Princess Cruise Ships in Alaska: Which One to Select?

If you speak about Alaska cruises, there’s one title that comes up many times: Princess Cruise Strains. The model has a long time of expertise providing cruises to The Final Frontier, plus owns a bevy of land-based lodges to additional prolong and improve your trip. 

At present, Princess Cruises operates 9 cruise ships on its Alaska deployments: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. Clearly, that offers you lots of choices and so they can really feel overwhelming.

I’m right here to assist, breaking down all the things it’s good to learn about these 9 ships, particularly what sort of Alaska expertise you’ll be able to anticipate on every, so you can also make your best option on your upcoming 2026-2028 cruise. 

Ship Overview

Coral Princess

Coral Princess debuted in 2003 and was initially constructed particularly for cruises that go by the Panama Canal. Whereas the ship is up there in age, it was refurbished in 2019 after which once more in 2024, and cruisers report that she feels recent.

The ship is on the smaller facet, with a capability of simply 2,000 company. There are 1,545 staterooms, and 700 of these include balconies (nice for taking within the Alaskan surroundings). 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Coral Princess

Cruisers love that this can be a smaller ship, and rave in regards to the excessive stage of service that Princess Cruises is thought for. Crowds are very minimal, and the common age is extra within the retiree vary. 

Princess Cruises actually goes all in on the land-based excursions throughout its Alaska sailings, and that continues to be the case on Coral Princess, so you’ll want to ebook a number of. 

Alaska Deployments

Beginning at simply round $100 USD per evening, Princess Cruises gives Alaska deployments on Coral Princess that vary in size from six to 17 nights, and go away from 4 departure ports: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. Each one-way and round-trip cruises can be found, visiting common stops similar to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and extra.

Coral Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Crown Princess

Crown Princess is a little bit bit newer and greater than Coral Princess. Initially launched in 2006, the ship holds just below 3,100 company. The ship additionally just lately acquired intensive renovations by way of a dry dock in December of 2025.

The renovations included the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the ship’s eating choices and the EFFY Lounge and Excessive-Finish Vault for buying. The on line casino was additionally given an overhaul.

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Crown Princess

Previous to the 2025 dry dock, company on Crown Princess’s Alaska cruises complained closely concerning the ship’s age and fundamental put on and tear all through. Nonetheless, the cruise line’s official assertion on the dry dock notes that the ship underwent “normal refurbishments,” so these points ought to now be resolved.

As is to be anticipated, cruisers nonetheless rave in regards to the ship’s crew on Crown Princess, and discover the staterooms to be spacious. Balconies and suites are a favourite choose for Alaskan itineraries.

Alaska Deployments

Beginning at round $144 per evening, Crown Princess sails Alaska itineraries ranging in size from 4 to 17 nights. Departure ports embody Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Itineraries cease at common ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, in addition to Princess Cruises’ lodges in nationwide parks close to Denali and Mt McKinley.

Crown Princess Professionals & Cons

Discovery Princess

Similar to Crown Princess, Discovery Princess additionally underwent some refurbishments in late 2025 — but it surely’s not just like the ship was in dire want of them. Its maiden voyage occurred in 2022. Nonetheless, the cruise line gave the ship new carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. The ship can maintain 3,660 individuals and weighs in at 145,000 GT.

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Discovery Princess

Count on scenic views aplenty and a more moderen ship that also feels recent and splendid while you sail to Alaska on Discovery Princess. 

Despite the fact that it is perhaps pricier, balcony rooms or mini-suites are a should, each for the additional area, in addition to the wildlife watching alternatives.

Lots of Alaska itineraries have sea days, and whereas Princess Cruises ships don’t, by nature, have lots of flashy, large options like a curler coaster or go-kart observe on the highest deck, they do provide sufficient for adults trying to chill out to fill their time. 

Youngsters and teenagers alternatively… properly, they could get bored whereas the adults spend their days on the Lotus spa or on line casino. 

New Princess company must know that it is best to ebook your excursions on your subsequent cruise on this vessel asap. Whereas there aren’t a ton of individuals on this ship (no less than not while you evaluate it to mega ships that may maintain greater than double the variety of cruisers), vacationers say the excursions ebook up quick. 

Alaska Deployments

Discovery Princess travels to Alaska on seven to 17-night itineraries, beginning at $112 per evening. Departure ports for upcoming cruises embody Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.  

