Today's
Headline: Time to get in on 2011 "off-season" Alaska
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Why Visit Alaska?
Up north there's a land without fences. Animals outnumber people, sunlight shines at midnight and nature reigns. Life is different. This northern frontier still boasts pristine landscapes, majestic wildlife and a coastline that is one of the most enthralling waterways in the world. Beyond Alaska's fortress-like glacier walls lie scenic ports of call, treasured national parks, and abundant wildlife. And, with more than 1,400 miles north to south and 2,400 miles east to west, it's truly, a land of epic proportions.
Ice Age Glaciers
The glaciers of College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park offer some of the most spectacular sights and sounds you'll experience on your Alaskan cruise vacation.
Alaska’s ice-age glacial formations, thought of as static and motionless, are very much alive, active and powerful. Winding down from mountains and fjords, these massive rivers of ice are often on the move, some dropping their bounty into the sea. The process is known as "calving," and some tidewater glaciers shed enormous chunks of ice several times an hour.
In most cases, the cascading wall of ice you see is several hundred years old. While these newly formed icebergs rapidly melt in the relatively warm water, some are large enough to support seals and other wildlife looking for a free, albeit temporary, ride.
From the upper reaches of College Fjord and the splendor of Glacier Bay to massive Hubbard Glacier and the steep granite walls of Tracy Arm Fjord, leave it to Princess Cruises to offer you a front-row seat to one of the most magnificent views on Earth.
Of course, the only thing better than seeing glaciers is actually touching them. That's why we offer optional combination helicopter/hiking tours that put you square on the surface of these massive ice beds. You can also take a “flightseeing” (sightseeing by air) tour over glaciers, kayak around them, and even ride a dogsled across.
Glacier Bay National Park
Spanning 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is a stunning network of inlets that channel the frozen tide toward the sea. Don't be surprised to find company along the way – humpback whales enjoy the ample supply of herring and shrimp in Alaska's Glacier Bay.
Featured on Voyage of the Glaciers, Connoisseur and select Inside Passage cruises.
College Fjord
Up the coast in the northwest pocket of Prince William Sound you'll discover magnificent College Fjord, home to 16 tidewater glaciers. Named for the Ivy League schools that were represented by a group of scientists who explored the area in 1899, College Fjord beckons like a shimmering diamond.
Featured on Voyage of the Glaciers cruises.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located 50 miles southeast of Juneau, the awe-inspiring Tracy Arm Fjord is sure to enhance your glacier-viewing adventure. With our Inside Passage cruise, you'll sail past snowcapped mountains, dazzling waterfalls and steep granite canyon walls that disappear into deep and narrow fjords.
Featured on Connoisseur and select Inside Passage cruises.
Hubbard Glacier
At 76 miles in length, Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in Alaska. The cliff face is over six miles wide and is a very active calving glacier making an exciting experience for visitors. It is situated at the head of Yakutat Bay in Southeast Alaska.
Abundant Wildlife
The wildlife of Alaska is just one of the thrilling aspects of this amazing frontier land. And, on an Alaska Princess cruise vacation, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of creatures, all in their natural habitats.Whales, sea lions, otters, eagles, bears and an incredible diversity of seabirds can appear seemingly from out of the blue. And an onboard naturalist is always on hand during our cruises to offer insights into each new animal sighting.
Giants of The Sea
For most, the concept of Alaskan wildlife doesn't extend beyond polar bears and salmon. But those who venture north know there's nothing like the sight of a 40-ton humpback whale breaking the surface of the water for air. During the summer months, more than 2,000 humpbacks are known to feed in the waters off Alaska, offering visitors plenty of chances to enjoy the splendor of these magnificent giants of the sea.
Putting on A Show
Killer (orca) and beluga whales are equally abundant, as are the sociable Pacific white-sided dolphins, which often entertain with their acrobatic leaps and somersaults. In Prince William Sound, seals and sea lions congregate along the shore and on chunks of glacier ice floating in the water. But the animal that seems to be enjoying itself the most is the irresistible sea otter, which often can be seen swimming on its back or hugging a friend as they frolic together in the water.
Salmon-Rich Waters
Another active denizen of the sea is the salmon, famous for its gravity-defying leaps up waterfalls and streams in order to spawn. While this arduous trek only occurs at the end of an adult salmon's life, it never fails to coincide with feeding time for the brown bears that inhabit the Alaska coastline.
Denali Big Five
Grizzly and black bears can be found farther inland, in places like Denali National Park and Preserve, where a plethora of berries keeps these permanent residents well fed. In addition to bears, Denali is an ideal place to observe the wide-antlered caribou, moose, gray wolves and Dall sheep, the latter identified by its curled horns. Together, these wondrous animals constitute the "Denali Big Five," a sightseer's dream.
