It’s one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world – a cruise sailing around Alaska is an enriching experience, filled with nature, wildlife and culture.

Princess Cruises celebrates 50 years of Alaska this year, and the line first cruised to the Great Land on June 3, 1969 when Princess Italia carried 525 guests through the little-explored waters.

There are now dozens of itineraries visiting famous ports like Anchorage, Juneau, Skagway and more. The Royal Princess is the first medallion-class ship to be sailing around Alaska – a sign of the popularity of the Great Land.

Here are some of the ports in Alaska and Canada that you can visit on your cruise.

Anchorage

This picturesque city, Alaska’s biggest mixes wilderness with a modern attitude. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre or check out the Native Heritage Centre.

Fairbanks

Famous for its rich gold mining history, Fairbanks is fondly known by locals as the Golden Heart City. Explore gold mines or take a Sternwheeler Riverboat cruise down the Chena River.

Skagway

Set along the Inside Passage, compact Skagway is home to gold-rush era architecture. This town is also the embarkation point for the White Pass Scenic Railway.

Juneau

The capital of Alaska is known for thrilling outdoor activities and is one of the best places to see magnificent glaciers. Go whale watching, take a dog-sled ride or try a local spruce tip beer.

Icy Strait Point

Rich with native culture of the Huna Tlingit people, Icy Strait Point is a port that offers activities such as crab catching, ziplining over the pine forest and whale watching.

Ketchikan

Watch people compete in axe throwing and log rolling at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and visit the Totem Heritage Center to learn more about native history.

Vancouver

The cosmopolitan city in Canada has a distinctly European feel. It is surrounded by mountains and has a thriving art, theatre and music scene for limitless entertainment.

Ways to sail

Cities from which you can depart on your Alaska cruise:

Anchorage
Vancouver
Seattle
Los Angeles
San Francisco

[divider]Competition[/divider]

Win a $9,100 Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises

To celebrate the launch of GO WILD: Your guide to cruising Alaska, we’re offering you the chance to win a 7-night cruise from Vancouver to Whittier aboard Royal Princess and $4,000 of eZAir credit to use toward your airfares.