Discovery Princess Professionals & Cons

Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 and may match 3,090 individuals throughout its 1,546 staterooms. The ship acquired a big refurbishment in 2019, after which was dry docked in 2025 for some fundamental upkeep.

As of 2025, cruisers reported that Emerald Princess, whereas not precisely new, continues to be well-maintained. Some in contrast the expertise that you just’ll discover on Emerald Princess to what you would possibly get on a Superstar Cruises Solstice-class ship. 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Emerald Princess

This ship straddles the road between new and really outdated, so anticipate a clear, total lovely ship, however with out something flashy. 

You’ll expertise glaciers by way of the panoramic views accessible on the ship’s higher decks, and whereas many say that they love the views from their balcony cabins, others word that you could be not need to spend all that a lot time on them if the Alaska climate isn’t fairly balmy sufficient. 

Many cruiser critiques additionally point out small bogs and cramped cabins, which is pretty anticipated given the ship’s age, and in the event you ebook an inside cabin particularly. Loads of shore excursions can be found, and the on-staff naturalist earns excessive reward. 

Emerald Princess Alaska Itineraries

There are comparatively few Alaska itineraries on Emerald Princess. You will have a dozen choices, beginning at $104 per evening, with cruises starting from seven to 16 nights. Uniquely, this ship gives cruises that depart from Los Angeles. 

These itineraries go away Los Angeles earlier than spending 4 days at sea, arriving in Juneau after which heading to Skagway, Glacier Bay Nationwide Park, the Icy Strait Level, Sitka, and Ketchikan, earlier than spending one other day at sea, arriving in Victoria, Canada, after which spending one other three days at sea earlier than ending up again in LA. It’s a fantastic possibility for many who love sea days!

Emerald Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Grand Princess

Grand Princess is Princess Cruises’ oldest ship in operation, launched in 1998. It holds 2,610 company and gives simply over 1,300 staterooms. There are 17 decks, a handful of eating choices and bars, and comparatively minimal leisure choices.

In 2019, Grand Princess underwent a big refurbishment, which added a number of new eating venues and refreshed public areas. In 2025, one other dry dock happened, touching up the ship the place wanted with out making any main overhauls. 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Grand Princess

Whereas the ship is a bit dated, it’s nonetheless managed to maintain tempo with most mid-size conventional cruise ships of an analogous class. Many cruisers discover that the on-board expertise on Grand Princess, although, is a bit “meh.” 

All of the enjoyable right here is basically in getting off the ship and into port — so this is perhaps a very good ship for you in the event you want seeing and doing as a lot as attainable within the locations in your itinerary, and also you’re not likely eager on sea days. 

Although in the event you do find yourself with an itinerary with a sea day, try the One5 lounge on the ship’s aft for the views. Don’t miss the wrap-around promenade on Decks 7 and eight for good views, too. You’ll take pleasure in unobstructed surroundings and be protected against the weather if it occurs to be raining.

Grand Princess Alaska Itineraries

Beginning at simply $92 per evening, you’ll be able to ebook cruises to Alaska on Grand Princess that final wherever from seven to fifteen nights, inclusive of on-land experiences at Princess Cruises’ varied lodges. Departure ports embody Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. 

Grand Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Island Princess

Nonetheless not precisely new, Island Princess launched in 2003, with room for simply 2,210 company — so in the event you want a very small cruise ship, this will likely simply be the most suitable choice for you. There are 16 decks and roughly 1,100 staterooms, with greater than half of these staterooms providing balconies.

Given the ship’s age and measurement, there’s not a lot in the way in which of eating and leisure, and there are solely three swimming pools to a number of the different Princess Cruises’ ships’ 4. Nonetheless, when you’ve gotten so few company to maintain occupied, it isn’t an excessive amount of of a difficulty.

The ship was final majorly refurbished in 2015, an effort that added further staterooms. Extra just lately, minor enhancements had been made in 2024. 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Island Princess

The ship’s small capability, in addition to its up to date format, make for an uncrowded, stress-free expertise. It’s simple to get round and doesn’t really feel overwhelming. Should you can snag one, seize one of many cabins that had been added in 2015, for a more moderen really feel. 

Then, so far as these iconic Alaskan views go, in the event you go for an oceanview cabin versus a balcony, additionally contemplate getting one on the ship’s aft, the place the window isn’t positioned immediately over the mattress (as a result of how are you alleged to benefit from the view that method?). Ocean views aplenty can be discovered all through the general public areas. 

