day Princess Cruise

There are so many options when it comes to Alaskan Cruise, and we decided to go with Princess Cruise. Our ship was Princess Emerald. So let’s get on the Love Boat! This was a beautiful boat, really big. When you purchase a cruise, most of all the meals are included, but not drinks. Before boarding the ship, we were given a personal card with name and cabin number on it. This will be used to open the room and also used as money card. For whatever you want to have that cost money, simply provide the card to the staff and they will scan the card. Then, your purchase will automatically be billed to your credit card on file. We had ocean view state room. It is not big, but not too small either. It had a nice fluffy bed, TV, mini-fridge and a desk. The bed was pretty comfortable, and the funny thing was that the TV aired the Love Boat show quite often. I must say, I have never seen a single episode until I was on the Love Boat! It had an ok-size open closet with a good amount of hangers, safe and some shelves. The bathroom was small, enough for just one person to be in there at one time. Shower is even smaller, standing shower with curtain around it. Emerald Princess had a great number of options when it came to food and drinks. They had a handful of bars and more than handful of dining spots, both casual and upscale. One of the popular spots was by the pool side, Pizzeria & Ice Cream bar. If you know you are going to be drinking during your cruise, they do offer drink package that you choose from, which will give you either specific number of drinks per day, or unlimited drinks per day. It can be soda package, alcohol package, specialty coffee package, etc. The evening dining is when you can, or I should say “must” get fancy. With the fancy dining, no casual attire allowed. It is kind of fun to get dressed up and fancy. On Princess Emerald, you could choose between Traditional Dining (timed seating) and Anytime Dining. We went with Anytime Dining so that we can go have dinner anytime we wanted. And yes, the food is included in the cruise. The cruise ship was full of all sorts of events happening everywhere at all time. It had lectures, art auction, special jewelry contest & prize, live theater performance, etc., etc… Never a dull moment for sure! Our favorite evening event was Movie Under the Stars! They had a pretty good selection of recent movies, and was shown on a large screen above the pool. Some staffs walks around with a small bag of popcorn, which made it extra fun. They had this really nice promenade deck that goes all around the ship on one level. People were walking or jogging here every day. We had a really fun vacation with pretty good food, and several casual eateries were open 24-hours, which was another plus for having a snack or two whenever we wanted. All the staffs took a really good care of us. It was a fun trip, we would definitely do more cruises in the future!!!

Beautiful trip! The weather was sunny and warm and we had the best cruise staff and captain every. The ship is modern and clean. All staff are so kind, friendly and attentive. Meals in the Dining room and Lido deck were first class. Our land tours were perfect, informative and fun guides with lots of time to visit on your own. We even got in to Endicott Arm to see the Dawson Glacier...no small feat for a ship the size of the Westerdam. Transfers to and from the ship were organized and smooth. Highly recommend this ship and the route. Perfect vacation: great food, friendly staff, modern ship and fabulous route.

