Further, you wont be able to beat the views from the SeaWalk, a 60-foot glass walkway extending 28 feet off the side of the ship. In Florida, where hes from, that isnt the case. Alaskan cuisine includes king crab, salmon and halibut burgers. If you are looking for built in perks and benefits, the only way to get that is to book a full suite. To give you an idea, the town's first honorary mayor was a cat named Stubbs, who has since been succeeded by another cat named Denali in 2017. Recommended Reading: Do Any Cruises Go To Puerto Rico. The biggest Princess vessels, the lines five Royal Class ships, measure around 145,000 tons. Youll see from our chart below that dozens of ships are sailing Alaska in 2020. Its 10 day itinerary provides guests with 4 port stops, in addition to scenic cruising, lots to see. I don't know what glass obstructed you, assuming you are able to stand. THE 25 BEST Princess Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2023 & 2024 on Cruise Critic Princess Cruises to Alaska We found you cruise s Filter Sort: Popularity Royal Princess 7 Night. The Ruby Princess set sail in 2008 but was refurbished in 2018. Norwegian Cruise Line. (Photo: Marilyn Borth), The infamous Sourtoe Cocktail (Photo: Marilyn Borth), Skagway's White Pass & Yukon Route railroad (Photo: Aaron Saunders/Cruise Critic), Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks (Photo: Marilyn Borth). It offers showers, internet, food, beer and T-shirt printing in addition to laundering services. Offered by cruise lines like Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, these Alaska cruise and land packages let cruisers go places that cruise ships can't reach. Its layout is well liked among cruisers, especially well-designed pool areas and overall good. In addition, the ship will sail a unique 20-day cruise to Central America, roundtrip from San Diego in November 2022. From there, be whisked away into Victoria B.C. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. (Vines, Crooners, Alfredo's, International Cafe, Sabatini's.) To give you an example, a 7-day post-cruise Denali land tour will often include accommodation in a Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. Serious photographers are often frustrated when they find a nice spot, set up for a shot, and the guide yells, Time to get back on the bus! This tour is for photographers, so theres ample time to get your shots just right. Soar over the ice-capped mountains in Juneau or admire the natural beauty of the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan. An impressive 72% of the 1,000 cabins on Princess's 2003-built Coral Princess, for instance, are balcony cabins. Alaska cruise tours offer a broader look at this rugged state, from the clouded peak of Mount Denali and all the way up to Fairbanks, the northernmost big city in Alaska. However, there are a few tours that consist of shorter three-or four-night cruises combined with five or six nights of land travel. Here, the mountaintop Seven Glaciers restaurant serves up fine (four diamond-rated) Alaskan cuisine (like mesquite-grilled Alaska salmon and bison rib eye) 2,300 feet above sea level, with views of Turnagain Arm and surrounding glaciers. One other nice thing about being in a fully covered aft-facing cabin is the wind protection they offer on a chilly day, especially when the ship is moving. None of the older Grand class ships are spring chickens, and none of them are large by the current standards of ships being put to sea in the last 5 to 10 years. There is one outside of Crooners mid-ship and one outside of the Vista Lounge, aft. Day 5: Independence Mine 12:29 pm. Princess On Your Own options help keep prices down for those who dont need a lot of handholding. (Photo: Cynthia Drake), Discovery Princess in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo: Aaron Saunders), Mt. I've been on Majestic as well and the enclosed pool area would also be great for Alaska. You can eat, but there will be no shows, no shops, no casino, or (if I recall) bars open. Best Alaska cruise lines. Alaska is so vast, cruisers have several options when it comes to cruise ports, as well as inland choices on the land portion of a cruise tour. For me, Glacier Bay IS the reason I take this itinerary, and I dont want anything changing my view. It is not like the other ships mentioned with a wide enough deck to have lounger chairs. They made us feel at ease and welcome like we hadnt felt in a long, long time and brought back the joy of a true vacation. Some round-trip cruises include the Glacier Bay National Park, but many do not. This voyage includes a full day cruising Endicott Arm for fabulous views before concluding in Victoria. The Best Ships for Families: All the major lines have well-established kids' programs, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line leading the pack in terms of facilities and activities.Princess gets a nod for its National Park Service Junior Ranger Program to teach kids about glaciers and Alaska wildlife (they