An Alaskan Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska
What was it like to take an Alaskan Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska along the southbound route from Anchorage, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada? An Alaska cruise affords you the opportunity to explore America’s Last Frontier with amazing coastline and glacier viewing while also visiting historic towns as ports-of-call.
The cruise along the Alaskan coastline includes the Humboldt Glacier, Glacier Bay cruising, and stops at the ports-of-call Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan with disembarkation at the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal in Vancouver.
A 7-Day southbound one-way itinerary lets you enjoy more of the Northern coastline of Alaska without doubling back.
Arriving in Alaska Pre-Cruise
Princess Cruises Alaska Southbound route embarks from Whittier, Alaska. Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal is located 60 miles from Anchorage.
The journey from Anchorage to the cruise terminal can be arranged as a shuttle bus excursion with the cruise line. Renting a car one-way is also an option or taking a train.
Alaska Railroad to Whittier
Book a reservation on the Alaska Railroad for a scenic, narrated train ride from the Anchorage train station to the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal. Lakes, forests, mountains, glaciers, and a long tunnel are all part of the train ride. Featuring comfortable seating and large windows with a cafe car the train is a delightful excursion.
The Anchorage train station is conveniently located downtown near hotels. The depot had a gift shop and coffee snack bar. Alaska Railroad transferred our luggage by truck from the rail station directly to the cruise ship. Once we handed our luggage over at the train it arrived to our stateroom without having to transfer it ourselves.
Alaska Railroad Video on Instagram
Packing for the Alaska Railroad Train Ride
The views are exceptional on the train. In addition to glaciers there are mountain vistas and lakes.
Still we enjoyed playing a few hands of cards. Also handy was a day pack for snacks, water, a warm layer, and items we wanted to bring for the day while our luggage was in transit to the ship and our stateroom.
Remember to bring any items you want to carry onto the ship as it can take several hours to receive your luggage in your stateroom once you board the cruise ship.
Day Pack, Cards, Water Bottle
Although I use a backpack as my carryon for flights, lately I have found a waterproof daypack to be invaluable during rainy seasons and in the tropics like the week spent in Costa Rica.
My preference is to bring a day pack in addition to my sturdier backpack that holds prescription medications, devices, and other items I do not want to put in checked luggage. A daypack that folds up small works well as a second option for excursions and day trips.
The more I travel the more items I find make traveling more comfortable. However, I also prefer to pack light. Finding what I need in travel friendly sizes, like collapsable water bottles, lets me meet both my needs.
Denali National Park Land Tour
If you have the time, consider flying into Fairbanks and taking the train south to Anchorage and then Whittier with a stop for a few days in Denali National Park.
When taking the one-way southbound Alaska Cruise your arrival flight to Alaska will either be Anchorage or Fairbanks. As the closest airport to the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, Anchorage is your first option.
However, many cruisers decide to expand their time in Alaska with a Denali excursion. In this case, Fairbanks is also an option. If you book a land tour through the cruise line it is important to verify the departure city of the excursion as Fairbanks and Anchorage are a six hour drive apart. From Anchorage, Denali National Park is a four hour drive. Taking a train through Alaska to the park is a scenic option over driving. Fairbanks to Denali is only two hours. Either way, after an excursion or self-planned train trip and visit to Denali for a few days you will return to Anchorage to head in the direction of the cruise departure port.
Remember to pack your phone and a DSLR camera
Taking pictures of the glaciers and whales during scenic cruising days demanded a zoom lens to capture the details from the ship’s deck. The Cannon bundle includes all the accessories I have purchased separately over the years traveling.
Glacier Scenic Cruising
Starting from Whittier to Vancouver the first two days of the cruise offer epic glacier viewing and scenic vistas. First, was the Humboldt Glacier.
The Humboldt Glacier day offers a boat excursion to get closer to the glacier. Due to icebergs and ice flowing off the glaciers there are times that cruise ships are limited in the proximity they can reach safely.
Of course, a zoom lens on a DSLR camera is invaluable for scenic cruising days.
Skagway Port-of-Call – Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska
Excursions in Skagway
Take a cruise ship excursion like a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The train ride passes mountain views on historic locomotives running parallel to the Chilkoot trail. The Chilkoot Trail is a famously steep trail that gold miners took during the gold rush. The Scenic Railway of the World is one of the most popular Alaskan tours.
Other excursions include dog sledding,Taiya River floats, day hikes, wildlife viewing, and walking tours.
Skagway Self-Guided Walking Tour
The walk into town is about one mile from the cruise ship port and can usually also be explored before or after an excursion. There is a shuttle bus that runs from town to the dock for a nominal charge currently priced at $2 each way.
Explore this small, historic town with gold-rush-era architecture set in the Alaskan Frontier. Enjoy local cuisine of crab, salmon, or chowder. Shop art galleries or one of the numerous jewelry stores offering Alaska themed pieces and charms. Stop at a souvenir shop to pick up travel finds. Take home packaged food like smoked salmon, jams, and jerky. Enjoy an elephant ear baked treat. Stop for a drink and a tour at a famous, historic dancing hall.
