A traveler joined her parents for a weeklong cruise through Alaska on the Star Princess, the newest vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet. The ship, which entered service in 2025, brought modern comforts and ample space to one of the most scenic regions in North America. The experience combined wildlife sightings, glacier exploration and relaxed onboard time in a way that felt both adventurous and restorative.
Thoughtful Design and Technology That Enhanced Daily Life
The Star Princess accommodates up to 4,300 passengers at double occupancy yet rarely felt crowded thanks to its many public areas and thoughtful layout. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi kept everyone connected throughout the voyage, while the MedallionClass system simplified daily routines. Each guest received a small wearable medallion that served as a room key, payment device and location tracker. The technology proved especially useful for families. Parents and adult children could locate one another easily through the companion app, and the medallion automatically unlocked cabin doors when approached with full hands. Balcony cabins featured intuitive lighting, strong shower pressure and twice-daily housekeeping that made returning after long days ashore feel like a genuine treat.
Close Encounters With Glaciers and Alaska Wildlife
One of the week’s standout moments came during a helicopter excursion over the Juneau Icefield. The group landed directly on the glacier, stepped out onto the ice and walked among streams of glacial blue water and deep crevasses. Hearing the ice crunch underfoot added a sensory dimension that viewing from the ship could not match. Other port days delivered equally memorable outings. In Skagway, an ocean raft trip through a dramatic fjord mixed brisk travel with pauses to watch bald eagles and seals. A scenic railway journey followed, offering views of historic routes used during the gold rush era. In Ketchikan, a boat ride through the Tongass National Forest ended with sightings of humpback whales on the return to the ship. Princess-booked excursions provided peace of mind, as the line guarantees return transportation if delays occur.
Standout Meals and a Full Slate of Entertainment
Food played a central role in the week’s enjoyment. Included venues such as the main dining rooms, buffet and casual deck spots offered reliable options, while the optional Premier package opened access to specialty restaurants. Crown Grill delivered memorable steakhouse service and lobster, and Umai Teppanyaki provided interactive fun with flying eggs and lively chefs. Makoto Ocean and The Catch by Rudi added sushi and smoked salmon highlights, and fresh Alaska salmon appeared on menus throughout the sailing. Entertainment choices ranged from a colorful production show called Illuminate in the theater-in-the-round to intimate candlelight concerts in The Dome. Game shows, bingo and aerial performances filled the schedule, while a magic show in a speakeasy setting offered an evening of surprise and cocktails. The variety meant passengers could select activities that matched their energy levels each day.
A Ship That Welcomes Multiple Generations
The Star Princess proved well suited to multigenerational travel. Families with children, young adults and grandparents shared the same spaces without any single group dominating the atmosphere. Separate children’s areas by age group kept younger guests engaged, while adults enjoyed bars, shows and quiet corners. The overall tone remained lively yet refined, with activities that encouraged both togetherness and independent time. After days of hiking and exploring, the Lotus Spa offered hydrotherapy pools and steam rooms, and a hair salon package provided convenient pampering without extra packing. The combination of new-ship amenities, decades of Princess experience in Alaska and a wide range of excursions created a balanced week that left everyone eager to return.