Island Princess Alaska Itineraries

Beginning at simply round $90, you’ll be able to ebook an Alaskan cruise on Island Princess that lasts between seven and 14 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences. Departure ports embody Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Island Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Royal Princess

This 2013 cruise ship holds over 3,500 company and is the lead ship for Princess Cruises’ Royal Class. It gives 1,780 staterooms over 19 decks and a good variety of eating places, leisure venues, bars and different public areas, no less than in comparison with lots of the cruise line’s different ships.

Should you’re crusing on Royal Princess throughout the 2026 Alaska season, you’ll expertise the ship because it has been for the final a number of years (the final main refurbishment occurred in 2018). Nonetheless, these doubtlessly reserving a 2027 Alaskan cruise will likely be delighted to be taught that this ship is slated for a late 2026 dry dock. 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Princess

Count on a number of nice views, particularly if in case you have a balcony cabin. Need to benefit from the views with a drink in hand? Go to the Horizon Terrace and Outriggers Bar, says one cruiser, explaining that that is the place you will discover outside eating steps from the buffet, couches, overhead cowl and full bar service. It’s a real hidden gem spot on the Lido deck.

Then, when the ship stops in Glacier Bay, go to the open deck behind the buffet, on the far aft, for one of the best views attainable.

Royal Princess Alaska Itineraries

Royal Princess gives a good variety of cruises to Alaska. Itineraries begin at $107 per evening and vary from seven to 10 nights. 

The ship departs principally from Seattle, which makes it a little bit of an outlier. Should you’ve been holding off on reserving a Princess Cruises Alaska cruise as a result of it looks like all of the ships depart out of both Canada and even Alaska itself, then that is the ship for you.

Royal Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Ruby Princess

This 2008 cruise ship holds simply over 3,000 company and gives over 1,500 staterooms throughout 19 decks.

In 2023, the cruise ship acquired a refurbishment that affected many public areas, the on line casino and fundamental furnishings and décor to a level. Nonetheless, in 2024, cruisers had been nonetheless saying it wanted extra work.

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess

Whatever the ship’s age, some say that age comes with a profit: The ship has a greater promenade deck and higher views in comparison with a few of Princess Cruises’ newer ships, notably these within the Royal class — superb for viewing the surroundings throughout an Alaskan cruise.

Nonetheless, this won’t matter all that a lot if in case you have a balcony stateroom, and particularly in the event you’re most excited to benefit from the views of Glacier Bay. That is when the ship will likely be utterly rotated, 180 levels, in order that company on all sides of the ship can see the sights. 

Ruby Princess Alaska Itineraries

Ruby Princess’s Alaska deployments are all pretty lengthy, together with your choices beginning at 10-night cruises and going as much as a 20-night cruise possibility. Fares begin at underneath $100 per evening. 

In the meantime, all of the ship’s itineraries go away from San Francisco. As such, this ship is basically solely going to be your only option if it’s best so that you can get to San Fran versus the Pacific Northwest. 

Ship Identify Professionals & Cons in Alaska

Star Princess

Star Princess is the latest ship that Princess Cruises is deploying to Alaska presently. The ship took its inaugural voyage in late 2025. 

Because the second Sphere-class ship, in the event you care a few sure stage of newness and luxurious in your cruises, that is hands-down the ship you’re going to need to choose on your upcoming Alaska cruise.

The ship can also be the most important Princess ship crusing to Alaska. It may possibly maintain 4,300 passengers with its greater than 2,150 staterooms. Star Princess gives a large number of eating and leisure choices, so even when you find yourself on an itinerary with a ton of sea days, you’ll by no means get bored. 

What to Count on Throughout an Alaskan Cruise on Star Princess

Truthfully, an Alaska cruise on this ship is perhaps a little bit overwhelming because of all of the choices. You need to see all of the ship’s superb options, however you additionally need to be out in port, exploring what you truly got here to see: Alaska!

Value Studying: Greatest Cruise Strains for Alaska – High Picks for Each Kind of Traveler

Nonetheless, if this seems like a perk to you, moderately than a draw back, you’ll be proper at residence. Those that want a extra relaxed expertise could need to chill on a smaller ship.

Star Princess Alaska Itineraries

There are solely 4 present Star Princess itineraries to Alaska. There are a number of seven-night cruises leaving from Seattle and one nine-night cruise departing from Vancouver. Cruises begin at $129 per evening.

Star Princess Professionals & Cons in Alaska