Skagway Historic Walking Tour
Stop at the historical plaques to learn more about Skagway’s beginnings and history of gold miners and the town that supported them. Take a photo of historic locomotives on display in town.
Juneau Port-of-Call – Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska
As the capital of Alaska, Juneau is a common port-of-call on Alaskan cruises . Interestingly, the capital city is only accessible by water or air. No roads lead to Juneau.
While in Juneau, a walk along the port offers a multitude of travel shopping aimed at cruisers. Among the jewelry stores and art galleries you will also find eateries and souvenir shops.
For a great view, take the Juneau Goldbelt Tram Ariel Ride up Mount Roberts. Either as an excursion through the cruise ship or by purchasing tickets at the gondola entrance right in front of the cruise ship docks, this is a lovely way to see Juneau.
Excursions in Juneau, Alaska
- Whale Watching
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Goldbelt Tram Ariel Ride up Mount Roberts
- City Sightseeing
- Rainforest and Waterfall Treks
- Gold Mining Tours and Panning
- Helicopter Tours
- Ice Field Walks
- Salmon Bakes
Pack waterproof hiking shoes and a raincoat for port days and raining days on the cruise ship decks
The first few days of the cruise were scenic viewing of Humboldt Glacier and cruising Glacier Bay. It was rainy with wet decks and I was happy to have packed my waterproof Merrell hiking shoes and a raincoat to be outside for the best views.
Many excursions also benefit from a quality hiking boot.
Ketchikan Port-of-Call – Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska
As displayed on the city’s welcome sign, Ketchikan is Alaska’s first city and the salmon capital of the world. Ketchikan also offers totem poles scattered throughout the city.
If you do not book an excursion with the cruise line then take yourself on a self-guided walking tour.
Ketchikan Free Shuttle Bus
The free downtown shuttle operates on a loop while large cruise ships are in port. It serves the downtown area, cruise ship berths, and several attractions including the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center. Look for the bus that says “Downtown Shuttle”.
The Borough Bus lines make regular stops at the main bus stop directly in front of the cruise ship port and Tongass Historical Museum. Bus fare is $2 for adults and $1 for youth. The bus stops offer route maps.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ketchikan
Walking Tour Highlights for Ketchikan, Alaska
- Boat Marina in Ketchikan
- Tongass Historical Museum
- Ketchikan Creek Street
- Salmon Ladder
- Totem Heritage Center
- Port Travel Shopping
Walking Tour Guide for Ketchikan, Alaska
Bring your phone, camera, water bottle, waterproof binoculars, and shopping tote in a day pack.
Directions: Start at the port and head right, facing the city, following the water to the boat marina.
Ketchikan Boat Marina
The marina is a scenic photo stop. Fishing charters also depart from here. You will pass the Great American Lumberjack Show and a top rated restaurant, The Alaskan Fish House.
If you want to see the highly rated Great American Lumberjack Show you can book directly or as part of a cruise ship excursion. Options include adding the Ax Throwing Show to the Lumberjack Show or a Crab Feast.
From the boat marina cross the bridge to Ketchikan Creek Street. The walk takes about 5 minutes from the cruise ship port. There is also a free city shuttle available during cruise season and a low cost city bus.
Tongass Historical Museum
The Tongass Historical Museum is on the way to Ketchikan Creek Street. Currently open daily from 8am to 5pm during summer cruise months. Starting as a small town museum with local donations it grew to an exhibition center to celebrate the 1867 Alaska Purchase Centennial in 1967. Featuring historical objects, informative displays, and rotating exhibits. Current pricing is $6 Adults, a senior (Elders) discount, and free to military and children under 17. Bring an appropriate identification if you are eligible for a discount.
Virtual Tour of Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center
Ketchikan Creek Street
Either walking directly from the boat marina or from the Tongass Historical museum, cross the bridge to reach Ketchikan Creek Street entrance and historical plaque. Creek Street is a historic district with buildings built on Ketchikan Creek.
Historic buildings now house restaurants offering local cuisine and shopping opportunities. Enjoy fresh salmon, reindeer, venison, crab legs, shrimp, halibut, fish and chips or clam chowder among other local fare. Relax outdoors overlooking the river with your meal or drink.
Ketchikan Creek Street also offers shopping and art galleries. You can pick up smoked salmon, berry preserves, reindeer jerky among other local treats. The art galleries and shops offer Alaskan photography and art, wood and antler carvings, jewelry, furs, and local crafts.
From the Ketchikan Creek Street exit use your GPS or follow signs up the street to the Salmon Ladder. The walk takes approximately 5 minutes and is located at the corner of Park Avenue and Harris Street.
Ketchikan Salmon Ladder Observation Deck
During peak season of August to September watch salmon swim upstream from the Ketchikan Salmon Ladder Observation Deck. The waterfall and creek view offer spectacular views all season.
