Princess Cruises Expands Alaska Programme With Eight Ships For 2028

Princess Cruises has unveiled its most comprehensive Alaska deployment to date for the 2028 summer season, with eight ships operating 185 departures across 14 unique itineraries between late April and late September. The cruise line is offering voyages ranging from four to 16 days, departing from five West Coast cities and visiting 16 destinations throughout the Last Frontier.

The 2028 Alaska season represents one of Princess Cruises’ largest commitments to the region, building on nearly six decades of experience in Alaskan waters. Eight vessels from the line’s fleet will be positioned in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska throughout the peak summer months, providing guests with unprecedented choice in ship, itinerary length, and departure port.

Departures will commence in late April and continue through late September, capturing the full breadth of Alaska’s cruise season. This extended operational window allows the cruise line to accommodate travellers seeking early-season glacier viewing as well as those preferring late-summer wildlife spotting opportunities when salmon runs are at their peak.

The deployment spans five departure cities – Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, San Francisco, and Los Angeles – offering convenient embarkation options for guests travelling from various regions of North America. Both roundtrip and one-way voyage configurations are available, with the latter providing opportunities for extended land-based explorations before or after the cruise portion.

Eight Ships Offering Varied Itinerary Options

Star Princess will operate seven- and nine-day itinerary options from Seattle and Vancouver, providing guests with medium-length voyage choices from two major Pacific Northwest cities. The vessel’s deployment represents a continuation of Princess Cruises’ strategy of positioning newer, larger ships in the Alaska market.

Discovery Princess will focus on seven-day one-way sailings between Vancouver and Whittier, with options for guests to combine back-to-back voyages into 14-day experiences. This configuration allows travellers to explore both the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay regions whilst enjoying the continuity of remaining aboard the same vessel.

Emerald Princess will offer the most diverse range of sailing lengths, including one four-day voyage from Vancouver, seven-day roundtrip Vancouver itineraries, and one 16-day Inside Passage roundtrip from Los Angeles. The extended 16-day voyage provides an opportunity for a more leisurely exploration of Alaska’s coastal regions with additional port calls.

Royal Princess will similarly operate one four-day sailing from Vancouver to Seattle, seven-day roundtrip Seattle cruises, and one seven-day voyage from Seattle to Vancouver. The shorter four-day option serves as an ideal introduction to Alaska cruising or a quick getaway for those with limited holiday time.

Coral Princess will concentrate on seven-day one-way sailings between Vancouver and Whittier, which can be combined for 14-day roundtrip voyages. This vessel has long been a favourite among Alaska cruisers due to its mid-sized profile, which allows for a more intimate experience whilst still offering comprehensive onboard amenities.

Crown Princess will operate seven-day one-way cruises between Vancouver and Whittier with combinations available for 14-day trips, plus one nine-day roundtrip sailing from Vancouver. The variety in itinerary length provides flexibility for guests seeking either a traditional week-long cruise or a more immersive extended voyage.

Island Princess will feature seven-day roundtrip cruises from Vancouver as well as one-way options between Whittier and Vancouver that can be combined for 14-day itineraries. The ship’s smaller size relative to some fleetmates allows for a classic cruise experience reminiscent of Princess Cruises’ early decades in Alaska.

Ruby Princess will operate 10-day roundtrip sailings from San Francisco, offering California-based travellers a convenient departure point that eliminates the need for flights to Seattle or Vancouver. These longer voyages include additional days at sea and coastal cruising as the ship transits to and from Alaskan waters.

Sixteen Destinations Spanning Alaska And British Columbia

Princess Cruises’ 2028 Alaska programme will call at 16 different destinations, encompassing both popular ports and lesser-visited communities. The itineraries include Alaska’s most sought-after ports of call such as Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, each offering distinct experiences ranging from cultural immersion to adventure activities.

Icy Strait Point remains a favourite for its authentic Tlingit heritage and exceptional whale-watching opportunities. The port, which is privately owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, provides guests with access to ZipRider, one of the world’s longest ziplines, as well as wildlife excursions and cultural demonstrations.

Skagway serves as the gateway to the historic Klondike Gold Rush region, with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad offering one of North America’s most scenic rail journeys. Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, provides access to Mendenhall Glacier and numerous hiking trails, whilst Ketchikan showcases the world’s largest collection of totem poles alongside opportunities for salmon fishing.

In Canada, port visits are scheduled for Prince Rupert and Victoria, with specific calls depending on itinerary length, ship, and sailing date. Prince Rupert offers access to the northern British Columbia wilderness and First Nations cultural experiences, whilst Victoria provides a charming conclusion or beginning to voyages with its British colonial architecture and world-famous Butchart Gardens.

