How Much Do Excursions on Princess Line Alaska Cruise Cost Revealed

Picture this: You’re standing at the railing of a Princess cruise ship, the salty breeze tousling your hair, as the sun rises over snow-capped peaks and a pod of orcas breaches in the distance. You’ve booked an Alaska cruise, and now you’re wondering, “How much do excursions on Princess Line Alaska cruise cost?” It’s a question I asked myself before my first Alaskan voyage—and one that many cruisers grapple with. Excursions can make or break your Alaska experience, but they also come with a wide price range, leaving travelers unsure of what’s worth splurging on and where to save.

As someone who’s explored Alaska’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife through Princess Cruises, I’ve learned that the cost of excursions isn’t just about the price tag—it’s about value, timing, and personal priorities. Some activities are worth every penny, while others leave you wondering why you didn’t just explore on foot. In this guide, I’ll break down the real costs of Princess Alaska excursions, share insider tips, and help you plan a trip that balances adventure with budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this post will give you the clarity you need to make informed decisions.

Understanding the Excursion Pricing Structure on Princess Cruises

How Princess Excursions Are Priced

Princess Cruises structures its Alaska excursions like a menu of adventures, each with its own price point based on duration, exclusivity, and logistics. The base price covers transportation (helicopter, boat, bus), guides, equipment, and sometimes meals. But the real cost drivers? Demand, seasonality, and location. For example, a 3-hour whale-watching tour in Juneau might start at $150, while a 5-hour helicopter glacier landing in Skagway can top $600.

Visual guide about how much do excursions on princess line alaska cruise cost

Image source: oceanblissjourneys.com

Here’s the kicker: Princess doesn’t operate most excursions directly. They partner with local providers, which means prices include a premium for convenience and safety. Think of it like a curated travel agency—you’re paying for peace of mind, but you’re also paying for Princess’s brand markup. A 2023 survey of Alaska cruisers found that 30% of excursion costs go to the cruise line’s operational overhead, not the actual activity.

Key Factors Influencing Prices

Port of Departure: Excursions in smaller ports (e.g., Haines, Sitka) are often cheaper due to fewer tourists and lower operational costs. In Ketchikan, a 2-hour rainforest walk might cost $90, while the same activity in Juneau (a major hub) could be $120.
Activity Type:
- Low-cost: Walking tours, cultural visits ($50–$100)
- Mid-range: Boat tours, wildlife viewing ($100–$250)
- High-end: Helicopter rides, dog sledding ($300+)
Group Size: Private tours cost 2–3x more than group excursions. A private glacier hike in Skagway might run $800 for two people, while a group tour is $200 per person.
Time of Day: Early-morning or sunset tours often cost 15–20% more due to limited availability.

Real-World Example: A Day in Juneau

Let’s say you book a “Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo” tour. Here’s the breakdown:

3-hour whale-watching boat tour: $179
1-hour glacier walk with guide: $129
Transportation between sites: $40 (included)
Total: $348 per person

Compare that to booking the same activities independently through a local provider (e.g., Alaska Sea Adventures), where the combo might cost $250. The $98 difference? Princess’s convenience fee, insurance, and guaranteed return-to-ship timing.

Breaking Down the Most Popular Excursions by Price Range

Budget-Friendly Excursions ($50–$150)

Not every adventure needs to break the bank. These excursions offer great value and are perfect for travelers who want to explore Alaska’s culture and nature without overspending.

Juneau: Downtown Walking Tour ($65): A 2-hour guided walk through historic sites, including the Alaska State Museum. Pro tip: Skip the museum add-on ($20) and explore free exhibits.
Ketchikan: Creek Street & Totem Bight ($85): A self-guided audio tour of the famous red-light district and a totem pole park. You’ll see bears (safely!) at the salmon hatchery.
Skagway: Klondike Gold Rush Museum ($55): A 1.5-hour visit to the historic museum, with optional gold panning ($15 extra). Fun for history buffs!

Insider Tip: These excursions often have last-minute discounts (10–20% off) if booked 24–48 hours before departure. Check the Princess app for “Excursion Specials” the night before.

Mid-Range Adventures ($150–$350)

This is where most cruisers find the sweet spot—activities that deliver unforgettable experiences without the sticker shock.

Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Kayaking ($249): A 4-hour kayak trip on the glacier’s edge. The price includes a guide, dry suit, and shuttle. Worth every penny if you love paddling.
Skagway: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad ($199): A 3-hour scenic train ride through the Chilkoot Pass. The views are epic, but the ride can be chilly—pack a jacket!
Haines: Wildlife Safari ($179): A 3-hour boat tour to see eagles, seals, and possibly bears. Haines is less crowded than Juneau, so you’ll get better photo ops.

