Best of Alaska: how to experience the state by sea & land
The Great Land is home to some sensational National Parks. And Princess Cruises’ cruisetours programme might be the best way to explore their vast wilderness.
With towering glaciers, rugged mountains and thriving wildlife, Alaska’s National Parks showcase the best of the Great Land. A cruisetour with Princess Cruises combines the best of both worlds - a voyage along Alaska's iconic coastline and an immersive land journey to its National Parks.
For 2025 and 2026, Princess Cruises has expanded its Alaska National Parks Cruisetours programme with multiple itineraries that visit between two and five national parks.
Whether it's the glaciers of Kenai Fjords, the towering peak of Denali or the remote landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias, each route is designed to highlight the state's most breathtaking sights.
The national parks of Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight on a Princess Cruises sailing, Glacier Bay National Park is home to some of the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world. Guests sailing through the park witness towering ice walls calving into the sea while Park Rangers come aboard to share expert insights into the park’s history, wildlife and heritage.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), standing at 6,190 metres. Princess' Direct-To-The-Wilderness rail service ensures guests arrive at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge quickly, maximising exploration time. From guided hikes and wildlife spotting to scenic drives along the Denali Park Road, these lodge stays give a true taste of Alaska’s vast interior.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Located near Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park is a land of glaciers and marine wildlife. The Harding Icefield, which feeds dozens of glaciers, dominates the park’s landscape. Guests can explore by boat spotting sea otters, whales and puffins, or hike the trails that weave through the dramatic scenery.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias covers an area larger than Switzerland. It features nine of the country's tallest peaks and a mix of glaciated valleys, volcanic landscapes and remote wilderness. The Princess cruisetours covering Wrangell-St. Elias are a rare opportunity to venture into this untouched expanse.
Katmai National Park
Best known for its population of brown bears, Katmai National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s Brooks Falls is famous for its bear viewing, where visitors can watch bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat. Some Princess cruisetours include a visit to Katmai for a chance to witness this extraordinary spectacle up close.
The Princess Cruises experience
A sea-to-land journey
Princess Cruisetours are carefully planned itineraries, combining a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with land stays at Princess’ wilderness lodges. This ensures that guests not only experience the dramatic coastline but also have time to explore Alaska’s interior without the hassle of multiple travel arrangements.
Exclusive Direct-To-The-Wilderness rail service
Princess’ exclusive rail service allows guests to travel from the ship straight into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. This means those heading to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge can enjoy more time in the national park instead of spending extra days in transit.
Wilderness lodges
Princess owns five wilderness lodges strategically located for easy access to Alaska’s key national parks. These comfortable lodges put guests at the heart of the parks with stunning views on the doorsteps and access to guided excursions.
Award-winning North to Alaska programme
To bring the spirit of Alaska to life, Princess Cruises’ North to Alaska programme brings unique onboard and on-land experiences. From seafood feasts featuring local catches to talks by Iditarod champions and performances by indigenous storytellers, these activities ensure that guests leave with a deeper understanding of the state’s culture and traditions.
Choosing the right cruisetour
Princess has several cruisetour options for 2025 and 2026, allowing travellers to select an itinerary based on their interests and time available. Every cruise tour includes Glacier Bay National Park (during the cruise part) and Denali National Park (during the tour part).
You can use Princess’ handy cruisetour finder, and here are some of our favourites:
- National Parks Expedition (15 days and five parks): Includes a seven-day cruise plus visits to Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
- National Parks Explorer (14 days and four parks): Features Denali, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
- Denali Adventure (10 days and two parks): A shorter option focusing on Denali National Park and Glacier Bay.
- Connoisseur Escorted (13 days and three parks):Covers Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias and Glacier Bay.
The Connoisseur Escorted cruisetour includes the services of a Tour Director for the duration of the land experience, meals and a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park.
With multiple choices available, travellers can tailor their experience to match their level of adventure, whether they want to see all five parks or focus on a specific region.
The perfect way to see Alaska
Princess Cruises has over 55 years of experience in Alaska. From access to Glacier Bay to immersive land experiences at its wilderness lodges, a Princess Cruisetour is an unparalleled way to explore the state’s national parks. Whether it’s spotting grizzlies in Katmai, hiking the trails of Denali or cruising past towering glaciers, every moment is designed to showcase the best of Alaska. For those looking to experience the wild beauty of The Great Land, a cruisetour with Princess is one of the most comprehensive ways to do it.
