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FJORD YOUR OWN PATH

Alaska national parks.

Witness the wild wonder of the best Alaska National Parks.

From the pine-covered taiga forests to the long, narrow fjords that run through massive glaciers, when you vacation to Alaska National Parks, you witness the pristine landscape of Denali National Park, or watch for breaching whales in the waters of Misty Fjords National Monument. For more adventure, zip-line through the treetops of Gulf Islands National Park, or kayak down the ice-covered waters of Glacier Bay National Park. However, you decide to explore, you're sure to find a thrill in an untouched landscape and different kinds of terrain and ecosystems.

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THE WILD, WILD NORTH

Alaska's distinctive landscape is defined by millennia of slow change, from the glacial-paced movements of ice to the tectonic shifts of mountains and volcanoes. A vacation to Alaska National Parks provides the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most impressive glaciers, fjords and wildlife. 

GLACIAL PROPORTIONS

Most known for its glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park is also an ideal spot to  watch for baby seals . Keep an eye out for mother seals depositing their little ones on floating chunks of ice while they hunt, but feel free to kayak through the icy waters nearby for a close look at these fierce animals.   

WRANGELL UP THE WILD

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest National Park in the United States, and it's home to  Hubbard Glacier , an imposing, active tidewater glacier. Spend the day cruising near this massive river of ice among graceful porpoises, or trek up one of the 18,000-foot volcanic mountains that line the park to see moose and bears. There's no shortage of adventure — or stunning views — in this national park.

KENAI SHOW YOU PARADISE?

If you're looking for a bit of everything, visit Kenai Fjords National Park, a 1,047-square-mile location where the ocean touches mountains and  massive glaciers . Board a smaller vessel for an up-close view of the park, where you can see groups of sea otters basking in the icy sunshine of Resurrection Bay, or board a flightseeing plane to get an eagle-eye view of paradise.

TOUR THE TAIGA

Last Frontier's wilderness is so expansive that you can feel the thrill of getting lost without ever actually losing your way. Take a tour through one of the best Alaska National Parks to get the full experience of this untouched landscape. 

FIND HOME ON THE RANGE

Rising up from the Alaska Range in the heart of the state stands Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, which presides over Denali National Park. With more than six million acres of rugged, natural beauty, Denali National Park offers no shortage of adventure, from climbing the steep Polychrome Pass on the eastern side of the Polychrome Mountains to walking among the pine trees of the park's stunning taiga forest.

THERE'S GOLD IN THEM HILLS

At the end of the 19th century, the  city of Skagway  sprung into existence to support the Klondike Gold Rush prospectors. Catch a ride on the White Pass rail tour to travel on the route through the Boundary Ranges of northern Alaska, listening to guides tell the history of how prospectors sought their fortune.

KICK IT IN KATMAI

If you're hoping to explore Alaska by foot, check out the five miles of maintained trails winding throughout Katmai National Park and Preserve, or if you're even more adventurous, feel free to  take a guided tour  through the untouched parts of the wilderness park. Just be sure to keep an eye out for brown bears along the way.

Start On An Icy Expedition Through Alaska National Parks

A cruise to Alaska is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the Alaska National Parks onboard the best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

YOU CAN A-FJORD THIS ADVENTURE

Watch for wildlife as you cruise through enchanting fjords, narrow inlets surrounded by massive glacial walls. At places like Misty Fjords or Kenai Fjords, you'll sail across the edge of where mountains, volcanic formations and turquoise waters converge. Be sure to snap a photo while you're there.

VACATION TO THE VILLAGES

Enter the Alaskan national parks through the beautiful Village of Hoonah, located near  Icy Strait Point  on Chichagof Island. Visit the village to take part in a traditional Tlingit dance performance, or watch for whales as they wave from the surrounding waters.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

While Alaska is most well-known for its natural beauty, it also has some fascinating cultural history. To witness Alaskan culture firsthand, be sure to interact with the natives. Learn the local folklore, and leave Alaska with great stories and even better memories. Dine on Alaskan salmon jerky, a local delicacy, before you enter into the depths of the Alaska national parks.

The cultures of Alaska's indigenous peoples are informed and shaped by the terrain in which they live, and in many areas, such as the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, you'll find that people also shaped the terrain. You'll find wilderness and history teeming within every inch of the Alaskan landscape.

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Most of Alaska's national parks are only open with very limited services in winter and even into the spring and fall; late May through mid-September is the best time to go — and luckily, Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska depart during the summer months.

Entrance fees are low or nonexistent: Denali is $10 per person, and Glacier Bay National Park is free to visitors.

If you're planning to hike spots like Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park, pack rubber boots: Though you're here to see the ice, the trails themselves can be muddy.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Visit Alaska National Parks that take you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

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ALASKA CRUISE TOURS

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Explore more on your Alaska cruise by both land and sea in one seamless Alaska trip; plan an authentic holiday that goes beyond the expected. Think wild and search for bear, moose and caribou in Denali. Witness nature at its most enticing with glacier-fed lakes and inspiring mountains. Feel a part of Alaska's individualist lifestyle as you visit local artist and fishing communities in Homer. Or put your bedtime on hold and join in Fairbanks' Midnight Sun events during the bright summer solstice. Our Alaska tours give you hundreds of unique moments to capture, keep and treasure forever.

For complete programme details, download our Alaska Cruise Tour Brochure .

If you are interested in our Cruise Tours please contact our reservations department at 00800 0310 21 21 for questions and bookings.

Norwegian Bliss / Norwegian Encore / Norwegian Sun Seattle Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

Discover the magnificent beauty and vibrant spirit of Seattle on our comprehensive full-day (six-hour) driving and walking tour, where you'll unravel the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking panoramas.

• 2 nights hotel stay
• Airport to hotel transfer
• Seattle Space Needle
• Pike Place Market
• Pioneer Square
• Waterfall Garden Park
• Transfer to the ship

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for the start of this programme.

Norwegian BLISS 12-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only five days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness

• 5-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Alaska oil pipeline.
• Explore Denali with an hour Denali Natural History Tour.
• Opportunities available to purchase additional tours whilst in Denali - such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher’s kennel for a private tour.
• Travel the Alaska Railroad in a Deluxe Dome Railcar from Talkeetna to Anchorage.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation.

Guests arranging their own flights must fly into Fairbanks for the start of this programme.

Norwegian ENCORE 13-Day Denali Explorer - Pre-Cruise Cruise Tour

A comprehensive Alaska Denali programme in only six days, complete with riverboat and railroad experiences as well as a preview of Denali's incredible wilderness.

• 6-Day Pre-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage + 7-Day Alaska Cruise
• Riverboat cruise and Fairbanks city tour including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Talkeetna and Anchorage.
• Explore Denali with a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes.
• Economy class flight between Anchorage and Seattle as well as a transfer from the Seattle Airport to the port of Seattle for embarkation

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Fairbanks Denali Express

*Maps are for reference and ports may vary by ship.

For enthusiasts with limited time looking to discover Alaska's historic and extreme ways of life. This tour features a Denali Park visit and an overview of Alaska's Golden Heart City.

• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
• Alaska Railroad Adventure Class from Fairbanks to Denali or Denali to Fairbanks.
• Explore Denali with a Natural History bus tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Brief city tour of Anchorage.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 11-Day Anchorage Denali Express

One of our best value land tours for time-conscious guests offering an up close Denali experience, tour of Alaska’s largest city and moderate hotel properties.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad (Adventure Class) from Talkeetna to Anchorage or Anchorage to Talkeetna.
• Explore Denali with a Wildlife Conservation Centre where you will see the animals of Alaska in a natural setting.
• Ample time for optional activities in Denali such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flightseeing, hiking, or one of the park service programmes

Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali/Alyeska Explorer

The best way for nature lovers in search of rustic elegance to experience Denali and the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

• Travel the Alaska Railroad on a deluxe dome rail car from Talkeetna to Denali or Denali to Talkeetna.
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour.
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour.
• Overnight stay at the deluxe Hotel Alyeska Resort.

Norwegian Jade / Norwegian Jewel 12-Day Denali by Rail Explorer

This programme is the perfect fit for train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Two Deluxe Dome Railcar segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.
• Gold panning at historic Gold Dredge #8.
• Brief city tour of Fairbanks.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre.
• Time for optional activities in Denali.

This program is the perfect fit For train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.

• Explore Denali on a Denali Natural History Tour.
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Denali/Valdez Explorer

Our most picturesque tour of Denali and the Alaska wilderness featuring rarely seen vistas, spectacular mountain passes and glaciers galore. This tour offers abundant marine wildlife viewing opportunities during the day boat cruise across Prince William Sound.

• Deluxe Dome rail journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna or Talkeetna to Anchorage
• City tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline.
• Prince William Sound boat cruise.
• Plenty of time in Denali for optional activities

Norwegian Jewel 14-Day Authentic Alaska

The most complete tour of Denali and Alaskan life in the past and present. For the active, outgoing guest, this tour offers spectacular vantage points of Mt. McKinley with time to purchase an optional all-day fishing excursion in Homer - the halibut capital of the world.