We approached the cruise with some trepidation and probably wouldn't have travelled by ship if there was another, practical way of seeing Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan etc. Cruising from Australian waters has a very mixed reputation and we had no idea what we would find in Canada and Alaska. The main fears were quickly allayed - there was no party crowd - I would guess the average age of passengers at 60+ and many had infirmities or disabilities. A safe adventure for those with mobility issues. (My wife and I were travelling with my 82-year-old mother-in-law who is marvellous for her age but has her limits when it comes to distance, stairs and uneven walking surfaces.) The verandah cabins, where we stayed, were very good - roomy, comfortable and well appointed - bathroom included. The beds were a bit hard for my taste but it must be impossible to get a bed which suits all 2,000 passengers. The food was of a very good standard and there were many options. The majority of meals are included in the price unless you choose to go to certain restaurants. There was a risk of overeating rather than the reverse. Alcohol is expensive. The atmosphere on board doesn't suit me - too brassy and noisy - but there is a great variety of activities, bars, lounges, shops, health facilities (gym, massage etc), observation areas, decks etc. which allow almost everyone to find a space to suit them while on board. The cabins provide a comfortable retreat. There is a not too subtle message to spend, spend, spend and some of the charges are a bit rich. In this day and age, to have to pay $70, $100 or $130 dollars for 5 days of slow medium or fast wifi is ridiculous. Even worse, all three options were glacially slow. Everything is made worthwhile, however, by the stops and excursions. We didn't see a lot of Juneau as we headed straight out on excursions which lasted till dark. My fit, adventurous wife took a helicopter ride for a two-hour trek (all kit supplied) on the Mendenhall Glacier. She described this as 'the experience of a lifetime'. Mum and I took a safer, bus tour to the glacier followed by a whale-watching boat ride and a salmon bake at an island lodge. All were very satisfying. We arrived at Skagway with time to look around but there isn't a lot to see. The town is like a Western movie set with nothing behind the facade. It is about 90% jewellery stores which all close up for the winter, leaving around 800 permanent residents. Great for photos though! In the afternoon we took the train journey up to White Pass along the route taken by the Klondike gold 'stampeders'. Historically interesting and quite spectacular. The following day we cruised, on the main ship, around Glacier Bay, This was probably the highlight for me. The whole area is awe-inspiring, with over a 1,000 glaciers in the surrounding mountains, but to get close to the large glaciers which reach the sea, and to hear the roar of ice 'calving' from the face,, is unforgettable. It is also tragic for anyone who cares about the effects of climate change, to learn that the glaciers are retreating at an ever-increasing pace. The final stop was at Ketchikan which is an attractive 'working' town of about 8,000 people. There are still plenty of places for the tourist to spend a dollar. We took a guided, boat tour out along the coast and then to a secluded cove to see a display of crab-catching. In the late afternoon we were taken to a coastal lodge for an 'all-you-can-eat' crab fest. Good fun. Nothing much more to say except that the staff, particularly hospitality and housekeeping, were universally friendly helpful and efficient. You need to watch the on-board billing system. I had no problems but many other passengers had to spend time at 'Guest Sevices' having errors corrected. The billing is live on the ship's intranet so you can check as frequently as you like. Would we cruise again? Probably not unless there was a similar situation, with no viable alternative. Our preference remains for self-organised, self driven holidays but I realise it's not for everyone and I might one day welcome an option with limited decision-making or exertion.

We took a northbound cruise from Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage) from july 23rd to 30th- THATS PEAK SEASON and the best time to visit- It was a awesome experience with landscape changing every morning. If you want to discover alaska take the Northbound (preferably) or southbound . A return cruise as a northbound one would go from Vancouver to Ketchiken , Juneau and Skagway . The return cruise will then start returning back to your starting port whereas the One way cruise would go Further North to unexplored areas of Glacier bay and Hubbard Glacier sailing further northward to the Gulf of Alaska and finally arriving at Seward . From Seward you can take a bus or train for a 2 hour journey to Anchorage from where you can fly back or further explore the Denali National park. We took a inside state room(SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) and we have no regrets. Beautiful , clean rooms which we needed for sleep and rest . Rest of the time we spend in various complimentary restaurants and activity areas. The best was the buffet Garden Cafe(SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) - find a window seat and its awesome . Only problem was there was no drinking water in the rooms - they sell water (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) There is frankly too much to do on the ship, so choose your priorities from shows , games , pool, bars or enjoy landscape -like we did. Every evening they leave the next days schedule (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) so that you can plan your day accordingly. BON VOYAGE.

