Embarking on a Princess Alaska cruise offers access to some of the most spectacular excursions in the world. From glacier trekking and whale watching to cultural tours and dog sledding, these adventures bring you face-to-face with Alaska’s wild beauty and rich heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Glacier and Icefield Tours: Witness massive glaciers up close on helicopter or boat excursions, including visits to Hubbard Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, and bald eagles on guided wildlife cruises and coastal hikes.
- Dog Sledding Adventures: Experience the thrill of mushing on a glacier with real Iditarod sled dogs, often via helicopter access.
- Native Cultural Experiences: Learn about Alaska Native heritage through storytelling, traditional dance, and visits to cultural centers.
- Scenic Rail Journeys: Ride the historic Alaska Railroad through mountain passes and river valleys for panoramic views.
- Adventure Hiking and Kayaking: Explore remote fjords, alpine trails, and coastal waters with guided outdoor excursions.
- Photography-Friendly Tours: Many excursions are designed with photographers in mind, offering optimal lighting and access to iconic landscapes.
📑 Table of Contents
Introduction to Princess Alaska Cruise Excursions
Imagine standing on the edge of a glacier, the air crisp and the silence broken only by the crack of ice shifting deep within the ancient ice. Or picture yourself watching a humpback whale breach just 50 feet from your boat, its massive body glistening in the Alaskan sun. These aren’t scenes from a documentary—they’re real experiences waiting for you on a Princess Alaska cruise.
Princess Cruises has long been a leader in Alaskan cruising, offering immersive itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist stops. What sets Princess apart is their deep commitment to authentic, high-quality shore excursions that connect travelers with Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural roots. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or history buff, there’s an excursion designed to match your interests and energy level.
From the moment your ship docks in ports like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Whittier, a world of adventure unfolds. Princess partners with local experts to deliver safe, sustainable, and unforgettable experiences. These aren’t just quick photo ops—they’re carefully crafted journeys that let you truly feel Alaska. And with options ranging from gentle wildlife cruises to heart-pounding helicopter landings on glaciers, there’s something for every traveler.
Top Glacier and Icefield Excursions
Glaciers are the crown jewels of Alaska, and no cruise is complete without seeing them up close. Princess offers some of the most breathtaking glacier-focused excursions, combining boat rides, helicopter tours, and even glacier walks for an all-access pass to these icy giants.
Visual guide about Best Excursions on Princess Alaska Cruise
Image source: alaskaitinerary.com
Hubbard Glacier Kayaking and Boat Tours
One of the most popular glacier excursions is the Hubbard Glacier cruise, available from ports like Yakutat and Seward. This massive tidewater glacier is over 7 miles wide and calves icebergs directly into the ocean. On a small boat tour, you’ll glide through icy waters, listening to the thunderous crack of ice breaking off the face of the glacier. The sound is unforgettable—like nature’s own symphony.
For a more intimate experience, consider a guided kayaking tour. Paddling silently through the calm waters near the glacier allows you to get closer than larger boats, offering stunning photo opportunities and a sense of peaceful isolation. Guides provide insights into glacial formation, climate impact, and local wildlife, making it both educational and awe-inspiring.
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
Departing from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour is a must-do for adventure lovers. After a scenic flight over the Tongass National Forest and alpine peaks, you’ll land on the glacier itself. Stepping onto the blue ice feels otherworldly—like walking on another planet. Certified guides lead you on a safe trek across the glacier, pointing out crevasses, moulins (vertical shafts in the ice), and ice formations that shift with the seasons.
This excursion often includes a visit to a remote dog sledding camp, where you can meet sled dogs and learn about the history of mushing in Alaska. It’s a full-day adventure that combines flight, hiking, and cultural immersion—perfect for those who want to maximize their time in port.
College Fjords and Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise
For a more serene glacier experience, the Tracy Arm Fjord cruise from Juneau offers dramatic scenery without the need for a helicopter. This narrow, glacier-carved fjord is home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers and is often called “the finest sample of fjord scenery in Alaska.”
As your boat navigates the icy waters, you’ll pass waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs, spot black bears foraging along the shore, and maybe even see a glacier calving in the distance. The stillness of the fjord, combined with the towering walls and reflective waters, creates a meditative atmosphere. Many travelers describe it as one of the most peaceful and beautiful places they’ve ever seen.