• 7-Day Alaska Cruise + 7 Day Pre or Post-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Homer, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks
• Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks including a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline
• Explore Denali with a Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Deluxe Dome Railcar journey between Talkeetna and Denali
• Visit Talkeetna, one of the best vantage points for Mt. McKinley
• Visit an Iditarod Sled Dog Musher's kennel for a private tour
• Journey through the Kenai Peninsula and visit the artsy fishing community of Homer
• Opportunity to purchase a full-day Halibut and Salmon fishing excursion
• Tour both the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Centre

Norwegian Jewel 13-Day Denali/Talkeetna Explorer

Explore Alaska as the mountain climbers do with an overnight stay in the quaint community of Talkeetna. Located 60 miles from the base of Mt. Denali, this tour gives you the best possible opportunity to see the largest mountain in North America from two distinctly different views.

• 6 day land tour fully escorted by a local guide
• Deluxe dome car journey along the rails of the Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Denali
• Tundra Wilderness Tour narrated by an Alaskan naturalist
• Visit an Iditarod sled dog musher’s kennel for a private tour
• Overnight in one of the finest lodges in Alaska, the Talkeetna Lodge with great views of Mt. Denali
• Tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre with guaranteed animal sightings

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DENALI EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

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Explore Denali, Alaska

Discover the must-sees and best kept secrets of Denali with excursions during the land tour portion of your Alaska Cruisetour vacation. Go deep into Alaska’s magnificent mainland to explore local life and culture on the following included experiences.

Denali Presentation: Welcome to the Subarctic

Sit back and enjoy Welcome to the Subarctic a fascinating presentation about all the beautiful landscapes, wilderness, and nature you’ll experience in Denali National Park. Learn more about the breathtaking Taiga forest and rolling tundra. This quick introduction by a local expert is the perfect preparation for an exciting day of exploration in the national treasure.

Included with Cruisetours : 10A and 10B

Palmer Farm Visit

Discover the charm of Palmer, a quiet town with exceptional views of Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges. Here you’ll find many farms and ranches that offer great opportunities to see  and pet regional animals including reindeer, moose, bison, yak, and elk.

Denali Natural History and Tundra Wilderness Tour

Experience the rugged beauty of Alaska’s natural landscapes on these guided tours. Enjoy a drive that takes you into the highly-protected backcountry of Denali National Park where you’ll drive through taiga-subarctic evergreen forests, into the higher elevations that offer open views of the tundra-covered slopes and river valleys, and enjoy expansive, breathtaking views of the Alaska Range, including Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, all while your National Park Ranger helps you keep an eye out for Alaska’s ‘Big 5’ wildlife.

All Cruisetours include a tour into Denali National Park.

Experience More in Denali, Alaska

Go further on your Alaska Cruisetour with the following Denali excursions that are available during the land portion of your vacation. These exciting Denali experiences can be booked through your Tour Director at an additional cost.

Husky Homestead

Enjoy an intimate group tour of the four-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King’s homestead kennel. Meet the champion sled dogs, visit the husky puppies, and see summer training in action.

 Cost: $59 per adult; $39 per child Duration: 1.5 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours: 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B & 11A

Denali Park Dinner Theater

Go back in time with an unforgettable cast of characters as they sing, dance, and tell hilarious stories of living in Denali National Park. Experience a foot-stomping, knee-slapping good time, followed by an all-you-can-eat family style dinner. Savor delicious Alaska salmon, BBQ ribs, potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, sourdough rolls, and tasty dessert.

Cost: $75 per adult; $37.50 per child Duration: 2 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours:   4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 7A, 7B, 8A & 8B

Guided Hike Denali

Set off on a four-mile hike through Denali with a naturalist guide and discover amazing terrain on this strenuous round-trip tour. Climb into the alpine, explore the glaciers, plus a chance to see the forested area near Nenana River. Experience incredible wildlife and unforgettable views every step of the way. Hikes may run longer weather permitting.

Cost: $99 per adult; $50 per child Duration: up to 6 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours:   1A, 1B, 2A,3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B & 11A

Guided Walk Denali

Enjoy a moderate walk through the Denali area narrated by a naturalist guide. Discover beautiful landmarks and fascinating glacial and geological history. Walk through the boreal forests and learn how the local flora and fauna have adapted to the extreme subarctic environment. This popular tour usually paces about one mile an hour and includes frequent stops with an elevation gain of up to 300 ft.

Cost: $115 per person   Duration: 3 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours :  1A, 1B, 2A,3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B & 11A

Wilderness Float Trip on the Nenana River

Take an easy float trip down Nenana River and enjoy scenic Denali along the way. This thirteen mile course is perfect for the whole family and beginning rafters as well.

Cost: $99 per person Duration: 2 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours:   1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B & 11A

Rafting the Nenana River

Experience Nenana River on an exciting water rafting adventure. Choose a mild course through the Upper Nenana Scenic Wilderness with just enough whitewater (Class II and II+) the whole family will enjoy. Or, go for a more advanced course (Class III or IV) through Nenana Gorge Canyon for a whitewater adventure with beautiful canyon views. Both trips are eleven miles and feature unforgettable Denali scenery.   

Cost: $99 per person Duration: 3 hrs.

Denali by Helicopter

Set off on a helicopter ride through Alaska backcountry and enjoy bird’s eye views of some of nature’s most stunning works. High above, you’ll view incredible details of how the Pacific and North American tectonic plates collided to create massive mountain peaks and the numerous glaciers that have carved their way through this rugged landscape. Then, step out onto  Yanert Glacier and see the Alaska Range, ancient glaciers, and towering peaks all around at every turn. This thrilling adventure includes glacier walking boots for added safety during the 15 minute walk on Yanert Glacier.

Cost: starting from $411 per person Duration: up to 4 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours:  1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B & 11A

Fixed Wing in Denali

Enjoy a fixed wing flightseeing journey along the Alaska Range and get up close views (about one mile away) of North America’s highest peak, Mt. Denali (weather permitting).

Cost: $400 per adult, $205 per child Duration: 60-70 mins.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

Travel 53 miles into the Denali National Park & Preserve to Toklat River rest area where this fascinating tour begins. Enjoy incredible scenic views and wildlife as you listen to a narrated history of the park road. This tour also includes a snack box and water. (*Eligible Cruisetours can upgrade from the included Denali Natural History Tour.)

Cost: $75 per adult; $35 per child Duration: 7-8 hrs.

Available with Cruisetours:   1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 7A & 7B

Denali ATV Wilderness Adventure

Take a memorable ride through scenic Alaskan wilderness on a single or side by side ATV. Ride along the Denali National Park trails on a 10 mile adventure at speeds up to 30 mph. Enjoy 1 ½ hours on trails with scenic views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley. Navigate rocky creek beds and splash through water (weather permitting). Your expert guides will lead you through the rugged terrain and provide opportunities for photography.

Cost: $115 per person with Single ATV; $175 per couple with side by side ATV-double occupancy required . Duration: 2.5 hrs.

Fly Fish in Denali for the Evening

Set off on a fly-fishing tour designed for all levels of experience. Beginners get a quick lesson in the basics of fly casting, selection, handling, and release techniques. Then, together with your guide, you’ll look for native Arctic Grayling in small crystal clear water streams. This personalized experience includes all the gear you’ll need: lightweight rods to reels, hand tied flies, hip waders, guide, instructions, and round-trip transportation from your lodge.

Cost: $195 per person: Fishing License is $25 additional Duration: 4.5 hrs. with 2.5 hrs. on the water

Available with Cruisetours:   1B, 2A, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9B & 11A

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Denali National Park & Wild Alaska Cruise

4.5 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Get lost in the wilds of America’s last frontier.

You’ll understand why Denali, North America’s highest peak, is known as “the great one” to the indigenous Athabascan people when you see it towering over the surrounding landscape. After exploring the wilds of Denali National Park, embark on a cruise through the winding waterways of the Inside Passage, where you’ll discover glacier country and gold rush towns, before ending in dynamic, dramatic Vancouver.

Your tour package includes

• 4 nights in handpicked hotels
• 7 nights aboard Celebrity Cruises
• 11 breakfasts
• 10 dinners, some with beer or wine

Included highlights

• Alaskan Railroad train ride
• Denali National Park
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Begich Boggs Visitor Center
• Hubbard Glacier

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Welcome to Alaska! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Travel to the historic village of Talkeetna by way of the Denali Star route, the flagship of the Alaskan Railroad trains.

• Pass over Hurricane Gulch Bridge, the longest and tallest on the Alaska Railroad
• Enjoy views of the Alaskan wilderness en route to Denali National Park from your seat in the comfortable Adventure Class cars and the Vista Dome car
• Stop by the Denali National Park Visitor Center and watch a short film about the park

Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group this evening.

