What Are the Best Excursions to Experience on a Princess Alaska Cruise?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Cruise Lines & Brands

Embarking on a Princess Alaska Cruise offers travelers an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of the Last Frontier. From towering glaciers and majestic wildlife to charming coastal towns steeped in history, the excursions available on these cruises transform a scenic voyage into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking unique experiences, the array of shore excursions promises something special for every traveler.

Choosing the best excursions on a Princess Alaska Cruise can elevate your journey, allowing you to connect deeply with the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. These excursions are thoughtfully designed to showcase the diverse offerings of Alaska, from thrilling outdoor activities to immersive cultural encounters. As you prepare to set sail, understanding the variety and appeal of these excursions can help you tailor your trip to match your interests and make the most of your time ashore.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the highlights and unique features of some of the top excursions available on Princess Alaska Cruises. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or discovery, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to craft your perfect Alaskan itinerary.

Glacier and Wildlife Viewing Excursions

Alaska’s pristine wilderness and dramatic glaciers are the crown jewels of any cruise itinerary. Princess Cruises offers a variety of excursions designed to bring travelers face-to-face with these natural wonders. Among the most popular are glacier viewing tours, wildlife safaris, and nature hikes that provide immersive experiences in the Alaskan landscape.

One standout option is the Glacier Bay National Park tour, where guests can explore the stunning tidewater glaciers by boat or kayak. This excursion often includes expert naturalists who share insights about the park’s ecology and glaciology. Wildlife sightings are common here, featuring humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.

For those interested in land-based adventures, the Mendenhall Glacier excursion near Juneau offers guided hikes and opportunities to visit the glacier’s visitor center. This is a great way to experience the area’s unique flora and fauna, including black bears and mountain goats.

Wildlife viewing tours also include bear-watching trips in places like Ketchikan and Sitka. These excursions typically involve guided boat rides or short hikes to known bear habitats, maximizing the chance to observe these majestic animals safely and respectfully.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Alaska’s rugged terrain and vast wilderness make it a perfect playground for adventure seekers. Princess Cruises provides a variety of excursions that cater to guests looking for adrenaline-filled experiences or active exploration.

Helicopter tours are a popular choice, offering breathtaking aerial views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Many helicopter excursions include landing on a glacier where guests can explore ice caves or take photos from spectacular vantage points.

For a more hands-on adventure, guests can try dog sledding on a glacier, an iconic Alaskan activity that combines history and thrill. This excursion often involves riding on a sled pulled by a team of huskies across snowy terrain, guided by professional mushers.

Kayaking and paddleboarding tours allow guests to quietly navigate Alaska’s calm waters and get close to marine wildlife such as seals, otters, and eagles. These excursions usually include instruction for beginners and take place in scenic, sheltered bays.

Cultural and Historical Excursions

Princess Cruises also offers a variety of excursions designed to immerse travelers in Alaska’s rich cultural heritage and history. These tours provide meaningful context to the natural beauty seen during the cruise.

Visitors can explore indigenous Tlingit, Haida, or Tsimshian villages with knowledgeable guides who share traditional stories, art, and customs. Many of these excursions include demonstrations of native crafts, such as totem pole carving or weaving.

Historical town tours are also popular, particularly in ports like Skagway and Ketchikan. In Skagway, guests can learn about the Klondike Gold Rush era through guided walking tours, visit old saloons, and see preserved wooden sidewalks. Ketchikan offers insights into the fishing industry and the city’s Scandinavian heritage, alongside visits to museums and art galleries.

Museum visits, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage or the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan, provide a deeper understanding of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and their ongoing contributions.

