If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, choosing between Princess and Royal Caribbean can be tough—both offer incredible itineraries, but they cater to different travel styles. Princess excels in immersive nature experiences and elegant relaxation, while Royal Caribbean delivers high-energy entertainment and family-friendly thrills, making each ideal for distinct types of cruisers.
This is a comprehensive guide about best alaskan cruise ship princess or royal carribbean.
Key Takeaways
- Princess Cruises focuses on authentic Alaskan experiences: With smaller ships, expert naturalists, and Glacier Bay access, Princess offers a more intimate, educational journey into Alaska’s wilderness.
- Royal Caribbean emphasizes onboard entertainment and innovation: Larger ships feature rock climbing, surf simulators, Broadway-style shows, and diverse dining—perfect for families and active travelers.
- Itinerary variety differs significantly: Princess often sails deeper into Alaska with longer port stops, while Royal Caribbean includes more varied ports and sometimes shorter, faster-paced routes.
- Ship size impacts the experience: Princess’s mid-sized ships navigate narrow fjords more easily, while Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships offer more amenities but may miss certain scenic areas.
- Onboard atmosphere varies by brand: Princess attracts a more mature, relaxed crowd, whereas Royal Caribbean draws families, couples, and younger travelers seeking action and variety.
- Both lines offer excellent value: While pricing is similar, Princess includes more inclusive perks like complimentary wine and shore excursions, while Royal Caribbean charges extra for many premium activities.
- Booking timing and cabin selection matter: Early bookings secure better cabins and deals; choosing an outside or balcony stateroom enhances the Alaskan scenery experience on either line.
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Best Alaskan Cruise Ship Princess or Royal Caribbean: Which One Is Right for You?
Imagine standing on the deck of a cruise ship, wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping hot cocoa as a massive glacier calves into the icy blue water with a thunderous crack. Or picture your kids laughing as they zip down a waterslide while you relax in a hot tub under the midnight sun. These are the kinds of moments that define an Alaskan cruise—but the experience you have depends heavily on the cruise line you choose.
When it comes to cruising Alaska, two names dominate the conversation: Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Both are industry giants with stellar reputations, but they offer very different flavors of adventure. Princess is known for its elegant, nature-focused voyages that feel like a journey back in time, while Royal Caribbean is all about modern thrills, nonstop entertainment, and family fun. So, which is the best Alaskan cruise ship—Princess or Royal Caribbean? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your travel style, who you’re traveling with, and what kind of memories you want to bring home.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what each cruise line offers in Alaska, from ship design and onboard amenities to itineraries, shore excursions, and overall atmosphere. Whether you’re a nature lover seeking serenity, a family looking for excitement, or a couple wanting a romantic escape, we’ll help you decide which cruise line delivers the best Alaskan experience for you.
Why Alaska? The Ultimate Cruise Destination
Before we compare Princess and Royal Caribbean, let’s talk about why Alaska is such a bucket-list destination for cruisers. This rugged, wild frontier offers some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth—towering snow-capped mountains, endless evergreen forests, crystal-clear fjords, and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else. From breaching humpback whales and playful sea otters to bald eagles soaring overhead, Alaska is a living postcard.
Unlike tropical cruises, an Alaskan voyage is as much about the journey as the destinations. The ships glide through narrow channels like Tracy Arm and Endicott, where glaciers calve and waterfalls cascade down cliffs. Ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan offer a mix of gold rush history, native culture, and outdoor adventure. And because the cruise season runs from May to September, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours—some days with up to 18 hours of sunlight—giving you plenty of time to explore.
But here’s the thing: not all Alaskan cruises are created equal. The cruise line you choose can dramatically shape your experience. That’s why understanding the differences between Princess and Royal Caribbean is so important. Let’s break it down.
Princess Cruises: The Gold Standard for Alaskan Authenticity
When it comes to Alaskan cruising, Princess Cruises has long been considered the gold standard. Founded in 1965, Princess has built its reputation on delivering immersive, educational, and deeply scenic voyages through the Last Frontier. Their ships are designed to blend into the natural surroundings, with large observation decks, panoramic lounges, and expert-led programs that bring Alaska’s history and ecology to life.
Ship Design and Atmosphere
Princess operates a fleet of mid-sized ships—typically ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 passengers—which strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and comfort. Ships like the Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, and Grand Princess are known for their elegant décor, spacious staterooms, and expansive outdoor areas. Unlike the flashy, neon-lit mega-ships of other lines, Princess vessels have a refined, understated charm that feels right at home in Alaska’s serene landscapes.
The atmosphere onboard is relaxed and sophisticated. You’ll find more couples and older travelers, though families are certainly welcome. The pace is slower, encouraging passengers to savor the moment—whether that’s watching a glacier calve from the deck or enjoying a quiet dinner with a view. Princess also offers a unique “Pillars of Alaska” program, which includes naturalist lectures, cultural presentations, and even cooking demonstrations featuring local ingredients like salmon and halibut.
Itineraries and Glacier Access
One of Princess’s biggest advantages in Alaska is its access to Glacier Bay National Park. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with the National Park Service, Princess ships are among the few that can enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site—a privilege not all cruise lines enjoy. This means you’ll get up close to massive glaciers like Margerie and Lamplugh, with park rangers joining the ship to provide expert commentary.