This was my first cruise, and my last. We know BC Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast well and have seen these cruises ply this route. In many ways it lived up to expectation. In other it did not. Without doubt it is a rip off. The cost of everything from water to beverages is way overpriced even before you add 15 % to everything. It's not as if there is a choice. What HAL expect you to spend is taken off your card when you board. If you use a pre-paid it can take ages to get any Pending charges back, and these are not itemised so you have no knowledge of what they are for. The organisation for both embarcation and in Juneau disembarkation was arduous in the extreme. We could have boarded anytime afternoon but arrived at the recommended 1.0 clock .After we picked up our key cards we were herded into a holding pen withh 1000 other International pasangers, off two ships, for about 3 hours. US and Canadian passengers strolled past though empty US customs points. In a cold hall on hard plastic seats without refreshment or any indication of how long we would wait. Once on board tired and thirsty we were in the lift when the Muster Drill started. We were hustled out of our room by the steward last to the Muster point. This could all have been avoided by HAL sending us out to Canada place for an hour when we picked up our key card and telling us when we boarded to wait until after the drill. Or escorting us to our room. Juneau was equally badly organised. Clockwise around the boat passing another line anticlockwise along narrow corridors while others came down the lifts and stairs and waltzed off. The is no wi fi to the outside world. If, as we were, the ship is diverted, telling your planned tour you will be late is not easy. Telling your pick up your disembarkation time is equally hard. Monitoring expenditure, or loading pre-paid travel cards is difficult. Skagway library has free fast access but not the boat alongside in port. That's all the bad news. The cabin was excellent. We specified a walk in shower so had an adapted room. Wide doors lovely angled shelterd balcony it was ideal for watching the inside passage and it is amazing. We saw Whales and Orca quite close. In Glacier bay a pair of Perigrine Falcons swooped close enough to touch. Seals huge Sea Lions one guy even claimed he saw Wolves on the shoreline. Every stop we saw Bears and Eagles even a huge Porkupine. Best tour Skagway half day to the Yukon with Fountier. The food was very good only spoilt by the exorbitant cost of beverages. At the end of the trip we agreed there are two types of people who cruise. Those that are addicted and do not care where the boat goes, they are there for the casino and entertainments And those who are there for where the boat goes and what's ashore.. We are the later. The entertainments we did see were too loud so we did not stay. The best bar coffee shop was the Crows Nest. Without the diversion the days at sea boring except the narrows, but Juneau and Ketchikan can only be visited by boat or plane. The weather in September was fine dry and sunny throughout. 6052 best room.

A great experience, on the whole due to staff, the sights and facilities on board the ship. The staff cannot fo enough to help. Many people celebrating and all offered little special treats. Nice touch! The sights are awesome. The facilities onboard in the case of the number of pools, jacuzzis, movies, etc were surprisingly good. I agree with previous reviews that more time in Ketchikan & Victoria would have been very welcome. The only things I didn’t like were the art sessions, the cost of the professional photographs (more people would buy if these were more reasonable), plus I felt some of the things (like milkshakes, hot drinks like hot choc & frothy coffee) could have been included in upfront cost. I hope Ruby Princess will consider these minor comments, and like my friend & mine attempts to show we had a great trip!

Princess Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

From Seattle's buzzing city streets to pristine Glacier Bay to a salmon capital (and a state capital, too).

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Princess Cruises Inside Passage Glacier Bay from Seattle

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No moment is missed on this busy Inside Passage with Glacier Bay cruise itinerary. It is ideal for those who want to spend as much time on shore as possible. There are four ports of call, three in Alaska and one in British Columbia. Only one full day is spent at sea, with an additional cruising day spent exploring the crystalline waters and remarkable glaciers within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Princess Cruises offers this popular seven-day route out of Seattle.

Daily Itinerary & Sailing Dates

Below is a general itinerary for this cruise. Note that there are variations in the exact cruise itinerary between sailing dates. Ports of call, route, and details will vary. Be sure to request a cruise quote using the links below or with our cruise finder to see the most up to date information for the particular voyage you are interested in.

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The busy waterside city at the edge of Puget Sound is a convenient and quite scenic embarkation point for this roundtrip itinerary.

Passengers enjoy their ship's abundant amenities on this itinerary's singular day at sea.

Many passengers set foot in Alaska for the first time on this popular Juneau port of call. The lively city offers a fitting welcome, with glaciers to tour, delectable fresh seafood to taste, and wildlife to see.

The route continues overnight to Skagway, and with an early morning arrival, gives cruisers a long day in port. Thousands of prospectors flowed through Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. That vibrant history is woven through many available shore excursions, whether it's a guided hike on the Chilkoot Trail, or a train ride up the precipitous White Pass.

On this day of scenic cruising, the route makes a slow circuit through one of Alaska's most extraordinary places: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The cruise welcomes a park ranger on board for the day to provide narration and answer questions about the park's fascinating natural history.

Hundred of years before Ketchikan was "officially" established, the site was a thriving native Alaskan fish camp. Wild salmon still run here today, making the town's nickname "Salmon Capital of Alaska," as accurate as ever. For those passengers who've dreamt of fishing in Alaska, this is the ideal place to do it.