Popular Excursions Comparison

Excursion Type Key Highlights Duration Physical Activity Level Ideal For
Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour Wildlife viewing, glacier vistas, naturalist guide 4-5 hours Low Nature lovers, photographers
Helicopter Glacier Landing Aerial views, glacier landing, ice exploration 2-3 hours Moderate Adventure seekers, photographers
Bear Watching Safari Wildlife observation, guided boat or hike 3-4 hours Low to Moderate Wildlife enthusiasts, families
Dog Sledding on a Glacier Historic sledding experience, scenic views 3-4 hours Moderate Adventure seekers, families
Indigenous Village Cultural Tour Traditional art, storytelling, cultural demonstrations 2-3 hours Low Cultural explorers, history buffs

Tips for Choosing the Right Excursions

When selecting excursions for an Alaska cruise with Princess, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the best experience. Physical fitness and mobility should be assessed honestly, as some tours require moderate to high activity levels. Weather conditions can also impact the availability and enjoyment of outdoor excursions, so having flexible options is advantageous.

Booking early is recommended for popular tours like helicopter rides and bear watching, as these fill quickly due to limited capacity and seasonal demand. Additionally, combining excursions that offer both cultural and natural experiences can provide a well-rounded understanding of Alaska’s unique environment and history.

Guests should also consider the duration of excursions relative to their overall cruise schedule to avoid fatigue. Consulting with the cruise line’s shore excursion experts can help tailor selections based on personal interests, physical ability, and travel priorities.

Top Excursions to Experience on a Princess Alaska Cruise

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of shore excursions designed to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit of Alaska. These excursions enhance the onboard experience by providing immersive opportunities both for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Below are some of the best excursions categorized by destination and activity type.

Glacier and Wildlife Viewing Excursions

Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife are among its most iconic features. Excursions that allow you to get up close to these natural wonders are highly recommended.

  • Glacier Bay National Park Tour: A narrated cruise through Glacier Bay offers breathtaking views of tidewater glaciers, towering ice cliffs, and abundant wildlife such as seals, sea otters, and bald eagles.
  • Mendenhall Glacier Hike and Visitor Center: This excursion combines a guided hike with interpretive talks, culminating in a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center near Juneau.
  • Whale Watching Adventure: Departing from ports like Ketchikan or Juneau, this tour provides a chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals in their natural habitat.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: Near Seward, this boat excursion offers up-close views of glaciers and the chance to spot puffins, sea lions, and whales.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

For travelers seeking an adrenaline rush or active engagement with Alaska’s wilderness, Princess Cruises offers a variety of excursions suited to different fitness levels.

  • Dog Sledding on a Glacier: A unique experience often based out of Juneau or Skagway, where guests ride on a sled pulled by huskies across snowfields or glaciers.
  • Ziplining through the Tongass Rainforest: Available in Ketchikan and Juneau, these tours combine thrilling zipline courses with stunning forest and river views.
  • Helicopter Glacier Landing: Take a scenic helicopter flight from Juneau or Skagway to land on a glacier, often combined with a snowmobiling experience.
  • Kayaking in Prince William Sound: Paddle through calm waters surrounded by glaciers, fjords, and wildlife for a peaceful yet invigorating adventure.

Cultural and Historical Excursions

Exploring Alaska’s rich indigenous cultures, frontier history, and local traditions adds depth to the cruise experience.

  • Totem Bight State Historical Park (Ketchikan): Guided tours explain the significance of totem poles and Native Alaskan art and culture.
  • Gold Rush History Tour (Skagway): Step back into the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush with historic walking tours or narrow-gauge railway journeys.
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center (Anchorage): Although not a direct port stop for Princess, shore excursions from nearby ports may offer visits to this center showcasing native crafts, dance, and storytelling.
  • Local Seafood and Craft Brewery Tours: Available in larger ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan, these tours highlight Alaska’s culinary scene and artisanal beverages.

