Princess Cruises has long stood out for its Alaska offerings, and its cruisetours stand apart because they pair a coastal voyage with extended time on land. Travelers who book these packages gain access to both Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park in one seamless journey. The combination addresses a key challenge for visitors: many of Alaska’s signature sights lie far apart and require different modes of travel.
Why a cruisetour beats a cruise alone
A standard Alaska cruise shows the Inside Passage and its glaciers from the water. Yet Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, sits deep in the interior and is best reached by rail or road. Princess cruisetours solve this by adding three to ten days of overland travel after or before the seven-night sailing between Vancouver and Whittier. The land segment typically includes stays at company-owned lodges near Denali, Fairbanks, or the Kenai Peninsula. Guests ride glass-domed rail cars and motorcoaches that Princess operates itself. This integrated approach lets travelers see both the coastal fjords and the vast interior without arranging separate flights, hotels, or transfers.
Three main tour styles to consider
Princess groups its 28 Alaska cruisetour options into three categories that differ in length, inclusions, and level of guidance. Denali Essentials trips last 10 to 12 days and focus on the basics: lodging, transportation, and a visit to Denali National Park. Meals and guided activities on land are not included, giving independent travelers more flexibility. Denali Explorer itineraries run 10 to 15 days and add a Natural History Tour inside the park plus optional stays at additional lodges. Denali Escorted tours extend to 12 to 17 days and provide a tour director, most meals, and a more comprehensive Tundra Wilderness Tour. The choice depends on how much structure a traveler prefers.
- Denali Essentials: shorter, self-directed land portion
- Denali Explorer: balanced overview with one included park tour
- Denali Escorted: full-service with meals and escort included
Lodges and rail service set Princess apart
Five Princess Wilderness Lodges anchor the land experience. The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge sits closest to the park entrance, while the Mount McKinley and Kenai properties offer river views and access to fishing or rafting. The Copper River lodge lies near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the Fairbanks property supports riverboat and gold-dredge excursions. All Princess cruisetours include travel on the line’s private domed rail cars. These cars provide direct service between Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, eliminating the need to switch operators mid-trip. The same ownership also gives Princess partial stakes in the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad in Skagway and permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park on every departure.
Season, ships, and planning notes
The Alaska season runs from early May through early September. In 2027 and 2028, four ships sail the one-way Voyage of the Glaciers route used for cruisetours: Discovery Princess, Crown Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess. The two smaller vessels suit travelers who prefer fewer passengers, while Discovery Princess offers the newest amenities and largest capacity. Pricing varies with cabin category, tour length, and inclusions. Early booking typically secures the best selection and rates. All fares are quoted per person based on double occupancy, and flights can be arranged separately or through Princess. Travelers who want both the Inside Passage and Denali in one trip find that Princess cruisetours deliver exactly that combination with minimal logistical effort.