A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Flying high above it all is the majestic bald eagle, which boasts a wingspan of up to eight feet. Some 40,000 bald eagles reside in Alaska today, with most nesting near water for easy fishing. They are one of more than 300 species of birds that can be found here, each a delight to observe and photograph. Other signature birds include the horned and tufted puffins, which thrive on the western end of Prince William Sound and along the Kenai Peninsula; the docile kittiwake, which nest in colonies along Glacier Bay; and the red-tailed hawk, a fixture at Wrangell-St. Elias.
Alaska's National Parks
Once you realize that an impressive one-half of all U.S. National Park land is located in Alaska, only then you can begin to understand the scope of this vast expanse.Possessing half of the U.S. National Parks, Alaska truly offers some of Mother Nature’s best work. Stretching across a staggering 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest parcel of land, but its sister parks—Glacier Bay, Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Gates of the Arctic—share equally in beauty and natural wonders.
Glacier Bay National Park
Set on the state's southeastern coast, this glacier-rich territory is equally abundant in snowcaps, fjords and wildlife. Spread across an impressive 3.3-million acres, southeastern Alaska’s scenic coastal islands, narrow fjords and substantial wildlife offer an inspirational glimpse of the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park.
The highest concentration of tidewater glaciers on the planet can be found here. Access to this natural wonderland is extremely limited and not all cruise lines can offer this access. But as a leader in the business, Princess Cruises is proud to include Glacier Bay on every one of our exclusive Voyage of the Glaciers, Connoisseur cruises and Alaska Cruisetours (combined cruise and land tour) plus on some Inside Passage itineraries.
A Changing Landscape
When John Muir discovered Glacier Bay in 1879, he surveyed the unblemished panorama and declared it "still in the morning of creation." Nearly a century earlier, George Vancouver's ships sailed right past it because a wall of ice sealed off the entrance to the bay. But over the last 200 years, the ice has been steadily receding, revealing a stark landscape that is slowly being taken over by vegetation unable to resist the fresh rock and soil. The result is a lush, temperate rainforest of spruces and hemlocks that carpets large portions of the stunning terrain.
Tarr Inlet
At the head of Glacier Bay is the Tarr Inlet, where scientists have found exposed rock that's believed to be more than 200 million years old. The Tarr Inlet is home to the Grand Pacific Glacier, an active body of ice that's slowly making its way toward the Margerie Glacier, which it last touched in 1912.
Johns Hopkins Inlet
As you cruise by the northeastern edge of the robust Fairweather Range, you'll enter the Johns Hopkins Inlet, home to no less than nine glaciers. Framed by rocky slopes that stretch skyward more than 6,000 feet, these wondrous glaciers are eclipsed only by the mighty Mount Fairweather itself, which at more than 15,300 feet is the highest point in southeast Alaska.
Denali National Park
Breathtaking vistas, spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities and the venerable Mt. McKinley, North American’s tallest peak, explain why this is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. And you’ll enjoy it while staying at our two comfortable Princess wilderness lodges in the area. From the moment you step off the Alaska Railroad at the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time, where skyscrapers and traffic jams have been replaced by snowcapped mountain peaks and flocks of native birds. This park defines the Alaskan Experience so Princess Cruises includes it on every Alaska Cruisetour (combined cruise-and-land tour).
Towering above it all is the venerable Mt. McKinley, the highest point in all of North America. At 20,320 feet, its summit beckons more than 1,000 climbers each year who brave the elements for the chance to scale its majestic face. Fortunately, the climate isn't a factor for guests of Princess Cruises, who can relax at one of our two exclusive, custom-built lodges - the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Denali Untouched
Located 240 miles north of Anchorage, Denali encompasses six million acres of forests, tundra, glaciers and mountains - that's larger than the entire state of Massachusetts. Yet only 90 miles of main road traverses the park, leaving the moose, caribou, sheep and bears free to roam a wide area of land untouched by man.
Wildlife Sightings
A good pair of binoculars helps with ample opportunities for animal sightings, whether it’s a Grizzly foraging for berries beyond or a Golden Eagle soaring above. In autumn, a ready supply of blueberries, cranberries and crowberries keeps the wildlife active; much like the blooming wildflowers during the summer attracts shutterbugs in search of that perfect shot.
Muldrow Glacier Tundra
Denali is one of the few places where visitors can come in contact with the Alaskan tundra. Meaning a "vast, rolling, treeless plain," the tundra starts at 2,500 feet and extends up and along the massive Alaska Range. Crossing a portion of the tundra is the Muldrow Glacier, which descends 16,000 feet from the upper slopes of Mt. McKinley and comes to within one mile of the park road.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The highest coastal mountains in the world can be found here, near the Canadian border in south central Alaska. With its grand vistas and boundless landscapes, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park exceeds even the most imaginative expectations because of its distinction as being the nation's largest.