can even earn a Junior Ranger badge), and last year increased shore . You would be wrong to assume that Seward is just a cruise port. Alaskan cruise tours, which are land extensions available before or after one-way Alaska cruises, are great options to explore the Last Frontier's interior. The reason I asked for the year - this year the Crown has some great itineraries (10 and 11 night RT Vancouver). Cruising to Alaska with Princess Cruises is one of our top vacation picks for adventure lovers with programs packed with things to do, gorgeous locations, and tons of relaxation! No matter which Princess ship you pick, each offers onboard activities, signature attractions, and specialty dining options that will compliment a vacation to the Last Frontier quite well. Note:Some ships that dock in Haines offer tours to Skagway. Your journey doesnt end there. There are even more if you count all of the small ship and expedition vessels. The joy is definitely in the journey as much as it is in the destination. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line. Compared to our roundtrip itineraries, our Voyage of the Glaciers cruises sail 500 miles farther north across the Gulf of Alaska into Prince William Sound. With more balconies than any other Alaska cruise line, all of our ships allow you to relish in the beauty of the great land from almost anywhere on board. Although not mega-ships, they offer several amenities and activities that cater to both adults and families. Cruise review , rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by member Tribe24 Buffets on the Grand class ships are comparatively small and might feel cramped compared to Princess' newer Royal class ships. They also have the most ships in the region of any of the major cruise lines. Princess takes passengers to the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, a remote outpost at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula near the Gulf of Alaska, and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, located along the edge of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Southeastern Alaska. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises. Round-trip cruises come in a variety of lengths, ranging from four-night samplers to eleven days. Or give yourself the sweet start you deserve with chocolate-glazed donuts and fluffy pancakes. Princess Cruises offers shore excursions designed to match every interest, activity level and taste. When compared to our other sailing from the U.S., we have noticed more fellow passengers also wearing masks during this trip even though they are not required. Ports:Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, BC, Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park. The cruising prices for this ship are a great value, with their 7 day sailing, being the lowest among the Alaskan offerings. Between exclusive shore excursions and plentiful onboard activities, your time spent cruising Alaska will be nothing short of memorable. (Photo: Aaron Saunders), Nieuw Amsterdam in Ketchikan (Photo: Aaron Saunders), Royal Princess in Vancouver (Photo by Adam Coulter), Nieuw Amsterdam docked in Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Guests love their destination theme events in addition to daily bingo and trivia. But, the views of the surrounding mountains, glacier and glacial rivers are simply spectacular -- and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, after all. . But we are looking forward to being on board the Grand in June. Much of its population is seasonal. #1 Posted October 3, 2020 Hi. It first sailed in 2017 and was originally designed to sail from Shanghai and has many unique offerings. The performances at the latter are quite the talented spectacle, which get raunchier as the night progresses. The White Pass and Yukon Railroad, also commonly known as the Scenic Railway of the World, begins in Skagway, Alaska. Princess' accommodations (except in Anchorage) have a slightly more rustic feel. Every journey features two glacier-viewing experiences, which can include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Cloaked in sheer granite cliffs, vast waterfalls and reflective lakes, youll leave feeling inspired and ready to continue your exploration. It will be sailings on both a 7 day Inside Passage and a 12 Day Inside Passage. Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Grand Turk Cruise Port. In the city center, bikers, walkers and rollerbladers can stretch their legs on the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that rims the city. . On Flattop Mountain, blueberry-pickers, trail-runners, dog-walkers and even the occasional moose test themselves against the steep climb to the summit (or linger on the gentler bottom slopes). The Sapphire and Grand both have an indoor pool. This gives the best view of the glaciers! How to Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Routes From the natural wonders of Glacier Bay National Park to the historic charm of each port, our best Alaska cruises have a lot to offer. Princess really doesn't have anything equivalent. Don't forget to grab a craft beer across the street at the small (but growing) Denali Brewing Company. If you are looking for a larger ship experience, you'll need to seek out Royal class ships. Discovery Princess is sailing roundtrip Inside Passage cruises from Seattle in 2022. Princess Cruises will be using medallions, portable devices used for various functions on board the ship, which will keep a log of who passengers come in contact with. