Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in Alaska, has announced its biggest-ever Alaska season for 2026, marking an exciting chapter in its storied history. The season will feature the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess, as part of an expanded program that includes eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations. This announcement promises travellers an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea or by both land and sea, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking luxury and exploration in the Great Land.
The 2026 Alaska season by Princess Cruises is set to be extraordinary with the introduction of the Star Princess, a Sphere Class ship that will offer guests unparalleled views of glaciers and wildlife. As the second ship in the Sphere Class following Sun Princess, Star Princess is scheduled to launch in fall 2025. This engineering marvel features innovative architectural spectacles such as The Dome, the industry's first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Known as the greatest foodie destination at sea, the ship promises to tantalise taste buds with world-class culinary offerings.
"2026 will reinforce Princess' leadership in Alaska vacations. The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. "Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship."
The season includes eight ships sailing various routes:
Bookings for the 2026 Alaska season open on August 1, 2024, with the "Better Than Best Price Guarantee." This promotion offers the best rates and 120% of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. The promotion ends on September 2, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for travellers to secure their spot on these highly sought-after voyages and enjoy significant savings.
Princess Cruises enhances the Alaska experience with a wide range of exciting shore excursions. Guests can partake in unique adventures such as the "Cook My Catch" fishing experience, helicopter flights over stunning mountainous landscapes, and whale watching tours where breaching whales put on a spectacular show. These shore excursions are designed to provide an authentic taste of Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife.
The award-winning "North to Alaska with Princess" program enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities. Guests can enjoy naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a menu featuring fresh local Alaska seafood. The popular Junior Ranger program ensures that younger guests also have a memorable and educational experience exploring the rich history and natural wonders of the Great Land.
For those looking to maximise their Alaska vacation, Princess Cruises offers more than 20 cruisetour options that combine sea voyages with land tours. A highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those wanting to get their National Parks Passport stamped. This tour includes visits to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. The experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
Princess Cruises' 2026 Alaska season offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the Great Land. With the debut of the Star Princess, guests can look forward to luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and unique experiences both on board and ashore.
If you want to embark on an extraordinary journey through Alaska, book a call with a travel adviser at S.W. Black Travel now. Hop on a cruisetour where awe-inspiring glaciers, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and luxurious accommodations await.