Princess Cruises, the leading cruise line in Alaska, has announced its most extensive Alaska season for 2026, marked by the introduction of its newest ship, Star Princess. The expanded program will feature eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, offering travelers unparalleled options for exploring Alaska by sea or both land and sea.
For the first time, guests can experience Alaska aboard a Sphere Class ship, as Star Princess embarks on her inaugural summer season in the region. Launching in fall 2025, this innovative vessel boasts unique architectural features such as The Dome, the industry’s first geodesic structure, and The Sphere, a suspended glass Piazza. Alongside its sister ship, Sun Princess, Star Princess is celebrated as a premier destination for food enthusiasts, offering world-class culinary experiences.
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Bookings for the 2026 season open on August 1 with a “Better Than Best Price Guarantee,” which includes the best rates and 120% of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. This promotion ends on September 2, 2024.
John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, highlighted the significance of the 2026 season, stating, “The deployment of the magnificent Star Princess to Alaska for the first time will offer guests unprecedented views, luxurious accommodations, and the finest food, beverages, and entertainment ever seen in the Great Land. Our guests will experience Alaska like never before aboard our innovative Sphere Class ship.”
Highlights for the 2026 Alaska Season:
Eight Ships Sailing Alaska Guests can choose from 180 departures from five ports aboard eight ships, including the new Star Princess. Options include:
- Voyage of the Glaciers: Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess will offer seven-day journeys featuring two Alaska glaciers and visits to Glacier Bay National Park.
- Inside Passage: Guests can enjoy seven- to 20-day cruises with up to four glacier-viewing experiences, departing from Seattle (Royal Princess and Star Princess), San Francisco (Ruby Princess), Vancouver, B.C. (Emerald Princess), and Los Angeles (Emerald Princess).
- Longer Sailings: Options include a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess from San Francisco and a 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.
Adventures Ashore Princess Cruises offers a variety of shore excursions, from “Cook My Catch” fishing to helicopter tours, whale watching, and more.
Award-Winning “North to Alaska with Princess” Program This program enhances each cruise with cultural and educational activities, including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a local Alaska seafood menu. The Junior Ranger program ensures younger guests also enjoy their Alaska adventure.
Cruisetours – Cruise, Rail, and Lodge in Interior Alaska The 2026 season includes over 20 cruisetour options, combining cruises with land tours. One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, which includes visits to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks, a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
For more information, guests can contact a professional travel advisor, call 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237), or visit www.princess.com.
Source: Princess Cruises Unveils Exciting 2026 Alaska Season
