An Alaska cruise offers couples the chance to experience some of North America’s most impressive landscapes together. Picture sailing past towering glaciers, watching humpback whales surface nearby, exploring historic coastal towns and taking in mountain views that stretch for miles. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a romantic getaway or simply looking for your next adventure together, Alaska has plenty to offer.

When comparing the best Alaskan cruise line for couples, Princess Cruises is definitely well worth considering. With decades of experience sailing in Alaska, itineraries that highlight the region’s natural beauty and options to explore beyond the coast, Princess makes it possible to combine scenic cruising with memorable experiences on land.

Here is what makes Princess Cruises a great option for couples planning an Alaska adventure.

Why Choose Princess Cruises for an Alaska Cruise?

Princess Cruises has been sailing in Alaska for more than 50 years, giving the cruise line extensive experience exploring the region. Its itineraries are designed to showcase Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, historic towns and national parks, with opportunities to explore both by sea and on land.

Princess has also received numerous industry awards for its Alaska cruises, including being named Best Cruise Line in Alaska by Travel Weekly readers 22 times!

For couples, one of the biggest advantages is the variety of ways to experience the destination. You could spend a day watching for whales from the ship, explore a historic town together the next day and add a land tour to see more of Alaska’s interior.

With different itineraries, shore excursions and cruisetour options available, couples can plan a trip that suits their interests, whether that means prioritizing wildlife, learning about local history or enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Cruise Through Alaska’s Glaciers and Inside Passage

One of the highlights of an Alaska cruise is the opportunity to see landscapes that are difficult to experience in quite the same way from land.

As your ship travels along the coast, you may pass forested shorelines, rugged mountains and enormous glaciers. Watching ice break away from a glacier and fall into the water is an unforgettable sight, while the quieter moments spent admiring the scenery can be just as memorable.

Depending on your itinerary, you may experience scenic cruising through areas such as Glacier Bay National Park or near Hubbard Glacier. Princess is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park, allowing it to offer sailings into this remarkable protected area. Park rangers join select cruises to share information about the landscape, wildlife and environment. The Inside Passage is another highlight of many Alaska itineraries. Its coastal waterways offer opportunities to admire forest-covered islands, watch for marine wildlife and take in the views from the ship.

For couples, scenic cruising is an easy way to spend time together without needing to plan an activity for every moment. You can enjoy the views from the deck, find a comfortable spot in a lounge or consider a cabin with a private veranda for your own outdoor space.

Wildlife Watching Together

Alaska is home to an incredible range of wildlife, and a cruise provides opportunities to look for animals both from the ship and during shore excursions.

Keep an eye out for humpback whales, bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters as you travel through coastal waters. On land, some excursions offer opportunities to learn about brown bears and other wildlife in their natural habitats or at dedicated conservation facilities.

The exact wildlife you encounter will depend on your itinerary, season and excursion choices, so sightings are never guaranteed unless an excursion specifically states otherwise.

Princess offers several excursions for travellers interested in wildlife viewing. Options include whale-watching trips around Point Adolphus, birdwatching with a local expert in Hoonah, and experiences focused on Alaska’s birds, bears and marine life.

Couples who enjoy photography, nature or simply learning about the places they visit can use these excursions to experience another side of Alaska. Even without booking a dedicated wildlife tour, spending time on deck and watching the coastline can be a rewarding part of the journey.

Explore Alaska’s Coastal Towns and Local Culture

An Alaska cruise is about more than glaciers and wildlife. Time in port gives you the opportunity to discover communities shaped by Indigenous cultures, coastal life and the region’s Gold Rush history.

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, offers access to outdoor excursions and local attractions. In Skagway, historic buildings and Gold Rush-era landmarks provide a glimpse into the town’s past. Other ports offer opportunities to learn about local traditions, visit cultural sites or explore the surrounding wilderness.

Princess offers a range of Alaska shore excursions, from easy sightseeing outings to more active adventures. Depending on your port stops, you might choose a scenic drive, a guided nature experience or a whale-watching trip.

