Princess Cruises: the new “North to Alaska” experiences
Princess Cruises has launched the 2026 Alaska season with its most comprehensive and engaging offering to date, introducing four new immersive experiences within the renowned “North to Alaska” program, alongside the return of guest favorites.
All eight ships deployed in Alaska, Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Island Princess, feature the enhanced program, allowing travelers to experience the Great Land in unique, authentic, and memorable ways. This season marks the culmination of more than fifty-five years of Princess Cruises’ experience in Alaska, reinforcing the company’s position as a benchmark for those seeking to explore the region through a deeply immersive and thoughtfully curated approach.
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The “North to Alaska” program, first introduced in 2015, quickly gained international recognition for its ability to blend entertainment, local culture, gastronomy, and educational experiences on board. Its goal is to offer guests an authentic connection with Alaska’s natural and cultural heritage, guiding them through breathtaking scenery, storytelling experiences, and activities that make each journey truly unique. In 2026, Princess Cruises elevates the program to an even higher level, expanding its offering to eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, delivering an unprecedented range of sea adventures and land-and-sea cruise experiences, all designed to let guests experience Alaska in all its grandeur.
Among the new signature experiences introduced in 2026, “The Glacier Experience” undoubtedly stands out as a highlight of the program. This immersive offering allows guests to take part in spectacular scenic cruises featuring close-up views of glaciers, enhanced by expert narration and commentary from park rangers delivered directly from the bridge or observation decks. Select sailings include access to VIP viewing areas for privileged glacier perspectives. On board, guests can visit ranger information desks, attend presentations in the Princess Theatre or Princess Arena, or participate in Junior and Teen Ranger programs. To complete the experience, passengers can warm up on the open decks with hot beverages such as cocoa or consommé while taking in Alaska’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Special activations in Glacier Bay include the presentation “What to Expect: Ice & Awe,” storytelling sessions with rangers and local partners in “Park Voices: Glacier Bay,” real-time glacier insights with “Live Glacier Commentary,” and exclusive forward-deck viewing access through “The Icefront Opens.”
Another 2026 addition is “Welcome to Alaska,” a presentation designed to help guests make the most of their journey in meaningful and personalized ways. Hosted by the cruise director, this session offers the opportunity to meet naturalists, attend enrichment presentations, and gain deeper insight into the North to Alaska program—fostering an immediate connection with the destination and its culture. After a day of exploration, Princess Cruises introduces “Après Sea,” a post-adventure experience focused on relaxation and enjoyment. Set in refined, après-ski-inspired environments, guests can indulge in an elegant happy hour with warm beverages while surrounded by spectacular views. On Star Princess, this experience takes place in The Dome at the top of the ship, offering unforgettable vistas of the surrounding landscapes and extending the magic of each day in Alaska.
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The Candlelight Concert Series, already highly popular with guests, is enhanced in 2026 with the “Fire & Ice” edition, adding a distinctly Alaskan touch to the musical offering. Local singer-songwriters perform in intimate, candlelit settings, creating a warm and evocative atmosphere that reflects the beauty of the Great Land. This exclusive event is available only twice per voyage, making it a truly unique and unmissable experience.
The onboard dining experience aboard Princess ships in Alaska is enriched with new à la carte offerings designed to celebrate local flavors. At Crown Grill, guests can enjoy artfully crafted seafood dishes featuring Alaskan specialties such as wild king salmon, jumbo Alaska crab, and butter-poached lobster tail. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria complements the culinary journey with reimagined Mediterranean dishes, including halibut alla Mediterranea, offering a gastronomic experience that reflects the richness and diversity of the region. These offerings allow guests to experience the Great Land through its flavors, turning every meal into a memorable occasion.
Naturally, guest favorites remain an integral part of the North to Alaska program. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show blends skill and entertainment, featuring axe-throwing demonstrations, interactive quizzes, and insights into timbersports and the port of Ketchikan. In Skagway, “Puppies in the Piazza” offers an educational program dedicated to Alaskan huskies, featuring Iditarod champion Ryan Redington and puppies training to become sled dogs. On select sailings, guests can also attend special presentations with captains and crew members from the hit television series “Deadliest Catch,” hearing firsthand their extraordinary stories as crab fishermen in the Bering Sea.
The program also features a curated lineup of guest speakers who share the history and cultural practices of Alaska Native communities. These include Rachel Moreno, a member of the Tlingit tribe and great-granddaughter of a local chief; Patricia Adkisson, born and raised in Juneau with Tlingit and Alutiiq heritage; Nick Jans, bestselling author and wildlife photographer; and Daryl Pederson, renowned for his imagery of the Northern Lights. These sessions offer guests a deeper understanding of local culture, history, and traditions, making each journey both educational and authentic.
Additional immersive activities include Movies Under the Stars screenings with popcorn and blankets, as well as guided stargazing evenings led by knowledgeable crew members, with reduced lighting to create the perfect atmosphere. “The Great Big Adventure – Alaska Edition” challenges guests to test their wilderness survival skills, while “Officers vs Guests: Alaska Edition” features fun competitions between officers and passengers, including soft axe throwing, giant Jenga games, and seamanship skill challenges.
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For younger guests, dedicated youth and teen centers offer special activities that bring the destination to life for families as well. The Glacier Bay Junior Rangers program allows children to complete activity booklets, attend special presentations, and earn badges and certificates in collaboration with the National Park Service. Gold Rush Adventures, inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush, engage families in history-themed treasure hunts, while the Great Alaskan Expedition offers immersive three-hour experiences for children and teens, featuring guided explorations of nature by land, sea, and air.
With a history spanning more than 55 years of sailing in Alaska, Princess Cruises continues to stand out for the quality of its experiences and its ability to connect guests with the people, landscapes, and stories that define the Great Land. The 2026 season features departures from five major regional ports, flexible itineraries for 2026–2027, weekend sailings from Seattle, and seamless transfers—ensuring a smooth and convenient way for travelers to enjoy the North to Alaska program, turning every cruise into an unforgettable adventure.
In conclusion, the 2026 Alaska season with Princess Cruises sets a new standard in the cruise experience. With the introduction of new immersive offerings, the return of guest favorites, refined culinary experiences, and a strong focus on local culture, each journey becomes a unique opportunity to explore the Great Land, experience authentic emotions, and create lasting memories. The North to Alaska program, with its blend of entertainment, cultural discovery, and adventure, reaffirms Princess Cruises as the undisputed leader for those who wish to experience Alaska with depth, style, and passion.
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