Princess Cruises Launches Largest Alaska Season Ever in 2026!

At Cover Press Media, we bring to your the latest updates in the cruise line industry. Get all the information you need to plan ahead and experience these luxurious travel destinations. Today we are telling you about the newest expedition that Princess Cruises has announced.

Featuring eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, Princess Cruises has unveiled its most expansive Alaska season to date for 2026. This officially marks the cruise line’s largest deployment in Alaska history! It will also be the debut of the new Sphere-class Star Princess. The 2026 season is set to start on May 2nd, 2026, with the Royal Princess sailing from Vancouver, and then followed by other vessels launching from Seattle, San Francisco, and Whittier.

The main event of this expansion is the enhanced North to Alaska program, which was first introduced in 2015 and is now refreshed with four new immersive experiences designed to deepen guest engagement with the Alaskan culture, wildlife, and natural wonders. 

What Are The Four New North to Alaska Experiences for 2026?

1. The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day

On a few select Glacier Bay sailings, all the guests will enjoy close-up glacier views with real-time narration from Park Rangers and onboard experts. The experience includes the VIP bowfront viewing areas, warming stations serving hot chocolate and consommé, and also access to the Junior and Teen Ranger programs. These are in partnership with the National Park Service. This immersive day is designed to transform just a ‘scenic cruising’ into a more fruitful educational and emotional highlight. 

2. Welcome to Alaska

Hosted by the Cruise Director, this one-time-per-voyage presentation introduces guests to the North to Alaska program. Travelers can meet Naturalists, enrichment presenters, and learn how to maximize their Alaskan journey. It serves as an orientation to help guests connect meaningfully with the destination from day one.

3. Après Sea: Elevated Post-Adventure Experience

This new social experience takes place in The Dome on Star Princess, inspired by après-ski lounges. The dome is a glass-enclosed venue at the top of the ship offering panoramic views of Alaska’s fjords. Guests unwind with warm drinks, extended happy hour, and shared stories after shore excursions, enhancing the sense of adventure. 

4. Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice

An evolution of Princess’ popular Candlelight Concerts, this intimate musical event features Alaska-based singer-songwriters performing in a candlelit setting. Offered twice per voyage, it blends local culture with atmospheric elegance, capturing the contrast of Alaska’s fiery sunsets and icy landscapes. 

The Alaska Cruise Introduces New Alaska-Inspired Culinary Offerings

Showcasing Alaska’s rich seafood heritage, Princess is elevating its specialty dining with new à la carte dishes that:

• Crown Grill features Wild King Salmon, Alaskan Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and Jumbo Lump Crab paired with Butter-Broiled Lobster Tail.

• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria introduces Halibut alla Mediterranea, a dish combining flaky halibut with Mediterranean flavors.

These additions aim to bring the taste of The Great Land directly to guests’ plates, complementing the immersive onboard and shore experiences. 

The Alaska Cruise Returning Favorites and Cultural Enrichment

The 2026 season also brings back beloved North to Alaska experiences:

• Puppies in the Piazza: Guests meet Iditarod Champion Ryan Redington and sled dog puppies in training.

• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Includes axe-throwing, trivia, and Timbersports presentations.

• Deadliest Catch: Real crab fishermen from the TV show share their stories.

• Curated Speaker Series: Features Native Alaskan voices like Rachel Moreno (Tlingit), Patricia Adkisson (Tlingit and Alutiiq), and best-selling author Nick Jans.

Youth programs like Glacier Bay Junior Rangers and Gold Rush Adventures ensure families have engaging, educational activities. 

Expanded Cruisetours and Land Adventures For The Alaska Cruise

If you though the cruise has enough and more activities, you are wrong! Beyond the cruise, Princess offers land-and-sea cruisetours that include scenic rail travel and stays at wilderness lodges near Denali National Park. These itineraries can visit up to five national parks, allowing guests to explore Alaska’s wonderful interior with guided wildlife viewing, river excursions, and tundra hikes.

The “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service enables seamless transfers from the cruise pier to Denali lodges, eliminating the need for an Anchorage overnight. 

Booking Details for Princess Cruises 2026 Alaska Season

Bookings for Princess Cruises’ 2026 Alaska season already begun on August 1, 2024, with a “Better Than Best Price Guarantee” offering the lowest rates and 120% of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. However, this promotion ended on September 2, 2024.

It is advised that for the best selection of cabins, itineraries, and pricing- especially for popular Glacier Bay sailings or cruisetours, one must book 6 to 12 months in advance, as some dates and room categories sell out quickly.

What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise?

If your are a firs-time cruises adventurer, and are confused as to what to actually pack so you can makd the best of the activities and all the destinations- we’ve got you covered!

Pack for variable weather, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 80°F, layering is the most essential:

• Clothing: Waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves, thermal base layers, fleece or insulated jacket, long- and short-sleeve shirts, waterproof pants, jeans, and a swimsuit (for ship pools/hot tubs).

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or shoes, comfortable walking shoes, and slippers for onboard use.

• Accessories: Binoculars (for wildlife viewing), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, scarf, and a small daypack.

• Electronics: Camera, phone, chargers, power bank, and a waterproof dry bag.

• Extras: Motion sickness remedies, reusable water bottle, stain remover wipes, and a laundry bag.

Formal nights may require cocktail attire or a suit, depending on cruise length. Most guests dress casually for dinner, but check your specific sailing’s dress code. 

At Cover Page Media, we keep you updated with all the information you need! Will you be joining Princess Cruise on this iconic Alaska trip?