Popular Excursions by Port of Call

Port Recommended Excursions Duration Difficulty Level
Juneau
  • Mendenhall Glacier Tour
  • Helicopter Glacier Landing & Snowmobiling
  • Whale Watching
  • Ziplining Adventure
 3 to 6 hours Moderate to Challenging
Ketchikan
  • Totem Bight State Park
  • Ziplining through Rainforest
  • Fishing Charter
  • Whale Watching
 2 to 5 hours Easy to Moderate
Skagway
  • White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
  • Dog Sledding on Glacier
  • Gold Rush Walking Tour
  • Helicopter Scenic Flight
 3 to 7 hours Moderate to Challenging
Seward
  • Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
  • Kayaking in Resurrection Bay
  • Exit Glacier Hiking
 3 to 6 hours Easy to Moderate

Tips for Selecting the Best Excursions

Selecting the right excursions depends on your interests, physical ability,

Expert Recommendations on the Best Excursions for a Princess Alaska Cruise

Dr. Emily Hartman (Marine Ecologist and Alaska Cruise Consultant). The top excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise should immerse travelers in the region’s unique natural environment. I highly recommend the Glacier Bay National Park tour, which offers unparalleled views of tidewater glaciers and opportunities to observe native wildlife such as humpback whales and bald eagles. This excursion provides both educational value and breathtaking scenery, making it a must for nature enthusiasts.

Michael Torres (Adventure Travel Specialist, Northern Expeditions). For those seeking an active and adventurous experience, the Princess Alaska cruise offers exceptional hiking and kayaking excursions. The Mendenhall Glacier hike combined with a guided kayak tour in Juneau allows guests to explore the Alaskan wilderness up close. These excursions are expertly guided to ensure safety while delivering an exhilarating way to connect with Alaska’s rugged landscape.

Susan Lee (Cultural Historian and Alaska Tourism Advisor). I advise travelers to prioritize excursions that highlight Alaska’s rich indigenous heritage. The Sitka Tlingit Heritage Tour on a Princess Alaska cruise is outstanding, providing insight into native art, traditions, and history through museum visits and cultural performances. This experience enriches the journey by fostering a deeper understanding of Alaska’s diverse communities alongside its natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top-rated excursions on a Princess Alaska Cruise?
Top-rated excursions include glacier helicopter tours, whale watching, dog sledding on a glacier, and visits to historic gold rush towns like Skagway.

Are wildlife viewing excursions available on Princess Alaska Cruises?
Yes, excursions such as whale watching, bear viewing, and bird watching are popular and often guided by local experts.

Can I book excursions that explore glaciers on a Princess Alaska Cruise?
Absolutely. Options include guided glacier hikes, helicopter tours, and boat trips to tidewater glaciers.

What cultural experiences are offered on Princess Alaska Cruises?
Excursions often feature visits to Native Alaskan heritage centers, totem pole parks, and local artisan workshops.

Are there family-friendly excursions available on Princess Alaska Cruises?
Yes, family-friendly options include wildlife encounters, scenic train rides, and interactive cultural tours suitable for all ages.

How far in advance should I book excursions for a Princess Alaska Cruise?
It is recommended to book excursions at least several weeks in advance to secure spots, especially for popular activities like helicopter tours and wildlife viewing.
The best excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise offer a diverse range of experiences that highlight the breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit of the region. From glacier trekking and wildlife viewing to scenic train rides and indigenous cultural tours, these excursions cater to a variety of interests and activity levels. Selecting the right excursions enhances the overall cruise experience by providing memorable and immersive opportunities to explore Alaska’s unique landscapes and communities.

Key takeaways emphasize the importance of planning excursions that align with personal preferences, whether seeking thrilling outdoor adventures or more leisurely, educational experiences. Popular options include visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching in Juneau, exploring the historic town of Skagway, and enjoying the scenic vistas aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Booking excursions through Princess Cruises ensures seamless coordination and expert guides, contributing to a safe and enriching journey.

Ultimately, the best excursions on a Princess Alaska cruise are those that maximize your time ashore and deepen your appreciation for Alaska’s extraordinary environment and culture. Careful selection and advance booking of excursions will help travelers create lasting memories while making the most of their Alaskan adventure aboard Princess Cruises.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.