Princess Cruises brings Alaska to life with New North to Alaska Experiences for 2026 | News
Ahead of the 2026 Alaska season, Princess Cruises, the highest-rated cruise line in Alaska, is introducing four new Northern Alaska experiences in addition to returning guest favorites. All eight Princess ships sailing in Alaska this season will feature the new programming: Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess and Island Princess.
Princess’ award-winning, immersive North to Alaska program, first introduced in 2015, brings local personalities, culture and food, connecting guests to Alaska’s rich heritage, awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders through authentic offerings, educational events and captivating entertainment both onboard and ashore.
Princess Cruises will sail its largest ever Alaska season in 2026, highlighted by the debut of its newest ship in the fleet, Star Princess. The extensive program includes eight ships, 180 sailings and visits to 19 destinations, offering travelers an unparalleled array of Alaskan adventures by sea or via combined land and sea cruises.
“Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture and natural beauty of Alaska in ways that only Princess can deliver,” said John-Paul Lamb, Vice President of Entertainment for Princess Cruises. “From meeting local experts and native storytellers to immersive entertainment and viewing scenic glaciers, these experiences allow our guests to connect with Alaska every step of their journey.”
New Signature North to Alaska Experiences for 2026
The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day: Spectacular scenic cruises with up-close glacier views, expert narration, Park Ranger commentary from the bridge and on deck offered on select Glacier Bay sailings, and access to VIP viewing areas. They can also visit Ranger information desks, attend presentations at the Princess Theater or Princess Arena, participate in Junior and Teen Ranger programs, and warm up on the open decks with hot chocolate and consommé stations. Glacier Bay North to Alaska activations include:
What to expect: Ice and awe
Park Voices: Glacier Bay – Ranger and partner presentations on board.
Live Glacier Commentary – Scenic, real-time narration while viewing glaciers.
The Ice Front Opens – Access viewing areas at the bow for unparalleled glacier perspectives.
Welcome to Alaska: a can’t-miss presentation designed to help guests get the most out of their experience in the way that is most meaningful to them. Offered once per voyage and organized by the Cruise Director, guests can meet a naturalist, engage with presenters and learn about the Northern Alaska program.
Après Sea: Elevated Post-Adventure Experience: After a day of exploring, guests are invited to relax in a chic, après-ski inspired lounge, where they can enjoy an elevated happy hour with hot drinks and panoramic views; extends the magic of the day. Star Princess will host the Après Sea at The Dome, located at the top of the ship with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice: Fire & Ice expands on Princess’s current Candlelight Concert Series and adds Alaskan flair with performances by Alaskan singer-songwriters, creating an intimate setting of warmth and wonder, illuminated by live music, glowing candles and the magic of The Great Land, offered only twice per trip.
A taste of the big country
Guests cruising Alaska’s majestic landscapes can now enjoy an equally inspiring culinary journey with new a la carte offerings available at the onboard specialty restaurants. At Crown Grill, each plate presents artfully prepared dishes to highlight bold, fresh flavors expertly crafted to showcase the finest seafood, including Wild King Salmon, Alaskan Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Jumbo Lump Crab paired with Butter-Broiled Lobster Tail. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria complements the experience with halibut alla Mediterranea, a vibrant dish that brings together delicate, flaky halibut with bright Mediterranean accents. Together, these high-quality selections celebrate the spirit of Alaska while providing the refined dining experience guests have come to expect at sea.
North to Alaska – Familiar favorites
Immersive Alaska experiences that bring Alaska to life
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – presented by select axe-throwing recruits, engaging trivia and an insightful presentation on Timbersports and the Port of Ketchikan.
Puppies in the Piazza – This enrichment program is available on all ships calling at Skagway and allows guests to learn more about the history, story and culture of the Alaskan Huskies. It features Iditarod champion Ryan Redington and puppy sled dogs in training.
Deadliest Catch – Select sailings offer a special presentation by captains and crew members from the hit TV show sharing their adventures and wild stories while working as crab fishermen in the Bering Sea.
Curated Speaker Series: History and Cultural Practices Shared by Native Alaskans
A curated feature series from some of the most dynamic and enriching speakers whose experiences speak to Alaska’s heritage and history, including:
Rachel Moreno, a member of the Tlingit tribe. She is the great-granddaughter of a chief who married the daughter of another chief. Rachel was the first woman elected vice-chairman of her tribe and enjoys sharing her culture with guests.
Born and raised in Juneau, Patricia Adkisson is an Alaska Native with Tlingit and Alutiiq heritage. Her career in public education revolves around maintaining a strong and positive Indigenous cultural perspective.
Nick Jans, bestselling author and one of Alaska’s most recognized and prolific writers.
Daryl Pederson, an Anchorage-based nature and studio photographer who has been capturing images of the Northern Lights for more than thirty years.
And much more!
Campfire movies under the stars
Snuggle under the stars and enjoy a truly unique movie experience with Campfire Movies Under the Stars, set against the beautiful natural backdrop of Alaska. Families gather under cozy blankets with popcorn to watch family classics and Alaska-themed movies.
Stargazing nights
Outdoor stargazing is offered on select ships when the sky is dark. Guests will be led to a designated area on the open deck of the ship. Once there, the lights on the deck are dimmed to create the perfect stargazing atmosphere. An expert Activity Staff member then gives a guided presentation about prominent constellations visible in the night sky.
The Great Big Adventure – Alaska Edition
The Great Big Adventure challenges nine daring survivors to navigate the rugged Alaskan wilderness in search of three essential survival elements: food, shelter and water.
Officers vs. Guests: Alaska Edition
In this guest favorite, officers compete against guests in a variety of Alaska challenges, including Tongass Bullseye (axe-throwing soft set), Tumbling Timbers/Tundra Tower (giant “Jenga”), Kodiak Catch, Lumberjack Tug of War, Sailor Knot Tying Games and the Fly Like an Eagle Challenge.
Youth and teen centers
Special activities bring the destination to life for younger cruisers, including:
Glacier Bay Junior Rangers – This popular program invites youth to complete activity books, attend special presentations and earn a badge and certificate awarded in partnership with the National Park Service.
Gold Rush Adventures – Inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush, families are invited to embark on a legendary journey. In search of gold, the participants traverse the ship in the hope of becoming rich!
Great Alaskan Expedition – A three-hour team-based immersive experience for youth and teens featuring a thrilling journey into the heart of the wilderness, plus an expedition to land, sea and air.
With more than 55 years of experience sailing in Alaska, Princess Cruises continues to offer immersive voyages that bring guests closer to the people, landscapes and stories that define The Great Land with five convenient departure ports, weekend departures from Seattle, flexible itinerary choices for 2026-2027 and seamless transfers.
Additional information about the 2026 and 2027 Alaska seasons is available through a professional travel advisor or by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237).