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal Class ships. The only disappointment was the buffet which is much smaller than that on the Regal Princess. The is the only Alaskan cruise departing from California, convenient for those in that market. Our 10-day Alaska cruise route will have you trading in the rolling hills of San Francisco for majestic mountains along the Inside Passage. ". These round-trip cruises originate from Seattle and Vancouver, as well as 10- and 11-night sailings from San Francisco. The Ruby is a beautiful ship, but not large like you are experiencing with the newer ships at MSC or NCL. Its 12 day Inside Passage sailing offers 6 ports day along with 3 days of scenic viewing, great for those really wanting to get a feel for Alaska. Top off your meal with a glass of freshly-squeezed . Most cruise ships will also make a special stop or two for guests to admire one of Alaska's estimated 100,00 glaciers, including Glacier Bay, and it's a real highlight of the trip.. Glacier . So excited to have booked the Sapphire for our Alaskan adventure! The Royal Class ships are the belles of the ball in the Princess fleet. Talkeetna is a quirky little town located halfway between Anchorage and Denali on the train line and was the inspiration for the sitcom "Northern Exposure." I would rank them: The Sapphire has a covered pool, widepromenade deck and 500 less passengers than Crown. Nature enthusiasts' favorites abound nearby as well, like canoeing on the Yukon River, hiking the Miles Canyon and off-roading in the Carcross Desert, the world's smallest desert (which is interestingly found in Canada). Alaskan cuisine served onboard includes salmon and crab, as well as Alaskan beers and wines. Any ship recs are appreciated! Holland America vs Princess: Which Cruise Tours Are Better? There are five unique itineraries that include a 7 day northbound and southbound sailings as well and as 8,10 and 14 day voyages. Note that these excursions tend to be rather pricey (in the hundreds of dollars), Denali is only visible to 60% of flightseeing guests due to weather conditions and the ride can get quite turbulent as they're in smaller planes. Launched in 2006, the Crown Princess was refreshed in 2018. And this just includes the mass-market and luxury ships. For Nature Lovers: Norwegian Cruise Line. One itinerary will sail you to Glacier Bay National Park. Princess has downsized the size of its fleet considerably over the past year with the removal of five vessels. Wake up in total relaxation with a private balcony breakfast full of flakey croissants, golden eggs and savory sausage. Edited April 7, 2016 by Thrak Theres a reason why were a 15-time winner of Best Cruise Line in Alaska byTravel Weekly. Launched in 2013 by her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, this ship is aptly named as a royal. Seven Seas Explorer is the top-ranked ship overall. Suite passengers have access to the Concierge Lounge, a separate lounge in the hotel area of the ship, but that is only on Royal class ships, the Grand class ships have no such facility. Its Cruisetours also have something for everyone in your cruising party. Holland America's cruise tours can run anywhere from 9 to 18 nights, while Princess' tours are 10 to 15 nights long. No matter where you choose to explore, your 14 days aboard an Alaska cruise will be filled with endless discovery and a newfound sense of wonder. One big distinction between the two lines cruise tours are the off-the-beaten-path destinations visited on select itineraries. [CDATA[ Scenic Cruising: Glacier Bay National Park. This tour is designed to show you. That is probably your best nearly 360 viewing platform. 7-day, one-way Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary. Covered, as there may be moisture in Alaska. It is a nice touch. They are NICE ships! The cost difference between that option and the fully escorted choice can be hundreds of dollars per person. Sapphire. Read Also: Celebrity Cruises Concierge Class Reviews. Near Denali National Park, Holland America passengers stay at the Westmark McKinley Chalet Resort, which is less than 3 miles from the entrance to the park. I have sailed to Alaska before, but my husband has not. I did Alaska on Royal Princess and I had no issues seeing everything from many different venues. One of the larger ships sailing to Alaska, Majestic Princess has a capacity for 3560 guests and 1346 crew. All I know is that the Sapphire ticks off all my expectations