Cruise

Why a Princess Cruise to Alaska is the Perfect Girls’ Getaway

Article and photography by Judi Cohen

What do you get when you combine pools and sundecks like a resort, spas and pampering like a wellness retreat, entertainment, dining and gambling like a casino resort, and adventurous activities in an outstanding destination? — A Princess Cruise fit for two princesses traveling together! When my sister-in-law and I decided to take a girls’ trip, we wanted something that combined adventure and relaxation, and an opportunity to escape big city life. We agreed on taking a 7-day Alaska Cruise aboard the Discovery Princess. Little did we know, this journey would be the ultimate girls’ getaway!

Sail Away Party from Seattle A Celebration of Fun
Our adventure began with a bang as we set sail from Seattle. The Sail Away party on the Lido deck was a high-energy celebration that set the tone for the entire trip. With loud music, line dancing, and a lively atmosphere, we were swept up in the excitement. It was the perfect way to kick off our girls’ getaway—dancing, laughing, and enjoying the festive vibe. The Sail Away party was just the beginning of the fun that awaited us.

Cabin Comfort: A Cozy Retreat
Our cabin was more than just a place to sleep, it was a cozy retreat to relax and unwind. Our cabin was perfect, with plenty of storage, comfortable twin beds and a nice sized bathroom with a shower. The highlight of our cabin, however, was the private balcony. We loved starting our mornings sipping coffee on the balcony as we watched the stunning Alaskan scenery pass by. The balcony was also the perfect spot for some quiet time with only the sound of lapping waves.

Relaxation and Pampering at the Lotus Spa
No girls’ getaway is complete without some serious pampering, and Discovery Princess didn’t disappoint. The Lotus Spa offered a wide range of treatments designed to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. We indulged in facials, massages, and even a visit to the hair salon to get ready for our nights out on the ship. We took time before and after our treatments to relax in the Enclave, a tranquil area within the spa with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, and steam rooms. The services in the Lotus Spa and use of the Enclave were at additional charge.

The Sanctuary: Adults-only
The Sanctuary, an exclusive, adults-only area on the top deck, offered unobstructed views of the seemingly endless Alaskan landscape. We wrapped ourselves in cozy blankets and had hot chocolate as we watched the breathtaking scenery. We booked a half-day in the Sanctuary while the ship sailed in the serene waters of Glacier Bay National Park and listened to the narration from the bridge, and although it was little cold, it was nonetheless an experience we’ll never forget.

Choosing Our Own Activities Daily
One of the best parts of our Princess Cruise was the freedom to choose our own daily plans. Except for the safety drill at the start of the cruise, nothing was mandatory. The variety of options allowed us to customize each day. My sister-in-law is an early riser, so she would head to the gym for stretch classes and Pilates in the early morning. I, on the other hand, preferred to sleep in and meet her for a leisurely breakfast in the World Marketplace Buffet. The variety of options allowed us to customize our days, and we always found something fun to do together. We booked shore excursions as a duo, exploring Alaskan towns and experiencing some thrilling adventures. Dining was a shared experience as well, with a variety of places to grab a bite or have a formal meal. We capped off our evenings with cocktails at a bar, chatting with the bartenders and other guests.

Thrilling Excursions Helicopters, Sled Dogs, and More
We embraced the ruggedness of Alaska in choosing our shore excursions. I insisted on doing the most adventurous excursions as I am passionate about small planes and helicopters. We took a scenic helicopter ride up to the Denver Glacier, where we had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of dog sledding on the glacier and even holding the adorable sled dog puppies afterwards. Another thrilling adventure took us on a 6-person floatplane to Misty Fjord Monument, where the landscape was as breathtaking as the flight itself. These adventures added an exciting dimension to our girls’ getaway and happily pushed my sister-in-law out of her comfort zone.

In Juneau, we took a walking tour that gave us a taste of the local culture and cuisine including a memorable dinner at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. On a walking foodie tour at night in Victoria, BC, we tasted good old Canadian Beaver Tails (fried dough with cinnamon and sugar) and other delights.

Nightlife: Entertainment, Shows and Casino
The fun didn’t end when the sun went down. We enjoyed live shows at the bars and in the theatre, tested our luck at the casino (I sadly lost), and relaxed with cocktails around the ship. The combination of entertainment, unique bars and restaurants, and the stunning Alaskan scenery made for unforgettable evenings. Whether we wanted to dance the night away, catch a live performance, sit on the top deck under the stars or simply enjoy quiet drinks, Discovery Princess had it all.

Shopping on Board From Designer Goods to Souvenirs
What’s a girls’ getaway without a little retail therapy? The Discovery Princess boasts an array of onboard shops, offering everything from designer handbags and jewelry to unique souvenirs. We spent a few afternoons browsing the stores, picking up gifts for ourselves. We couldn’t resist checking out the special offers.

Dining Experiences A Culinary Journey
Dining on the Discovery Princess was a culinary journey, with nine included dining options, and an additional seven specialty dining options available at an extra charge. We made reservations for specialty dinners at Catch by Rudi, for gourmet seafood, at the Crown Grill for steak, and at the Italian restaurant, where we indulged in delicious pasta dishes and pizzas. We splurged on the “360 Dining Experience”, a sensory feast that was beautifully choreographed. During the meal we were led on a virtual tour of four countries with menu items, images and smells from each. The scent of lemons in Greece and lavender in France inspired our wanderlust! We also enjoyed casual dining at the various buffets and cafes, and we never missed an opportunity to taste some gelato, or a decadent calorie-filled ice cream treat, guilt-free! With our Princess Medallions we could order food or drinks anywhere on the ship from the coffee shops and restaurants and have them delivered to us. We spoiled ourselves by ordering room service for a magical al fresco breakfast on our balcony in Glacier Bay National Park.

A Fairytale Getaway Reconnecting and Recharging
All in all, our cruise to Alaska was more than just a vacation—it was a chance to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with each other. We balanced relaxation with adventure, pampering with exploration, and created memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of luxurious amenities, stunning scenery, and the thrill of discovery made it a fairytale getaway that we’ll cherish forever. If you’re looking for the ultimate girls’ getaway, a Princess Cruise to Alaska is the perfect choice. We are already planning our next destination on a Princess Cruise.

www.princess.com