Just back from seven incredible days aboard Princess Cruises' Crown Princess through Alaska's Inside Passage, and I'm still processing the jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife encounters we experienced. This wasn't my first Alaska cruise – it was my third – but Princess delivered some genuinely surprising moments that even this seasoned cruiser didn't see coming.
Crown Princess might not be the newest ship in Princess's fleet, but for Alaska, she's perfectly suited. The key advantage? Nearly every cabin has a balcony, which matters enormously when you're cruising through glacier-filled fjords at 6 AM.
I booked a Deck 10 balcony cabin (D107) – avoid the Deck 12 balconies if possible, as they're directly under the sports deck and you'll hear basketball bouncing at all hours. The cabin itself was typical Princess: comfortable but not flashy, with excellent storage and a balcony just wide enough for two chairs.
The Crown Grill steakhouse on Deck 7 became our go-to splurge – at $45 per person, it's pricey but the Alaskan king crab legs made it worthwhile. Skip the Sabatini's Italian restaurant; the food was underwhelming for $35 per person.
Share your Princess Alaska experiences in our trip reports forum!
Ketchikan: Creek Street and Beyond
Everyone walks Creek Street – the famous boardwalk built over the water – but here's what most miss: The Married Man's Trail that runs parallel behind the buildings. It's a 10-minute walk that gives you incredible photo opportunities without the crowds.
We booked the "Ketchikan Duck Tour" through Princess ($89 per person). Honest assessment: overpriced and touristy. Instead, walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center ($5 admission) and then take the free shuttle to Saxman Native Village. You'll save $160 for two people and get a more authentic experience.
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Reality Check
The Mendenhall Glacier excursion ($65 through Princess) is the most popular shore excursion, but it's also the most disappointing. The glacier has retreated significantly – it's now a 1.5-mile hike to get a decent view.
Better option: Book the Mount Roberts Tramway independently ($42 per adult vs. Princess's $78). The views are spectacular, and you can easily walk back to the ship. Plus, you'll have time to visit the Red Dog Saloon for their famous sourdough pancakes.
The real hidden gem in Juneau? The Alaskan Brewing Company offers free tours and tastings just 15 minutes from the dock. Take the city bus ($2) instead of a taxi ($25).
Skagway: White Pass Railway Worth Every Penny
This is where Princess excursions actually deliver value. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ($149 through Princess, $139 independently) is genuinely spectacular. Book through Princess – the logistics are complex and their timing ensures you won't miss the ship.
Pro tip:[/B] Sit on the left side of the train for the best gorge views on the way up, right side for glacier views coming down.
Skagway's downtown is tiny but charming. Skip the tourist shops on Broadway and head to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (free) for genuine history without the sales pitch.
This is why you cruise Alaska with Princess – they're one of only two cruise lines with permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park. We spent eight hours in the bay, with park rangers providing commentary from the ship's bridge.
The reality: Glacier Bay is absolutely stunning, but dress warmly. Even in July, deck temperatures hovered around 45°F with significant wind. I watched dozens of passengers retreat indoors after 20 minutes because they weren't prepared.
What to bring:
We spotted 14 humpback whales, a pod of orcas, sea otters, and countless seals. The Margerie Glacier calving was the highlight – chunks of ice the size of buildings crashing into the water.
Here's where I'll save you serious money. Princess excursions average 40-60% more than booking independently, but sometimes the convenience is worth it.
Book Through Princess:
Book Independently:
Total savings booking smart: We saved $340 for two people by mixing Princess and independent excursions.
Onboard: The Crow's Nest at Dawn
Crown Princess's Crow's Nest lounge on Deck 15 opens at 6 AM during scenic cruising. Most passengers are still sleeping, but this is when you'll have the best wildlife spotting opportunities. The forward-facing windows and elevated position give you views that even balcony passengers can't match.
The Ship's Library
Sounds boring, right? Wrong. Princess's library on Deck 7 has the most comfortable seating on the ship and panoramic ocean views. It's also heated well – perfect for warming up between deck wildlife watching sessions.
Pack Creek Bear Viewing Alternative
Everyone books the expensive Pack Creek bear viewing excursions ($399 per person). Instead, spend time on deck during the scenic cruising portions – we spotted black bears fishing along the shoreline in Tracy Arm, completely free.
