Princess Cruises Announces 2023 Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours Program
Six MedallionClass® Ships, Including the New Discovery Princess, Sail from Four Departure Ports to the Sought-After Great Land
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Aug. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ More guests choose Princess than any other cruise line to experience the incredible glaciers, wildlife, fresh seafood and the local culture of Alaska. The newly announced 2023 cruises and cruisetours program offers something for everyone to explore this destination, including the top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, award-winning North to Alaska enrichment program and the ultimate experience of combining a cruise with a land tour including scenic rail travel and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
The 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours season, on sale Aug. 18, features six MedallionClass ships, including the cruise lines newest Discovery Princess, returning to Alaska for a second season. With 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries, five glacier viewing experiences and departing from four convenient departure ports, cruise offerings include:
Combined with a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, guests can experience Alaskas top-two attractions Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park by choosing from 24 cruisetour itineraries, ranging from three to 10 nights on land, before or after the cruise.
Here are the top-10 reasons to see the very best of Alaska with Princess:
Princess is #1 in Alaska!
Pacific Ocean Cruises From Seattle
A third cruise destination thats reachable from Seattle is Hawaii. Note that there arent as many options available for Seattle to Hawaii cruises as there are in other West Coast ports like San Francisco or San Diego. Arguably the best available voyage of this kind is Holland Americas 17-day Circle Hawaii Cruise, which departs from and returns to Seattle.
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Best Overall: Norwegian Cruise Line
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship Name: Norwegian Bliss
- Itinerary: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Victoria
Norwegian boasts that it has the youngest fleet cruising to Alaska,” and the Norwegian Bliss is NCLs newest ship . Bliss has buzzworthy features like laser tag, a race track on the top deck, and thrilling waterslides that overhang the sides of the ship. The ship has accommodations for every type of cruiser, including solo staterooms and elegant suites in the Haven, a luxurious enclave. Another perk of this cruise is that is sails round-trip from Seattle, so guests can drive or fly into the same port for departure and arrival . Bliss also has a beautiful observation lounge ideal when sailing the Inside Passage.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Resumes Selling Voyages To Alaska For This Summer
The move comes as the The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act has been introduced to allow cruise ships to head to the state.
Cruise passengers hoping to go to Alaska can now book their next trip on Norwegian Cruise Line as soon as August, sailing directly from Seattle to Ketchikan.
The company, which has listed several Alaskan cruises on its website for sale in August, September, and October, is making plans for journeys around The Last Frontier after the U.S. Senate passed a bill last week that could allow cruises to resume.
Cruises to Alaska were put on hold after Canada banned all large ships until at least next year, directly affecting Alaska’s cruise industry due to a century-old law that requires large foreign-flagged ships to first stop in Canada. The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which was introduced by Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and now needs to be passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Joe Biden, would allow ships to temporarily skip Canadian ports and travel directly between Washington and Alaska, The Associated Press reported.
Many large cruise ships that sail to Alaska are registered in foreign countries.
While this would represent a boost to the cruise industry, cruising in the U.S. still remains on hold with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hoping to resume by mid-summer.
The Princess Cruises Fleet
Princess has downsized the size of its fleet considerably over the past year with the removal of five vessels. But its still the worlds fifth-biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 14 ships that together offer more than 42,000 berths.
In general, Princess operates big ships. But theyre not quite as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises the three lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Princess vessels, the lines five Royal Class ships, measure around 145,000 tons. Thats about 35% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean.
The Royal Class ships are the belles of the ball in the Princess fleet. Newer and more amenity-filled than the lines 9 other ships, they began rolling out in 2013 and carry about 3,600 passengers a piece at double occupancy. .
One more Royal Class ship Discovery Princess is on order from a shipyard in Italy for delivery in 2022.
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Still, at the core of the Princess fleet are its seven Grand Class vessels. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the ships are smaller than the Royal Class vessels at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal Class ships. But theyre still big enough to have a lot of onboard venues. The Grand Class ships carry between 2,600 to 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.
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Steiner 1042 Predator Binoculars
Alaska is home to many species of apex predators wolves, orcas, bears, and more. If you want to feel like a predator only insofar as youre the most eagle-eyed person on your Alaska cruise, the Steiner 10×42 Predator binoculars are the way to go.
These binoculars have a different look theyre clearly more tactically designed for hunters. But you can just be a visual hunter, rather than, you know, a hunting hunter. However, being designed for more intense activities than spotting wildlife, these binoculars also have a higher price point.
- Over $300
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Royal Caribbean And Celebrity Cruises To Sail In July With Covid Vaccine Requirement
Royal Caribbean Group announced Friday that its cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will plan to sail from Seattle to Alaska on round-trip itineraries starting in July. Celebrity set a date of July 23, but other restart dates were not specified.
All passengers over 16 will be required to have been vaccinated to board the sailings. Starting Aug. 1, every passenger over age 12 will be required to be fully vaccinated to board.
We are so pleased that Congress unanimously voted to pass legislation enabling cruise ships to sail to Alaska this season, Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO, said in the announcement.