A full day of sightseeing with your guide immerses you in the scenery, flora, and fauna of Denali National Park.

• Look for wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou, eagles, and sheep
• See Denali North America’s tallest mountain (weather-dependent)

This afternoon, travel to Wasilla where you'll enjoy an included dinner.

Today, explore the Kenai Peninsula.

• Reach the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet, known for its dramatic tidal turns that create 10-foot walls of water
• Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn about the organization’s animal rescue work
• Stop at Portage Lake to enter the Begich Boggs Visitor Center
• Soak in spectacular views of the Explorer Glacier

Then, drive through the Kenai Mountain Range to Seward where you’ll board your cruise ship. Sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship this evening.

Please note: The Begich Boggs Visitor Center is closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day due to weather conditions in the area.

Enjoy a day at sea reveling in your ship’s luxurious accommodations or simply watching the scenery from the deck.

• Enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship
• Cruise around the Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tide water glacier

Sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship this evening.

Dock in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, and enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship.

Spend a free day in Juneau, often referred to as little San Francisco for its perfect blend of cosmopolitan city sophistication and frontier town spirit.

Dock in Skagway and enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship.

Then, spend a free day in Skagway, the starting point for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s and the northernmost point of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Keep a lookout for humpback, minke, and orca whales and enjoy an included lunch as you cruise the Icy Straits to Icy Strait Point, your port of call for the day.

Dock in Ketchikan and enjoy an included lunch aboard the ship.

Spend a free day in Ketchikan, the ancestral home of the Tlingit people and gateway to some of Alaska’s most sublime scenery and wildlife.

Sail the southern section of Alaska’s Inside Passage, a collection of waterways, inlets, fjords, and bays.

• View the region’s glaciers, several mountain ranges, and secluded isles
• Look out for bald eagles as you cruise

Disembark in Vancouver, British Columbia. Then, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city with a local guide.

• Drive through downtown Vancouver, passing the Roman-inspired Public Library
• Head to the waterfront to see Canada Place, a sail-inspired building, which houses the Vancouver Convention Center and World Trade Center
• Visit Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre public space featuring First Nations art including totem poles and gateways
• See the historic Gastown district, filled with historic charm, delicious restaurants and unique shops
• Stroll through Queen Elizabeth Park to take in views of the city
• Enjoy free time to explore Granville Island, located directly across the water from downtown Vancouver

Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Vancouver.

Spend a free day in Vancouver or add an excursion.

Victoria Sightseeing

From $229 per person

Enjoy a free day in Vancouver or add an excursion.

Vancouver: Whistler & Shannon Falls

From $195 per person

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

3 out of 5 stars

Hubby & I enjoyed visiting Denali and all cruise ports. We toured Sept 5-16th. (American Airlines was not a good experience.) Took opportunity to have lunch on train to Denali which was delicious and romantic. We saw the 1st snowfall of winter and much wildlife, but wished we would have travele...

4 out of 5 stars

This was my first tour ever and first cruise. The people in my group were all really friendly and kind. Alaska was a great adventure! Unfortunately the weather was cloudy for most of the time. So neat to see so many mountains and the ocean full of life!

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This modern hotel is located in the University neighborhood. Guests enjoy a pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Far North Bi...

This rustic hotel is located outside of the Lemeta neighborhood. Guests enjoy a food truck court, a general store, and campfire circles. Nearby you’ll...

The Best Western Lake Lucille Inn is a well-run, attractive lakeside hotel in Wasilla with the best rooms in the valley. Each of the rooms is large an...

Celebrity's Millennium ship brings many different activities paired with a range of restaurants and cruise cabins. Enjoy impressive views of Alaskan g...

This modern hotel is located in the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Van...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• With a sophisticated design and gracious public rooms, the Celebrity Summit offers a full range of luxurious facilities, including large decks, pools, a fully equipped health club and spa, saunas, and shops. In the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, performances, or dancing. And when you’ve had your fill of activity, your cabin awaits with all the comforts of home. See a detailed summary of the ship’s amenities and available cabins on their website .
• U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver's license on or after May 7, 2025, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.
• Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within Canada.
• Canadian citizens entering the U.S. and U.S. citizens entering Canada need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code DNR.
• You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and boats.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Anchorage, Alaska and depart from Vancouver, British Columbia. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• A train ride from Anchorage to Denali and a seven-night Alaskan cruise is included in the price of your tour.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
• During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Breakfast and lunch are open seating in the ship’s dining room, and dinner is served at two seatings (6pm and 8:30pm). If you do not get the dinner seating you would like, please speak to the dining room maitre d’ at the earliest opportunity. They will do their best to accommodate you. Dining preference is confirmed upon check-in at the terminal.
• There are multiple dining options on board the ship and a variety of foods are offered.
• The Celebrity Millennium has an open seating policy in a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. Reservations are recommended in specialty restaurants.
• All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
• The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• British Columbia is three hours behind Eastern Time (ET). Alaska is four hours behind ET.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 9am in British Columbia and 8am in Alaska.
• You will use the U.S. dollar on this tour.
• On board the cruise ship, you’ll be issued a Celebrity Cruise Line card, which will enable you to sign for most shipboard expenses. Your account can be settled with cash, traveler’s checks, or a major credit card. Personal checks cannot be cashed or accepted.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
• Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in USD.
• We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $7USD to $8USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Gratuities aboard the cruise ship are not included in price of your tour, but will be automatically charged to your onboard account. This gratuity amounts to approximately $13USD per person per day and covers all service charges for ship personnel. A separate 18 percent service charge is automatically added to all bar tabs and spa service payments.
• Ask cruise representatives for details on shore excursions, as some are quite walking intensive.
• Please be advised that passengers who choose not to partake in shore excursions are typically the last to disembark in that day’s port.

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Luxury Land Programs in Alaska

Discover denali.

Spend Day 1 at your leisure after traveling to Anchorage. Meals are on your own.

After breakfast on Day 2, you’ll head north through the kind of scenery that defines the Alaskan interior: tundra, soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, forests, wild rivers and vast expanses primarily inhabited by animals such as moose, grizzlies, foxes and birds.

Upon reaching Talkeetna, you’ll explore downtown before boarding an Alaska Railroad train. You’ll spend the next 4.5 seated in the upstairs Dome where you’ll enjoy views from every angle before heading to the dining room for lunch. Arriving in Denali, you’ll transfer to the Grande Denali Lodge, which perches on the edge of a bluff less than a mile from the entrance to Denali National Park. Following enlightening private lecture on Denali, your evening is open for dinner on own.

Day 3 commences with an early breakfast before embarking on a phenomenal 4-5 hour Denali Natural History Tour. Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this program travels to the Teklanika River. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of time spent off the bus. Stopping at the Savage Cabin, the original ranger’s cabin, provides insight into how it was used in the past and now in the present.

Arriving at Primrose Ridge, you’ll learn how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years during a memorable Alaskan Native presentation.

NOTE: You may upgrade to the longer 6-8 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour from the Tour Director only on Day 1 or 2 of the program. Tours are conducted in school buses.

Upon returning to the lodge, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, before overnighting at the lodge.

After breakfast on Day 4, you’ll depart Denali and travel the Parks Highway, which (weather permitting) affords magnificent views of Mt. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. You’ll visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Kennel and learn about this truly Alaskan competition, named the Last Great Race on Earth. NOTE: this is not a ride with the dogs.

You’ll continue along the shoreline between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of Turnagain Arm to Girdwood, eventually checking in to the Hotel Alyeska. The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy as you please.

Day 5 of this epic journey begins with a hearty breakfast before riding to the top of Mt. Alyeska on the aerial tramway for a spectacular view of the surrounding area with its seven glaciers. After lunch (on your own), you’ll visit an organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife by providing a refuge for bear, moose, elk and more.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Everything about Denali is superlative. The mountain, formerly identified as Mt. McKinley, is the tallest land-based mountain on earth, with a vertical rise of over 18,000 feet. It also possesses the highest peak in North America, at an altitude of 20, 130 feet. The park contains six million acres of wild lands, lakes and rivers, accessed by a single, 92-mile road. It is home to 39 species of mammals, ranging in size from tiny shrews to huge moose. The terrain of the park varies from low-altitude tundra through alpine forest and above the timberline to barren snowfields. It’s a lot to explore, and Seabourn offers pre- or post-cruise extensions that include journeys by panoramic rail car, dramatic flightseeing and stays at a luxury lodge at the park.

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The ultimate first-timer's guide to Denali National Park and Preserve

Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

Get prepped for your Denali adventure with our ultimate first-timer's guide © Rosanna U / Getty Images

In a landscape sparsely populated with people but covered in spruce forests, taiga, tundra and lakes, a singular physical force reigns supreme – the 20,310ft imposing elevation of Denali , the mountain that dominates its eponymous national park in Alaska.