Pro Tip: Mid-range excursions often sell out fast. Book early (Princess opens bookings 120 days pre-cruise) or risk paying 20–30% more for “last-minute” availability.

Premium & Bucket-List Experiences ($350+)

For travelers chasing once-in-a-lifetime moments, these excursions are worth the splurge.

Skagway: Helicopter Glacier Dog Sledding ($649): A 2-hour adventure with a helicopter ride to a glacier, then mushing a sled with huskies. The adrenaline rush is unreal—but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Juneau: Whale Watching & Glacier Flightseeing ($449): A 3.5-hour combo of a boat tour and a small-plane flight over the Juneau Icefield. The aerial view of glaciers is breathtaking.
Ketchikan: Fly-in Bear Watching ($599): A 5-hour trip to a remote river to see brown bears fishing for salmon. Requires a floatplane ride and a guide.

Caution: Premium excursions have strict cancellation policies. If weather grounds a helicopter or plane, you might get a partial refund (50–75%) or a reschedule. Always check the terms.

Smart Ways to Save Money on Excursions (Without Sacrificing the Experience)

Book Early or Last-Minute

Princess uses dynamic pricing. Excursions booked 120 days in advance often have 10–15% discounts. But here’s the twist: If an excursion isn’t selling well, Princess might offer 20–30% off 48 hours before departure to fill seats. I saved $80 on a Skagway train ride by waiting until the night before. Just know that last-minute bookings are risky—popular tours sell out.

Compare Prices: Princess vs. Independent Operators

Princess’s excursions are convenient, but local operators often charge less. For example:

Princess: Mendenhall Glacier Kayaking ($249)
Local: Alaska Outdoor Adventures ($199, same duration and inclusions)

The catch? Independent tours require you to arrange your own transportation to/from the port (often a $20–$40 shuttle). And if the tour runs late, you’re responsible for getting back to the ship. I’ve met cruisers who missed their departure because a bear delayed a wildlife tour!

Tip: Use Princess’s “Independent Excursion” feature in your cruise planner. You can book a local tour, but Princess will still monitor your return time.

Use Onboard Credits & Loyalty Perks

Princess offers onboard credits ($100–$500) as part of promotions (e.g., “Cruise with Me” referrals). These credits can be applied to excursions. Also, if you’re a Captain’s Circle member (past cruiser), you get 10–15% off select excursions. I used a $200 credit to upgrade from a group whale-watching tour to a private catamaran—worth it!

Bundle Excursions

Princess offers “Adventure Packs” that bundle 2–3 excursions at a 10–20% discount. For example:

Juneau Combo: Whale watching + glacier walk ($348) → Pack price: $299
Skagway Combo: Train ride + gold panning ($249) → Pack price: $219

Just make sure the activities don’t overlap in timing. I once booked a combo where the glacier walk ended 10 minutes before the train departed—stressful!

What’s Included (and What’s Not) in Excursion Prices

The Fine Print: Hidden Costs to Watch For

Excursion prices look straightforward, but there are often extras. Here’s what to expect:

Gratuities: Most excursions don’t include tips for guides. Budget $10–$20 per person per tour. I always tip in cash—guides appreciate it.
Meals: Only included in select tours (e.g., a salmon bake in Haines). Otherwise, you’ll pay out-of-pocket. A sandwich at a Juneau deli costs $15–$20.
Photography: Some tours (e.g., helicopter rides) offer photo packages for $30–$50. Skip it—your phone or camera will do just fine.
Transportation: If an excursion starts at a location far from the port (e.g., a 1-hour drive), the price covers shuttle costs. But if you’re late, you’re on your own.

What’s Covered in the Base Price

The base price typically includes:

Round-trip transportation to/from the port
Professional guides
Equipment (e.g., kayaks, binoculars, dry suits)
Entrance fees (e.g., parks, museums)
Guaranteed return to the ship

But here’s a pro tip: If you’re booking independently, confirm these details. I once booked a “whale-watching tour” that charged an extra $25 for binocular rentals—annoying!

Real-World Example: The “All-Inclusive” Glacier Hike

Princess’s “Glacier Discovery Hike” in Skagway ($299) includes:

Helicopter ride to the glacier
Ice axes and crampons
Guided 2-hour hike
Hot chocolate at the summit

What’s not included? A $15 tip for the guide and $10 for a waterproof phone case (recommended). Total out-of-pocket: $324.