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How To Get The Best Deal On A Cruise To Alaska
Both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have cruised to Alaska since the 1960s. Above: The Golden Princess is moored in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Our family took a 7-Day Alaskan Explorer Cruise aboard Holland America’s Eurodam. We overpaid for our cruise , but that doesn’t mean that you have to.
Here are tips on how to get the best deal on an Alaskan cruise.
Savor Delicious Food & Rugged Alaskan Coastline On This 8
Carnival Cruise Line is all about making the cruise experience enjoyable for everyone. Onboard activities are diverse and numerous ensuring that no matter the age group of the people youre cruising with, theres an activity to be enjoyed.
If youre cruising with your family, enjoy the ships very own SkyRide, Sky Zone, or Water Works park. If youre cruising with only adults, take advantage of the ships many lounges, bars, and restaurants.
Onshore, excursions you can join include hiking, wildlife viewing, whale watching, glacier trekking, and more!
Ports of call on this Alaskan cruise include:
- Seattle
Stika. Photo by Holland America.
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Compare: 12 Cruise Ships In Alaska
A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated article on what cruisers need to know about coronavirus.
It’s hard not to revert to hyperbole with Alaska. Here lie more than enough towering snow-capped mountains, breathtaking calving glaciers, extraordinary wild animals and quirky frontier towns to wow hundreds of thousands of cruisers annually. With more than two dozen mainstream ships plying Alaska’s island-filled southeast region from May to September, passengers certainly have options.
This chart features a representative from every major line in the mainstream and luxury markets, from the intimate and upscale Silver Muse to mega-ships like Norwegian Bliss.
Each of the 12 ships, which were hand-picked based on their popularity among all cruise options in Alaska, caters to a different type of traveler. Families on a budget might find the most “bang for their buck” onboard Carnival Spirit, while couples looking to splurge can pamper themselves with Seven Seas Mariner’s lavish suites and all-inclusive fine dining.
Familiarize yourself with the biggest contenders’ itineraries, exclusive regional offerings and more to determine which is the best Alaska cruise option for you.
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Bhupesh Singh, 44, who was boarding the Serenade of the Seas on Monday with his wife, Hansi, and their two unvaccinated children both are under 12 said he felt comfortable with Royal Caribbeans approach, even with the extra precautions hed have to take travelling with kids. He noted that he brought his family to cruise from Seattle, where Royal Caribbean at least requires all adults to be vaccinated. In Florida, where hes from, that isnt the case.
The reduced capacity on board the Serenade of the Seas was also encouraging for Singh. Royal Caribbean declined to say exactly how many passengers it will have on board, but said it would be much lower than full capacity, which is typically almost 2,500 people. Holland America and Princess Cruises said they will be starting their Alaskan cruises at approximately 60% capacity, moving up gradually over the course of the season.
Some cruise lines will also be using technology to trace passengers location. Royal Caribbean will be using tracelets, or wristbands that passengers must wear in order to be tracked on board. Princess Cruises will be using medallions, portable devices used for various functions on board the ship, which will keep a log of who passengers come in contact with.
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Nikon Aculon 1050 Binoculars
Nikon is better to know for their cameras it should be no surprise that theyre also great at applying their excellent lens technology to binoculars. Ive included a couple of different Nikon options on this list with different specs, including the Aculon 10×50 binocular.
These Porro Prism binoculars are a bit bigger and bulkier and are also not waterproof. But, they are a good option if you prefer this style of binocular and want a larger pair to hang onto , and have better eyecups for those wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.
- Not good for eyeglasses/sunglasses
- Ship Name: Celebrity Solstice
- Itinerary: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Alaska Inside Passage, Victoria
For an upscale Alaska cruise without the luxury price tag, Celebrity is a fantastic option. The award-winning, Celebrity Solstice is a dignified ship that focuses on modern well-being. Activities include culinary classes, silent discos, and educational lectures. Theres also a half-acre of fresh grass with hot glass demonstrations, private cabanas, and outdoor movies. The ship also has a fabulous fitness center and programs, and the Canyon Ranch Spa situated right next to the Aqua Class cabins. These cabins include access to a health-conscious restaurant as well as the relaxation room and other spa perks. This voyage includes a full day cruising Endicott Arm for fabulous views before concluding in Victoria.
Featured September Cruises To Alaska
Increase your chances of seeing fall foliage on an Alaska Southbound Glacier Cruise itinerary that sails from Seward, Alaska down to British Columbia. The northern ports youll visit along the way may already be showing signs of autumn, and by beginning in Alaska, you can enjoy a couple of days before your embarks to explore on land when the first signs of the impending Alaskan winter are just starting to show.
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Enjoy Food & Excursions On This 7
This 936-foot long cruise ship is packed with everything you need to have a good time while embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. You can enjoy regional cooking, spa and salon amenities, wine tastings, and a host of onboard activities. Some of the activities include a blues club, performance stage, a casino, and a kids activity hall.
Dining options that are included in ticket costs are Pinnacle Grill, Lido Market, and The Dining Room. There are also other dining options onboard including a cafe, sushi restaurant, and a pizzeria.