Denali National Park and Reserve  is everything you would expect from the USA's wild-and-wonderful northernmost state – incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.

It’s also one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska , thanks to the George Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad traversing its southeastern boundary and providing links to both Anchorage and Fairbanks . And that's just one of many reasons you don't need to be daunted by the prospect of a trip to Denali; we've got all the information a first-timer needs to know before they go.

When should I go?

Denali National Park and Preserve is open year-round, but the bulk of guest services are primarily available between late May and mid-September to accommodate the thousands of people who arrive each summer.

During this time, visitor centers, hotels, restaurants and tour operators are in full swing, and the park and surrounding communities of Cantwell, Healy, and Nenana Canyon (also called “Glitter Gulch”) bustle with activity.

Winter operations are much more subdued, with only the Murie Science and Learning Center open as a de facto visitor center. The park service grooms the trail systems around this area, making for excellent cross-country skiing or fat biking conditions. Additionally, Park Road is closed to vehicle traffic beyond this central area so people are welcome to ski, snowshoe or ride as far as they desire with no concern for cars or buses.

Find out more about seasonal attractions with our insider tips on the best time to visit Alaska.

How much time should I spend in Denali?

It’s common for first-time visitors to think they can breeze through all the park’s attractions in a day or two before breezing on to Alaska's many other attractions. While this strategy is possible, it’s not ideal for those who truly want to become acquainted with this unique and magnificent environment.

We suggest spending at least three nights in the greater Denali area and one full day devoted to the Park Road route, either on board a tour or shuttle bus, or via the many hiking trails criss-crossing the park. Save the other days for rafting, biking, visiting sled dog kennels and dining in the communities around the park boundaries.

Is it easy to get around Denali?

You can get to Denali National Park & Preserve via the George Parks Hwy north or south from Anchorage or Fairbanks, respectively. The Alaska Railroad offers service daily during the summer months and weekly in the winter. There is also motorcoach transportation available from either Seward or Anchorage, and van transfers are available from Fairbanks.

However, traveling within the park does present a few challenges. Visitors may only drive in private vehicles for the first 17 miles as far as the Savage River Check Station; after this point, everyone needs to use a bus to explore the park.

The park has several campgrounds available, but a private vehicle is a must if you plan to stay elsewhere during your visit. You can rent a car in either Fairbanks or Anchorage to get around the areas outside the park and visit it daily.

If you are staying south of Denali, Sheep Shuttle  provides a door-to-door transportation service for many attractions, restaurants and trailheads.

Narrated tour bus

For those wanting to travel further and learn more about the history, flora and fauna of the park, a Narrated Tour Bus (as they're known locally) is a good option and features a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates the trip.

Two types of these trips are available to Denali National Park visitors and they operate between late May and early September. Pricing is between $50.75–$144 per person, depending on tour and age, and the buses are tan in color.

The five-hour Denali Natural History Tour travels from the entrance area to Primrose Ridge at Mile 15. Passengers will stop at several points along the way, with an hour of free time to explore off the bus.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the longest-running tour (in various forms since 1923) in the park. This 5.5-hour trip travels along the open sections of the Park Rd corridor in search of wildlife and seasonal shifts in landscapes.

All tour bus trips begin and end at various locations around the park entrance. They do not pick up passengers at campgrounds along Park Rd and they are not designed for passengers to disembark and re-board outside of scheduled stops.

They are the perfect option for those with limited time, mobility issues or travelers who want to gather more in-depth information about the park. Wheelchair-accessible buses are available and all stops are wheelchair accessible.

The daily schedule for each bus tour varies depending on demand – check the official booking page for additional information.

Non-narrated transit buses

These green buses offer services beyond Mile 17 and they depart and arrive at Denali Bus Depot. Reservations are essential and cost $33.25 per person (kids under 15 ride for free but need a reservation ). These are operated on a hop-on-hop-off basis and give visitors more freedom than a narrated tour bus. However, boarding another bus depends on seat availability and you may have to wait a while.

This option is for travelers who need to access campgrounds or backcountry units further into the park and they have additional space for gear and bikes. Tickets cost $33 per person and kids under 15 ride for free (though they need a reservation). 

Free shuttle buses

These shuttles operate across three routes – Savage River, Riley Creek Loop and Sled Dog Demonstration – that cover the visitor center and various other facilities.  They are free for park visitors, operate daily in summer and are wheelchair accessible.

Transport tip:  In 2014, an evolving landslide at Pretty Rocks kept national park crews on constant alert against damage that might prevent travel along this section of Park Rd. However, in 2021, the entire section of road at Mile 45.4 was closed due to a major failure of the surface. It remains closed today, and will likely stay that way until the Park Service comes to a consensus on a mitigation and construction plan.

Top things to do in Denali

Thanks to the well-oiled machine that is the National Park Service, visitors to Denali are provided with an abundance of printed and online materials to help plan activities once they arrive. Your first stop should be at the main visitor center located a few miles from the Parks Hwy. Here you can pay park admission fees, get maps, learn about ranger-led programs and explore the many exhibits about park history, wildlife and mountaineering.

Murie Science & Learning Center

This learning hub is across the parking lot from the visitor center and focuses on the natural science side of Denali National Park. This facility also serves as the winter visitor center, and a popular activity is checking out snowshoes for a bit of free fun during the slower season.

Take to the trails

Ringing the entire entrance is a network of fully accessible trails winding through birch, aspen and spruce forests. During the summer months, listen for an abundance of songbirds and keep an eye out for wildflowers, particularly lupine that grows in open areas and along roadways.

Try the McKinley Station interpretive trail toward Riley Creek Campground and take note of the original sites for the railroad station, a hotel and other buildings from the park’s early days. You can also stretch your legs between the park visitor center and the sled-dog kennels with a hike on the Rock Creek Trail .

For those looking to hike trails further into the park, the best bet is to drive or catch a shuttle bus to either Mountain Vista Day Use Area at Mile 13 or Savage River at Mile 15. Mountain Vista Loop Trail is a level, short (0.6-mile) trail perfect for catching a view of Denali on a clear day.

The Savage River parking area is a trailhead for two popular hikes; the Savage River Loop Trail and Savage Alpine Trail . For the loop portion, hike along either side of Savage River through a scenic canyon, Healy Ridge and Mt Margaret. The trail winds along meadows and scrub brush for about a mile before crossing the river.

The Savage Alpine Trail is tougher, traveling between Savage River Campground (next to Mountain Vista) at Mile 13 and the Savage River Canyon, traversing a high section of what’s called the Outer Range. In the summer, use the Savage River Shuttle for transit between these two trailheads.

Denali is unique in that off-trail hiking is permitted within the park’s backcountry, but there are occasional restrictions due to wildlife kills, animal dens or bird-nesting sites. It is imperative that backcountry hikers check in with park rangers at the visitor center before embarking on a non-trail adventure. Additionally, all members of the party will need to watch the park’s backcountry video series, either ahead of the visit or upon arrival.

Denali Sled Dog Kennels

Meet the National Park Service's only canine ranger force. Hope on a shuttle from the main visitor center to see a demonstration of how they work (three times a day during peak season) and learn more about the history and importance of these four-legged rangers.

If you'd prefer to skip the shuttle and stretch your legs, take the Roadside Trail from the visitor center to the kennels – a two-mile walk through beautiful birch and spruce forests.

My favorite things to do in Denali

I am a huge fan of America’s national park system and Denali is no exception. I love overnighting in either the Riley Creek or Savage River campgrounds, taking in the nature trails and ranger talks, and meeting other travelers as enthusiastic as I am about this pristine wilderness.

My favorite month to visit is late August when nights become cooler and an ever-so-slight shift toward fall begins to appear in Denali’s landscapes. Animals become more active, grasses and shrubs transition from green to brown or red, and mornings often feature a glaze of frost over the ground. It’s a wonder to see nature’s calendar at work this far north.

How much money do I need in Denali?

Like the rest of Alaska, goods and services are generally priced higher than other areas of the US. Expect to pay an average of $300 per night for a basic hotel room between May and September, and slightly less for a rustic cabin. For those tenting or traveling in an RV, campground spots vary from $30-$60 per night (inside the park there are no electrical or water hookups). Plan ahead and make reservations as far in advance as possible – do not expect to find a room or campsite if you arrive without a booking.

Inside the park boundaries, there is just one sit-down restaurant next to the visitor's center. The closest dining options outside the park can be found in the Nenana Canyon area, also known as “Glitter Gulch” for the array of tourist-themed shops. A cup of coffee will average $4, a full meal at least $25, and alcoholic beverages in the range of $7-$20 depending upon the type. Nearly every business accepts credit cards.

Frequently asked questions about Denali

Will i see bears.

Bears are a hot topic for Denali visitors and if you travel aboard a bus into the park itself, you’ll likely spy at least a few grizzlies prowling around the tundra.

