Princess Cruises Sets Record 2026 Alaska Season With 180 Sailings

Princess Cruises will mount its largest Alaska season in 2026, scheduling 180 departures that will call at 19 destinations. The expanded season, announced March 19, 2026, pairs a record eight-ship deployment with a broadened North to Alaska onboard program and the Alaska debut of the line’s newest ship, Star Princess, starting May 3, 2026.

Record 2026 Alaska schedule and an eight-ship lineup

Princess said the 2026 Alaska plan will sail on Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, and Island Princess. The itineraries include signature Alaska calls such as Ketchikan and Juneau, as well as Glacier Bay National Park.

Star Princess, a 177,800-gross-ton newbuild, is scheduled to begin its first Alaska season on May 3, 2026, sailing seven-night voyages from Seattle. Princess also plans early-season departures from other homeports, including San Francisco and Vancouver.

• Royal Princess is scheduled to sail from Vancouver on May 2, 2026, as Alaska departures begin in early May.
• Ruby Princess is scheduled to sail from San Francisco on May 3, 2026, joining the early-May start to the season.
• Star Princess is scheduled to sail from Seattle on May 3, 2026, launching the ship’s inaugural Alaska rotation.

Princess said additional ships will begin Alaska operations from Vancouver in early-to-mid May, with start dates spanning May 6 through May 13 for Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, Island Princess, and Coral Princess.

North to Alaska expands with four new onboard experiences

Princess is expanding its North to Alaska program, which the line said debuted in 2015, with four new onboard experiences set to roll out across all eight Alaska ships in 2026. John-Paul Lamb, Princess Cruises’ vice president of entertainment, said, “Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture, and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver.”

The four new additions are designed around scenic cruising days and time ashore, building structured moments into each sailing’s flow.

• Welcome to Alaska: Princess will introduce a once-per-sailing orientation designed to help guests meet onboard experts and understand how the destination programming fits into the voyage. The cruise director is set to host the session.
• The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day: Planned for select Glacier Bay sailings, the program is built around scenic cruising with live narration and educational components, including National Park Service presentations and ranger-led talks.
• Aprés Sea: A relaxed post-excursion gathering concept positioned as an aprés-ski-inspired way to unwind with drinks and scenery after returning from shore. On Star Princess, Princess said Aprés Sea will have a dedicated venue in The Dome.
• Candlelight Concert Series with a new Fire & Ice theme: Princess plans to feature Alaska-based musicians, with performances scheduled twice per voyage.

Glacier-day details, including ranger programming and viewing access

For sailings that include The Glacier Experience, Princess said the day is designed to pair glacier viewing with real-time commentary and ranger-led educational touchpoints. Programming elements cited by the line include National Park Service presentations, ranger information desks, theater presentations, and youth-focused ranger activities.

Princess also said guests can expect access to forward-facing viewing areas during the event on participating sailings.

Dining additions and returning Alaska favorites

Alongside the onboard-programming updates, Princess said it will add Alaska-inspired menu items to specialty restaurants during the 2026 season. The line highlighted king salmon and crab cakes at Crown Grill, as well as a halibut dish at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria.

Princess also plans to continue a range of returning North to Alaska elements in 2026. These include lumberjack-themed activities tied to Ketchikan, sled dog presentations in Skagway, and onboard offerings such as outdoor movie nights, stargazing sessions, and youth programming built around Alaska themes, including gold rush-focused activities and ranger-style educational programs.

Enrichment programming is expected to continue with guest speakers that can include Alaska Native educators, photographers, and authors.

Cruisetours and Princess-owned lodges remain part of the Alaska pitch

Beyond the cruises themselves, Princess said it will continue offering cruisetour options that combine Alaska sailings with land exploration, including Denali National Park. The line’s cruisetours can include stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges and rail journeys designed to extend the itinerary inland.

America’s 250th anniversary tie-ins across North American itineraries

Princess is also linking portions of its 2026 North American lineup to the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, with themed onboard programming, limited-edition merchandise, and food-and-beverage offerings inspired by the milestone. Marie Lee, Princess Cruises’ chief marketing officer, said, “From Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness to the tropical beauty of Hawaii and the historic charm of New England’s coastal towns, our 2026 sailings invite guests to experience the places that tell America’s story.”

The line said commemorative retail items for purchase will include Glacier Bay-inspired Pendleton blankets and collector pins.

Coral Princess to join Alaska after completing a world cruise

Coral Princess is set to enter the Alaska mix after completing a 131-night world cruise that is scheduled to wrap up in May 2026. Princess said the ship’s world itinerary includes calls in Southeast Asia, Japan, and along the U.S. West Coast before it transitions into Alaska service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is The Glacier Experience offered on every Alaska cruise?

No. Princess said The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day is planned for select Glacier Bay sailings, with programming built around scenic cruising, live narration, and ranger-led presentations.

What cruisetour options are available for Alaska sailings?

Princess said it offers more than 20 cruisetour options that combine a sea voyage with land exploration, including Denali National Park and other national parks. The line highlighted a 15-night National Parks Expedition Tour that includes visits to five national parks and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

What special offers are available for 2026 cruises with Princess Cruises?

Princess said the Princess Signature Sale runs through March 17, 2026, and includes up to $600 in instant savings, $99 deposits, and free third and fourth guests on select U.S. itineraries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada and New England.

Will there be commemorative merchandise available for purchase during the 2026 cruises?

Yes. Princess said guests sailing on its North American itineraries in 2026 will be able to purchase limited-edition merchandise tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary, including Glacier Bay-inspired Pendleton blankets and collector pins.