Princess Cruise Ships in Alaska: Which One to Choose?
When you talk about Alaska cruises, there’s one name that comes up again and again: Princess Cruise Lines. The brand has decades of experience offering cruises to The Last Frontier, plus owns a bevy of land-based lodges to further extend and enhance your vacation.
Currently, Princess Cruises operates nine cruise ships on its Alaska deployments: Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. Obviously, that gives you a lot of options and they can feel overwhelming.
I’m here to help, breaking down everything you need to know about these nine ships, specifically what kind of Alaska experience you can expect on each, so you can make the best choice for your upcoming 2026-2028 cruise.
Ship Overview
ShipHomeport(s)Glacier AccessBest ForCoral PrincessAnchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, WhittierGlacier Bay (select itineraries)Small‑ship fans, retirees, balcony loversCrown PrincessAnchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, WhittierGlacier Bay (select itineraries)Mid‑size traditional cruising, value seekersDiscovery PrincessAnchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, WhittierGlacier Bay (select itineraries)New‑ship fans, couples, modern amenitiesEmerald PrincessLos AngelesGlacier Bay, Icy Strait PointScenery lovers, sea‑day fansGrand PrincessAnchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, WhittierGlacier Bay (select itineraries)Budget cruisers, port‑intensive itinerariesIsland PrincessAnchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, WhittierGlacier Bay (select itineraries)Small‑ship, low‑stress cruisingRoyal PrincessSeattleGlacier Bay (select itineraries)Amenity‑focused travelers, Seattle departuresRuby PrincessSan FranciscoGlacier BayWest Coast/SF cruisers, promenade‑view fansStar PrincessSeattle & VancouverGlacier BayNewest‑ship experience, activity seekers
Coral Princess
Coral Princess debuted in 2003 and was originally built specifically for cruises that pass through the Panama Canal. While the ship is up there in age, it was refurbished in 2019 and then again in 2024, and cruisers report that she feels fresh.
The ship is on the smaller side, with a capacity of just 2,000 guests. There are 1,545 staterooms, and 700 of those come with balconies (great for taking in the Alaskan scenery).
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Coral Princess
Cruisers love that this is a smaller ship, and rave about the high level of service that Princess Cruises is known for. Crowds are very minimal, and the average age is more in the retiree range.
Princess Cruises really goes all in on the land-based excursions during its Alaska sailings, and that remains the case on Coral Princess, so be sure to book a few.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at just around $100 USD per night, Princess Cruises offers Alaska deployments on Coral Princess that range in length from six to 17 nights, and leave from four departure ports: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier. Both one-way and round-trip cruises are available, visiting popular stops such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and more.
Coral Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Small ship with minimal crowdsOverall older shipPlenty of balcony staterooms availableSmaller ships do ultimately feature fewer amenities/options
Crown Princess
Crown Princess is a little bit newer and bigger than Coral Princess. Originally launched in 2006, the ship holds just under 3,100 guests. The ship also recently received extensive renovations via a dry dock in December of 2025.
The renovations included the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub to the ship’s dining options and the EFFY Lounge and High-End Vault for shopping. The casino was also given an overhaul.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Crown Princess
Prior to the 2025 dry dock, guests on Crown Princess’s Alaska cruises complained heavily regarding the ship’s age and basic wear and tear throughout. However, the cruise line’s official statement on the dry dock notes that the ship underwent “general refurbishments,” so those issues should now be resolved.
As is to be expected, cruisers still rave about the ship’s crew on Crown Princess, and find the staterooms to be spacious. Balconies and suites are a favorite pick for Alaskan itineraries.
Alaska Deployments
Starting at around $144 per night, Crown Princess sails Alaska itineraries ranging in length from four to 17 nights. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Itineraries stop at popular ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as Princess Cruises’ lodges in national parks near Denali and Mt McKinley.
Crown Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:Cons:Small ship with few crowdsOlder ship despite recent refurbishmentsSpacious stateroomsFew entertainment and dining options
Discovery Princess
Just like Crown Princess, Discovery Princess also underwent some refurbishments in late 2025 — but it’s not like the ship was in dire need of them. Its maiden voyage occurred in 2022. Still, the cruise line gave the ship new carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. The ship can hold 3,660 people and weighs in at 145,000 GT.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Discovery Princess
Expect scenic views aplenty and a newer ship that still feels fresh and luxurious when you sail to Alaska on Discovery Princess.
Even though it might be pricier, balcony rooms or mini-suites are a must, both for the extra space, as well as the wildlife watching opportunities.
A lot of Alaska itineraries have sea days, and while Princess Cruises ships don’t, by nature, have a lot of flashy, big features like a roller coaster or go-kart track on the top deck, they do offer enough for adults looking to relax to fill their time.