Wildlife Viewing Adventures
Alaska is a wildlife paradise, and Princess excursions are designed to bring you face-to-face with its most iconic animals. Whether you’re scanning the horizon for whales or quietly observing bears fishing for salmon, these tours offer unforgettable encounters with nature.
Whale Watching in Juneau and Icy Strait Point
Juneau is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and Princess offers several whale-watching excursions that deliver. On a high-speed catamaran, you’ll head into Stephens Passage, a prime feeding ground for humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales. Naturalists on board provide real-time commentary, helping you identify behaviors like breaching, tail slapping, and bubble-net feeding.
One traveler shared, “We saw a mother whale teaching her calf how to breach—three times in a row! It was magical.” Many tours also include sightings of sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles, making it a full wildlife immersion.
Bear Viewing in Ketchikan and Hoonah
For bear enthusiasts, the bear-viewing excursions from Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point are unparalleled. In Ketchikan, you can take a floatplane to remote rivers where brown and black bears gather to feast on salmon during the summer runs. From a safe viewing platform, you’ll watch bears swim, play, and fish—sometimes just 30 feet away.
At Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, Princess offers a unique bear-viewing experience at the Anan Wildlife Observatory. This protected area is one of the best places in Alaska to see black bears in their natural habitat. The observatory features elevated walkways and viewing blinds, allowing for close-up sightings without disturbing the animals. Rangers are on hand to explain bear behavior and conservation efforts.
Sea Otter and Puffin Cruises
Not all wildlife is large and dramatic—some of the most charming creatures in Alaska are small and playful. On coastal cruises from Ketchikan and Sitka, you can spot sea otters floating on their backs, cracking shellfish with rocks, and tufted puffins nesting on rocky cliffs.
These excursions often focus on marine ecosystems, with guides explaining how species like sea otters help maintain kelp forests by controlling sea urchin populations. It’s a great way to learn about Alaska’s delicate balance of nature while enjoying adorable animal encounters.
Dog Sledding and Mushing Experiences
Dog sledding is more than a sport in Alaska—it’s a way of life. And on a Princess cruise, you can experience the thrill of mushing firsthand, often on a real glacier.
Glacier Dog Sledding from Juneau
The most iconic dog sledding excursion departs from Juneau and begins with a helicopter ride to a glacier camp. After landing on the ice, you’ll meet a team of enthusiastic sled dogs and their musher. These aren’t just any dogs—many are veterans of the Iditarod, the famous 1,000-mile race across Alaska.
You’ll get to ride in the sled, feeling the power of the dogs as they race across the snow. Then, you’ll take the reins yourself for a short mushing experience. It’s exhilarating and surprisingly easy—the dogs know exactly what to do. Guides share stories about the history of dog sledding, from its role in Alaskan transportation to its modern-day revival as a sport and cultural symbol.
Summer Dog Sledding at Icy Strait Point
Even in summer, you can experience dog sledding at Icy Strait Point. Here, mushers use wheeled sleds on a special track, allowing visitors to ride and even drive the team. It’s a fun, family-friendly alternative to glacier mushing and includes a tour of the kennel, where you can pet the dogs and learn about their care and training.
This excursion also often includes a zip-line adventure or cultural performance, making it a full-day experience that combines adrenaline, education, and entertainment.
Cultural and Historical Excursions
Alaska’s beauty isn’t just natural—it’s deeply cultural. Princess excursions offer meaningful connections to Alaska Native heritage and the region’s gold rush history.
Native Cultural Tours in Ketchikan and Sitka
In Ketchikan, known as the “Totem Pole Capital of the World,” you can visit the Totem Bight State Historical Park or the Saxman Native Village. These sites feature restored totem poles, traditional longhouses, and live performances of Native dance and storytelling. Artisans demonstrate carving, weaving, and beadwork, and many offer handmade crafts for sale.
In Sitka, the Sitka National Historical Park showcases Tlingit and Russian history. You’ll see totem poles, a Russian Bishop’s House, and exhibits on the Battle of Sitka. Local guides share oral histories and explain the significance of symbols and traditions that continue to shape Alaskan Native identity today.