Stretching along the Canadian border in scenic south central Alaska, this robust land is quilted with wandering rivers, lakes, glaciers and some of the most dramatic mountain ranges to be found in North America. In fact, nine of the 16 highest peaks in the country are here, including the park's namesakes: Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell — the latter an active volcano that last erupted in 1911.
Adventure, History and Nature
With so much space — a whopping 13.2 million acres in all — there is a wide array of activities and opportunities to explore. River rafting, sport fishing, sea kayaking and flightseeing are just some of the options sure to appeal to the adventurer in you. For a more relaxed pace, take a stroll along one of the many meandering trails, or tour the historic Kennicott Copper Mine. You can even see a portion of the legendary Alaskan pipeline.
Wilderness Retreat
Whatever your pleasure, your itinerary can be planned in front of a roaring fire at our newest Alaskan outpost, the exquisite Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. Nestled on a bluff near the entrance to the park, this exclusive retreat is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable members of the Princess Cruises family who are experts at mapping out customized park tours based on your interests.
Sightseeing by Land or Air
Two main roads travel deep into the heart of the park and provide easy access to a number of remote points of interest. But if you've ever dreamed of soaring over treetops like an eagle, a “flightseeing” tour of the park may be your ticket. There's certainly no shortage of breathtaking sights to see, with more than 150 glaciers making their way down the slopes of the three mountain ranges that converge here.
Kenai Fjords National Park
This rocky southeastern coast of the Kenai Peninsula in south central Alaska is home to more than 100 bird species. Filled with rugged capes, sea arches and ice caves, magnificent Kenai Fjords is the kind of place that stirs the souls of artists, including some filmmakers, whose otherworldly sets are no doubt inspired by locations like this. Indeed, if you were in search of Superman's Fortress of Solitude, this would be a good place to start.
Set on the jagged southern end of the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage, the ice-sculpted land known as "Alaska's playground" just begs to be explored—and Princess Cruises provides a variety of ways to do it.
Harding Icefield
A network of long and intricate trails affords some of the best views in the park, including an up-close encounter with scenic Exit Glacier, the most famous of the more than 30 glaciers that surround the spectacular Harding Icefield, the crown jewel of Kenai Fjords.
Covering 700 square miles, this massive expanse of ice is as much as one mile thick at points, and receives an average annual snowfall of 30 feet. This unrelenting blanket of white is punctured only by the peaks of high, rocky mountains, known as "nunataks," which are best viewed at the crest of the steep, 4.5 mile-long Harding Icefield Trail.
Aialik Bay
In addition to hiking, nearly every other type of outdoor activity that Alaska has to offer can be found here, including kayaking, river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, even gold panning. Glacier viewing is popular in the most impressive of the park's seven long fjords - Aialik Bay, where the Holgate, Pederson and Aialik tidewater glaciers converge to launch icebergs into the sea.
Land and Sea Tours
If marine life is your passion, our Glacier Adventure Cruise is the perfect opportunity to see humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises and puffins. It's one of several family-friendly excursions that can be arranged during your stay at our exclusive Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, located on the northern edge of the park in the Chugach National Forest near the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. The only Cruisetour lodge in the area is just steps away from the glacial blue-green Kenai River, the perfect place for trophy-size fishing.
After a day of exploring, relax by the fire, or enjoy a nightcap in our cozy Rafter's Lounge. With so much to see and do, you'll be ready for a little pampering, and on an Alaska Princess cruisetour, we’re prepared to do just that.
Gates of The Arctic National Park
Located north of the Arctic Circle. Deep in the heart of Alaska is an unblemished land known for its pristine wilderness. North of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range lies the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a maze of glaciated valleys and jagged peaks that nurture a surprisingly diverse and stunning ecosystem.
Covering 8.4 million acres, the Gates of the Arctic is the second largest national park in the United States, but its remote location makes it one of the least visited. That's why we’ve included it on Princess Cruises Explorer itineraries, on the way to Prudhoe Bay.
Scenic Rivers
The "Gates of the Arctic" refers to Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags, a pair of summits that flank the North Fork of the Koyukuk River in the eastern section of the park. Koyukuk is one of six Congress-designated wild and scenic rivers that crisscross the park, some extending hundreds of miles. A popular destination is John River, which cuts through the center of the park.
Midnight Rock Climbing
In the southwestern region, the Noatak River flows down from Mount Igikpak, which tops off at 8,510 feet and is the park's highest point. Naturally, mountain and rock climbing are popular sports, especially during June and July, when the sun never sets.
Wildlife Hot Spot
Alpine meadows, forested lowlands and arctic tundra vegetation support four-legged wildlife, such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep and black and grizzly bears, as well as the two-legged, winged variety. More than 130 species of birds are here, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.