Glacier Bay And College Fjord Among Scenic Highlights

To offer guests prime sightings of tidewater glaciers, Princess Cruises has planned sailing days in Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Endicott Arm, and other key areas. These scenic cruising experiences represent highlights of Alaska voyages, with ships slowing or stopping to allow passengers optimal viewing and photography opportunities.

Glacier Bay National Park requires permits that limit the number of vessels allowed entry each day, making these sailings particularly valuable. The park encompasses 3.3 million acres of wilderness and features multiple tidewater glaciers that calve directly into the sea, creating dramatic displays of ice falling into the water.

College Fjord, located in Prince William Sound, features 16 glaciers named after prestigious American universities. The fjord provides opportunities to view multiple glaciers during a single sailing day, with Harvard Glacier at its head stretching five kilometres in width.

All itineraries and scenic cruising are subject to change based on weather and safety conditions. In March and April 2026, different cruise lines removed Tracy Arm Fjord from itineraries due to rockslide risk and geological instability, demonstrating how operational decisions prioritise passenger safety even when it means altering popular scenic elements.

Cruisetours Extend Experiences Into Alaska’s Interior

Guests seeking to spend additional time immersing themselves in Alaska will find Princess Cruises’ cruisetours particularly appealing. These pre- and post-cruise extensions provide opportunities to experience the state’s interior and culture beyond what can be accessed from coastal ports.

Depending on which cruisetour guests select, the land-based schedule includes visits to Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, coupled with stays in Princess-owned wilderness lodges. These properties are strategically located to provide access to Alaska’s most spectacular interior regions whilst offering comfortable accommodations and dining.

Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, offers wildlife viewing opportunities including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose. Kenai Fjords National Park provides access to the Harding Icefield and additional glacier viewing, whilst Wrangell-St. Elias National Park encompasses the largest protected wilderness in the United States.

Custom Glass-Domed Railway Cars Showcase Alaskan Scenery

Princess Cruises operates custom glass-domed railway cars that give guests stunning views of the landscape as they travel through Alaska. These specially designed carriages feature floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise visibility of the dramatic scenery passing by.

Those who want to be even closer to the scenery can step out onto open-air viewing platforms. These outdoor spaces allow for unobstructed photography and the opportunity to experience Alaska’s fresh air and natural sounds whilst travelling between destinations.

The railway journey forms an integral part of many cruisetours, connecting coastal cruise terminals with interior lodges and national parks. The leisurely pace of rail travel allows guests to appreciate the changing landscapes, from coastal rainforests to interior tundra and mountain regions.

Exclusive Excursions Range From Fishing To Rafting

As with cruise shore excursions, Princess Cruises’ cruisetours offer exclusive excursions such as salmon fishing, wildlife-spotting day cruises, historic tours, and rafting adventures. These activities are designed to provide hands-on experiences that create lasting memories beyond passive sightseeing.

Salmon fishing excursions allow guests to try their hand at catching Alaska’s famous fish species, with experienced guides providing instruction and equipment. Wildlife-spotting day cruises venture into remote waters where bears, whales, and seals can be observed in their natural habitats.

Historic tours explore Alaska’s gold rush heritage, indigenous cultures, and pioneer settlements, whilst rafting adventures offer adrenaline-pumping experiences on glacier-fed rivers. The range of activities ensures that guests of varying interests and activity levels can find suitable options.

Nearly Six Decades Of Alaska Experience

“Alaska is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, and Princess has spent nearly 60 years helping guests experience it in a way few others can,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “Our 2028 season brings together glacier-filled voyages, unforgettable wildlife and cultural experiences, Princess Wilderness Lodges and Rail, along with seamless cruisetours that take guests deeper into the Great Land – creating a complete Alaska vacation.”

Princess Cruises’ extensive history in Alaska dates back to the late 1960s, making the line one of the longest-serving cruise operators in the region. This experience has allowed the company to develop relationships with local communities, refine itineraries based on seasonal patterns, and invest in land-based infrastructure that competitors cannot easily replicate.

The cruise line’s commitment to Alaska extends beyond ship deployments to include ownership of wilderness lodges and railway cars, creating a vertically integrated vacation experience. This approach allows Princess Cruises to control quality throughout the entire guest journey whilst offering unique experiences unavailable on other cruise lines.

With bookings now open for the 2028 season, guests interested in experiencing Alaska with Princess Cruises are encouraged to reserve early. Alaska sailings traditionally fill quickly, particularly for peak summer departure dates and specific ship-itinerary combinations, making advance planning essential for those with specific preferences.