Kids and teens on the other hand… well, they might get bored while the adults spend their days at the Lotus spa or casino.
New Princess guests need to know that you should book your excursions for your next cruise on this vessel asap. While there aren’t a ton of people on this ship (at least not when you compare it to mega ships that can hold more than double the number of cruisers), travelers say the excursions book up fast.
Alaska Deployments
Discovery Princess travels to Alaska on seven to 17-night itineraries, starting at $112 per night. Departure ports for upcoming cruises include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Discovery Princess Pros & Cons
Pros:Cons:Newer ship that feels more luxurious than some of Princess Cruises’ older vesselsMany cruisers complain about long boarding processesHighly rated service and staffThis cruise ship isn’t the most family-friendly
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess was launched in 2007 and can fit 3,090 people across its 1,546 staterooms. The ship received a large refurbishment in 2019, and then was dry docked in 2025 for some basic maintenance.
As of 2025, cruisers reported that Emerald Princess, while not exactly new, is still well-maintained. Some compared the experience that you’ll find on Emerald Princess to what you might get on a Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ship.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Emerald Princess
This ship straddles the line between new and truly old, so expect a clean, overall beautiful ship, but without anything flashy.
You’ll experience glaciers via the panoramic views available on the ship’s upper decks, and while many say that they love the views from their balcony cabins, others note that you may not want to spend all that much time on them if the Alaska weather isn’t quite balmy enough.
Many cruiser reviews also mention small bathrooms and cramped cabins, which is fairly expected given the ship’s age, and if you book an interior cabin specifically. Plenty of shore excursions are available, and the on-staff naturalist earns high praise.
Emerald Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are relatively few Alaska itineraries on Emerald Princess. You have a dozen options, starting at $104 per night, with cruises ranging from seven to 16 nights. Uniquely, this ship offers cruises that depart from Los Angeles.
These itineraries leave Los Angeles before spending four days at sea, arriving in Juneau and then heading to Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, the Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Ketchikan, before spending another day at sea, arriving in Victoria, Canada, and then spending another three days at sea before ending up back in LA. It’s a great option for those who love sea days!
Emerald Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Well-maintained ship A bit lackluster, even if it is in good conditionAlaska-specific programming and excursions receive high praise Cruisers report small cabin sizes
Grand Princess
Grand Princess is Princess Cruises’ oldest ship in operation, launched in 1998. It holds 2,610 guests and offers just over 1,300 staterooms. There are 17 decks, a handful of dining options and bars, and relatively minimal entertainment options.
In 2019, Grand Princess underwent a significant refurbishment, which added several new dining venues and refreshed public spaces. In 2025, another dry dock took place, touching up the ship where needed without making any major overhauls.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Grand Princess
While the ship is a bit dated, it’s still managed to keep pace with most mid-size traditional cruise ships of a similar class. Many cruisers find that the on-board experience on Grand Princess, though, is a bit “meh.”
All the fun here is really in getting off the ship and into port — so this might be a good ship for you if you prefer seeing and doing as much as possible in the destinations on your itinerary, and you’re not really keen on sea days.
Though if you do end up with an itinerary with a sea day, check out the One5 lounge at the ship’s aft for the views. Don’t miss the wrap-around promenade on Decks 7 and 8 for good views, too. You’ll enjoy unobstructed scenery and be protected from the elements if it happens to be raining.
Grand Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just $92 per night, you can book cruises to Alaska on Grand Princess that last anywhere from seven to 15 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences at Princess Cruises’ various lodges. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Grand Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:As this is the oldest ship in the fleet, its cruises are often more affordableFor its age, the ship has been well-maintainedFor its age, the ship has been well maintainedDécor and furnishings are dated
Island Princess
Still not exactly new, Island Princess launched in 2003, with room for just 2,210 guests — so if you prefer a truly small cruise ship, this may just be the best option for you. There are 16 decks and approximately 1,100 staterooms, with more than half of those staterooms offering balconies.
Given the ship’s age and size, there’s not much in the way of dining and entertainment, and there are only three pools to some of the other Princess Cruises’ ships’ four. However, when you have so few guests to keep occupied, it isn’t too much of an issue.
The ship was last majorly refurbished in 2015, an effort that added extra staterooms. More recently, minor enhancements were made in 2024.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Island Princess
The ship’s small capacity, as well as its updated layout, make for an uncrowded, stress-free experience. It’s easy to get around and doesn’t feel overwhelming. If you can snag one, grab one of the cabins that were added in 2015, for a newer feel.
Then, as far as those iconic Alaskan views go, if you opt for an oceanview cabin versus a balcony, also consider getting one at the ship’s aft, where the window isn’t positioned directly over the bed (because how are you supposed to enjoy the view that way?). Ocean views aplenty can also be found throughout the public spaces.
