A Princess cruise tour in Alaska is more than just a vacation; it’s an immersive expedition into the heart of the Last Frontier. While a cruise offers breathtaking coastal views of glaciers and fjords, combining it with a land tour unlocks the vast, wild interior of this incredible state. Princess Cruises has perfected this land and sea experience, guiding you from tidewater glaciers to the towering peak of Denali. These unique Princess cruise tours offer a seamless and profound way to witness the full scale and majesty of Alaska, creating an adventure you will never forget.
What is a Land and Sea Princess cruise tour?
A Land and Sea vacation is a comprehensive journey that pairs a classic Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with an extended exploration of Alaska’s rugged interior via train and luxury motorcoach. This unique structure allows you to experience both the stunning coastal scenery and the iconic inland wilderness that many visitors miss. Your adventure is completely seamless, with Princess handling all the logistics, from luggage transfers to accommodations in their exclusive wilderness lodges. This means you can simply relax and soak in the ever-changing, spectacular landscapes around you.
The beauty of these Princess cruise tours is the depth they add to your Alaskan experience. You’ll sail through magnificent fjords, witness glaciers calving into the sea, and then travel deep into the wilderness to spot grizzly bears, moose, and caribou in their natural habitat. It’s an all-encompassing adventure that provides a complete picture of Alaska’s diverse ecosystems and untamed beauty. This dual experience is what makes a Princess cruise tour the most rewarding way to explore the 49th state.
Exclusive wilderness lodges and Denali
At the heart of the land portion of your Princess cruise tour are the exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges, strategically located near Alaska’s most magnificent national parks. The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge serves as your basecamp for adventure, situated just one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park. It offers a perfect blend of rustic comfort and modern amenities, with multiple dining options, expansive river-view decks, and cozy fire pits perfect for recounting the day’s excitement under the midnight sun.
Staying at the lodge gives you unparalleled access to the six million acres of pristine wilderness that make up Denali National Park. From here, you can embark on a variety of optional excursions, including guided hikes, thrilling river rafting, and the essential Tundra Wilderness Tour that takes you deep into the park in search of the “Denali Big 5”: bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. The proximity and comfort offered by the lodges are a cornerstone of the exceptional Princess cruise tours experience.
Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service with a Princess cruise tour
A highlight of any Princess cruise tour is the journey aboard the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service. These luxurious glass-domed railcars offer panoramic views of the stunning scenery as you travel between your ship in Whittier and the Denali area. As you glide through dense forests and across vast river valleys, you can enjoy freshly prepared meals in the onboard dining cars or step out onto the open-air viewing platform to breathe in the crisp Alaskan air. It’s a travel experience unlike any other.
This rail journey isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s an integral part of the adventure itself. Onboard hosts provide engaging commentary, pointing out wildlife and sharing fascinating stories about Alaska’s history and geography. The seamless connection from the ship to the train and directly to the lodge eliminates hassle and maximizes your time spent enjoying the wilderness. This signature rail service elevates Princess cruise tours into a class of their own.
Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries
The cruise portion of your adventure is the celebrated “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary, a seven-day sailing between Vancouver, B.C., and Anchorage (Whittier). This route is renowned for taking you past more active tidewater glaciers than any other Alaska cruise. You’ll spend a full day marveling at the immense beauty of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can hear the thunderous crack of ice calving from glaciers like the Margerie and Grand Pacific. The journey also includes a visit to either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, ensuring you get unparalleled views of these frozen rivers.
These sailings also visit Alaska’s most charming and historic port towns. You can explore the gold rush history of Skagway, discover the vibrant Tlingit culture in Juneau, or wander through the colorful, totem-lined streets of Ketchikan. The combination of stunning natural wonders and rich cultural experiences makes the cruise a perfect complement to your inland exploration, solidifying the value of a Princess cruise tour.
Princess cruise tour onboard experience
Princess Cruises dedicates a significant portion of its fleet to the Alaska season, ensuring you experience the Great Land aboard some of their finest ships. These ships feature the innovative MedallionClass experience, which personalizes your vacation with everything from touchless stateroom entry to ordering food and drinks to wherever you are on the ship.
Onboard, you can enrich your understanding of the region through the “North to Alaska” program. This includes everything from talks by local experts and lumberjacks to enjoying freshly caught Alaskan seafood prepared by skilled chefs. The ships themselves become a part of the destination, providing a comfortable and engaging home base after a day of exploration. This commitment to an authentic Alaskan experience is what makes these ships the perfect vessels for your journey.
Embarking on a Princess cruise tour is the ultimate way to witness the full splendor of Alaska, and booking your adventure with Cruises.com is the first step. Princess cruise tours may only be booked by phone. For assistance, please contact our cruisetour experts by calling 1-1-800-288-6006.
Set sail with Cruises.com Rewards! Unlock exclusive member-only pricing and earn 10 points per $1 on every booking. Earn twice by stacking your savings with your cruise line loyalty status and perks! Redeem your rewards for cash on the same upcoming cruise. Let’s book your next adventure — and make it more rewarding! Join Cruises.com Rewards for free today. Book your dream vacation now or call us at 800-288-6006 start earning.
Related: Cruisetour: Unforgettable Land Journeys Paired with Your Cruise