Hikers should always be aware that the bears’ habitat is considered to be every inch of Denali National Park, so hiking in groups, making noise and carrying bear spray is a must, as is attending a bear safety lecture or watching bear safety videos at the Denali Bus Depot. Remember that firearms are prohibited in all US national parks.

What should I wear?

The weather around Denali is nothing if not fickle and you should be prepared for any sort of conditions at any time of year. At a minimum, dressing in non-cotton base layers with a sweater or fleece, and topping it all off with a rain jacket is smart. Include a warm hat and light gloves for chilly mornings or evenings, and be sure to wear sturdy footwear to stay safe on the uneven, rocky surfaces of Denali’s many trail systems.

Can I camp anywhere I want?

Inside the park boundary, those seeking to overnight in Denali’s wild spaces outside campgrounds must secure a backcountry permit. From May 12 to September 21, these free backcountry permits are issued in person at the Backcountry Information Center at the Denali Bus Depot no more than one day prior to travel.

You will need this permit to get Camper Bus tickets as well. It designates the region in which you’ll be staying, and hikers can find a map on the Denali National Park website’s Backcountry Unit Guide .

Is Denali a good place for kids?

The National Park Service does a spectacular job of making young visitors feel welcome and included in all aspects of indoor and outdoor activities. Here are some tips to ensure your tiny hikers have the time of their lives.

• Don’t worry too much about taking the Park Road bus trips, especially with young children. Focus instead on entrance area activities and the road to Savage River (17 miles from the entrance) that are full of ranger-led walks and talks, hikes, wildlife, and hands-on activities.
• Be sure to see the Denali National Park sled dog kennels, and stay for the demonstration. Plus, there’s usually a litter of future sled dogs to see.
• See the park in a new way by taking a float trip down the Nenana River. It’s a great opportunity to witness the power of Alaska’s waterways without too many rapids (but lots of fun).

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6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship

Editor's Note

Many people think of America's national parks as places to go on an epic road trip . But there are other ways to get to some of these temples to outdoor beauty than by car . For instance, there are parks you can visit by rail or by bus , and even -- yes -- a few you can reach by cruise ship.

Alaska and Hawaii are two big cruise destinations where national parks play an outsized role in the typical cruise itinerary. National parks in Maine and the U.S. Virgin Islands also make the excursion checklists for many a cruiser.

Of course, you won't get a lot of time in a national park if you visit it as part of a cruise. Often, a cruise ship stopping in a destination that's home to a national park will only will stay for eight hours or so (although, occasionally, ships will stay in the vicinity of a park for longer).

But even if your stay is short, you can at least get a taste of a national park when arriving on a cruise ship. After all, you always can come back.

Here, the six U.S. national parks that are unmissable cruise ship destinations.

For more cruise tips and advice delivered to your inbox, sign up for the TPG Cruise newsletter .

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Of all the national parks in North America , this is the one most associated with cruise ships — and for good reason. It isn't easy getting to Glacier Bay National Park any other way. The park has no roads and only is reachable by small plane, boat or ship. As a result, the vast majority of its 700,000 annual visitors arrive on a cruise vessel.

As the name suggests, this park is all about glaciers. Covering more than 5,200 square miles of mountainous wilderness, Glacier Bay is home to more than 1,000 glaciers. Of those, nine are tidewater glaciers that stretch down into the giant namesake bay. The typical cruise ship visit lasts the better part of a day and includes a trip up the fjord-like waterway to one of these glaciers to watch giant chunks of ice crash down from its face -- a magnificent show.

You'll probably be doing your glacier viewing from the deck of your ship. Most cruise vessels in Glacier Bay never dock, and nobody gets off. Still, you'll get the full National Park Service experience. Park rangers will board the vessel for the day to offer shipwide commentary over loudspeakers and presentations, lead kiddie activities and answer questions.

Who goes there: Among big-ship lines, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are the biggies for cruises that include Glacier Bay, as they hold a large number of the available permits.

Norwegian Cruise Line , Seabourn , Cunard Line , Crystal Cruises and Viking also offer trips into the park, as do small-ship operators UnCruise Adventures , American Cruise Lines , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises.

Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Despite being more than 200 miles away from the nearest port, Denali National Park is almost as big a cruise ship destination as Glacier Bay. That's because it's the must-see Alaska attraction that's built into just about every land-and-sea "cruise tour" of the state that's offered by such lines as Holland America and Princess.

The typical Alaska cruise tour combines a week of cruising along Alaska's famed Inside Passage with anywhere from one to three nights at Denali. Some then add overnight stays in such popular Alaska destinations as Anchorage and Fairbanks. The cruise lines handle all the logistics of getting you to and from the park, either by motorcoach or train, and arrange accommodations. Both Holland America and Princess own their own lodges at Denali.

Denali is a massive park -- at 9,446 square miles, it's bigger than the state of New Hampshire. But most visitors coming from cruise ships only see a small part of it. The highlight of a visit is a view of 20,320-foot-tall Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Meaning "High One" in the Athabascan language, it's truly a stunning sight -- that is, when it's not clouded over, something that happens often.

Visitors to Denali also have the chance to see Alaska's Big Five animals: grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and wolves. Make sure your stay is long enough to take the all-day Tundra Wilderness Tour – the signature way to get deep into the park's mostly roadless environment.

Who goes there: Holland America and Princess are the biggies here, too, with the most extensive cruise tour itineraries. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian also offer cruise-and-land tours that include a Denali stay.

Related: How to get to Alaska with points and miles

Acadia National Park in Maine

It's a long drive from almost anywhere to reach Acadia National Park , which is way up the coast of Maine . But a cruise ship can get you almost to its front door. Vessels traveling along the Maine coast on "New England and Canada" voyages routinely stop at Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia. The park pretty much envelopes the town.

Cruise vessels typically sell a 2.25-hour bus tour of the park for around $100 (on Norwegian sailings, it costs $99). The tours will take you on a drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road for coastal, mountain and forest views. They include travel along the ocean's edge, passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook and the grand High Seas Estate. Weather and traffic permitting, there's also a photo stop atop 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. Longer tours might pair this all with a lobster bake.

That said, if it was us, we'd just strike out into the park on our own, time permitting, for a hike along one of the coastal trails such as the Great Head Trail or the Gorham Mountain Loop.

Who goes there: Among lines operating bigger ships, Holland America is the biggest player in the market for cruises to Bar Harbor, followed by Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.

Bar Harbor also is a core destination for small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. Other lines that send ships to Bar Harbor occasionally include Princess, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent.

Related: How to get to Acadia National Park on points and miles

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii

Some sort of excursion to this steaming home of two active volcanoes is the big allure of a cruise call at Hilo on the island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island . Located just 29 miles from where ships arrive in Hilo, the park encompasses 505 square miles of vents, fissures, craters and (at times) lava flows that can be reached by tour bus, rental car or -- for a hefty price -- sightseeing helicopter.

Often costing around $500 per person, the 45-minute helicopter tour of the park sold through cruise lines is the once-in-a-lifetime way to experience it. It'll take you over the most recent eruption sites of Kilauea where, during active periods, you might see streams of hot lava glowing red against an otherwise blackened landscape. You'll also fly over the devastated village of Kalapana and the nearby black sand beaches formed as lava crashed into the sea. Kilauea is the more active of the two volcanoes at the park, the other being Mauna Loa.

Other park-touring options for cruisers during Hilo calls include a minicoach excursion that brings visitors to see the steam vents around Kilauea's caldera and to view it from the Kilauea Iki Overlook. Mauna Loa sometimes is visible off in the distance. Cruisers also can sign up for a hiking tour into the Kilauea Iki crater.

Who goes there: Norwegian is the dominant player here, with weekly Hawaii voyages out of Honolulu that include a day stop at Hilo. The trips take place on the U.S.-flagged, 2,186-passenger Pride of America.

Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity, Regent and Oceania also offer Hawaii cruises with Hilo stops, although far less frequently and only on longer itineraries out of such West Coast ports as Los Angeles and Seattle.

Related: How to get to Hawaii on points and miles

Haleakala National Park in Hawaii

This 52-square-mile national park on the Hawaiian island of Maui encompasses the island's soaring Haleakala volcano and is one of the top attractions for cruisers arriving at the island. For around $130 to $160 per adult, cruisers can sign up for a 4- to 6-hour tour to its 10,023-foot summit to see the lunar-like landscape. Unlike the volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala isn't active. But it's still a stunning sight.

The typical tour for cruisers to Haleakala takes place midday, but some lines offer early and late outings timed to get you there for sunrise or sunset. Other tours take you up the volcano road for a ride down on a bike. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive to get to the summit of the volcano. It can be a 2-hour trip from sea level. And bring a jacket. It can be 30 degrees cooler at the top.

The summit of the volcano offers panoramic views to other Hawaiian islands, a visitors center with exhibits about the native flora and fauna, an easy walk to an overlook and hiking trails that will let you crunch your way across the cinder desert landscape.

