Best Excursions for Alaska Cruise at Each Port Princess

Planning your Alaska cruise with Princess? Don’t miss the best excursions for Alaska cruise at each port Princess offers. From glacier hikes to whale watching, we’ve rounded up the top shore adventures in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and more—so you can make the most of every stop.

Dreaming of icy fjords, towering glaciers, and wild coastlines? An Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises delivers all that and more. But the real magic happens when you step off the ship and into the heart of the Last Frontier. While the onboard experience is luxurious and relaxing, the true adventure lies in the best excursions for Alaska cruise at each port Princess visits.

Princess Cruises is known for its well-organized itineraries and high-quality shore excursions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone. From dog sledding on a glacier to exploring native Tlingit villages, each port offers unique experiences that bring Alaska’s rugged beauty to life.

But with so many options, how do you choose? That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured traveler reviews, checked with local guides, and compared tour logistics to bring you the ultimate guide to the top excursions at every major port on a typical Princess Alaska cruise. Whether you’re sailing the Inside Passage or heading to Glacier Bay, this guide will help you plan unforgettable days ashore.

Key Takeaways

• Juneau: Don’t miss the Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching tours—ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
• Skagway: Ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for breathtaking mountain views and gold rush history.
• Ketchikan: Experience native culture and rainforest adventures, including the famous Misty Fjords flightseeing tour.
• Glacier Bay: While not a port, this scenic highlight offers glacier viewing from the ship—pair with a ranger talk for deeper insight.
• College Fjord: Enjoy serene glacier views and wildlife spotting on a guided kayak or small boat tour.
• Book early: Popular excursions sell out fast—reserve your spot as soon as bookings open.
• Wear layers: Alaska’s weather changes quickly—dress in waterproof, breathable layers for comfort.

Juneau: Glacier Views and Whale Encounters

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is accessible only by boat or plane—making it a special stop on any cruise. Nestled between lush rainforest and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, Juneau offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences. It’s one of the most popular ports on the Alaska cruise circuit, and for good reason.

Mendenhall Glacier: Walk on Ancient Ice

No visit to Juneau is complete without seeing the Mendenhall Glacier. This 13-mile-long river of ice is one of the few glaciers in Alaska that’s easily accessible by road. The visitor center offers exhibits on glaciology and local wildlife, but the real star is the glacier itself.

One of the best excursions for Alaska cruise at each port Princess offers in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier Guided Walk. This moderate hike takes you along well-maintained trails to viewpoints like Nugget Falls and the glacier overlook. For the adventurous, some tours include a guided ice trek—where you’ll don crampons and walk right onto the glacier’s surface.

Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring a waterproof jacket. The weather can shift quickly, and the glacier’s meltwater creates misty, chilly conditions.

Whale Watching: Spot Humpbacks in Their Natural Habitat

Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. From May through September, these majestic creatures migrate to Alaskan waters to feed. A whale-watching tour is a must-do for animal lovers.

Princess partners with local operators to offer high-quality, eco-friendly whale-watching excursions. Most tours last 3–4 hours and include narration from marine biologists or experienced naturalists. You’ll cruise through Stephens Passage, where whales, sea lions, and porpoises are commonly spotted.

Pro tip: Bring binoculars and a zoom lens if you’re into photography. Whales often breach just feet from the boat—it’s a heart-pounding moment you’ll never forget.

Dog Sledding on a Glacier: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure

For a truly unique experience, try dog sledding on a glacier. This excursion involves a helicopter ride from Juneau to a remote glacier, where you’ll meet a team of sled dogs and their musher. After a safety briefing, you’ll ride in a sled pulled by a team of enthusiastic huskies across the snow-covered ice.

This tour is seasonal (typically May–September) and weather-dependent, so book early. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy adventures on any Alaska cruise.

