Cruise

The Final Frontier, Cruising Alaska with Princess

Article & Photography by Daniel Smajovits

There’s something mysterious about Alaska. From the endless summer days to the miles upon miles of wilderness, no two visits to the Final Frontier are alike. With so much to explore, for first timers, the best way to ensure your trip includes as many of its natural wonders as possible, pack a sweater, shorts and board a cruise ship.

Itinerary

For nearly 50 years, Princess Cruises has been sailing up and down the coast, introducing travelers to the natural beauty both on land and at sea. While Princess offers cruises from four to 14 days, the most popular itineraries are one-way seven-day journeys that either start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia or Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska.

Regardless of where your itinerary begins, ensure to plan some extra time in both cities, as they each offer incredible sights and experiences. A picturesque two-hour drive south from Anchorage is the Kenai Peninsula, home to the Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the world’s premiere whale watching destinations. In high season, book your tour early with Kenai Fjords Tours, the most experienced company in the area. While in Vancouver, carve out one day to enjoy the city’s natural beauty via both Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain. The latter is home to the Grouse Grind, a 2.9-kilometer, 2,800-foot hike up the face of the mountain. Locals have been running or walking up the mountain since 1894. A free shuttle from Canada Place brings you to the base of Grouse Mountain. Following your climb, grab take-out from any one West End restaurants and have a delightful picnic in Stanley Park.

While cruising, your itinerary will most likely include stops in Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau with scenic cruise days through Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier. While the natural beauty of each destination is captivating, the A in Alaska stands for adventure and each port of call provides a unique opportunity for that.

With its surrounding rivers rich in salmon, Ketchikan is your best choice to charter a boat and attempt to reel in a King Salmon for yourself. Almost all charters will also present you the with the option to have the fish professionally packaged and shipped, filling your freezer for months to come. Most boats can accommodate up to six guests.

Although Skagway was once a booming mining town, today it serves as the port-of-call closest to the Alaska/Yukon border. Undoubtedly the most adventurous excursion is the 90-minute self-drive along the Klondike Highway through British Columbia and onto to Carcross, Yukon. The picturesque town is your gateway to Emerald Lake, a stunning natural wonder. Depending on timing, you can continue along the highway another 50 kilometres to Whitehorse, but we recommend spending the afternoon on board the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, a heritage railway that climbs 3,000 feet in 20 minutes, providing another stunning view of the area.

No trip to Alaska would be complete without a visit to Juneau, where the incredible Mendenhall Glacier towers over the state capital. While visible from various parts of the city, Juneau provides your best opportunity for the quintessential Alaskan excursion: a helicopter landing on a glacier. Not for the faint of heart, the ride will take you high above Juneau and within minutes, it will touch down on the glacier and you’ll be walking – or sliding – on the vast sheet of ice. Use your afternoon to visit Mount Roberts via the five-minute tramway. Once 1,800 feet above the city, the Timberline Restaurant offers some incredible views while you dine on local seafood and craft beers.

On-board Experience

For many years, Princess Cruises catered to a more senior demographic, but they’ve since shed this reputation with endless activities and a wide variety of entertainment to suit all age groups and demographics.

As your cruise will feature at least two unique days at sea, sailing through and by some of Alaska’s most stunning glaciers and natural wonders, ensure to spend that time on deck as Princess complements the natural beauty with experts whom help you understand the surroundings. Alternatively, the surrounding nature provides a perfect backdrop for a run outside or a more relaxing hot chocolate on a lounge chair.

When the sun sets, Princess offers a wide variety of entertainment including live variety, magic, music and comedy shows. Yet, perhaps the most unique evening activity onboard a Princess ship are their Movies Under The Stars. With abundant blankets, popcorn and even more hot chocolate, each ship repurposes their deck into an outdoor cinema in the evening, showing new movies in the most unique setting.

Should your journey take you on board a Medallion-class ship, guests will be given a medallion (either as a necklace, bracelet, or clip) that allows for touch-free boarding. This medallion also has the ability to unlock doors, pay for purchases as well as track other individuals in your party. Further incorporating technology, guests also have access to the OceanNow app. With a few touches, you can place food, drink, amenity, or merchandise orders and wait for a crew member to find you anywhere on board. The app automatically sends your request to the nearest crew member, ensuring fast and efficient service.

Dining

Princess has a wide variety of dining options that are included in your cruise fare, but the highlight of your journey will take place in the Main Dining Room as celebrity chefs Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura have inspired fresh and exciting menus. Alaskan cruises always include locally sourced ingredients, so look out and indulge on those offerings as well. For a more laid-back meal, all boats offer a wide-ranging buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as plenty of food throughout the day and night, including what USA Today has dubbed the Best Pizza at Sea.

Staterooms

If there is one time to splurge for a balcony, it’s on your Alaskan journey, where you can enjoy all the outside beauty of the Alaskan coast from the privacy of your room. While balconies fill up fast, Princess offers three other stateroom categories: Inside, Oceanview or Suite. All rooms share a similar motif with ample space to ensure that a couple or family will not feel cramped when turning in for the evening. Naturally, size and amenities differ based upon category.

While cruising anywhere in the world is always a unique and fun experience, the majesty of Alaska truly comes to life at sea. From the towering mountains and chilly glaciers to some of the most unique shore excursions imaginable, your adventure to the Final Frontier will be one vacation you’ll never forget.

www.princess.com