Not all Princess ships are equal when it comes to Alaska cruises. Some offer breathtaking glacier views, spacious cabins, and smooth sailing, while others feel dated, crowded, or underwhelming. If you’re planning an Alaska cruise in 2025, choosing the right ship can make or break your experience.
Princess Cruises sends a variety of ships to Alaska each season—from smaller, classic ships with an intimate feel to larger, modern ships packed with amenities. But which one is best for you? And more importantly, which ones should you avoid?
This ranking is based on real passenger reviews, expert insights, and ship ratings from major cruise sites. I analyzed feedback on cabin quality, dining, service, entertainment, and onboard experience. Itineraries for 2025 were also considered, including glacier viewing opportunities, scenic routes, and port stops.
To make choosing your next ship easier, I recommend you also check out this ranking of the best and worst Princess ships, based on real cruiser reviews.
Princess’s Alaska Itineraries for 2025: What to Expect
Princess Cruises offers a range of Alaska itineraries for 2025, from classic seven-day sailings to extended voyages for deeper exploration.
7-Day Alaska Cruises
The most popular option, seven-day cruises, provide a mix of scenic cruising and port visits.
- Voyage of the Glaciers (Vancouver to Anchorage/Whittier) includes Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
- Inside Passage Roundtrip Cruises (Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco) visit Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising through fjords.
Tip: Not all Inside Passage cruises stop at Glacier Bay National Park—check the itinerary before booking.
Longer Alaska Voyages (10 to 22 Days)
For a more immersive experience, longer sailings include additional ports and glacier viewings.
- 10-day cruises add Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Victoria.
- 14-day and 22-day cruises include Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and Dawes Glacier, as well as less-traveled ports like Valdez and Wrangell.
Tip: To maximize time in Alaska, choose a one-way itinerary from Vancouver or Anchorage instead of a roundtrip from California.
Shorter Alaska Cruises
Five-day Alaska Sampler cruises provide a brief introduction to Alaska’s coastline and select ports. These shorter sailings are limited, so early booking is recommended.
What’s New for 2025
Ruby Princess and Grand Princess will operate longer itineraries from San Francisco and Los Angeles, combining Alaska’s scenic highlights with extra sea days for a balance of adventure and relaxation.
Best & Worst Princess Ships Sailing to Alaska (2025)
Each Princess ship offers a different Alaska experience. Some are smaller and more scenic-friendly, while larger ones provide more amenities but can feel crowded.
Here’s how they compare, starting with Coral Princess—a mid-sized ship with classic charm and prime glacier views.
Coral Princess (4.3★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Vancouver, Whittier
Sailing to: Anchorage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka
Quick Facts
Size: 91,627 GT
Capacity: 2,000 passengers, 895 crew
Ship class: Coral Class
Launch date: 2003
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Coral Princess is a mid-sized ship offering elegance and comfort, perfect for an Alaska cruise. Its design balances intimate spaces with open areas, keeping it from feeling crowded despite hosting nearly 2,000 guests. A well-planned deck layout ensures smooth access to dining, entertainment, and relaxation, while top-deck features like shuffleboard, a basketball court, and Movies Under the Stars enhance the experience.
In 2025, Coral Princess will set sail on a range of scenic Alaska itineraries, from classic week-long journeys to extended explorations. Guests can explore iconic ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan while also experiencing breathtaking glacier views in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.
Those looking for a longer voyage can opt for an 11-day itinerary that includes lesser-visited spots like Icy Strait Point and Sitka. Coral Princess’ smaller size allows for a more intimate experience while still delivering stunning Alaskan landscapes at every turn.
What Passengers Think
Cruisers loved the friendly crew, well-organized excursions, and the ship’s smaller size, which allows access to unique ports. That said, some felt the ship’s age showed through maintenance issues, occasional food inconsistencies, and fewer entertainment options compared to newer ships.
Read More: Best & Worst Princess Cruise Ship Classes (Based on Reviews)
Sapphire Princess (4★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Vancouver, Anchorage (Whittier)
Sailing to: Anchorage (Whittier), Vancouver, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway
Quick Facts
Size: 116,000 GT
Capacity: 2,670 passengers, 1,100 crew
Ship class: Grand Class
Launch date: 2004
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Sapphire Princess is a mid-sized ship that delivers a well-rounded cruise experience with a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. While it may not have the flashy thrills of newer mega-ships, it makes up for it with quality dining, solid entertainment, and plenty of space to unwind. The Piazza serves as the heart of the ship, offering live music and performances, while five separate dining rooms create a more intimate dining experience.
For the 2025 Alaska season, Sapphire Princess will sail a variety of northbound, southbound, and roundtrip itineraries between Vancouver and Anchorage. Passengers can look forward to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay or College Fjord, with stops in classic Alaskan ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Longer sailings provide an even more immersive experience, allowing guests to visit multiple glaciers and coastal towns along the way. These extended voyages roundtrip from Vancouver include additional time in ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, and College Fjord.
What Passengers Think
Passengers appreciate the ship’s relaxing atmosphere, well-maintained condition, and friendly crew, making for a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. However, some guests feel the ship shows its age in certain areas, with food quality receiving mixed reviews and limited late-night entertainment options.