Skagway: Gold Rush History and Mountain Railways

Skagway is a step back in time. This historic town was the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s, and its wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings still echo that wild era. Today, Skagway is a charming port with a big personality—and some of the most scenic excursions in Alaska.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway: Ride the “Gateway to the Klondike”

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is arguably the most iconic excursion in Skagway. This narrow-gauge railroad was built in 1898 during the gold rush and climbs over 2,800 feet in just 20 miles—earning it the nickname “The Scenic Railway of the World.”

The train ride takes you through steep canyons, past cascading waterfalls, and over towering trestle bridges. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are nothing short of spectacular. Open-air cars let you feel the crisp mountain air and snap photos without glass barriers.

Tip: Book a seat on the right side of the train (facing forward) for the best views of the canyon and waterfalls.

Glacier Point Hike: A Moderate Trail with Big Rewards

If you love hiking, the Glacier Point Trail is a fantastic option. This 5-mile round-trip hike takes you through old-growth forest to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Taiya River and surrounding peaks. The trail is well-marked and moderately challenging, with some elevation gain.

Many Princess excursions include transportation to the trailhead and a guided walk with a local naturalist. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna. Keep an eye out for black bears—though sightings are rare, it’s always good to be aware.

Gold Rush Town Tour: Walk in the Footsteps of Prospectors

For history buffs, a guided walking tour of Skagway is a great way to learn about the town’s colorful past. You’ll visit historic sites like the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, the Moore House (home of Skagway’s founder), and the infamous Soapy Smith’s saloon.

Some tours include a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center, where exhibits bring the gold rush era to life. You might even meet a costumed interpreter portraying a 19th-century prospector.

Ketchikan: Rainforests, Native Culture, and Flightseeing

Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is the first stop for many southbound Alaska cruises. Perched on the edge of the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the U.S.—Ketchikan offers a mix of natural beauty and rich indigenous culture.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing: Soar Over Alaska’s Wilderness

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Ketchikan is a flightseeing tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument. This 2.3-million-acre wilderness area features dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine lakes carved by ancient glaciers.

Princess offers several flightseeing options, ranging from 45-minute to 90-minute tours. Most include a narrated flight in a small plane or helicopter, with views of New Eddystone Rock (a 250-foot sea stack), alpine lakes, and even the occasional bear or whale along the coast.

Tip: Book a window seat and bring a camera with a good zoom. The views are breathtaking, and you’ll want to capture every moment.

Totem Heritage Center and Creek Street: Explore Native Art and History

Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world. The Totem Heritage Center features 19th-century totems salvaged from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages. You’ll learn about the symbolism behind each carving and the cultural significance of totem poles.

Afterward, stroll down Creek Street—a historic boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek. Once a red-light district, it’s now lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to see salmon swimming upstream during spawning season (typically July–September).

Rainforest Canoe and Wildlife Tour: Paddle Through Pristine Wilderness

For a more active adventure, try a guided canoe trip through the Tongass National Forest. These small-group tours take you through quiet waterways surrounded by towering spruce and hemlock trees. You might spot eagles, otters, or even a black bear along the shore.

Some tours include a short hike to a waterfall or a visit to a native cultural site. It’s a peaceful, immersive way to experience Alaska’s rainforest ecosystem.

Glacier Bay National Park: A Scenic Highlight (No Shore Excursion Needed)

While Glacier Bay isn’t a port where you disembark, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring parts of any Alaska cruise. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over a dozen active glaciers, including the massive Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers.

Glacier Viewing from the Ship: Nature’s Grand Theater

As your Princess cruise ship navigates the bay, you’ll have front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest shows. The ship slows to a crawl near the glaciers, allowing passengers to watch for calving events—when chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.

Naturalists from the National Park Service come aboard to give live commentary, sharing insights about glacier formation, wildlife, and climate change. It’s a truly educational and moving experience.

Wildlife Spotting: Whales, Bears, and Sea Lions

Glacier Bay is also a hotspot for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and harbor seals. On land, brown bears and mountain goats are often spotted along the shoreline.

