What to Expect on a Princess Alaska Cruisetour
Published March 25, 2026
Updated March 25, 2026
Travel Experts
at The Cruise Web
Alaska is too vast to see only from the shoreline. While a cruise offers breathtaking views of tidewater glaciers, the "Heart of Alaska" lies deep within the interior.
That’s where Princess Alaska Cruisetours stand out.
As the only cruise line that owns and operates its own wilderness lodges and rail service, Princess Cruises provides a seamless, high-quality transition from ship to shore that remains unmatched in the industry.
Our Cruise Experts break down everything you can expect from a Princess Alaska Cruisetour.
Princess Alaska Cruisetours at a Glance
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Duration Range | 10–17 nights |
Cruise Portion | 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers |
Land Portion | 3–10 nights in Alaska's interior |
Lodges | 5 Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges |
Rail Service | Direct-to-the-Wilderness® (Glass-domed train) |
Season | May through September |
Tour Types | Denali Explorer, Connoisseur, Off the Beaten Path, On Your Own |
What Is a Princess Alaska Cruisetour?
A Princess Alaska Cruisetour is built around three seamlessly connected experiences:
- Cruise along Alaska’s glacier-filled coastline
- Train rides through the untouched interior wilderness
- Stay in wilderness lodges near iconic national parks
What makes this experience stand out is how effortlessly it all connects. Your luggage moves with you, your transfers are coordinated, and every piece is designed to fit together.
Princess is also unique in that it owns and operates its wilderness lodges, creating a more immersive and consistent Alaska experience from start to finish.
The Three Components of Every Princess Cruisetour
The Cruise: Voyage of the Glaciers
Every cruisetour features the award-winning 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing, one of Alaska’s most scenic routes.
You’ll experience:
- Two glacier-viewing opportunities
- Iconic destinations like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway
- Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier
Expect towering ice walls, calving glaciers, and incredible wildlife sightings.
The Train: Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Rail Service
The journey inland is just as memorable as the destinations. Princess utilizes custom-built, glass-domed railcars that offer 360-degree views of the Alaskan tundra.
Highlights include:
- Glass-domed railcars with panoramic views
- Open-air observation platforms
- Freshly prepared onboard dining
- Expert narration about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife
- Select departures featuring visits from an Iditarod musher
This rail experience connects you directly from ship to lodge—no complicated transfers.
The Lodge: Princess Wilderness Lodges
Your land stay includes 3+ nights at Princess Wilderness Lodges, located near national parks, offering a "base camp" feel with premium amenities.
Each lodge offers:
- Comfortable accommodations with Alaskan charm (like the massive stone fireplaces)
- On-site dining and excursions (such as wild salmon fishing on jet boats—available at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge)
- Immediate access to national parks and wildlife
The Five Princess Wilderness Lodges
Lodge Name | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Denali Princess | 1 mile from Denali National Park | • Overlooks the Nenana River • Social hub with outdoor hot tubs • Direct shuttle to the park entrance |
Mt. McKinley Princess | Inside Denali State Park | • Iconic 20,310-ft mountain views • Treehouse designed by Pete Nelson • Huge Great Room with stone fireplaces |
Kenai Princess | Kenai Peninsula | • Bungalow-style rooms with wood stoves • Overlooks the world-famous Kenai River • Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park |
Copper River Princess | Edge of Wrangell-St. Elias | • Most remote and secluded location • Access to America's largest national park • Historical Kennecott mining tours |
Fairbanks Princess | Banks of the Chena River | • Riverside deck with outdoor dining • Sternwheeler and Gold Dredge excursions • Late-season Aurora viewing possibilities (late August/Sept) |
Things to Do at Princess Wilderness Lodges
View North America's Tallest Peak
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge's treehouse design and stone fireplaces create a warm, inviting environment with breathtaking views of the tallest peak in North America.
Explore The Largest National Park in the U.S.
You can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the U.S., at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Socialize at Denali Princess' Saloon
Not a drinker? Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge also has many other places to socialize, like the many cozy outdoor firepits to hang out and roast marshmallows.