Onboard an Alaska Cruise
compliments of Princess Cruises
The difference between seeing Alaska and understanding Alaska is what Princess Cruises brings to life on your Alaska cruise vacation. Our onboard enrichment programs introduce the real Alaska for a personalized perspective of America's last frontier.
Insider's View of Alaska
Libby Riddles comes aboard in Juneau to share her adventures as the first woman to win the grueling 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race. In Skagway, you'll enjoy the entertainment of an Alaskan storyteller. And in Ketchikan, a U.S. Forest Service naturalist will present a program about the largest forest in the country, Tongass National Forest.
Rangers and Naturalists
Alaska's intriguing flora, fauna and geology come to life by the full-time onboard naturalists who sails with you the entire length of the cruise. While in Glacier Bay National Park, rangers from the National Park Service will board the cruise ship to serve as tour guides and answer questions about this national treasure. Rangers also lead our Junior Ranger and Teen Explorer programs in Glacier Bay, which teach kids about the wildlife and scenery in a fun and entertaining way.
Alaska Signature Specialties
Our Signature Alaskan Cuisine showcases local specialties like fresh Alaskan Seafood. We also treat you to a Taste of Alaska Buffet, a festive on-deck Fish Barbeque and a Reindeer Chili and Rockfish Chowder Cook-Off. The Chef's Alaskan Dinner and Glacier Bay Gala Buffet are highlights not to be missed. Or indulge in our Glacier Bay Champagne Breakfast served on your own balcony onboard Princess Cruises.
Princess Rail Service
Princess Rail Service provides cruise ship to lodge transportation travelling through some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery.
Breathtaking Scenery
Wrap-around glass domed ceilings ensure unobstructed views of Alaska's spectacular scenery while you relax and enjoy the food and beverage service and informative commentary provided by our onboard rail guides.
Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Rail Service
Featuring glass-domed railcars, onboard narration and delicious snacks and beverages, this Princess exclusive gets you to the Alaska wilderness faster for more time exploring the Great Land.
Ship to Train to Denali — All in One Day
Our exclusive ship-rail-lodge connection takes you straight to Denali National Park. While others are still in transit, you'll be enjoying more time at one of our two Denali area lodges where fabulous Princess service meets the real Alaskan wilderness.
Fewer Transfers, Less Time Waiting
Disembark while you're still in the glow of your Alaska cruise. Then step directly from your ship onto your waiting railcar. Sit back, read, chat, dine and marvel at the panoramic vistas from the domed observation lounge. Arrive at Denali that same day ready to experience the wonders you've traveled so far to see.
More Time at Denali
Wake up to the sights and sounds of Denali National Park. You'll bask in the pleasure of knowing you've reached your destination nearly a full day earlier than with any other cruisetour company. That means more time to sit by the fire, linger over grilled salmon and soak up the comfort and luxury of the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
A Princess Exclusive
Our new luxury rail service direct to Denali will make all the difference in your Alaska cruise vacation. Open-air viewing platforms allow you to step outdoors for the perfect snapshot or breath of fresh air. Dining choices include an elegant dining salon with picture windows and a menu of tasty Alaskan specialties or a club car serving delicious snacks and beverages in a more casual setting. Add reserved seating, plenty of legroom and friendly, attentive service and the number one choice for an Alaska cruisetour is Princess Cruises.
*Amenities vary by individual rail car
Princess Wilderness Lodges
Strategically located at Alaska’s legendary national parks, our wilderness lodges offer excellent accommodations, authentic Alaskan dining experiences, and the same warm, welcoming service that you’ve come to expect on every Princess Cruises vacation.
Conveniently located near top attractions across the state, our deluxe lodges feature the same exceptional service you’ll find aboard our cruise ships. Located in riverside settings at Denali, Copper River, Mt. McKinley, Fairbanks and Kenai.
Alaska Lodges Video
Learn about our four Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges featured on our cruisetours.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Nestled in a prime location near the entrance to Denali National Park, this gorgeous lodge is the perfect starting point for your wilderness adventure.
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
On a bluff overlooking the largest national park, this lodge has a wall of windows featuring dramatic views of Wrangell-St. Elias.
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
North America's tallest mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the picture-perfect setting for this wilderness retreat just south of Denali National Park.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Top-notch salmon fishing is only steps away from this well-appointed lodge set in the mountains overlooking the beautiful Kenai River.
Princess Alaska Lodges
& Direct to the Wilderness Rail Service Brochure
Your Alaska cruisetour may also include a visit to one or both of these great cities:
Fairbanks
The “Golden Heart City” offers frontier-style hospitality and Gold Rush history deep in the heart of Alaska’s interior.
Anchorage
You’ll find a city that’s modern yet rich in Native Alaskan heritage – and the untamed wilderness is just minutes from downtown.
Canadian Prices Available