Princess offers a variety of itineraries, but their classic 7-day “Glacier Bay” route is a fan favorite. It typically includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC, with two full days cruising through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage. Some longer voyages extend to 10 or 14 days, visiting additional ports like Haines or even crossing into the Gulf of Alaska to see Hubbard Glacier.
What sets Princess apart is the length of time spent in each port. Unlike some lines that zip in and out, Princess often docks for 8–10 hours, giving you ample time to explore. In Skagway, you can take the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railway. In Juneau, you might go whale watching or hike the Mendenhall Glacier trail. These longer stays allow for a more immersive experience.
Onboard Amenities and Dining
While Princess isn’t known for over-the-top thrills, it excels in comfort and quality. The dining options are diverse and delicious, with multiple specialty restaurants like Crown Grill (steakhouse), Sabatini’s (Italian), and the casual Horizon Court buffet. One standout perk: Princess includes a complimentary glass of wine with dinner in the main dining room—a nice touch that adds to the relaxed vibe.
Entertainment is more low-key but still engaging. You’ll find live music in lounges, Broadway-inspired shows in the theater, and educational programs about Alaska’s wildlife and culture. The “Pillars of Alaska” series includes talks by naturalists, historians, and even local artists, making the cruise feel like a floating classroom—in the best way possible.
For relaxation, Princess offers multiple pools, hot tubs, a full-service spa, and the serene Lotus Spa. The outdoor promenade deck is perfect for scenic walks, and the forward-facing observation lounges (like the Skywalkers Nightclub on some ships) offer 180-degree views of the passing coastline.
Shore Excursions and Inclusive Perks
Princess shines when it comes to shore excursions. They offer over 100 options per voyage, ranging from gentle wildlife tours to adrenaline-pumping adventures like dog sledding on a glacier or helicopter tours over the Juneau Icefield. Many excursions are led by local experts, adding authenticity to the experience.
One of the best things about Princess? Their “Princess Plus” and “Premium Plus” packages. For a small daily fee, you get Wi-Fi, unlimited specialty dining, premium beverages, and gratuities included. This can save you hundreds over the course of a week and makes budgeting much easier. Plus, Princess often includes one complimentary shore excursion per port on select itineraries—another great value.
Royal Caribbean: High-Energy Fun Meets Alaskan Adventure
If Princess is the calm, thoughtful scholar of Alaskan cruising, Royal Caribbean is the energetic, fun-loving athlete. Known for innovation and entertainment, Royal Caribbean brings its signature “WOW” factor to Alaska, combining stunning scenery with nonstop action. Their ships are among the largest at sea, packed with amenities that cater to families, couples, and thrill-seekers alike.
Ship Design and Onboard Thrills
Royal Caribbean’s Alaskan fleet includes ships like the Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and the newer Vision of the Seas. While not as massive as their Caribbean mega-ships, these vessels still boast impressive features: rock climbing walls, surf simulators (FlowRider), ice skating rinks, multiple pools, and even zip lines on some ships.
The atmosphere is lively and bustling. You’ll hear laughter from the pool deck, music from the bars, and the occasional cheer from the sports court. Royal Caribbean attracts a younger, more diverse crowd, including families with kids, multigenerational groups, and active adults. The energy is contagious—perfect if you want to stay busy from sunrise to sunset.
One thing to note: because Royal Caribbean ships are larger, they can’t access certain narrow fjords or Glacier Bay National Park. Instead, they often visit Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, which are equally stunning but don’t offer the same ranger-led educational experience. However, they do get closer to glaciers like Sawyer and South Sawyer, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking.
Itineraries and Port Variety
Royal Caribbean offers a range of Alaskan itineraries, but they tend to be faster-paced and include more port variety. A typical 7-day cruise might visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Sitka, with a scenic cruising day in Tracy Arm. Some routes also include stops in Icy Strait Point or even Vancouver, offering a different cultural flavor.
One advantage of Royal Caribbean is their flexibility. They often offer shorter 5- or 6-day cruises, which can be great for travelers with limited time. They also have longer 9- to 12-day voyages that explore the Gulf of Alaska, including ports like Seward and Anchorage. These extended trips allow for more in-depth exploration and often include land tours that combine cruise and hotel stays.
While port times are generally shorter than Princess’s, Royal Caribbean makes up for it with efficient excursion planning and a wide range of activities. Whether you want to go zip-lining through the rainforest, take a scenic flight over glaciers, or try your hand at gold panning, they’ve got you covered.
Onboard Entertainment and Dining
Entertainment is where Royal Caribbean truly shines. Their ships feature Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, live bands, comedy clubs, and even aqua theaters with high-diving acts. The Royal Promenade—a bustling indoor street lined with shops and cafes—feels like a mini-city at sea.
Dining options are equally impressive. From the main dining room to specialty venues like Chops Grille (steakhouse), Giovanni’s Table (Italian), and Izumi (Japanese), there’s something for every palate. Royal Caribbean also offers a wide range of casual eateries, including pizza, burgers, and ice cream parlors—perfect for keeping kids happy.