and I cant WAIT to take this cruise, Oops! As one of the only cruise lines with access to Glacier Bay, enjoy untouched waters and snow-capped mountains from the comfort of your ship. If you would rather get away from the chaos of a city, relax and unwind in Takhini Hot Springs instead, natural hot springs that have been a locally-operated spot for over 100 years and located just outside Whitehorse. From April to September, six Princess ships will sail on itineraries spanning 4 to 14 days from popular west coast ports. So let's start with the larger and newer. It features a one of a kind 60 foot SeaWalk that lets passengers stroll above the waves. Princess maintains their vessels, regardless of age, to a very high standard, so, even if the ship is older the ship you sail on should be in excellent condition. I tell ya, its tough getting old! Wife and I are starting to research a Alaska northbound cruise probably from Vancouver in 2022. I tested positive for covid on day 6 of our land tour. Like on Holland America sailings, when possible, Princess Alaska ships feature a naturalist who gives lectures throughout the cruise and a guest park ranger during Glacier Bay sailings. These cabins include access to a health-conscious restaurant as well as the relaxation room and other spa perks. Princess Cruises' first Alaska season was in 1969, and the line began running its land-based tours in 1972. Then came covid, so no cruise. Also, if memory serves, Yacht Club includes butler service, and Princess does not offer butlers at any service level. Princess considers "higher up" and "more in the middle of the ship" to be "better" and they charge accordingly. The destination is AK and not the coast of California. Comparing the Princess cruise ships sailings to Alaska in 2022, All of the ships used for Alaska cruises have been refurbished or are new to the fleet for 2022. When we sailed on the Star in Glacier Bay we would often see The Grand either in the park or we were passing each other as we went to the ports. Triple ditto: Sapphire - get an aft covered balcony and you have it all, especially an aft suite. That is the BIG question! Now that we finished our first Princess Alaska cruise we wanted to sit down and give you a full review! Ask a question. With fantasy-like gardens and storybook homes, youll experience first-hand the old-school charm of this historic port. Good for shorter sailings, including a 5 day sampler which is well priced. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! The OP could take the time wasted cruising from SF to Vancouver where most good AK cruises start and then add a few more days and have some land time in AK. Well said!! We are happy to report that cruising with Princess Cruises has not changed much since the pandemic. Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, especially if you don't bring your own binoculars. There is only a small section on the stern of the ship that is open to view. The buffets are much larger and roomer on ships like the Majestic and there is quite a bit more room to get around. Thats about 35% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean. With so many opportunities to choose from, any of our Alaska cruises will ignite your love of adventure and leave you coming back for more. . This is the cruise that goes to Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay,. Videos, including some from BBC Earth, are available on stateroom TVs, adding to the immersive experience. They can be real bargains. (Princess Cruises has a partnership with the Discovery Channel called Discovery at Sea.) Now, Skagway is largely supported by tourism. Crown and Sapphire both have Skywalkers, which is the observation deck/night club. Would likely be in a balcony or mini-suite. There is a walk area at the front of the ship on top of the bridge. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The Grand used to have its own version of Skywalkers, it was like a shopping cart handle on the back of the ship. Princess Cruises is delivering a memorable Alaska cruise experience. Day 4: Denali NP yesterday. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. To whet your appetite for Alaska's secret (and some not-so-secret) charms, check out our list of the nine best cruise tour destinations in Alaska. By https://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/suites/, https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships/PrincessSuite_eFlyer.pdf. Most Holland America cruise tours consist of a 7-night one-way cruise (all if which include Glacier Bay), with land tours of various lengths either before or after the cruise. With everyone fully vaccinated, in addition to some enhanced health and safety measures, we feel completely safe on this cruise. Meander around the downtown area to admire the architecture and Yukon River, take a shuttle bus to the Midnight Dome for stunning panoramic views of nature and the town or enjoy the gold rush-themed Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall. //