Princess Cruises Adds New Alaska Experiences Across Eight Ships
Key Aspects:
Princess Cruises is expanding its North to Alaska program with four new onboard experiences for the 2026 season.
The new programming will be available across all eight ships sailing in Alaska.
The 2026 season will be the cruise line’s largest in Alaska, with 180 departures and visits to 19 destinations.
Alaska cruises are already known for glacier views and wildlife sightings, but in 2026, passengers sailing with Princess Cruises will see more programming built around what happens onboard.
The cruise line announced on March 19, 2026, that it will expand its “North to Alaska” program for the 2026 season, introducing four new experiences that will be available across all eight ships operating in the region.
The rollout comes as the cruise line prepares for its largest Alaska deployment, with 180 departures visiting 19 destinations.
The program, first introduced in 2015, focuses on bringing regional culture, history, and natural elements onboard through presentations, entertainment, and destination-driven activities.
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The updated lineup will be offered on Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Island Princess.
Among the additions are a new glacier-focused programming day tied to scenic cruising, a presentation designed to orient guests early in the voyage, an après-style gathering following shore excursions, and an Alaskan-themed expansion of the line’s candlelight concert series.
“Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture, and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver,” said John-Paul Lamb, Princess Cruises vice president of entertainment.
He says the experiences will connect guests with Alaska “along every step of their journey.”
The expansion coincides with the debut of Star Princess in Alaska, as the brand-new, 177,800-gross-ton vessel kicks off her first season in Alaska on May 3, 2026.
New Programming in Alaska
The new additions in the North to Alaska program in Alaska center largely on structured onboard programming tied to Alaska’s landscape and culture, with several anchored to glacier viewing days.
“The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day” will be offered on select Glacier Bay sailings. The programming includes real-time commentary during scenic cruising, access to forward-facing viewing areas, National Park Service presentations, and ranger-led talks.
Guests will also have access to information desks, theater presentations, and youth-focused ranger programs.
A new “Welcome to Alaska” session will take place once per sailing and is designed to introduce guests to onboard experts and outline how to approach the itinerary.
Another addition, Après Sea, is positioned as a post-excursion gathering with drinks and views, with a dedicated venue planned aboard Star Princess in The Dome.
The Candlelight Concert Series will also be expanded with a new “Fire & Ice” format featuring Alaska-based musicians, scheduled to take place twice per voyage.
On the dining side, Princess is adding Alaska-focused menu items at specialty restaurants, including seafood dishes such as king salmon and crab cakes at Crown Grill and a halibut dish at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
The 2026 season will also continue existing programming, including lumberjack-themed activities tied to Ketchikan, sled dog presentations in Skagway, and guest speakers ranging from Alaska Native educators to photographers and authors.
Additional onboard offerings include outdoor movie nights, stargazing sessions, and youth programming tied to Alaska themes, including gold rush activities and ranger-style educational programs.
Princess Cruises kicks off its season with Royal Princess setting sail on May 2, 2026, from Vancouver, and Ruby Princess and Star Princess both launching on May 3 from San Francisco and Seattle, respectively.
Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, Island Princess, and Coral Princess will also be sailing from Vancouver beginning May 6, 8, 9, and 13, respectively.
Princess Cruises Adds New Alaska Experiences Across Eight Ships