Escape the Heat: Discover Unforgettable Alaska Cruise Excursions with Princess Cruises
As the summer sun relentlessly beats down, turning landscapes into shimmering heatwaves, the thought of crisp, cool air, breathtaking natural beauty, and the freshest seafood becomes an irresistible dream. If you’re yearning for an escape from sweltering temperatures, it’s the perfect time to set your sights north towards the pristine wilderness of Alaska. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, as there’s still ample opportunity to plan your ultimate Alaska cruise excursions.
Embarking on a journey with Princess Cruises for their renowned 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the true majesty of the Last Frontier. This iconic itinerary provides a diverse array of captivating excursions, each promising a unique perspective on Alaska’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. From thrilling wildlife encounters to historic railway rides, the choices are abundant, ensuring every traveler finds an experience that resonates deeply with their spirit of adventure. Join us as we recount some of the incredible Alaska cruise excursions that made our trip truly unforgettable.
This post is brought to you in partnership with Princess Cruises, highlighting our incredible Alaska cruise and its unforgettable excursions. All opinions expressed are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience. Please note, this article may contain affiliate links.
The intensity of summer’s heat has been felt across the nation, with many regions enduring triple-digit temperatures and stifling humidity. While Phoenix, my home, is accustomed to its “dry heat,” there’s no denying that extreme warmth can be draining. The mere thought of cooler climates and stunning glaciers becomes a powerful motivator for travel.
Around mid-April, temperatures here begin their steady climb, and by mid-May, the heat truly settles in. It was precisely at this time that my husband, Kurt, and I found ourselves eagerly anticipating our northward escape – an extraordinary Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises! As a desert dweller, I couldn’t wait to trade scorching pavements for snowy peaks and finally don a winter jacket!
Save These Alaska Cruise Excursion Ideas to Your Favorite Pinterest Board!
If you’ve yet to experience the magic of a cruise, allow me to strongly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list. And for a truly spectacular introduction to cruising, there’s no better destination than Alaska. My initial foray into cruising with Princess Cruises during a Panama Canal voyage last year, accompanied by my daughter Lexi, utterly captivated me. The impeccable food, world-class entertainment, exceptional service, and diverse excursions were nothing short of outstanding. That trip, celebrating her 25th birthday, was a cherished opportunity for quality mother-daughter time before her move to Germany.
This year, the excitement was palpable as I prepared to visit Alaska – a destination I’d heard so much about but never truly imagined I’d see. If Alaska holds a prominent spot on your bucket list, Princess Cruises’ 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers is, without a doubt, the quintessential way to experience it. This itinerary allows you to witness an incredible breadth of sights and truly connect with the unique spirit of Alaskan life, all within a single week.
The journey was simply magnificent! Kurt, who had always been skeptical of cruises due to concerns about crowds, long lines, and forced group activities, was completely won over. He absolutely loved every aspect of it! In fact, he later expressed regret about missing one particular excursion – a story we’ll delve into a little later. His transformation from a cruise skeptic to an enthusiastic advocate speaks volumes about the Princess Cruises experience.
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Essential Tips for Planning Your Alaska Cruise Excursions
- Once your Princess Cruises voyage is booked and your account is set up, navigate to your dashboard on the Princess Cruises website. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all available excursions for each port of call. This digital hub is your gateway to crafting your perfect Alaskan adventure.
- The sheer volume of choices can initially feel overwhelming. My best advice is to take your time during the first pass. Read through all the options and create a preliminary list of those that genuinely pique your interest or fulfill a long-held dream. Whether it’s experiencing the thrill of a dog sled ride across a glacier or soaring above fjords in a seaplane, jot down every possibility that captures your imagination.
- Next, meticulously review your shortlisted excursions with your travel companion. This “fine-tooth comb” approach is crucial. Pay close attention to what each excursion entails: what sites you will visit, what activities you will engage in, and the overall pace of the experience.
- **Crucially, read the “Note” section for every single excursion.** I cannot emphasize this enough. This often-overlooked section contains vital information such as age, height, health, or weight restrictions. It details the duration of the excursion, recommends appropriate attire (what to wear and what to avoid), and lists specific timing. All this information is paramount for a smooth and enjoyable experience. For instance, if you have knee issues, a strenuous hike is likely not suitable. If you have a severe fish allergy, booking a seafood feast would be ill-advised. Imagine the disappointment of being ready to depart, only to discover you cannot participate for a preventable reason. Being prepared saves both you and your fellow cruise guests valuable time and energy, ensuring everyone has the experience of a lifetime.
