Princess Cruises launches biggest ever season of Alaska cruises

• Princess Cruises is set to have its biggest ever season of Alaska cruises with eight ships sailing.
• New immersive experiences have been added to its North to Alaska Program.
• This includes unique onboard experiences, such as live concerts and enhanced glacier viewing.

Princess Cruises is rolling out four new experiences as part of its North to Alaska program for the 2026 season.

The 2026 Alaska season is shaping up as another big one, especially for Princess. It places a significant emphasis on its Alaska itineraries and will have eight ships sailing amongst the icebergs this season.

This will be Princess Cruises’ largest ever Alaska season, with over 180 departures across 19 destinations, headlined by the presence of Star Princess, which is the newest ship in the fleet.

Princess Cruises North to Alaska program, which has been running since 2015, is made up of curated shore excursions and onboard experiences aimed at better connecting cruise passengers with local life in Alaska across cultural events, cuisine, natural wonders and more.

John Paul Lamb, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment said in a statement: “Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver.

“From encounters with local experts and native storytellers to immersive entertainment and scenic glacier viewing, these experiences allow our guests to connect with Alaska along every step of their journey.”

Among the new experiences, specialty restaurants like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s will have new a la carte offerings, with an extra emphasis on local cuisine.

New experiences for 2026 on the Alaska cruises

The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day

On scenic cruising days and close-up glacier sailing, guests will have access to VIP viewing areas, listen to expert narration and park ranger commentary, immersing them more fully in the spectacular experience as well as educating them in the importance of their conservation.

Welcome to Alaska

This is a special presentation made to help guests have the most enriching time possible when they travel to Alaska. Once per voyage, guests will meet conservationists and scientists who will explain the North to Alaska program and run them through the nature and wildlife they might encounter.

Apres Sea: Elevated Post-Adventure Experience

This event on the program provides a space for cruisers to wind down and reminisce about the day and their shared experiences. Guests can head to an après-ski inspired lounge where happy hour, warm drinks and panoramic ocean views can be enjoyed.

On Star Princess this event will happen in The Dome, an exciting new space on the ship.

Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice

As offered on some other Princess sailings, Alaska cruises will now offer special Candlelight Concert Series as well. This ‘Fire & Ice’ experience, which will happen twice a sailing, will offer performances by Alaskan singer-songwriters, performing under candlelight.

Princess Cruises will continue to offer its favourite programs too. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show which features axe-throwing competitions, trivia and information presentation will feature. Puppies in the Piazza will return on all ships visiting Skagway which lets travelers learn about Alaskan Huskies, while select sailings will host captains and crew members from the television show Deadliest Catch, who will share their adventurous tales of working as Bering Sea crab fishermen.