This was my first time sailing with Princess Cruises in Alaska and I’ll admit I had a lot of questions going in.
What would the experience really be like? How would the itinerary compare to other cruises? What about the dining, the onboard activities, and even the demographic of passengers? Would this be a cruise mostly for older travelers or would families feel welcome too?
As someone who has been on more than 40 cruises you might wonder why it took me so long to finally cruise Alaska. The truth is, living in Canada where it’s cold much of the year, the idea of vacationing in another cool climate didn’t really appeal to me.
I thought I’d stick to the sunny Caribbean. But now that I’ve experienced Alaska I can honestly say I was so wrong to wait.
This cruise wasn’t just good, it was fantastic. From breathtaking scenery to unforgettable excursions and cozy onboard moments, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
In this post, I’ll share everything about our Alaska cruise on Discovery Princess, including highlights from the ship and ports, tips for making the most of your voyage, and answers to the most common questions about cruising Alaska with Princess.
Disclaimer: Please note that we were hosted by Princess Cruises, however all opinions and experiences are my own.
Our Itinerary:
We sailed from Seattle, Washington, with stops in:
- Juneau, Alaska
- Dawes Glacier & Endicott Arm
- Skagway, Alaska
- Ketchikan, Alaska
- Victoria, British Columbia
At first, I wasn’t sure about departing from Seattle or the short stay in Victoria, but both ended up being highlights of the trip. I’ll share more on the cruise ports of call later!
Life On Board: What to Expect on a Princess Alaska Cruise
Discovery Princess:
We sailed on Discovery Princess, one of Princess Cruises’ newest ships. At approximately 145,000 gross tons, there are approximately 3,600 passengers (at double occupancy) and about 1,350 crew. Discovery Princess first set sail in 2022 and features a modern design with light, airy decor that feels sophisticated, yet welcoming.
One thing that really surprised me was how well Discovery Princess felt suited for an Alaska cruise. Even small details on board reflected the destination in a thoughtful way.
For example, the main dining rooms were named Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, which added a fun local touch every time we sat down for a meal.
The onboard shops also impressed me with their selection of Alaska themed items. There was plenty of stylish clothing perfect for the cooler weather, including hats, vests, and jackets. You could even find cozy blankets and beautiful art pieces created by local Alaskan businesses.
Princess Medallion
When you sail with Princess Cruises everything onboard is made a little easier with your wearable OceanMedallion. It replaces your cruise card and lets you unlock your stateroom, order drinks or snacks, find friends and family onboard, and even locate your cabin on the interactive maps.
Cruise tip: If you check in early enough before your cruise, Princess will even mail your Medallion to your home.
Our Cabin:
Our Deluxe Balcony stateroom on Deck 15 was spacious and beautifully designed, with a queen-sized bed, a sofa, and a large balcony that became our private viewing spot for Alaska’s incredible scenery. There was plenty of storage space in the closet and bathroom, which made settling in for a weeklong adventure easy and comfortable.
The love seat converted to a sofa bed for a third passenger. During the day our cabin attendant closed it and at night it was set up as part of the turn-down service.
Activities and Entertainment on Discovery Princess
Sea days on Discovery Princess were never dull, offering a wonderful variety of activities for every type of cruiser. Whether you wanted to stay active, learn something new, or simply relax and soak in the views, there was always something happening.
Enrichment Activities & Entertainment
We found the enrichment programs fun and interesting, and one that really stood out was the axe-throwing demonstration. Watching real cruise passengers take aim and throw a sharp axe at a wooden log was both entertaining and a little thrilling.
It turned out to be a ton of fun and also a surprisingly good learning opportunity for those who wanted to give it a try.
We also had fun doing an origami craft activity, which was well attended by guests of all ages.
The entertainment on Discovery Princess offered something for everyone and kept the evenings lively. There were impressive production shows with talented singers and dancers, as well as a magician who was incredible.
Throughout the evenings live music would be played in the Piazza and in the varuous lounges and bars around the cruise ship.
For those who enjoy a little friendly competition, trivia games were held regularly and always drew a fun crowd. Whether you wanted a big theater experience or something more low-key, there was always a way to be entertained and have fun.
The Piazza
The Piazza, the ship’s beautiful central atrium, truly became the heartbeat of daily life onboard. With live music performances, crew-versus-passenger games, and lively dance classes, it was always buzzing with energy.
One of the most adorable and unique activities Princess offers is Puppies in the Piazza. Cruisers get the chance to meet and take photos with real Alaskan sled dog puppies. It is as cute as it sounds and an experience you won’t find on any other cruise line.
Make sure to plan your day around this activity, as it is offered on certain port days for limited hours.
Movies Under the Stars
In the evenings, one of my favorite experiences was Movies Under the Stars. There was something magical about watching a movie on the giant outdoor screen, wrapped in a cozy blanket, as the ship sails past Alaska’s breathtaking scenery.