Docking for an evening in Victoria, British Columbia, this final port of call is enjoyed for its uniqueness on the route. The elegant city is British through and through, from its tidy gardens, to its dignified capital buildings.

Returning to Seattle by the morning, the route concludes at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The 5 best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess even owns a handful of its own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: 6 best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dog sled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

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Alaska Cruise Excursions

Experience true adventure in alaska.

Feel like a local with our unique land and shore excursions that give you a taste of true Alaska life. From the historical fortunes of the Klondike Gold Rush to the glacial treasures of the Inside Passage, get up close to the Great Land’s famous riches and best kept secrets.

Find Shore Excursions

Discovery & Animal Planet Excursions

Unlock a world of adventure with Discovery at SEA™, our exclusive partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. Immerse yourself in Alaska and see the best the region has to offer with "Recommended" tours or choose "Exclusive" Alaska cruise excursions that you can only experience with Princess – like fishing for king salmon, dogsledding through beautiful terrains and canoeing past Mendenhall Glacier.

Alaska is teeming with wildlife. See the Great Land’s most famous animals — like humpback whales — on our Alaska shore excursions. Marvel at bald eagles in their natural habitats while in Ketchikan. See humpbacks play alongside sea lions in Juneau. Or keep a lookout for Denali National Park’s Big Five — including moose, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and Dall sheep — while on a bus tour in the park.

Learn more about Alaska wildlife

The Great Land was built on a strong culture. On our Alaska shore excursions, step back in time to learn how these traditions came to fruition and how they're practiced today. Attend a lumberjack axe-throwing competition, watch a Native dance performance and excite your taste buds at a salmon bake with locals. Or watch a craftsmen thoughtfully carve totem poles at a Native Alaskan village.

Gold Rush History

Strike it rich on any of our cruise excursions in Alaska where you can pan for gold like the many treasure hunters before you. Tour mining camps and meet experienced miners. Visit a restored saloon to craft cocktails from age-old recipes. Or board a gold rush-era train that takes you through Yukon territory and brings you up close to some of Alaska's most historical sites.

With waters as prosperous as the treasures on land, discover what lies below the surface on our Alaska cruise excursions that take you out to sea. Hear thrilling tales from members of the award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch . Or learn to fly fish from an expert guide. As a part of our unique culinary experience, Cook My Catch, bring your fresh-caught fish on board and have our chefs prepare it for your dinner.

Glaciers are the epitome of Alaska. Sailing past them is a sensory experience that inspires both the mind and heart. Watch as Hubbard Glacier calves into the water and listen for the rumble of “white thunder” that it leaves in its path. Land by helicopter on top of Mendenhall Glacier, and feel its strong roots beneath you. Or navigate its rugged terrain by way of flightseeing or dogsled with our Alaska shore excursions.

Learn more about glaciers

Sightseeing

There’s a world of sights to be seen in the Great Land and our Alaska cruise excursions give you a front-row seat to it all. Bring history books to life when you tour Skagway, the former gateway to the gold rush, and visit Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks to learn even more about mining. Travel along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, or aboard a riverboat sternwheeler for sweeping views of Alaska’s greatest treasures.

Outdoor Adventures

There’s a reason it’s called the Great Land — including its great outdoors. Get up close to renowned glaciers on a flightseeing tour, zipline through Tongass National Forest and hike along the mountainside of Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain Trail which takes you 3,000 feet above sea level. Whether you prefer to traverse by land, sea or air, our cruise excursions in Alaska will bring you on a wild ride.

Denali National Park Tours

Home to the highest mountain in North America, Denali National Park is brimming with magnificence. Search for the Big Five — grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou and moose — while on a bus tour in the park. Most Princess Alaska cruisetours include a tour into Denali National Park.

Learn more about Denali National Park

Why Book Excursions with Princess?

Award Winning Excursions: Discover age-old traditions, relive mining history and make local connections with the people lucky enough to call the Great Land home. Experience the very best of Alaska with Princess.

Exceptional Value: Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

Guaranteed Return to Ship: Take full advantage of your Alaska cruise activities when you book a shore excursion through Princess. Rest assured that we won’t leave without you, so you can focus more on the moment and less on the clock.

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