Alaska weather is unpredictable, but here's what actually happened during our July sailing:
The ship's heated indoor pools were actually pleasant – don't write them off. The outdoor hot tubs on Deck 12 were popular during scenic cruising.
Princess's included dining was solid but not spectacular. The Horizon Court buffet gets crowded during port days – eat early (6:30 AM) or late (9 AM) to avoid lines.
Best free dining: The International Cafe on Deck 7 serves excellent pastries, sandwiches, and coffee 24/7. Perfect for early morning glacier viewing fuel.
Specialty dining worth it: Crown Grill for the Alaskan seafood additions. The chef featured local king crab, halibut, and salmon caught in Alaska waters.
Skip: Sabatini's and Lotus Spa Cafe. Overpriced and underwhelming.
Princess Cruises gets Alaska right in ways that matter most: access to Glacier Bay, knowledgeable staff, and a ship designed for scenic viewing. Yes, you'll pay more than Carnival or Norwegian, but the experience justifies the premium.
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers, couples, anyone prioritizing scenery over onboard activities.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge ship amenities, extensive kids' programs, or rock-bottom pricing.
Total cost for two (7 days, balcony cabin, 3 specialty dinners, smart excursion mix): $4,200 including gratuities, drinks, and excursions. Worth every penny.
Would I sail Princess Alaska again? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already looking at their 14-day Alaska/Vancouver itinerary for 2027.
Plan your own Alaska adventure and share your questions in our trip reports forum – fellow cruisers love helping with Alaska planning!
The Ship: Crown Princess Delivers Where It Counts
Crown Princess might not be the newest ship in Princess's fleet, but for Alaska, she's perfectly suited. The key advantage? Nearly every cabin has a balcony, which matters enormously when you're cruising through glacier-filled fjords at 6 AM.
I booked a Deck 10 balcony cabin (D107) – avoid the Deck 12 balconies if possible, as they're directly under the sports deck and you'll hear basketball bouncing at all hours. The cabin itself was typical Princess: comfortable but not flashy, with excellent storage and a balcony just wide enough for two chairs.
The Crown Grill steakhouse on Deck 7 became our go-to splurge – at $45 per person, it's pricey but the Alaskan king crab legs made it worthwhile. Skip the Sabatini's Italian restaurant; the food was underwhelming for $35 per person.
Share your Princess Alaska experiences in our trip reports forum!
Port by Port: Where Princess Gets Alaska Right
Ketchikan: Creek Street and Beyond
Everyone walks Creek Street – the famous boardwalk built over the water – but here's what most miss: The Married Man's Trail that runs parallel behind the buildings. It's a 10-minute walk that gives you incredible photo opportunities without the crowds.
We booked the "Ketchikan Duck Tour" through Princess ($89 per person). Honest assessment: overpriced and touristy. Instead, walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center ($5 admission) and then take the free shuttle to Saxman Native Village. You'll save $160 for two people and get a more authentic experience.
Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier Reality Check
The Mendenhall Glacier excursion ($65 through Princess) is the most popular shore excursion, but it's also the most disappointing. The glacier has retreated significantly – it's now a 1.5-mile hike to get a decent view.
Better option: Book the Mount Roberts Tramway independently ($42 per adult vs. Princess's $78). The views are spectacular, and you can easily walk back to the ship. Plus, you'll have time to visit the Red Dog Saloon for their famous sourdough pancakes.
The real hidden gem in Juneau? The Alaskan Brewing Company offers free tours and tastings just 15 minutes from the dock. Take the city bus ($2) instead of a taxi ($25).
Skagway: White Pass Railway Worth Every Penny
This is where Princess excursions actually deliver value. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ($149 through Princess, $139 independently) is genuinely spectacular. Book through Princess – the logistics are complex and their timing ensures you won't miss the ship.
Pro tip:[/B] Sit on the left side of the train for the best gorge views on the way up, right side for glacier views coming down.
Skagway's downtown is tiny but charming. Skip the tourist shops on Broadway and head to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (free) for genuine history without the sales pitch.