Tip: Bring binoculars and dress warmly—even in summer, it can be chilly on deck. A good camera with a telephoto lens is also essential.

College Fjord: Serene Beauty and Kayak Adventures

College Fjord, near Whittier, is one of the lesser-known gems of the Alaska cruise itinerary. Named after the Ivy League colleges of its discoverers, this fjord is lined with more than 20 glaciers, including the dramatic Harvard and Yale Glaciers.

Kayaking in College Fjord: Paddle Among Icebergs

One of the best excursions for Alaska cruise at each port Princess offers in this region is a guided kayak tour. These small-group adventures launch from a remote beach and take you paddling among icebergs and along glacier faces.

The water is calm and glassy, reflecting the surrounding mountains and ice. Guides share stories about the area’s geology and wildlife. It’s a peaceful, intimate way to experience Alaska’s raw beauty.

Small Boat Glacier Tour: Get Closer to the Ice

If kayaking isn’t your thing, a small boat tour is a great alternative. These 2–3 hour excursions take you deep into the fjord, where you can get within a few hundred feet of active glaciers. You’ll hear the deep groan of shifting ice and feel the cool mist from calving events.

Some tours include a stop at a remote beach for a short walk or hot chocolate. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery without breaking a sweat.

Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Excursions

With so many amazing options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your Alaska cruise excursions.

Book Early—Very Early

Popular excursions like dog sledding, flightseeing, and the White Pass Railway sell out months in advance. Princess typically opens shore excursion bookings 6–9 months before your cruise date. Set a reminder and book as soon as possible.

Check Cancellation Policies

Weather in Alaska is unpredictable. Some excursions, especially helicopter and flightseeing tours, may be canceled due to wind or low visibility. Most Princess tours offer full refunds or rescheduling if canceled by the operator.

Dress for the Weather—and Then Some

Alaska’s weather can change in minutes. Even in summer, temperatures can range from 40°F to 70°F. Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

Bring the Right Gear

A good camera, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle are must-haves. If you’re planning to hike or kayak, consider packing a small backpack. Some excursions provide gear (like life jackets or crampons), but it’s always good to check ahead.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

Not every excursion will go exactly as planned—and that’s part of the adventure. A delayed helicopter ride might give you extra time to explore a town. A rainy day could lead to a cozy visit to a local museum. Embrace the unexpected.

Conclusion: Make Every Port Unforgettable

An Alaska cruise with Princess is more than a vacation—it’s a journey into one of the most beautiful and wild places on Earth. The best excursions for Alaska cruise at each port Princess offers let you dive deeper into the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that make Alaska so special.

From the icy grandeur of Mendenhall Glacier to the historic charm of Skagway, every stop is an opportunity for adventure. Whether you’re soaring over the Misty Fjords, riding a train through mountain passes, or paddling among icebergs, these experiences will stay with you long after you return home.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore. With the right excursions, your Alaska cruise will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise?

The most popular excursions include the Mendenhall Glacier tour in Juneau, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, and the Misty Fjords flightseeing tour in Ketchikan. These sell out quickly, so book early.

Can I book excursions after I board the ship?

Yes, but availability is limited. It’s best to book online before your cruise. Onboard, you can check for last-minute openings, but popular tours are rarely available.

Are excursions refundable if the weather is bad?

Most excursions operated by Princess offer full refunds or rescheduling if canceled due to weather. Check the specific tour’s policy when booking.

Do I need to be physically fit to do Alaska excursions?

It depends on the tour. Some, like whale watching or train rides, are easy for all fitness levels. Others, like glacier hikes or kayaking, require moderate fitness. Check the activity level before booking.

What should I wear on Alaska shore excursions?

Dress in layers with a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing. Even in summer, it can be cool and wet. Bring a hat and gloves for glacier tours.

Are there family-friendly excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise?

Absolutely! Many tours, like the train ride in Skagway, whale watching in Juneau, and Creek Street walk in Ketchikan, are great for kids and adults alike. Check age and height requirements for certain activities.