Who goes there: Norwegian is the dominant player for cruises to Maui, too. Its weekly Hawaii voyages out of Honolulu include two full days at the Maui port of Kahului.

Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Regent and Oceania also offer Hawaii cruises with stops either at Kahului or Lahaina, but far less frequently than Norwegian.

Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Covering two-thirds of the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands , Virgin Islands National Park isn't a huge destination for cruisers. Most cruise ships that visit the U.S. Virgin Islands head to nearby St. Thomas and never make a stop at St. John. But there are a handful of mostly small vessels that regularly buck the trend and make St. John their focus.

For passengers on such ships, which typically anchor off of St. John's Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands National Park is the prime attraction. The park is home to many of St. John's most spectacular beaches (think: powdery white sand, coconut trees and crystal-clear waters) as well as hiking trails and historic ruins. Swimming, sunning, snorkeling and scuba diving are the big allures in and around the park, along with sailing, kayaking and windsurfing.

Even for cruisers arriving at St. Thomas for the day instead of St. John, it's not impossible to make St. John and its park the focus. Cruise ships docking in St. Thomas often offer a St. John beach excursion that involves traveling to the island on a small boat for a few hours. Typically, the tours take cruisers to Trunk Bay, which is within Virgin Islands National Park. It's also possible to ride a ferry to St. John from St. Thomas. Just be mindful of the time you need to be back.

Who goes there: Small-ship operators Seabourn and SeaDream include St. John on itineraries fairly regularly. Start-up line Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection also has plans for St. John visits.

Related: Best places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Flightseeing (Opens in new window)
• Boat Trips (Opens in new window)
• Glaciers (Opens in new window)
• Fishing (Opens in new window)
• Hiking (Opens in new window)
• Denali (Opens in new window)
• Wrangell-St. Elias (Opens in new window)
• Trail Tips (Opens in new window)
• Wildlife (Opens in new window)
• Marijuana (Opens in new window)
• Downtown Anchorage (Opens in new window)
• Arts & Culture (Opens in new window)
• Anchorage Trails (Opens in new window)
• Dining (Opens in new window)
• Coffee Culture (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Breweries (Opens in new window)
• Juneau (Opens in new window)
• Fairbanks (Opens in new window)
• Mat-Su (Opens in new window)
• Kodiak & Southeast Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Girdwood, Whittier & Seward (Opens in new window)
• Kenai Peninsula (Opens in new window)
• Valdez (Opens in new window)

An insider’s guide to Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali is reflected in a small pond just east of Wonder Lake in Denali National Park. (Bob Hallinen / ADN archive)

Denali National Park and Preserve is named for the nation’s mightiest mountain, but the 6-million-acre park encompasses so much more. Denali has options for every type of visitor. Whether you’re an avid backpacker looking to forge new trails or a relaxed traveler content to watch for animals on a tour, you’re sure to experience jaw-dropping scenery.

Getting there

Located roughly four hours north of Anchorage and two hours south of Fairbanks on the George Parks Highway, it’s an easy drive to the heart of the state — after all, there’s only one road entrance to the park.

If you don’t have your own wheels, here’s how to get there:

Bus: One option is Alaska/Yukon Trails, a passenger van company that can transport up to 16 passengers. They run from Anchorage to Talkeetna to Denali to Fairbanks and the same route in reverse. Expect to leave town early for either departure and to get in around lunchtime. For a ride in a deluxe motorcoach, one option is The Park Connection, where travelers can either book tickets from Anchorage or Seward. Another is the Alaska Shuttle, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, allowing passengers to get out at any point along the journey and rejoin via a later bus.

A tour bus motors down the park road in Denali National Park. (Bob Hallinen / ADN archive)

Train: Taking the train (the Alaska Railroad turns 101 this season) adds about three hours of travel time to your journey, but it goes through wilderness only accessible on the track. Plus, there’s a dining and bar car, knowledgeable guides and dome cars with sweeping views of the mountains and valleys along the way. The train makes a stop on the nearly 1,000-foot-long railroad bridge over an enormous gorge known as Hurricane Gulch. On a clear day, you can see Denali from there. (A more economical option both in terms of funds and time is taking the rails one way and a motorcoach back. Bonus: You’ll see even more of the state.) Check out alaskarailroad.com for more information on riding the train.

Getting around

The National Park Service maintains the only road leading into the park. It’s a 92-mile, mostly gravel route running parallel to the Alaska Range to what was once the mining community of Kantishna. Normally, from late May to early September, visitors can drive the first 12.5 miles of the road to Savage River with just their park pass.

To go farther than the dozen-ish miles allowed to personal vehicles, travelers have to be on foot, bike or riding on one of the school-bus-style shuttles. You can hop on a cheaper, more flexible bus tour that allows you to get off and on and explore on your own, or you can take a narrated bus tour with a driver who crafts an itinerary for you. There are also courtesy buses that serve the portion of the park road that is publicly drivable, which includes stops at the sled dog kennel and Visitors Center.

For summer 2024, the road will only be open to Mile 43 due to rock slides (the road is expected to remain closed through summer 2026). Be sure to check the National Park Service site for updates.

‘Will the mountain be out?’: Where to see Denali

Rising 20,310 feet, Denali can be seen from parts of Anchorage to Fairbanks on a clear day. But clear days can be hard to come by. National Park Service rangers stress to visitors that the mammoth mountain is out only one of every three days (a rule that isn’t hard and fast — it could be out for days at a time and then hidden for a month straight).

Even with its great height, the mountain isn’t visible from the park entrance, the surrounding campgrounds or nearby hotels. Miles 9 and 11 are your first chances of spotting it, the latter spot having a pullout and interpretive waysides with information about the cliff. There are many other spots along the road that allow for peeks of the peak. While the most iconic view of Denali is at Reflection Pond, near Mile 85, the road to that view is closed in 2024, unless you’re staying at one of the fly-in-only accommodations in Kantishna.

A grizzly bear digs for roots while its cub rests on a gravel bar in the Teklanika River in Denali National Park and Preserve. (Bob Hallinen / ADN archive)

For sure open in 2024

Sled dog kennel: Denali is the only national park in the U.S. where rangers do winter patrols via dog sled. But during the few precious months when there isn’t snow on the ground, the dogs have different duties: educating tourists, posing for pictures and getting belly rubs. Their kennel is free to visit, and their handlers are available to chat about what goes into making a sled dog. (Bonus: There’s usually a litter of puppies there training to become full-fledged sled dogs.)

Denali National Park Visitors Center: If you come in by train, the visitors center will be one of the first buildings you see. It’s the main information center in the park, with exhibits on the park’s history and the animals you might see in the boreal forest outside its doors. There are also various ranger-led activities and hikes that launch from there.

Adventure sports and flightseeing: Various operators tout all manners of escape from their storefronts on Glitter Gulch, a half-mile stretch of road near the park entrance. Activities range from ATV rides and ziplining near the park to rafting down the Nenana River or flightseeing around the mountain. Shop around to find an itinerary that matches your interest and budget.

Wonder Lake: This is where Ansel Adams’ famous photograph of the mountain was taken. When Denali isn’t shrouded in clouds, its image is mirrored in the water below, making Wonder Lake a favorite spot for photographers. However, because it’s located at Mile 85 of the Denali Park Road, it’s only accessible to those staying in Kantishna this season.

A caribou grazes along the Park Road near Wonder Lake in Denali National Park and Preserve. (NPS Photo/Emily Mesner)

Reopening after 2026

The National Park Service has announced that the road will remain closed at Mile 43 through the 2026 season. If you’re planning ahead for a later summer, however, you can add Eielson Visitor Center to your list. Located at Mile 66, you can reach the Eielson Visitor Center by shuttle. On a clear day, the views of Denali are stunning. Three maintained trails spider out from the center, though hikers are welcome to go off path. Inside the center is also a small art gallery with works depicting the wilderness of Denali.

Due to the Park Road closure, Eielson Visitor Center will be closed at least through 2026. Be sure to check with the National Park Service for updates on when the Visitor Center will reopen.

Where to stay

There are four campgrounds in Denali National Park that will be accessible in 2024: Riley Creek (at the park entrance), Savage River (13 miles in), Sanctuary River (23 miles) and Teklanika River (29 miles).

The sites have anywhere from seven to 53 tent-only campsites, with the exception of Riley Creek, which has 150 sites suitable for camping and RVs. Considering how few campsites there are in the park, we highly recommended you make a reservation ahead of time. For more information, go to reservedenali.com .

There are also many hotel, cabin, B&B and hostel options for visitors to Denali National Park. Many are clustered just outside the park entrance, a few are found at the end of the park road and more are located in neighboring towns.

While remote, the accommodations at the end of the park road in Kantishna are far from roughing it. Places like Denali Backcountry Lodge, Kantishna Roadhouse and Camp Denali may be 92 miles into the national park, but they don’t skimp on creature comforts like running water, electricity, heat and private bathrooms (granted, there’s no Wi-Fi or cell reception). Generally much spendier than the options at the park entrance, these lodges are usually all-inclusive. During the 2024 season, these accommodations are fly-in only.