Glacier Bay: The Crown Jewel Experience
This is why you cruise Alaska with Princess – they're one of only two cruise lines with permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park. We spent eight hours in the bay, with park rangers providing commentary from the ship's bridge.
The reality: Glacier Bay is absolutely stunning, but dress warmly. Even in July, deck temperatures hovered around 45°F with significant wind. I watched dozens of passengers retreat indoors after 20 minutes because they weren't prepared.
What to bring:
- Waterproof jacket (the ship's gift shop charges $89 for what you can buy for $25 at home)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Binoculars – wildlife spotting opportunities are incredible
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
We spotted 14 humpback whales, a pod of orcas, sea otters, and countless seals. The Margerie Glacier calving was the highlight – chunks of ice the size of buildings crashing into the water.
Excursion Costs: Princess vs Independent Booking
Here's where I'll save you serious money. Princess excursions average 40-60% more than booking independently, but sometimes the convenience is worth it.
Book Through Princess:
- White Pass Railway in Skagway ($149 vs $139 – worth the $10 for guaranteed timing)
- Helicopter tours ($299 vs $279 – insurance and logistics matter here)
- Remote wilderness tours (bear watching, remote fishing)
Book Independently:
- Mendenhall Glacier ($65 vs $42 tramway)
- City tours and cultural centers
- Simple wildlife viewing
- Shopping and walking tours
Total savings booking smart: We saved $340 for two people by mixing Princess and independent excursions.
Hidden Gems Most Cruisers Miss
Onboard: The Crow's Nest at Dawn
Crown Princess's Crow's Nest lounge on Deck 15 opens at 6 AM during scenic cruising. Most passengers are still sleeping, but this is when you'll have the best wildlife spotting opportunities. The forward-facing windows and elevated position give you views that even balcony passengers can't match.
The Ship's Library
Sounds boring, right? Wrong. Princess's library on Deck 7 has the most comfortable seating on the ship and panoramic ocean views. It's also heated well – perfect for warming up between deck wildlife watching sessions.
Pack Creek Bear Viewing Alternative
Everyone books the expensive Pack Creek bear viewing excursions ($399 per person). Instead, spend time on deck during the scenic cruising portions – we spotted black bears fishing along the shoreline in Tracy Arm, completely free.
Weather and Packing Reality Check
Alaska weather is unpredictable, but here's what actually happened during our July sailing:
- Ketchikan: 62°F, light rain (pack a real rain jacket, not just a windbreaker)
- Juneau: 68°F, partly cloudy (perfect walking weather)
- Skagway: 58°F, windy (layers essential for the train ride)
- Glacier Bay: 45°F, very windy (seriously, bring winter clothes)
- At sea days: 55-65°F on deck
The ship's heated indoor pools were actually pleasant – don't write them off. The outdoor hot tubs on Deck 12 were popular during scenic cruising.
Food and Dining Strategy
Princess's included dining was solid but not spectacular. The Horizon Court buffet gets crowded during port days – eat early (6:30 AM) or late (9 AM) to avoid lines.
Best free dining: The International Cafe on Deck 7 serves excellent pastries, sandwiches, and coffee 24/7. Perfect for early morning glacier viewing fuel.
Specialty dining worth it: Crown Grill for the Alaskan seafood additions. The chef featured local king crab, halibut, and salmon caught in Alaska waters.
Skip: Sabatini's and Lotus Spa Cafe. Overpriced and underwhelming.
Final Verdict: Princess Alaska Delivers
Princess Cruises gets Alaska right in ways that matter most: access to Glacier Bay, knowledgeable staff, and a ship designed for scenic viewing. Yes, you'll pay more than Carnival or Norwegian, but the experience justifies the premium.
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers, couples, anyone prioritizing scenery over onboard activities.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge ship amenities, extensive kids' programs, or rock-bottom pricing.
Total cost for two (7 days, balcony cabin, 3 specialty dinners, smart excursion mix): $4,200 including gratuities, drinks, and excursions. Worth every penny.
Would I sail Princess Alaska again? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already looking at their 14-day Alaska/Vancouver itinerary for 2027.
Plan your own Alaska adventure and share your questions in our trip reports forum – fellow cruisers love helping with Alaska planning!
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