Island Princess Alaska Itineraries
Starting at just around $90, you can book an Alaskan cruise on Island Princess that lasts between seven and 14 nights, inclusive of on-land experiences. Departure ports include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Vancouver, and Whittier.
Island Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Small ship that’s easy to get aroundNot a ton of bars or entertainment optionsPlenty of spaces to enjoy the sceneryPrincess Cruises is not the best cruise line for children or others looking for lots to do
Royal Princess
This 2013 cruise ship holds over 3,500 guests and is the lead ship for Princess Cruises’ Royal Class. It offers 1,780 staterooms over 19 decks and a decent number of restaurants, entertainment venues, bars and other public spaces, at least compared to many of the cruise line’s other ships.
If you’re sailing on Royal Princess during the 2026 Alaska season, you’ll experience the ship as it has been for the last several years (the last major refurbishment occurred in 2018). However, those potentially booking a 2027 Alaskan cruise will be delighted to learn that this ship is slated for a late 2026 dry dock.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Royal Princess
Expect lots of great views, especially if you have a balcony cabin. Want to enjoy the views with a drink in hand? Visit the Horizon Terrace and Outriggers Bar, says one cruiser, explaining that this is where you can find outdoor dining steps from the buffet, couches, overhead cover and full bar service. It’s a true hidden gem spot on the Lido deck.
Then, when the ship stops in Glacier Bay, go to the open deck behind the buffet, at the far aft, for the best views possible.
Royal Princess Alaska Itineraries
Royal Princess offers a fair number of cruises to Alaska. Itineraries start at $107 per night and range from seven to 10 nights.
The ship departs mostly from Seattle, which makes it a bit of an outlier. If you’ve been holding off on booking a Princess Cruises Alaska cruise because it seems like all the ships depart out of either Canada or even Alaska itself, then this is the ship for you.
Royal Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Larger than some of Princess Cruises’ other ships that go to Alaska, so more amenities and optionsLarger ships mean more crowds, which some say are particularly bad in the barsPlenty of departure options out of Seattle Not the newest ship available, and won’t be refreshed until late 2026
Ruby Princess
This 2008 cruise ship holds just over 3,000 guests and offers over 1,500 staterooms across 19 decks.
In 2023, the cruise ship received a refurbishment that affected many public spaces, the casino and basic furnishings and décor to a degree. However, in 2024, cruisers were still saying it needed more work.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Ruby Princess
Regardless of the ship’s age, some say that age comes with a benefit: The ship has a better promenade deck and better views compared to some of Princess Cruises’ newer ships, particularly those in the Royal class — ideal for viewing the scenery during an Alaskan cruise.
Still, this might not matter all that much if you have a balcony stateroom, and especially if you’re most excited to enjoy the views of Glacier Bay. This is when the ship will be completely turned around, 180 degrees, so that guests on all sides of the ship can see the sights.
Ruby Princess Alaska Itineraries
Ruby Princess’s Alaska deployments are all fairly long, with your options starting at 10-night cruises and going up to a 20-night cruise option. Fares start at under $100 per night.
Meanwhile, all the ship’s itineraries leave from San Francisco. As such, this ship is really only going to be your best option if it’s easiest for you to get to San Fran versus the Pacific Northwest.
Ship Name Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Offers great views from a range of public spacesOnly departs from San Francisco Cruisers love the offered on-ship experiences and excursion optionsSome feel the ship is slightly outdated
Star Princess
Star Princess is the newest ship that Princess Cruises is deploying to Alaska at this time. The ship took its inaugural voyage in late 2025.
As the second Sphere-class ship, if you care about a certain level of newness and luxury on your cruises, this is hands-down the ship you’re going to want to pick for your upcoming Alaska cruise.
Star Princess Cruise in Alaska
The ship is also the largest Princess ship sailing to Alaska. It can hold 4,300 passengers with its more than 2,150 staterooms. Star Princess offers a multitude of dining and entertainment options, so even if you end up on an itinerary with a ton of sea days, you’ll never get bored.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Star Princess
Honestly, an Alaska cruise on this ship might be a little overwhelming due to all the options. You want to see all the ship’s amazing features, but you also want to be out in port, exploring what you actually came to see: Alaska!
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However, if this sounds like a perk to you, rather than a downside, you’ll be right at home. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience may want to chill on a smaller ship.
Star Princess Alaska Itineraries
There are only four current Star Princess itineraries to Alaska. There are several seven-night cruises leaving from Seattle and one nine-night cruise departing from Vancouver. Cruises start at $129 per night.
Star Princess Pros & Cons in Alaska
Pros:Cons:Ship is brand-newBecause the ship is brand-new, fares can be higher Tons of options for dining and entertainment