When planning your itinerary, consider choosing a mix of activities rather than filling every port day. You may want one day devoted to exploring and another with time to wander, enjoy a meal or browse local shops together. The right balance will depend on your travel style, but having different options makes it easier to create a trip that feels personal to you as a couple.

Extend Your Trip With a Princess Alaska Cruisetour

If you want to experience more than Alaska’s coastline, a Princess cruisetour is definitely worth considering.

A cruisetour combines a cruise with an overland journey, allowing you to explore parts of Alaska’s interior before or after your time at sea. Princess offers stays at its wilderness lodges near national parks, along with travel aboard its glass-domed wilderness train.

Depending on the package you select, you may have opportunities to visit Denali National Park, admire mountain scenery and explore more of Alaska beyond the cruise ports. Denali is home to North America’s tallest mountain, and the surrounding region offers a very different perspective on the state’s landscapes.

A cruisetour can be an appealing choice for couples who want a longer holiday with a combination of coastal scenery, rail travel and time on land. It also means you can see more of Alaska without organizing every transportation and accommodation detail independently.

Princess offers its seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise as part of its cruisetour experience, paired with an overland component. Available itineraries, lodge stays and land experiences vary, so it is worth comparing the details when choosing your trip.

What Is It Like to Cruise With Princess?

Your time onboard is another part of choosing the right cruise line. After a day exploring Alaska, you may want to enjoy a relaxed dinner, attend a live show or simply unwind while watching the scenery.

Princess offers a range of dining options, entertainment and onboard amenities, giving couples different ways to spend their time between ports. Depending on the ship and sailing, you can explore specialty restaurants, enjoy live performances or book time to relax at the spa.

Princess also offers its MedallionClass experience, which uses a small, wearable device and the Princess Cruises app to make life onboard more convenient. The technology allows guests to unlock their stateroom doors as they approach, make purchases without cash or cards, check ship activities and dining reservations, and order food and drinks for delivery to select locations onboard. Guests can also use the app to navigate the ship and connect with their travel companions. These features help make it easier to relax and enjoy your time at sea, with availability varying by service and sailing.

You will have the freedom to plan your days as you like. Spend time together enjoying the ship’s facilities, join an onboard enrichment activity or head out on an excursion when you reach port. The choice is yours!

When Is the Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise?

The best time for an Alaska cruise depends on your priorities, schedule and preferred activities. Alaska’s main cruise season generally runs from spring into early autumn, although individual sailing dates vary by itinerary and cruise line.

Summer sailings offer long daylight hours and opportunities for wildlife viewing, sightseeing and outdoor excursions. The conditions you encounter will depend on when and where you travel, so it is worth checking the seasonal details for your chosen route.

When comparing the best months for an Alaska cruise, think about more than the weather. Consider which ports you want to visit, whether you want to add a land tour and which excursions are important to you.

A Tier One Travel Consultant can help you compare available sailings and find an option that fits your preferred travel dates and budget.

Departing From Vancouver: A Perfect Option for Canadian Travellers

For Canadian couples, sailing from Vancouver can be a convenient way to begin an Alaska cruise.

Princess offers round-trip Alaska sailings from Vancouver, along with departures from Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. One-way itineraries are also available from Whittier near Anchorage.

A round-trip sailing from Vancouver may simplify your travel arrangements if you prefer to start and finish your cruise in the same city. It can also be a good option if you want to avoid adding a separate flight to another departure port.

When comparing itineraries, look at the full travel plan, including transportation to the port, the sailing route, port stops and any pre-cruise or post-cruise accommodation you may need.

Connect with a Tier One Travel Consultant for help comparing Princess Cruises itineraries, exploring cruisetour options and finding an Alaskan vacation that works for you. From choosing your departure port to selecting shore excursions, a travel consultant can help you bring your plans together and make the most of your time in Alaska.

READY TO PLAN YOUR ALASKA CRUISE WITH PRINCESS?

When you’re ready to book your next travel plans, contact one of our Tier One Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.

One call; endless experiences!