- For any last-minute changes, additions, or booking inquiries, head directly to the Excursion Desk once you’ve boarded the ship and settled your carry-ons in your stateroom. I’ve found this to be the optimal time to make adjustments. Most guests are still busy exploring the ship, allowing for shorter wait times. While familiarizing yourself with the ship is important, securing your desired excursions before they sell out should be a top priority.
The array of Alaska cruise excursions is truly vast, and I genuinely wished we could have experienced them all. However, with limited time at each port, we had to make strategic choices. Oh well, a perfect excuse to plan another Alaskan adventure – and I’d be back in a heartbeat!
Our Unforgettable 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska Cruise Excursions
- Icy Strait Point –
PS2-720 – Coastal Exploration by Zodiac - Juneau –
JNU-475 – Mendenhall Glacier Guide’s Choice Trail Hike - Skagway –
SGY-210A – White Pass Scenic Railway-Luxury Class
Icy Strait Point – Coastal Exploration by Zodiac
Our first exhilarating Alaska cruise excursion at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah was the Coastal Exploration by Zodiac. Having grown up in Rhode Island, the “Ocean State,” both Kurt and I spent countless childhood hours on Narragansett Bay – he on a powerboat, me sailing. Before moving to Phoenix, we even owned a boat for family outings. So, after living landlocked for years, the chance to get back out on the water in a small craft was an opportunity we eagerly seized.
I had anticipated a chilly experience, after all, we were going to be on Alaskan waters. However, the day unfolded gloriously, with temperatures in the low 70s – wonderfully warm by Alaskan standards. The layers we and our fellow explorers had brought along proved entirely unnecessary, left behind in favor of lighter attire.
Our excursion group consisted of eight people, divided into two smaller groups of four for each Zodiac boat. Before heading out, we watched a brief but informative video on boating safety and the basics of captaining the craft, should we choose to take the helm. We then donned the provided rain gear, rubber boots, and life jackets. While we didn’t get extensively wet, the protective gear was much appreciated, as we did experience a few splashes, and a bit of water accumulated at the bottom of the boat, which would have soaked our sneakers.
Our knowledgeable guide led the way in his own Zodiac, directing us along the coastline, pausing frequently to share fascinating insights about Icy Strait Point, the local ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and everyday life in Alaska. We were thrilled to spot several majestic whales and a good number of bald eagles soaring overhead, adding an incredible dimension to our coastal exploration. It was an absolutely perfect day for being out on the water, and the roughly two-and-a-half-hour journey proved to be one of the finest ways to kick off our Alaska cruise excursions. Kurt particularly enjoyed his turn as captain, clearly relishing being back in his element.
Following our boat ride, we rendezvoused with Erin from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts and her friend, Rachel. We indulged in some local shopping before savoring an unforgettable lunch at The Crab Station, featuring unbelievably fresh Alaskan King Crab legs and succulent shrimp. Kurt also enjoyed their famous “Crabby Bloody Mary,” adding a unique local flavor to our culinary experience.
With ample time before reboarding the ship, the four of us decided to embark on a leisurely walk along a nearby trail. I was utterly captivated by the natural splendor surrounding us. The towering pines created an awe-inspiring canopy, filling the air with a wonderfully refreshing scent, and the peaceful ambiance was simply restorative.
Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier Guide’s Choice Trail Hike
From Icy Strait Point, our Princess Cruises ship sailed gracefully to Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. As we perused the Juneau excursions, a variety of helicopter tours immediately caught our eye, some even offering the incredible opportunity to land directly on the Mendenhall Glacier. However, Kurt’s aversion to heights and my own slight apprehension about helicopters meant we quickly crossed those off our list.
Over the past year, Kurt and I have made it a cherished tradition to dedicate every Saturday to a “date day,” often involving a hike on a different trail. It’s a special time we both eagerly anticipate, a chance to explore new landscapes together and discover a delightful new restaurant for lunch afterward. Given that we would be in Juneau on a Saturday, the Mendenhall Glacier Guide’s Choice Trail Hike seemed like the perfect fit for our adventurous routine.
This excursion promised an approximately 5-mile hike with an elevation gain ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet. The description strongly recommended sturdy footwear, noting that certain sections could be slippery, and the terrain featured rocks and uneven surfaces. The scenery along the trail was undeniably breathtaking, offering several distinct vantage points of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. However, both Kurt and I felt a twinge of disappointment that we didn’t get closer to the glacier itself. We had, perhaps optimistically, envisioned a hike directly *on* the glacier, though the excursion description clearly stated hiking *through the wilderness* to *see* it, not set foot upon it. This served as a valuable reminder: always thoroughly read the excursion description to ensure it precisely matches your expectations.