This week-long cruise follows the following itinerary:
- Day 1: Seattle & Puget Sound
- Day 2: Cruising
Grand Lounge. Photo courtesy of Oceana Cruises.
Princess Cruises Relationship With Alaska
One of the reasons I chose Princess Cruises for an Alaska itinerary is their relationship with Alaska. For more than fifty years, Princess Cruises ships have sailed to Alaska, and now cruisers can extend their stay in one of their wilderness lodges and enjoy the impressive views of the towering Denali during the midnight sun. Their Voyage of the Glaciers cruises experience unique ports and cruise glacier-fed fjords with jaw-dropping scenery.
While I didnt book a Princess cruise and land tour, my 14-day back-to-back Alaska itinerary had different glacier viewings each way, which made the vacation doubly magical. Also, because I live in Vancouver, Canada, sailing back was cheaper than flying. Hard to believe, right? But, if you snag an Alaskan cruise deal as I did, the 7-day Alaska return cruise was less expensive than the cost of a one-way flight. Additionally, I could extend my vacation by seven days .
When sailing out of Vancouver, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, and Grand Princess offer 14-day or seven-day back-to-back itineraries. . When considered a 14-day or back-to-back itinerary, compare the prices of the two options. Sometimes, its cheaper to book two one-week cruises than one 14-day vacation. Especially when there are perks such s free onboard credit, youll double your credit by choosing two cruises instead of one.
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Royal Caribbean Will Have 4 Cruise Ships Sailing To Alaska In 2023your Browser Indicates If You’ve Visited This Link
Royal Caribbean will have four cruise ships sailings to Alaska in 2023 including two Quantum class ships. Following Royal Caribbean’s most daring Alaska season to date in summer 2022, the cruise line’s return in 2023 will be its second consecutive year with four ships in the region.
Cruise Fever
Discover The Wonders Of The Inside Passage
Sheltered waters, myriad forested islands and pristine shores that’s the attraction of the legendary Inside Passage. Sailing roundtrip for one week from Seattle, you’ll find charming frontier ports like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, and beautiful Victoria, B.C. You’ll enjoy thrilling glacier viewing at Glacier Bay National Park. Our ship, the Golden Princess, is a large ship with an intimate and personal feel. It is designed to give you plenty of room to yourself, with spacious decks, comfortably elegant public spaces and inviting balcony staterooms.
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Alaskan Shore Excursions And More
Shore Excursions and Sightseeing Tours. Never pay cruise line prices again. Shore Explorersreveals over 5,500 Discount Shore Excursions and Sightseeing Tours priced as low as $29! Shore Excursion Reviews. Alaska Cruise shore excursions, tours, things to do, sightseeing tours, day trips and more.
Up to 40% off regular pricing! Cancel any time and receive a full refund up to day of cruise Full refund if cruise is cancelled Full refund if ship misses port
Alaska is Adventurous!
Come explore some of the top active / adventure Alaska destinations, resorts, wilderness lodges and activities. Alaska Cruises Direct has you covered – whether it’s kayaking, hiking, cycling, helicopter glacier landing, flightseeing, fishing remote lakes, or zip lining through Alaska’s mountains, we know where to have fun!
Alaska Land & Sea Vacation Packages
Alaska Cruises, Rail & Tours, Alaska’s National Parks
With over 150 unique itinerary possibilities, from the 3 most popular cruise lines and hundreds of shore excursions, the combinations for your bucket-list inspired adventure are nearly endless. With Alaska Cruises Direct, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska by combining a seven-night sailing with a land tour into Alaska’s most magnificent inland destinations.
Choose From 5 Great Ways To Sail Alaska
3 – 8 day land tours combined with a 7 day Alaska Cruise.
Start with glaciers and frontier towns on a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise
Top Cruises From Seattle To Alaska
In search of your next adventure? How would you feel about embarking on an Alaska cruise leaving from Seattle?
Joining an Alaskan cruise enables you to experience the dynamic energy of the Emerald City before boarding and heading into the wild, natural beauty of Americans Last Frontier.
If youre looking for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle, continue reading for AAAs top suggestions or contact us to speak directly with one of our knowledgeable travel agents about your upcoming trip.
Whether youre looking for short Alaska cruises from Seattle or ones that are over a week long, AAA has numerous cruise options for you to choose from each one capable of delivering memories that will last a lifetime.
Join a 7-Day Alaska Cruise From Seattle by Royal Caribbean International
Experience Glacier Bay On This 7-Day Cruise by Princess Cruises
Savor Delicious Food & Rugged Alaskan Coastline on This 8-Night Cruise by Carnival Cruise Line
Join an Exciting 7-Night Celebrity Cruise to Alaska From Seattle
Enjoy Food & Excursions On This 7-Night Cruise by Holland America Line
Relax on Decadent Alaska Cruises From Seattle by Oceania Cruises
Enjoy Roundtrip Alaska Cruises From Seattle by Norwegian Cruise Line
Benefits of Doing an Alaska Cruise From Seattle
Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Seattle
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