Outside the park, your options vary widely. Crow’s Nest is made up of terraced rows of cozy cabins tucked up on a hillside, offering exponentially better views of Mount Healy the higher you go, and Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is one of the biggest lodging options with high-end amenities, including an espresso bar, a dinner theater and laundry services. More lodging options can be found at denalichamber.com .

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that the Denali Park Road and the Eielson Visitor Center will reopen in summer 2026. According to the National Park Service, the Visitor Center and Park Road at Mile 43 are expected to remain closed through summer 2026.

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

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

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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• HAL-Holland America Line introduces Glacier Guarantee for Alaska...

HAL-Holland America Line introduces Glacier Guarantee for Alaska cruises

HAL-Holland America Line has introduced a "Glacier Guarantee" to ensure guests have the opportunity to view one or more glaciers during their Alaska cruise. Acknowledging that glacier viewing is a top draw for Alaska cruise travelers, this guarantee promises that guests will not be disappointed.

The Glacier Guarantee applies to Alaska departures from now through September 2025. If the cruise does not include a visit to an Alaska glacier, guests are eligible to receive a future cruise credit equivalent to 15% of their cruise fare.

Holland America Line holds more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than any other cruise line, in addition to other glacier visits including College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier , and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord .

In a new addition for the 2024 season, Holland America Line has introduced "Glacier Day" as part of its "We Love Alaska" onboard experience on Alaska cruises. Glacier Day features designated sighting times, commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, glacial ice cocktails, and talks by Glacier Bay National Park Service rangers.

Apart from glacier viewing, Holland America Line offers multiple opportunities to observe wildlife in Alaska. A wildlife expert onboard assists guests in spotting whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions, and more. Wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, guests can embark on Holland America Line's Alaska cruises and Cruisetours aboard ships like Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , and Zaandam . In addition to 7-day itineraries, guests can choose from 14-day voyages and a 28-day Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise. The line also offers Cruisetours that venture into the Yukon, combining a cruise with a visit to Denali National Park & Preserve .

The Glacier Guarantee applies to all Alaska cruises and Cruisetours except select Yukon Cruisetours that include a 3-day cruise experience.

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See the northern lights on every princess cruise to alaska in 2024.

Award-Winning "North to Alaska with Princess" Program Debuts New Immersive Experiences for 55 th Anniversary 2024 Cruise and Cruisetour Season

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The dreamlike images of green and purple lights swirling in the northern sky, known as the Aurora Borealis or "Northern Lights," is an unforgettable spectacle, and something all guests sailing this summer with Princess Cruises to Alaska is guaranteed to see.

This new immersive Voyage to the Stars experience is part of the cruise line's award-winning North to Alaska with Princess program set to debut for the upcoming 2024 cruise and cruisetour season that strengthens the overall guest connection in the Great Land. This year Princess guests will step inside a planetarium in the Princess Theater for a front row seat to the "Northern Lights" presentation showcasing the beauty and wonder of this phenomenon featuring live imagery, designed to engage adults and kids alike.

"Each season in Alaska we strive to deliver enriching experiences for our guests to feel immersed in the beauty and local culture of this spectacular destination," said Terry Thornton , chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. "After receiving our highest guest satisfaction ranking ever last season, we knew we wanted to design elevated programming to further connect our guests to all of the wonders of the 49 th state for our 55 th anniversary season."

The 2024 season promises to be the biggest and best ever for Princess with 158 departures on 14 unique itineraries with 17 destinations, including five glacier viewing experiences on seven stunning ships. The cruise line's 55 th  anniversary season also features 91 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, taking more guests through this scenic cruising experience than any other cruise line, including the "Voyage of the Glaciers" itineraries between Anchorage ( Whittier ) and Vancouver, B.C. , and Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Seattle , San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C.

The award-winning North to Alaska by Princess program is exclusive to the cruise line and designed by experts to showcase local storytellers, cultural experiences, the flavors of Alaska and more. Additional North to Alaska by Princess offerings for the 2024 season include:

Onboard Princess Ships Cook My Catch comes to The Catch by Rudi  Guests sailing to Alaska aboard Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess can enjoy their very own catch of the day after a day of fishing on special Princess shore excursions in the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Catch by Rudi. The first Princess restaurant primarily devoted to seafood offers a completely fresh take on seafood with contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, international fusion influences, highly creative presentations, and an engaging dining experience.

Crabshack This fan favorite returns to Alaska in all its shell-cracking glory with casual seafood options not to be missed. The four-course meal features a range of seafood favorites, including popcorn shrimp, clam chowder, even an Alaska -inspired steamer pot full of crab legs, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Guests will find this pop-up dining event in the World Fresh Marketplace on all seven ships sailing in Alaska in 2024.

Salmon Cooking Demonstration  Embark on a culinary adventure onboard with a new Salmon Cooking Demonstration, an exclusive experience on the last sea day of the cruise, that celebrates the richness of Alaska cuisine. Expert chefs showcase the art of preparing and cooking salmon, a staple in the region and a delicacy known for its flavor and versatility.

Pendleton : A Partnership Highlighting American Craftsmanship  Celebrating the 55 th anniversary sailing to Alaska , Princess has partnered with Pendleton , an iconic lifestyle brand that has been based in the Pacific Northwest for over 100 years. Popular Pendleton blankets, flannels, coats, graphic tees and more will be available for purchase onboard (and at the Princess Wilderness Lodges). Specially designed for Princess, a commemorative limited edition " Alaska , The Great Land" blanket will be available for $299 .

Shore Excursions Princess has added 13 new shore excursions to the already abundant lineup ashore to bring Alaska to life in an engaging, immersive, sometimes delectable and always memorable way. New shore excursions for the 2024 season include:

Juneau Highlights: Glacier Gardens & Whale Park

Treadwell : Living History Walk of Alaska's Lost Mine

Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge

Exclusive Flightseeing & Taste of Alaska

White Pass Steam Train to Bennett Lake (offered on Friday & Sunday calls only)

Port Chilkoot Distillery Tour & Tastings

Stories of Haines E-Bike Tour

Stories of Haines E-Moped Tour

Metal Torching Alaska Art Class

Advanced Mountain Bike Adventure

Guide's Choice Hike

Marine Expedition & Wildlife Quest

WaveRunner Island Exploration

On Land at Princess Wilderness Lodges Alaska Adventure Quest: Geocaching Expedition  Guests will embark on a thrilling Alaska adventure like never before with a new Geocaching Expedition program at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges throughout Alaska . The program offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and teamwork, making it the perfect adventure for families, friends, and solo explorers alike. Guests can use their cellphone as a GPS device or grab a map from the front desk at their lodge and follow clues and coordinates to find hidden caches strategically placed throughout the lodge properties.

Alaska-Themed Cocktails, Mocktails and Appetizers  Leveraging local ingredients, embark on a taste journey throughout the rugged wilderness of Alaska with signature crafted cocktails, mocktails and appetizers. All are infused with the flavors of Alaska and all options vary by lodge to give guests the most exquisite tastes from all over the state.

Garden to Table At the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Princess chefs tap natural resources to provide guests with the freshest ingredients from the on-property gardens in their dishes and drinks made right at the lodge. The menus are seasonally crafted to accommodate nature's growing and harvesting season. Using fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from these gardens will help guests feel more connected with the great land and make a positive and sustainable impact by minimizing the food delivery carbon footprint.

Golden Heart Tea at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge Nestled in the heart of the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Princess' Alaska tea experience invites guests to step into a world of sophistication and culinary delights. The attentive staff, well-versed in the art of tea service, will guide them through Alaska sourced tea, helping them choose the perfect blend to enhance each exquisite bite—from scones to salmon mousse, mini cakes and more.

Naturalists Lead Outdoors Program For those seeking a more hands-on connection with nature, the naturalist program at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge immerses guests in the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska , offering a unique and educational experience focused on the region's rich natural environment. Led by experienced naturalists, the program combines hands-on field experiences with informative lectures to deepen understanding of Alaska's flora, fauna, and geological wonders.

Cocktail-Making Class at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge  Guests can immerse themselves in the art of mixology at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge's Cocktail Making Class. This hands-on experience at Fannie Q's Saloon invites participants to discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect cocktails and mocktails. Led by skilled mixologists, the class covers various techniques, from muddling and shaking to garnishing.

Denali Education Center Presentations at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Discover the wonders of Denali National Park as the Denali Education Center presents sessions that bring the region's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage to life. Expert educators and naturalists lead these presentations, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the unique ecosystem that surrounds the lodge.

Cooking Demonstration at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge  Embark on a culinary adventure at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge with a captivating cooking demonstration. Led by an expert chef, this experience invites guests to discover the artistry behind crafting delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of the region. The chef will share insights into the use of local and seasonal ingredients, highlighting fresh seafood that define the culinary landscape of the Copper River region.