Despite our slight miscalculation regarding proximity, we genuinely enjoyed the physical challenge. The hike was invigorating, and while some older participants found it increasingly tiring as we progressed, it was a rewarding experience for those accustomed to more than casual neighborhood strolls. The trail also included some rather steep stairs, adding to its demanding yet beautiful character.
Upon reaching a beautiful viewpoint of the glacier at the bottom of the trail, I captured the moment with a live Facebook video. It was a joy to share the stunning vista with my followers, who seemed to enjoy the virtual tour as much as I enjoyed presenting it!
Skagway – White Pass Scenic Railway-Luxury Class
The next captivating port of call on our Alaska cruise adventure was Skagway, a town steeped in Gold Rush history. Here, our chosen Alaska cruise excursion was the White Pass Scenic Railway-Luxury Class. As a fervent admirer of train travel, I envisioned this as a wonderfully relaxing and immersive way to experience Alaska’s interior. I secretly hoped for a glimpse of some bears along the route, a delightful bonus to the scenic journey.
The train’s convenient location, just steps from our ship at the port, highlighted its popularity as an excursion. We opted for the Luxury Class tour, which provided an elevated experience in a dedicated luxury car. This included plush, cushioned swivel chairs for optimal viewing, complimentary gourmet food and beverages, and the personalized attention of our own private guide. It was, in a word, spectacular.
The historic White Pass Railway, originally constructed in 1898 during the frantic Gold Rush era, carves its path through some of the North’s most formidable and rugged terrain. Ascending nearly 3,000 feet, the journey briefly crosses into Canada’s Yukon Territory, offering unparalleled views of dramatic landscapes and engineering marvels. The approximately three-and-a-half-hour tour was an incredibly relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable way to soak in the Alaskan scenery. As luck would have it, it was raining slightly that day, making our enclosed train excursion a particularly comfortable choice over an outdoor activity like hiking.
As the train snaked its way up into the mountains, we were greeted by stunning expanses of snow, a beautiful sight that brought a touch of winter magic to our early summer journey. Along the route, we marveled at numerous waterfalls, rushing rivers, and remnants of old train tracks, echoes of the frantic gold rush days. Our engaging guide regaled us with captivating stories about Skagway, the construction of the railroad, and the arduous life during the gold rush, sparking our imaginations about what life must have been like in that bygone era.
Our group of 14 enjoyed a delicious catered lunch courtesy of the local Red Onion restaurant, complemented by selections of wine and beer. I was particularly enamored with one of the appetizers, which I’ll be sharing a recipe for soon! It was also a wonderful opportunity to converse with fellow passengers, exchanging stories about our hometowns, other excursions enjoyed during the cruise, and even future Princess Cruises voyages they were already planning.
And I nearly forgot the highlight! On our return journey down the mountain, we actually spotted a bear! It was a quick glimpse, and while I wished the train could have paused, the sighting was truly thrilling and a perfect capstone to our railway adventure. I wholeheartedly recommend this particular excursion; I believe it offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and breathtaking Alaskan scenery that you will absolutely cherish.
The subsequent days of our Princess Cruises journey were dedicated to awe-inspiring glacier viewing from the ship. I had the privilege of sharing these incredible moments through two live Facebook videos, one from Glacier Bay and another from College Fjord. The vistas were truly gorgeous, the air crisp and chilly, and the entire experience an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime memory. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would witness the majestic glaciers of Alaska with my own eyes. My gratitude to Princess Cruises for such a magnificent trip knows no bounds!
Oh, and that one Alaska cruise excursion Kurt wished he hadn’t missed? Well, it turns out he saw photos from Amanda and Jenn’s thrilling helicopter ride and trek on the Mendenhall Glacier. Hearing their accounts of how incredibly exciting it was, he turned to me and confessed, “We really should have done that.” A valuable lesson learned, indeed!
So, if you ever find yourself contemplating a glacier tour that includes a helicopter ride and perhaps even a landing, my advice is emphatic: just DO IT! Seriously, when will you have another opportunity to bottle up fresh glacier water, capture a selfie on ancient ice, and witness these colossal natural wonders from a perspective few ever experience? I urge you, seize the moment and go for it! You can discover more photos and details from our trip in my Easy Chocolate Bear Claws post and this delightful Chimichurri Salmon recipe.
For those interested in exploring other fantastic Alaska cruise excursions, I highly recommend checking out the experiences of fellow bloggers. Amanda from Amanda’s Cookin’, for instance, thoroughly enjoyed a spectacular whale watching tour combined with an incredible seafood feast at Icy Strait Point. She couldn’t stop raving about the sheer abundance and deliciousness of the food! Each traveler’s journey offers unique insights, providing a wealth of information for your own Alaskan adventure planning.