Gold Rush History in Skagway
Skagway is a living museum of the Klondike Gold Rush. On a walking tour, you’ll stroll down wooden boardwalks past historic saloons, general stores, and the infamous Red Onion Brothel. Guides in period costumes bring the era to life with tales of prospectors, con artists, and the harsh journey over the Chilkoot Trail.
For a deeper dive, take the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. This narrow-gauge railroad, built in 1898, climbs steep mountain passes with breathtaking views of waterfalls and valleys. It’s not just a scenic ride—it’s a journey through history, following the path of gold seekers who risked everything for a chance at fortune.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
If you love being active in nature, Princess offers a range of outdoor excursions that let you hike, kayak, and explore Alaska’s rugged terrain.
Hiking in Tongass National Forest
From Ketchikan and Juneau, guided hikes take you into the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. Trails range from easy boardwalk loops to challenging alpine climbs. One popular hike is the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Trail, which offers stunning views of the glacier and access to Nugget Falls.
For a more remote experience, try the Rainbow Falls hike near Ketchikan. This moderate trail leads to a 100-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. Along the way, you might spot deer, eagles, and even salmon spawning in the streams.
Kayaking in Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm
Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience Alaska’s coastal beauty up close. In Glacier Bay National Park, guided kayak tours let you paddle among icebergs and alongside glaciers. The silence of the water, broken only by the drip of melting ice, creates a deeply peaceful atmosphere.
In Tracy Arm, kayakers can explore side channels and hidden coves, often spotting seals, otters, and birds. Guides provide all equipment and instruction, so even beginners can enjoy the adventure safely.
Ziplining and ATV Tours
For a dose of adrenaline, try ziplining at Icy Strait Point. The longest zipline in Alaska spans over 3,300 feet and soars above the forest canopy. It’s a thrilling way to see the landscape from a new perspective.
ATV tours are also available in some ports, taking you off-road through forests and along coastal trails. These tours are great for small groups and offer a fun, active way to explore remote areas.
Tips for Choosing the Best Excursions
With so many options, it can be hard to decide which excursions to book. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best ones for your cruise:
- Book early: Popular excursions like glacier helicopter tours and dog sledding sell out quickly. Reserve them as soon as your cruise itinerary is available.
- Consider your fitness level: Some excursions, like glacier hikes and ATV tours, require moderate to high physical activity. Be honest about your abilities to avoid disappointment.
- Check the weather: Alaska’s weather can change rapidly. Opt for flexible excursions or those with indoor components in case of rain.
- Look for combo tours: Many excursions combine multiple experiences—like a helicopter ride plus dog sledding—offering better value and more adventure.
- Support local operators: Princess partners with local guides and Indigenous-owned businesses. Choosing these tours supports the community and ensures authentic experiences.
- Bring the right gear: Dress in layers, wear waterproof shoes, and bring binoculars and a camera. Many excursions provide gear, but it’s good to be prepared.
Conclusion
A Princess Alaska cruise is more than a vacation—it’s a journey into one of the last great wildernesses on Earth. The best excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise don’t just show you the sights; they immerse you in the landscape, culture, and spirit of Alaska.
Whether you’re standing on a glacier, watching whales breach, or learning traditional dances from Alaska Natives, these experiences stay with you long after the cruise ends. With thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure, you can create a trip that’s as unforgettable as the 49th state itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise?
The most popular excursions include glacier helicopter tours, dog sledding on ice, whale watching, and bear viewing. These experiences offer close encounters with Alaska’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.
Are Princess Alaska cruise excursions suitable for families?
Yes, many excursions are family-friendly, including wildlife cruises, cultural tours, and ziplining. Some activities have age or height restrictions, so check details when booking.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Popular tours like glacier landings and dog sledding often sell out months in advance, especially during peak season.
What should I wear on Alaska cruise excursions?
Dress in layers, wear waterproof outerwear, and choose sturdy, non-slip shoes. Bring a hat, gloves, and sunglasses, even in summer, as weather can change quickly.
Are excursions refundable if the weather cancels them?
Most excursions offer refunds or rescheduling if canceled due to weather. Princess typically provides credit or rebooking options for affected passengers.
Can I see the Northern Lights on a Princess Alaska cruise?
Northern Lights sightings are rare on summer cruises due to nearly 24-hour daylight. However, some late-season fall cruises (September) may offer a chance to see them, depending on location and weather.
