Princess Cruises Unveils Biggest-Ever Alaska Season for 2026

Princess Cruises, the leading Alaska cruise line, has unveiled its most extensive Alaska season yet for 2026. The highlight of this exciting season is the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, the Star Princess. The expanded Alaska program for 2026 features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, offering travellers an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea or by both land and sea.

For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to explore Alaska aboard a Sphere Class ship. The Star Princess, launching in fall 2025, will sail her first summer season in the Great Land in 2026, offering unparalleled views of glaciers and wildlife. As the second ship in the Sphere Class following Sun Princess, Star Princess promises an elevated cruising experience. This ship features innovative architectural spectacles like The Dome, the industry’s first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Additionally, it is celebrated, along with sister ship Sun Princess, as the greatest foodie destination at sea, promising to tantalize taste buds with world-class culinary offerings.

Bookings open August 1, and the “Better Than Best Price Guarantee” offers the best rates and 120% of the price difference as an onboard credit if a lower rate is found before the final payment. This promotion ends on September 2, 2024.

“2026 will reinforce Princess’ leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president.

Highlights for Alaska in 2026

Guests can choose from 180 departures from five convenient ports aboard eight incredible ships, including the new Star Princess. Options include:

• Voyage of the Glaciers: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess will offer seven-day journeys to experience the breathtaking views of two Alaska glaciers. Princess visits Glacier Bay National Park more than any other cruise line. These itineraries are combinable for a 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure.
• Inside Passage: Guests can enjoy seven- to 20-day cruises and up to four glacier-viewing experiences when they sail the Inside Passage and visit the highest-rated Alaska destinations and lesser-known gems from convenient homeports, including weekend departures from Seattle (Royal Princess and Star Princess), San Francisco (Ruby Princess), Vancouver, B.C. (Emerald Princess), and Los Angeles (Emerald Princess).
• Longer Sailings: Guests who want to spend more time with Princess this Alaska season can opt for a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess sailing roundtrip from San Francisco and a 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles.

Adventures Ashore

Princess allows guests to expand their cruise experience with exciting and authentic shore excursions at their ports of call. Guests have many exciting excursions, from “Cook My Catch” to fishing for dinner, flying on a helicopter through mountainous views, watching breaching whales, and more.

Award-Winning, Onboard Activities with “North to Alaska with Princess” Program

The award-winning “North to Alaska with Princess” program enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities, including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a deliciously fresh local Alaska seafood menu. In addition, the popular Junior Ranger program for young cruisers ensures guests of all ages enjoy their Alaska cruise as they explore the Great Land’s rich history.

Cruisetours – Cruise, Rail and Lodge in the Interior of Alaska

Combining a cruise with a land tour is a great way to maximize an Alaska vacation, including visiting Denali National Park and beyond. The 2026 season includes more than 20 cruisetour options. One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those who want to get their National Parks Passport stamped seamlessly. Guests will explore five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks, including Glacier Bay, Denali, and Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise and scenic rail travel with eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

This exciting season promises to offer guests an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s stunning landscapes while enjoying the luxury and comfort of Princess Cruises’ innovative fleet