After watching the salmon follow Park Avenue along the river heading away from downtown. This route takes you through a residential area while walking on a sidewalk parallel to the scenic creek.
Follow the signs or GPS on a ten minute walk from the Salmon Ladder to the Totem Heritage Center.
Continue on Park Avenue as it curves to the right until you reach Deermount Street.
Turn left on Deermount Street and then another left on Totem Drive. Walk a little farther to the Totem Heritage Center.
Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center
View totems and wood carvings outside the Totem Heritage Center located in a wooded area near the creek.
Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian totems are preserved and perpetuated at the heritage center. View multiple totems in various states along with masks. Learn about the history of the totem poles in the region and their retrieval in the 1970s. The Totem Heritage Center houses an invaluable collection of 19th century totem poles from the Tlingit villages on Tongass Island and Village Island and from the Haida village of Old Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island.
This small museum is available at a nominal cost. The free seasonal shuttle stops out front and can take you directly back to the port.
Travel Shopping in Alaska
After your excursion or walking tour allow some time to shop along Front Street that borders the Ketchikan Cruise Ship Port.
- Jewelry highlighting Alaska
- Furs
- Art Galleries
- Local Arts and Crafts
- Regional Food to take home including jams, jerky, smoked salmon, and canned halibut and salmon
- Harley Davidson T-Shirt Store
- Souvenir Shops with your favorite travel collectibles
- T-shirts, magnets, Christmas ornaments, kitchen gear, hats, jackets, and gifts
Pack a Travel Shopper Bag for Shopping Excursions
Excursions on an Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska
- Sled-dog Rides
- Salmon Fishing
- Glacier Hiking
- Glacier Helicopter Viewing
- Glacier Viewing Cruises
- City Bus Tours
- Sea Kayaking
- Salmon Fish Bakes
- Alaskan Crab Feasts
- Historic Tours
- Historic Alaskan Train Rides
- Wildlife and Bird Viewing Cruises, Floats, Drives, Train Rides and Walks
- Day Hikes
- Heli-Hiking
- Alaska Lumberjack Show
- Gold Panning
Vancouver Disembark City
Disembarking in Vancouver allows for exploring this world famous city.
Frequently named one of the prettiest cities in the world it sits on the waterfront with backdrops of the Canadian Rockies.
Things to Do in Vancouver
- Stanley Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Granville Island Artistic Hub
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Museum of Anthropology with First Nations Exhibits
- Exceptional Dining Opportunities
- Whistler-Blackcomb all-season mountain resort (approximately 2 hours north)
Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska Details
- Alaska cruises are available from Spring to early Fall. The season is May through September
- May offers greater chances to see whales
- Summer months are the warmest
- June days are 23 hours with the summer months offering the longest daylight hours
- September cruises have a better chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis
- May and September are shoulder season with a better chance for cruise deals
- Most Alaska cruises are 7 to 12 days in length and roundtrip
- This itinerary is the Princess Cruise Alaska Southbound 7-Day cruise one-way from Anchorage/Whittier, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada
- Add-on land cruises either booked as excursions through the cruise line or self-guided are popular
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Yukon Gold Rush Country
- Canadian Rockies
- Whistler, Blackcomb Canadian Rocky resorts in British Columbia a few hours north of Vancouver
- Vancouver city
- Arrival one to two days pre-cruise is recommended
- Rest after a long travel day
- Explore the embarking city
- Take an excursion or land tour
- Allow for flight or luggage delays without risking missing the cruise embarkation deadline
Alaskan Cruise Princess Cruise Alaska on the Grand Princess
Enjoy full-service dining, buffets, take away and room service dining after a spa treatment.
Grand Princess State Rooms
Preferably book a balcony or window cabin to enjoy the views from your stateroom.
However, to travel on a budget an interior cabin is roomy on the Grand Princess.
Alternative viewing with an interior room is easily accessible. Of course you can go to one of the exterior decks for exceptional viewpoints. In addition, most of the bars and dining areas offer larger windows.
Alaska Cruise Grand Princess Pools
Possibly take a dip in one of the pools while at sea. If it is a warm, sunny day you can lounge or swim outdoors. A covered pool and hot tubs are also available for colder, rainy days. The spa area offers an adults only pool and hot tub. Another dip pool is at the back of the ship.
With any of the pool options you need to brave the temperatures as the pool is quite cold and the hot tubs are more bathtub temperatures. Towels are provided on the pool decks.
Alaskan Cruise on Princess Cruise Alaska Videos and Images
- Alaska Railroad
- Ketchikan Creek Salmon Ladder
- Flight over Canadian Rockies from Vancouver
- Whistler Blackcomb Peak to Peak Gondola – side trip from Vancouver
Follow our TikTok and Instagram for more travel videos and photos
General Travel Packing List
After years of travel our general packing list starts with standard set of items that are then complemented with clothing and speciality gear based on the destination.
For Alaska the following are recommended to add to your packing list:
- Binoculars for wildlife and glacier viewing
- Water proof hiking shoes