Since we were sailing over the July 4th weekend, many of the movies had a patriotic theme. It was such a fun touch and a great example of how Princess tailors their onboard programming to match holidays and special events.
For Families:
For families, Princess Cruises makes it surprisingly easy to keep kids and teens entertained all day long. Their kids and teens programs are excellent, with age-appropriate spaces and activities that allow younger cruisers to make friends and stay busy while parents get the chance to enjoy some much-needed alone time.
We noticed so many family-friendly touches throughout the ship. At Movies Under the Stars, for example, Princess showed family favorites like the Minecraft movie during our sailing.
There were also plenty of fun activities families could enjoy together, from arts and crafts sessions to trivia games, and more.
Although some people assume an Alaska cruise might not be ideal for children, it was surprising to see just how many families were onboard and how much they were all enjoying the experience. Between the exciting ports of call, wildlife sightings, and the unique onboard programs, an Alaska cruise with Princess can be an incredible multi-generational vacation that truly has something for everyone.
Related: Cruise Ship Kids’ Clubs: Everything You Need to Know
The Sanctuary:
The Sanctuary was the perfect retreat onboard Discovery Princess. We had a cabana that came with comfortable loungers and even a small TV, creating a private and relaxing space to unwind.
The crew made the experience even better by bringing us cozy blankets and taking food and drink orders throughout the day. At 3:00 PM, they surprised us with a lovely afternoon service, bringing around trays of snacks along with coffee and tea.
We spent some time in The Sanctuary on our last sea day, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of our cruise. As we relaxed at the front of the ship, we were treated to the incredible sight of a pod of whales swimming by.
Having such a peaceful and uninterrupted view from The Sanctuary made the experience even more special!
Food & Dining
One of the highlights of our Alaska cruise was the food, and Discovery Princess did not disappoint. From casual bites to elevated dining experiences, there was something to satisfy every craving.
Included Dining
The main dining rooms, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, were beautifully themed after Alaska’s ports which added a fun local touch to mealtimes. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Ketchikan dining room one day, and I was impressed by how diverse and flavorful the menu was.
Service was fast and attentive, making it a great option for a relaxed midday meal.
There was also a poolside grill and pizzeria for quick bites by the water, along with the International Café which offered complimentary sandwiches, soups, pastries, and more throughout the day.
Specialty Dining
Since we had the Princess Premier package, we also indulged in unlimited specialty dining throughout our cruise. This meant we could visit favorites like Crown Grill, Catch by Rudi, and Sabatini’s as often as we wanted.
Crown Grill quickly became a standout for us. The steaks were perfectly cooked, and I have to say the cheesy bread alone was worth the visit.
At Catch by Rudi, seafood lovers will be in heaven with creative dishes with featuring fresh fish.
Sabatini’s offered a cozy Italian atmosphere with hearty pastas and tasty main courses. My spaghetti and meatballs were so good I couldn’t resist finishing the entire plate.
For more casual options, we loved Alfredo’s Pizzeria for its hand-tossed pizzas and calzones.
Of course, sailing on Discovery Princess wouldn’t be complete without trying the 360 Experience, an immersive dining event that takes you on a culinary journey complete with visuals, aromas, and storytelling.
Cruise Tip: 360 Experience is limited to about 20 guests per seating so book early if you can!
Alaska Cruise Itinerary:
Seattle (Pre-Cruise):
We arrived in Seattle a day and a half before our cruise, which I highly recommend for anyone sailing from this port. Not only does it give you a buffer in case of travel delays, but it also gives you time to explore this vibrant city.
We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, which was perfectly located just a short walk from Pike Place Market. The market was such a treat, with incredible pastries, fresh seafood chowder, and plenty of local flavors that made it worth the visit.
We also took time to explore the city on foot, soaking in Seattle’s surprising charm and authentic foodie scene. A highlight was walking to the Space Needle, which was about 15 to 20 minutes from our hotel and offered fantastic views of the city.
Ketchikan:
In Ketchikan, we booked an authentic Alaska fishing excursion and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our cruise. This was actually my first time fishing, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being so much fun.
Captain Steve took us about 45 minutes out from the dock, gave us a quick lesson, and before long we were reeling in fish. We caught plenty of cod and even a chum salmon.
To our surprise, we also hooked a large halibut and two king salmon, although we had to release them due to Alaska’s fishing regulations. Some of our catch was processed, frozen, and shipped home for us, which was such a cool souvenir to enjoy later.
After our adventure on the water, we headed to Creek Street, one of Ketchikan’s most charming spots. This historic boardwalk, lined with colorful shops and perched over a salmon-filled creek, felt like stepping back in time.
We spent a leisurely afternoon wandering through souvenir shops, enjoying the atmosphere, and soaking in the character of this unique Alaskan town.
Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm:
Glacier viewing started bright and early, around 6 am, but it was absolutely worth setting the alarm. The scenery as we sailed into Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier was nothing short of breathtaking.
Towering ice walls, floating blue icebergs, and the stillness of the morning created one of those pinch-me moments that Alaska is famous for.
Even though we had a balcony cabin and could have stayed cozy in our own space, we decided to head up to the aft deck near the Wake View Pool. This turned out to be one of the best spots on the ship for glacier viewing, offering panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
We grabbed breakfast from the World Fresh Marketplace and ate outside, enjoying the scenery as we sipped coffee in the crisp Alaskan air.
Cruise tip: Ask your cabin steward for one of Princess’s outdoor blankets. It does get chilly, especially near the glaciers, and having a cozy wrap made the experience even more enjoyable.
Juneau:
The day we visited Juneau was already incredible because it started with glacier viewing in Endicott Arm. By the time we arrived in port in the early afternoon, we were ready to explore.
Our first stop was Tracy’s Crab Shack, a must-visit for seafood lovers. We ordered one pound of Alaskan Red King Crab, and let me tell you, it was every bit as amazing as people say.
The crab legs were sweet, juicy, and surprisingly filling. Ethan and I shared the crab while Frank, who isn’t a big seafood fan, tried the pork sliders and gave them two thumbs up.
Ethan also sampled the shrimp bisque but wasn’t overly impressed with it.
A little tip: since Tracy’s Crab Shack can get busy, we grabbed a quick snack at the International Café on board before heading out. That way, we didn’t mind waiting a bit for our table.
After lunch, we strolled around Juneau, enjoying its charming streets and browsing local shops. There’s something special about this port with its mix of natural beauty and small-town feel, and it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or simply take in the Alaskan atmosphere.
Skagway:
Skagway turned out to be one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise. We booked a full-day excursion on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, and it was an unforgettable experience.
The day started early as we boarded the historic train right near the cruise port. The journey took us along the famous narrow-gauge railway with breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and even glimpses of wildlife.
After about an hour and a half, we crossed into the Yukon, which felt surreal. For a little geography flashback, we even spotted areas of tundra, which instantly brought me back to grade school lessons.
From there, we switched to a motor coach and continued on to Carcross, a charming little village in the Yukon.
Fun fact: Carcross got its name from Caribou Crossing, and there’s still plenty of local charm to take in.
Our excursion included a pretty tasty lunch of roasted chicken, Yukon potatoes, and a warm cinnamon donut that was a delicious surprise. Seriously, Frank and Ethan had a few!
We also had some free time to explore the area, which included visiting sled dogs, feeding alpacas, browsing a small wildlife museum, and shopping for locally made souvenirs.
On our way back to Skagway, we were treated to a real Alaskan moment when our bus driver spotted a bear on the side of the road. Thankfully, we were safe inside the bus, but it was amazing to see a bear in the wild!
Victoria, Canada:
Before this cruise, I wasn’t sure if our brief evening stop in Victoria would be worth getting off the ship for. I even considered staying onboard to relax.
I am so glad we didn’t because this charming city turned out to be a beautiful surprise!
We decided to have an early dinner on the cruise ship before disembarking, which worked out perfectly. Once ashore, we took a shuttle from the port to downtown Victoria. It cost about $15 per person for a round trip, and not only was it convenient, but the ride itself felt like a mini tour.
Our driver shared fun facts and insights about the city, which made the short trip even more enjoyable.
Downtown Victoria was absolutely stunning. We walked past the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, admired the beautifully lit-up government buildings, and soaked in the city’s lovely atmosphere. It felt like the perfect evening stroll with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
For a little treat, you can grab a BeaverTail pastry, which is a delicious fried dough snack, or even some poutine if you are craving a Canadian classic. There are also plenty of shops selling maple cookies and other local goodies which make great souvenirs.
Although our time in Victoria was short, at about four hours, it was well worth getting off the ship to explore. It turned out to be the perfect way to end our Alaska cruise and I would absolutely recommend taking advantage of this stop.
Who Is This Cruise For?
Before our trip, I wondered what the passenger demographic would be like on an Alaska cruise with Princess. Would it mostly attract older travelers, or would families feel welcome too?
What surprised me was how diverse the crowd really was. Since we sailed at the beginning of summer, there were plenty of families onboard, including those with young children and teens.
The kids’ and teens’ programs kept younger cruisers entertained, while family-friendly activities like trivia, arts and crafts, and movies under the stars created opportunities for everyone to enjoy time together.
At the same time, there were also many couples, solo travelers, and multi-generational groups onboard.
Princess does a phenomenal job of balancing adventure with relaxation, making it easy for cruisers of all ages to have a great experience. Whether you are traveling as a family, a couple, or even on your own, this Alaska itinerary truly offers something for everyone.
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Happy Cruising!
Ilana
Have you ever been on an Alaska cruise with Princess Cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
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