Alaska Awaits: Princess Cruises Sets the Stage for Its Most Ambitious 2025 Season Yet

As the summer season approaches, Princess Cruises is gearing up to deliver what promises to be an extraordinary year of Alaskan adventures. Launching its 56th consecutive season in Alaska with an impressive fleet of seven purpose-built vessels, the cruise line is reinforcing its position as the go-to operator for travelers seeking authentic encounters with glaciers, wildlife, and pristine wilderness.

A Fleet Built for Discovery

The 2025 lineup features the Coral Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Discovery Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire Princess, and Royal Princess—each meticulously designed to navigate Alaska’s dramatic coastlines. Operating from five strategic departure points—Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Anchorage (Whittier)—Princess ensures accessibility for guests across North America.

What sets this season apart is an expanded catalog of expedition-style routes combined with an entirely reimagined lodge experience. The cruise line now operates five pristine wilderness lodges alongside new cruisetours that penetrate deeper into Alaska’s interior, providing access to Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai National Parks alongside the flagship Glacier Bay National Park.

New Routes: Sailing Into the Heart of Glacial Majesty

Two freshly designed itineraries highlight the 2025 season:

The Grand Princess embarks on a transformative 17-day roundtrip from Seattle, calling at 10 distinct ports while showcasing three magnificent glacier systems—Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park. Departing May 6, this voyage caters to those seeking the complete Alaskan panorama.

The Ruby Princess takes center stage with its 22-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice roundtrip from San Francisco, timed perfectly with the Summer Solstice in June. This extended journey traverses 11 ports and four glacial zones, including the dramatic Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, establishing it as one of the most comprehensive Alaska experiences available.

The Glacier Bay & Inside Passage Advantage

Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries deliver the classic Alaska experience through 7 to 14-day transits between Vancouver and Anchorage. The Coral Princess, Caribbean Princess, and Sapphire Princess glide past iconic glacier systems including Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, with immersive stops in Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Optional cruisetours extend the journey inland to Denali National Park.

For those preferring roundtrip flexibility from the West Coast:

• Seattle Gateway: Seven-day roundtrips aboard Royal Princess and Discovery Princess feature Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier experiences, May through September
• San Francisco Departures: Eleven-day roundtrips on Ruby Princess provide dual glacier options and varied port combinations from May to September
• Vancouver Base: Five to eleven-day options on Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Caribbean Princess showcase lesser-known gems like Icy Strait Point and Sitka

Immersive Onboarding: The “North to Alaska” Experience

Princess distinguishes itself through its award-winning “North to Alaska” programming—a locally-curated collection of educational and entertainment experiences that transform a cruise into a cultural immersion.

Park Ranger Leadership: All Glacier Bay itineraries feature dedicated National Park Rangers who conduct information sessions, deliver bridge commentary, offer theater presentations, and guide Junior and Teen Ranger programs. Complimentary hot chocolate and bouillon stations on open decks enhance the glacier-watching experience.

Authentic Alaskan Voices: The “North to Alaska Storytellers” series brings compelling narratives to life through speakers including the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show ensemble, Tlingit/Alutiiq Cultural Ambassador Patrick Anderson, renowned Alaska Photographer and Author Nick Jans, and Libby Riddles, the pioneering woman who conquered the 1,100-mile sled dog championship.

Entertainment & Atmosphere: Evening stargazing presentations reveal the northern constellations, while the new Northern Lights Lounge recreates an Alaskan pub atmosphere nightly with local beverages, folk music performances, and trivia competitions. Campfire Movies Under the Stars invite families to gather under blankets for Alaska-themed film screenings against the backdrop of pristine natural scenery.

Interactive Adventure: The Great Big Adventure—Alaska Edition challenges passengers through 60-second survival scenarios and regional trivia. Sled dog demonstrations in the onboard Piazza educate guests about these magnificent animals and their integral role in Alaska’s history.

Culinary Excellence Meets Local Sourcing

Alaska’s legendary seafood takes center stage across all dining venues. Main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and marketplace venues feature wild-caught Keta, King, and Sockeye salmon, halibut, and rockfish sourced directly from Alaskan waters.

Signature dining concepts elevate the experience:

• Balcony Breakfast delivers Smoked Salmon and Crab Quiche directly to stateroom decks, perfect for glacier viewing
• Crown Grill specializes in King Salmon and Alaska Crab Cake preparations
• Sabatini’s Trattoria showcases River Steelhead Salmon Carpaccio
• Crab Shack serves legendary Shellfish and Clam Chowders alongside Alaska Seafood Pot offerings

Discovery Princess guests enjoy an exclusive advantage: the “Cook My Catch” shore excursion permits fishing expeditions, with The Catch by Rudi transforming personal catches into restaurant-quality meals.

Beverage selections expand dramatically with themed cocktails—Glacier Shake, Peanut Butter Bear Hug, Into the Wilderness, and Campfire Daiquiri—complemented by expanded locally-sourced spirits from Anchorage Distillery and Denali Spirits, plus craft beers from Alaska Brewing Company and Denali Brewing.

Expeditions Ashore: Where Adventure Meets Culture

Beyond ship-based experiences, Princess orchestrates carefully curated shore excursions connecting passengers with authentic Alaskan culture:

• White Pass Rail journeys and Dog Sled Musher’s Camp visits in Skagway provide historical and cultural insights
• Fisherman’s tours in Ketchikan reveal local maritime traditions
• Glacier seaplane expeditions from Juneau deliver unparalleled aerial perspectives

Special Itinerary Highlight: Jeff Corwin’s Nature & Adventure Voyage

Wildlife biologist and nature ambassador Jeff Corwin hosts a specialized 7-day roundtrip from Seattle aboard Discovery Princess (August 17 departure). This adventure-focused itinerary emphasizes bear watching, whale viewing, and glacier exploration, with Corwin leading port excursions and delivering onboard presentations on Alaskan ecosystems.

The Lodge Experience: Updated and Expanded

Princess’s four wilderness lodges receive significant enhancements. Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge debuts a newly renovated grand lobby featuring a dramatic fireplace and unprecedented Denali viewing opportunities. The adjoining coffee trailer, styled with nostalgic Airstream aesthetics, serves specialty drinks and pastries for coffee enthusiasts.

The expanded cruisetour catalog (9 to 15 days) now combines Seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruises with multi-day lodge stays, systematically visiting three to five national parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai.

Booking Opportunities Remain

Multiple sailings maintain availability:

• Coral Princess 11-day Vancouver roundtrip (May 3 departure)
• Grand Princess 7-day Vancouver roundtrip (June 24 departure)
• Ruby Princess 11-day San Francisco roundtrip (August 22 departure)

For reservations and detailed itinerary planning, travelers can contact professional travel advisors or reach Princess Cruises directly at 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237).

Princess Cruises continues to redefine Alaska cruising through operational excellence, authentic cultural partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to delivering transformative travel experiences in one of Earth’s most spectacular destinations.