One downside? Most specialty dining and premium activities come at an extra cost. While the base fare includes basic meals and entertainment, things like the FlowRider, rock climbing, and specialty restaurants require additional fees. This can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Family-Friendly Features
If you’re traveling with kids, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat. Their ships are packed with family-friendly amenities: dedicated kids’ clubs (Adventure Ocean), teen lounges, video arcades, and even family staterooms with connecting doors. The DreamWorks Experience brings characters like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda to life with themed parties and activities.
For teens, there are sports tournaments, dance parties, and even escape rooms. Parents can enjoy some downtime at the spa or casino while the kids are safely entertained. It’s a great balance of fun and relaxation—ideal for multigenerational trips.
Comparing the Two: Princess vs. Royal Caribbean in Alaska
So, how do Princess and Royal Caribbean stack up head-to-head? Let’s break it down by key factors:
Scenery and Nature Experience
Princess wins here. With access to Glacier Bay and longer scenic cruising days, Princess offers a more immersive, educational experience. Naturalists and park rangers enhance the journey, and the slower pace allows you to truly absorb the beauty. Royal Caribbean’s views are still stunning, but the focus is more on the destination ports than the journey itself.
Onboard Atmosphere
Princess is calm, elegant, and refined—ideal for couples, empty nesters, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Royal Caribbean is energetic, fun, and family-oriented—perfect for those who want to stay active and entertained. Your preference here depends entirely on your travel style.
Itinerary and Port Stops
Princess offers longer port stays and deeper Alaskan immersion. Royal Caribbean provides more port variety and faster-paced adventures. If you want to spend a full day exploring Skagway, go with Princess. If you prefer hitting four different towns in a week, Royal Caribbean might be better.
Value and Inclusions
Princess includes more in the base fare—like wine with dinner and one free shore excursion per port on some sailings. Royal Caribbean charges extra for most premium activities and dining. However, Royal Caribbean often has more frequent sales and promotions, so watch for deals.
Ship Size and Accessibility
Princess’s smaller ships can navigate narrower channels and offer a more intimate feel. Royal Caribbean’s larger ships have more amenities but can’t access certain areas like Glacier Bay. If glacier viewing is your top priority, Princess has the edge.
Tips for Choosing the Best Alaskan Cruise for You
Still undecided? Here are some practical tips to help you choose:
- Traveling with kids or teens? Go with Royal Caribbean for its extensive family amenities and nonstop entertainment.
- Seeking a romantic or relaxing getaway? Princess offers a more serene, elegant experience with fewer crowds.
- Want to see Glacier Bay? Only a few lines, including Princess, have access—book early as spots are limited.
- Prefer shorter or longer cruises? Royal Caribbean offers more flexible itineraries, while Princess focuses on classic 7-day routes.
- Budget-conscious? Compare total costs, including extras. Princess’s inclusive packages can offer better value.
- Love adventure? Both lines offer great excursions, but Royal Caribbean has more high-energy options like zip-lining and surfing.
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Best Alaskan Cruise Ship?
There’s no single “best” Alaskan cruise ship—only the best one for you. If you crave authenticity, tranquility, and a deep connection to nature, Princess Cruises is the clear winner. Their expert-led programs, Glacier Bay access, and elegant atmosphere make for a truly memorable journey. On the other hand, if you want nonstop fun, family-friendly thrills, and a vibrant onboard experience, Royal Caribbean delivers in spades.
Ultimately, both cruise lines offer incredible ways to experience Alaska’s wild beauty. Whether you’re sipping wine on the deck of a Princess ship as a glacier calves, or watching your kids surf on a FlowRider while the coastline glides by on a Royal Caribbean vessel, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. The key is knowing what kind of adventure you want—and choosing the cruise line that matches your vision.
So pack your layers, grab your camera, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Alaska awaits—and whether you sail with Princess or Royal Caribbean, you’re in for an unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise line offers better access to glaciers in Alaska?
Princess Cruises has exclusive access to Glacier Bay National Park, where park rangers join the ship for educational commentary. Royal Caribbean visits Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, which offer stunning glacier views but lack the same ranger-led experience.
Are Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises family-friendly?
Royal Caribbean is more family-oriented with kids’ clubs, teen activities, and entertainment like rock climbing and ice skating. Princess is better suited for adults and couples seeking a quieter, more refined experience.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes, especially for popular activities like dog sledding or helicopter tours. Both lines allow online booking before your cruise, and it’s recommended to secure spots early, particularly on Princess’s longer port days.
What’s included in the base fare for each cruise line?
Princess includes more in the base fare, such as wine with dinner and one free shore excursion per port on select sailings. Royal Caribbean charges extra for most specialty dining, premium activities, and beverages.
Can I see wildlife on both cruise lines?
Absolutely. Both lines offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during scenic cruising days. Princess’s naturalist programs enhance the experience, while Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions often include guided wildlife tours.
Which cruise line has better dining options?
Both offer excellent dining, but Royal Caribbean has more variety and specialty restaurants. Princess focuses on quality and includes complimentary wine, making it a great value for food and drink lovers.