Overlook the Famous Kenai River
Adventure through Chugach National Forest, cruise past Kenai Fjords National Parks’ glaciers, or fish along the Kenai River at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Enjoy Outdoor Riverside Dining
The Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge's expansive riverside deck allows guests to enjoy nature at every moment.
Four Princess Alaska Cruisetour Styles: Which One Fits You?
Each option offers a different balance of structure, depth, and flexibility.
Tour Type | Length | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
Denali Explorer | 10–13 nights | First-time visitors | The balanced choice. Includes Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail and a Denali Natural History Tour. |
Off the Beaten Path | 12–15 nights | Adventure seekers | Head further to the Kenai Peninsula or Copper River for a more remote, rugged experience. |
Connoisseur | 12–17 nights | Premium travelers | Fully escorted by a Tour Director; includes meals on land and the deep-park Tundra Wilderness Tour. |
On Your Own | 10–12 nights | Independent travelers | The most affordable way to get the logistics (rail/lodge) while keeping your land schedule wide open. |
National Parks You Can Visit on a Princess Cruisetour
- Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO site featuring massive tidewater glaciers viewed from your cruise ship (no land access needed).
- Denali National Park: The centerpiece of every land tour. Home to the "Big Five" wildlife: grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep, and caribou.
- Wrangell-St. Elias: The largest national park in the U.S. Accessible via shuttle from the Copper River Princess Lodge.
- Kenai Fjords National Park: Famous for marine life and the Harding Icefield. Accessed from Kenai Princess Lodge with boat excursions from Seward.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Preserving the history of the 1897 gold strike. This is explored during your Skagway port stop on the cruise portion.
Unique Experience: Glacier Bay is one of the few places where you can witness “white thunder”—the powerful sound of glaciers calving into the sea.
Some longer itineraries, like the 15-night National Parks Tour, visit up to five parks in one trip. Speak with a Cruise Web Expert to compare this tour vs. the Denali-focused itineraries.
What’s Included in a Princess Alaska Cruisetour?
Category | Included | Not Included |
|---|---|---|
Cruise | • 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers | • Gratuities |
Lodge Stays | • 3–10 nights at Princess Wilderness Lodges | • Meals on land (unless Connoisseur or meal plan purchased) |
Rail & Transfers | • Direct-to-the-Wilderness® glass-domed rail | • Airfare to/from Alaska |
Excursions | • Denali National Park tour | • Helicopter tours |
*Meals on land are exclusive to Connoisseur itineraries or pre-purchased meal plans.
Stress-free travel: Your bags move with you, top excursions come built in, and every transfer from ship to train to lodge is handled for you.
What's Not Included in a Princess Alaska Cruisetour?
Cruise Extras
Gratuities, drink packages, and Wi-Fi upgrades are not included in the base cruisetour fare but can be bundled through Princess Plus or Princess Premier. Not sure which package is right for you? Check out our guide: Princess Plus vs. Princess Premier.
Meals and Beverages on Land
Meals at the wilderness lodges are not included unless you book a Connoisseur tour or purchase a separate meal plan. Alcoholic beverages and specialty dining at the lodges are also not included.
Optional Experiences
Additional excursions beyond the included Denali tour and select Fairbanks activities are available for purchase. Popular options include helicopter tours, flightseeing, glacier hikes, and salmon fishing.
Getting There
Airfare to and from Alaska is not included unless booked through Princess EZAir.
Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays are also separate unless bundled through a Cruise Plus Hotel Package (don't worry, our Cruise Experts will do the research and can book everything for you).
Personal Expenses
Gratuities for land guides, drivers, and lodge staff, as well as travel insurance, shopping, and incidentals.
The Cruise Web Advantage: Even though these items aren't included, you won't be navigating them alone. We'll walk you through what to expect and help you decide which add-ons (if any) are right for your adventure.
Tips for Planning Your Princess Cruisetour
This comprehensive list covers all the strategic decisions and practical considerations for planning an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour experience.