New for 2024 are convenient, seven-day Inside Passage itineraries, many including Glacier Bay National Park, round-trip from Vancouver on Ruby Princess. The cruises deliver four awe-inspiring ports, including Juneau , Skagway , and Ketchikan along with visits to Endicott Arm and scenic cruising of Dawes Glacier.

Plus, there are more than 20 amazing cruisetours (cruise + land tour) that combine the unmatched Princess cruise experience with visits to the sights of Denali National Park , Kenai Peninsula , Copper River, Fairbanks and Anchorage and all from the comfort of the exclusive Princess lodges. Celebrating the 55 th  anniversary, two new cruisetours debut in 2024:

National Parks Tour - A 15-night adventure to five of Alaska's most breathtaking parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Parks, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway . This experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights land, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Katmai National Park Tour - Nine-day cruisetour includes two nights in Anchorage , where guests have the chance to embark on an intimate bear-watching experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. This tour immerses travelers in the heart of Alaska's wilderness, allowing them to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, before or after sailing on a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise that includes a coveted visit to Glacier Bay National Park.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica , and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/see-the-northern-lights-on-every-princess-cruise-to-alaska-in-2024-302133073.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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See the Northern Lights on Every Princess Cruise to Alaska in 2024

Award-winning “north to alaska with princess” program debuts new immersive experiences for 55th anniversary 2024 cruise and cruisetour season.

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , (May 1, 2024) – The dreamlike images of green and purple lights swirling in the northern sky, known as the Aurora Borealis or "Northern Lights," is an unforgettable spectacle, and something all guests sailing this summer with Princess Cruises to Alaska are guaranteed to see. 

This new immersive Voyage to the Stars experience is part of the cruise line’s award-winning North to Alaska with Princess program set to debut for the upcoming 2024 cruise and cruisetour season that strengthens the overall guest connection in the Great Land. This year Princess guests will step inside a planetarium in the Princess Theater for a front row seat to the “Northern Lights” presentation showcasing the beauty and wonder of this phenomenon featuring live imagery, designed to engage adults and kids alike. 

“Each season in Alaska we strive to deliver enriching experiences for our guests to feel immersed in the beauty and local culture of this spectacular destination,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. “After receiving our highest guest satisfaction ranking ever last season, we knew we wanted to design elevated programming to further connect our guests to all of the wonders of the 49th state for our 55th anniversary season.”

The 2024 season promises to be the biggest and best ever for Princess with 158 departures on 14 unique itineraries with 17 destinations, including five glacier viewing experiences on seven stunning ships. The cruise line’s 55th anniversary season also features 91 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, taking more guests through this scenic cruising experience than any other cruise line, including the “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, B.C., and Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C.

The award-winning North to Alaska by Princess program is exclusive to the cruise line and designed by experts to showcase local storytellers, cultural experiences, the flavors of Alaska and more. Additional North to Alaska by Princess offerings for the 2024 season include:

Onboard Princess Ships Cook My Catch comes to The Catch by Rudi  Guests sailing to Alaska aboard Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess can enjoy their very own catch of the day after a day of fishing on special Princess shore excursions in the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Catch by Rudi. The first Princess restaurant primarily devoted to seafood offers a completely fresh take on seafood with contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, international fusion influences, highly creative presentations, and an engaging dining experience. 

Crabshack This fan favorite returns to Alaska in all its shell-cracking glory with casual seafood options not to be missed. The four-course meal features a range of seafood favorites, including popcorn shrimp, clam chowder, even an Alaska-inspired steamer pot full of crab legs, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Guests will find this pop-up dining event in the World Fresh Marketplace on all seven ships sailing in Alaska in 2024.

Salmon Cooking Demonstration  Embark on a culinary adventure onboard with a new Salmon Cooking Demonstration, an exclusive experience on the last sea day of the cruise, that celebrates the richness of Alaska cuisine. Expert chefs showcase the art of preparing and cooking salmon, a staple in the region and a delicacy known for its flavor and versatility.

Pendleton: A Partnership Highlighting American Craftsmanship  Celebrating the 55th anniversary sailing to Alaska, Princess has partnered with Pendleton, an iconic lifestyle brand that has been based in the Pacific Northwest for over 100 years. Popular Pendleton blankets, flannels, coats, graphic tees and more will be available for purchase onboard (and at the Princess Wilderness Lodges). Specially designed for Princess, a commemorative limited edition “Alaska, The Great Land” blanket will be available for $299. 

Shore Excursions Princess has added 13 new shore excursions to the already abundant lineup ashore to bring Alaska to life in an engaging, immersive, sometimes delectable and always memorable way. New shore excursions for the 2024 season include:

• Juneau Highlights: Glacier Gardens & Whale Park
• Treadwell: Living History Walk of Alaska’s Lost Mine
• Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge
• Exclusive Flightseeing & Taste of Alaska
• White Pass Steam Train to Bennett Lake (offered on Friday & Sunday calls only)
• Port Chilkoot Distillery Tour & Tastings
• Stories of Haines E-Bike Tour
• Stories of Haines E-Moped Tour
• Metal Torching Alaska Art Class
• Advanced Mountain Bike Adventure
• Guide’s Choice Hike
• Marine Expedition & Wildlife Quest
• WaveRunner Island Exploration

On Land at Princess Wilderness Lodges Alaska Adventure Quest: Geocaching Expedition  Guests will embark on a thrilling Alaska adventure like never before with a new Geocaching Expedition program at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges throughout Alaska. The program offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and teamwork, making it the perfect adventure for families, friends, and solo explorers alike. Guests can use their cellphone as a GPS device or grab a map from the front desk at their lodge and follow clues and coordinates to find hidden caches strategically placed throughout the lodge properties. 

Alaska-Themed Cocktails, Mocktails and Appetizers  Leveraging local ingredients, embark on a taste journey throughout the rugged wilderness of Alaska with signature crafted cocktails, mocktails and appetizers. All are infused with the flavors of Alaska and all options vary by lodge to give guests the most exquisite tastes from all over the state. 

Garden to Table At the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Princess chefs tap natural resources to provide guests with the freshest ingredients from the on-property gardens in their dishes and drinks made right at the lodge. The menus are seasonally crafted to accommodate nature’s growing and harvesting season. Using fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from these gardens will help guests feel more connected with the great land and make a positive and sustainable impact by minimizing the food delivery carbon footprint.

Golden Heart Tea at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge Nestled in the heart of the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Princess’ Alaska tea experience invites guests to step into a world of sophistication and culinary delights. The attentive staff, well-versed in the art of tea service, will guide them through Alaska sourced tea, helping them choose the perfect blend to enhance each exquisite bite—from scones to salmon mousse, mini cakes and more.

Naturalists Lead Outdoors Program For those seeking a more hands-on connection with nature, the naturalist program at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge immerses guests in the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska, offering a unique and educational experience focused on the region's rich natural environment. Led by experienced naturalists, the program combines hands-on field experiences with informative lectures to deepen understanding of Alaska's flora, fauna, and geological wonders.

Cocktail-Making Class at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge  Guests can immerse themselves in the art of mixology at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge's Cocktail Making Class. This hands-on experience at Fannie Q’s Saloon invites participants to discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect cocktails and mocktails. Led by skilled mixologists, the class covers various techniques, from muddling and shaking to garnishing.

Denali Education Center Presentations at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Discover the wonders of Denali National Park as the Denali Education Center presents sessions that bring the region's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage to life. Expert educators and naturalists lead these presentations, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the unique ecosystem that surrounds the lodge. 

Cooking Demonstration at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge  Embark on a culinary adventure at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge with a captivating cooking demonstration. Led by an expert chef, this experience invites guests to discover the artistry behind crafting delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of the region. The chef will share insights into the use of local and seasonal ingredients, highlighting fresh seafood that define the culinary landscape of the Copper River region.

New for 2024 are convenient, seven-day Inside Passage itineraries, many including Glacier Bay National Park, round-trip from Vancouver on Ruby Princess. The cruises deliver four awe-inspiring ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan along with visits to Endicott Arm and scenic cruising of Dawes Glacier.

Plus, there are more than 20 amazing cruisetours (cruise + land tour) that combine the unmatched Princess cruise experience with visits to the sights of Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula, Copper River, Fairbanks and Anchorage and all from the comfort of the exclusive Princess lodges. Celebrating the 55th anniversary, two new cruisetours debut in 2024: 

• National Parks Tour - A 15-night adventure to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Parks, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights land, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
• Katmai National Park Tour - Nine-day cruisetour includes two nights in Anchorage, where guests have the chance to embark on an intimate bear-watching experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. This tour immerses travelers in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, allowing them to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, before or after sailing on a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise that includes a coveted visit to Glacier Bay National Park.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . 

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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