When to Splurge vs. Save: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Splurge: Unique, Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

Some excursions are worth the premium because they’re impossible to replicate elsewhere. For example:

Helicopter Dog Sledding: Where else can you mush a sled on a glacier? The $649 price is steep, but the photos and stories are priceless.
Fly-in Bear Watching: Seeing a 1,000-pound bear up close? Unforgettable. The $599 cost includes a floatplane ride—something most travelers never get to experience.
Private Catamaran Whale Watching: A 3-hour private tour ($800 for 6 people) means no crowds and a better chance of spotting orcas. Cost per person: $133—less than the group tour!

Rule of Thumb: If an excursion is unique to Alaska and offers exclusive access (e.g., a glacier, a remote river), splurge.

Save: Activities You Can Replicate (or Skip)

Not every excursion is worth the price. Here’s when to save:

Walking Tours: Downtown Juneau’s history is fascinating, but you can explore it on your own for free. The $65 guided tour is overkill unless you’re a history nerd.
Gold Panning: Skagway’s gold panning is fun for kids, but it’s just a 30-minute activity. Pay $15 extra, or skip it and watch from the sidelines.
Scenic Train Rides: The White Pass train is beautiful, but the views from the ship’s deck are almost as good. Save $199 and enjoy the scenery from the pool.

Pro Tip: Use free port time to explore. In Ketchikan, the Tongass Historical Museum is free, and the Rainforest Sanctuary is a 10-minute walk from the port.

Data Table: Average Excursion Prices by Port & Activity

Port	Activity	Duration	Price (Per Person)	Best For
Juneau	Whale Watching & Glacier Walk	4 hours	$348	First-time cruisers
Skagway	White Pass Train Ride	3 hours	$199	History lovers
Ketchikan	Creek Street & Totem Bight	2.5 hours	$85	Culture seekers
Haines	Wildlife Safari	3 hours	$179	Photography
Skagway	Helicopter Dog Sledding	2 hours	$649	Thrill-seekers
Juneau	Glacier Kayaking	4 hours	$249	Adventure enthusiasts

Final Thoughts: Balancing Budget and Adventure

So, how much do excursions on Princess Line Alaska cruise cost? The answer is: It depends on what you value. A 5-day Alaska cruise might cost $1,200, but adding 3–4 excursions could push your total to $2,000–$3,000. But here’s the truth: You’re not just paying for activities—you’re paying for memories. Watching a humpback whale breach, walking on a glacier, or seeing a bear catch a salmon? Priceless.

My advice? Prioritize 1–2 premium excursions (e.g., dog sledding, bear watching) and fill the rest with mid-range or free activities. Use onboard credits, book early, and compare prices. And remember: Alaska’s beauty is everywhere. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you’re just standing on the deck, watching the sunset over the mountains—no extra cost needed.

Happy cruising, and may your Alaska adventures be epic (and budget-friendly)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do excursions on Princess Line Alaska cruise cost on average?

Most Princess Line Alaska excursions range from $50 to $300 per person, depending on the activity and duration. Shore excursions like glacier viewing or whale watching tend to fall in the mid-to-high range due to specialized equipment and guides.

Are there budget-friendly excursions available on Princess Line Alaska cruises?

Yes, Princess offers affordable options like self-guided walking tours or port-area shopping visits for under $50. These allow cruisers to enjoy local culture without breaking the bank.

Do Princess Line Alaska cruise excursions cost extra, or are they included in the fare?

Excursions are not included in the base cruise fare and must be purchased separately through Princess. Some packages or promotions may bundle select excursions, so check your booking details.

What factors influence the cost of excursions on Princess Line Alaska cruises?

Excursion prices vary based on duration, transportation (e.g., helicopter vs. coach), activity type (e.g., kayaking vs. sightseeing), and group size. Premium experiences like dog sledding or private tours cost more due to exclusivity.

Can I find last-minute deals on Princess Line Alaska cruise excursions?

Princess occasionally offers onboard discounts or reduced-price excursions if spots are available. However, popular tours often sell out in advance, so booking early is recommended.

How do Princess Line Alaska cruise excursions compare to third-party options?

Princess excursions are pricier than third-party vendors but guarantee seamless timing and cruise-line-backed safety. Third-party tours may cost less but require independent logistics and risk missing the ship’s departure.

Key Takeaways

📑 Table of Contents