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Carnival Corporation’s Alaska cruise season is ramping up in Seattle as two of its cruise brands bring ships and new programming to the region ahead of the busy summer sailing schedule.

First, Holland America Line will launch its 2026 Alaska season on April 25, 2026, when Eurodam arrives at the Port of Seattle. Her arrival begins a schedule of more than 100 voyages across six ships sailing the region.

The company will operate itineraries from April through September departing roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, along with sailings between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.

Ships deployed in Alaska this year include Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam, offering voyages ranging from 7-day cruises to a 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice itinerary.

A key part of the 2026 program is the addition of 25 new shore excursions designed to provide closer access to Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife.

New options include a floatplane, paddle and hiking excursions to Norris Glacier near Juneau, a moose-focused wildlife outing near Anchorage, and a rainforest hike with a seafood picnic and brewery stop in Kodiak.

Holland America Line will also continue its “Glacier Day” programming once on each voyage. Activities include ranger presentations from Glacier Bay National Park, scenic commentary from experts, photography sessions, and themed food and beverages served on deck while ships sail past glacier fields.

Wildlife viewing is another major focus. Ships carry wildlife experts onboard, and nearly 180 shore excursions allow passengers to see species such as moose, bears, and marine wildlife in their natural habitats.

“As the leader in Alaska, we are committed to delivering experiences that are as enriching as they are unforgettable, bringing guests closer to the region in meaningful ways,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of Alaska operations at Holland America Line.

The cruise line will also offer cruisetours ranging from 9 to 17 days that combine a cruise with inland travel to destinations such as Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon.

Star Princess Debuts

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises will mark the beginning of its 2026 Alaska season with a public drone show in downtown Seattle on May 1, 2026, just days before its newest ship begins sailing from the city.

The free event is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and will take place above Seattle Center. Organizers says the best viewing location will be the International Fountain Mall at 305 Harrison Street, where spectators can watch a choreographed aerial display featuring Alaska-themed imagery.

The drone show is designed to celebrate the arrival of the 177,800-gross-ton Star Princess, which begins its inaugural Alaska season from Seattle on May 3, carrying up to 4,300 passengers.

“Seattle has always played a vital role in our Alaska program, and we’re excited to celebrate with the local community and visitors in such a memorable way,” said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises’ chief marketing officer.

Following the May 1 event, Star Princess will depart on its first Alaska sailing from Pier 91. The ship is scheduled to operate 20 roundtrip voyages through September 13, 2026.

During the season, the ship is expected to carry approximately 90,000 passengers through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, along with glacier viewing at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

The vessel will join Royal Princess, which is also scheduled to operate 7-night Inside Passage sailings from Seattle during the 2026 season.

Princess Cruises is operating its largest Alaska program yet in 2026, deploying eight ships for 180 departures visiting 19 destinations across the region. These include Discovery Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess.

Here’s How Two Carnival Cruise Brands Are Kicking Off the Alaska Season in Seattle

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