- Book early: Cruisetours are capacity‑controlled, and peak summer dates often sell out 10–12 months ahead. Excursions also sell out early.
- Choose the right tour style: Pick Connoisseur for a fully escorted journey with land meals included, or On Your Own for maximum flexibility.
- Pick your direction wisely: Choose Southbound (Land then Cruise) if you want to end your vacation relaxing on the ship. Choose Northbound (Cruise then Land) if you want the "grand finale" to be the interior wilderness.
- Know what’s included: Only Connoisseur tours include meals on land—others are pay‑as‑you‑go.
- Pack smart: Alaska weather swings fast—bring layers for both coastal and interior climates.
- Consider shoulder seasons: May and September offer fewer crowds and often better wildlife viewing, though some services may be limited.
- Choose your lodge wisely: Each wilderness lodge offers different experiences — Mt. McKinley for mountain views, Kenai for river access, Copper River for secluded wilderness, Denali for social atmosphere and park access.
- Bring binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing and whale watching from the ship.
- Upgrade your Denali experience: If you book a Denali Explorer or an On Your Own Cruisetour, it usually comes with the shorter Natural History Tour. We highly recommend upgrading to the Tundra Wilderness Tour* to go 40+ miles deeper into the park.
*The Tundra Wilderness Tour is already included in most Connoisseur and Off the Beaten Path styles.
Why Book Your Princess Cruisetour with The Cruise Web?
Princess offers the most comprehensive Alaska cruisetours, but choosing between Denali Explorer, Connoisseur, and Off the Beaten Path can be confusing—and that’s where our expertise shines.
At The Cruise Web, we specialize in Princess Alaska Cruisetours and know the ins and outs of every route, lodge, and season. We’ll help you:
- Compare all your Princess Alaska Cruisetour options
- Choose the right tour style: Denali Explorer, Connoisseur, Off the Beaten Path, and more
- Coordinate all the moving pieces: cruise, rail, lodges, transfers, and excursions
- Secure exclusive offers, group rates, and the best available pricing
- Enjoy a smooth, stress‑free planning experience from start to finish
Ready to start your Alaskan adventure? Call us at 1‑800‑377‑9383 or visit CruiseWeb.com to speak with a Princess Alaska Cruisetour specialist.
View All Princess Alaska Cruisetours and CruisesFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Princess Alaska Cruisetours
What exactly is a Princess Alaska Cruisetour?
A cruisetour combines a 7‑day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with a multi‑night land tour featuring Princess’ exclusive rail service and stays at their wilderness lodges. It’s the most complete way to experience both Alaska’s coastline and its interior national parks.
How many days should I plan for a cruisetour?
Princess Alaska Cruisetours range from 10 to 17 nights, depending on how many lodge nights and national parks you want to include.
Are meals included during the land portion?
Meals at the wilderness lodges are not included unless you choose a Connoisseur cruisetour. Pick Connoisseur for a fully escorted journey with land and sea meals included.
What’s the difference between the Natural History Tour and the Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali?
The Natural History Tour is a 4–5 hour introduction to Denali. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is an 8‑hour deep‑park adventure with significantly better wildlife viewing. Many guests choose to upgrade for the fuller experience.
How does luggage handling work?
Princess makes it seamless—your bags follow you automatically from ship to train to lodge. You won’t need to haul luggage during transfers.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes. Popular experiences like helicopter tours, flightseeing, and fishing trips often sell out early. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred times.
Which Princess Wilderness Lodge is best for me?
Each lodge offers something unique:
- Denali Princess: Social hub + park access
- Mt. McKinley Princess: Best Denali mountain views
- Kenai Princess: River access + Kenai Fjords proximity
- Copper River Princess: Remote wilderness + Wrangell‑St. Elias
- Fairbanks Princess: Riverfront location + cultural excursions
Why should I book my cruisetour with The Cruise Web?
The Cruise Web’s specialists simplify everything, compare all your options, secure the best pricing, and coordinate every detail for a stress‑free Alaska adventure.