Caribbean Princess (4★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Vancouver, Whittier
Sailing to: Anchorage (Whittier), Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Victoria
Quick Facts
Size: 112,894 GT
Capacity: 3,140 passengers, 1,200 crew
Ship class: Grand Class
Launch date: 2004
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Whether you’re looking for live music, great food, or a quiet escape, Caribbean Princess offers something for everyone. While it’s not one of the largest ships in the Princess fleet, its well-designed layout helps keep things from feeling too crowded. Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment, from classic trivia and live piano singalongs to destination-inspired lectures and craft workshops.
For its 2025 Alaska season, Caribbean Princess will be sailing a variety of itineraries that showcase the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s the classic seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers route, taking passengers through Glacier Bay and College Fjord, or the more extensive 14-day Grand Adventure, guests will have plenty of opportunities to soak in the rugged beauty of Alaska’s coastline.
Shorter options, like the five-day Alaska Sampler, provide a quick taste of the Last Frontier, while the 10-day Inside Passage itinerary adds extra stops, including Icy Strait Point and Sitka.
What Passengers Think
Cruisers appreciated the spacious, well-maintained public areas and the smooth embarkation process. However, some found the food in the main dining rooms inconsistent, the entertainment options lacking variety, and certain areas of the ship showing signs of wear.
Grand Princess (3.8★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Seattle, Vancouver, Los Angeles
Sailing to: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Anchorage (Seward), Haines, Victoria
Quick Facts
Size: 107,517 GT
Capacity: 2,594 passengers, 1,100 crew
Ship class: Grand Class
Launch date: 1998
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8/5)
Grand Princess may not be the flashiest ship in the Princess fleet, but it still delivers a solid and comfortable cruise experience. Launched in 1998, this ship has been updated over the years with modern amenities, including the Piazza atrium, specialty dining venues like Crown Grill and Alfredo’s Pizzeria, and the relaxing adults-only Sanctuary.
Grand Princess’ 2025 Alaska season includes a mix of shorter getaways and extended adventures. Shorter sailings provide a quick taste of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, while classic seven-day routes take passengers through the Inside Passage, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, plus breathtaking glacier viewing in Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm.
Longer voyages extend the adventure, adding scenic cruising through College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, as well as extra ports like Sitka and Icy Strait Point. For those looking for a truly immersive experience, extended sailings from Seattle and Los Angeles allow for even more time to soak in Alaska’s natural beauty.
What Passengers Think
Cruisers appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, smooth embarkation, and relaxing atmosphere. However, some feel the ship is outdated, with small cabins, limited entertainment, and maintenance issues like plumbing and air conditioning problems.
Ruby Princess (3.6★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: San Francisco
Sailing to: Skagway, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Glacier Bay, Wrangell, Haines, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Anchorage (Seward), College Fjord
Quick Facts
Size: 113,561 GT
Capacity: 3,080 passengers, 1,200 crew
Ship class: Crown Class
Launch date: 2008
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.6/5)
With a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to do, Ruby Princess is a fantastic choice for families, couples, and groups. Though it carries over 3,000 passengers, the ship rarely feels crowded thanks to its well-designed deck plan and numerous onboard spaces. The Piazza, at the heart of the ship, is always buzzing with activity, whether it’s live music, trivia nights, or impromptu performances.
Sailing from San Francisco, Ruby Princess offers a variety of Alaska itineraries for the 2025 season. Itineraries range from 10 to 22 days, offering a mix of classic stops like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as breathtaking scenic cruising through Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm.
Some sailings also include less-visited ports such as Prince Rupert, Sitka, and Valdez, adding a unique touch to the journey. Longer voyages let travelers experience more of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and remote coastal towns.
What Passengers Think
Cruisers appreciate the friendly staff, clean cabins, and well-organized embarkation. However, some feel the ship’s décor is outdated, entertainment options are limited, and maintenance issues like plumbing and air conditioning could be improved.
Royal Princess (3.5★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Vancouver, Seattle
Sailing to: Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, Victoria
Quick Facts
Size: 142,229 GT
Capacity: 3,560 passengers, 1,346 crew
Ship class: Royal Class
Launch date: 2013
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
Royal Princess offers a modern take on classic cruising, with a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of travelers. The ship has signature features like the SeaWalk—a glass-bottomed walkway extending over the ocean. The Piazza serves as a lively social hub, while dining ranges from casual bites to specialty restaurants like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s.
For its 2025 Alaska season, Royal Princess will offer a mix of itineraries, including roundtrip sailings from Seattle and one-way routes between Vancouver and Seattle. These voyages include stunning scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, as well as stops in favorite Alaskan ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Some itineraries also feature a brief visit to Victoria, Canada, adding an extra destination to the journey. Shorter Alaska sampler cruises are available for those looking for a quick getaway, while weeklong sailings provide a more immersive experience.
What Passengers Think
Passengers appreciate the ship’s modern design, friendly staff, and comfortable cabins, as well as its well-planned itineraries. Despite this, some found the dining experience frustrating due to long lines and inconsistent food quality, while others felt the entertainment options were lacking and the ship got crowded at peak times.
Discovery Princess (3.2★)
Alaska Itineraries (2025 Season)
Sailing from: Seattle, Vancouver
Sailing to: Ketchikan, Juneau, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Victoria
Quick Facts
Size: 145,000 GT
Capacity: 3,660 passengers, 1,346 crew
Ship class: Royal Class
Launch date: 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.2/5)
Discovery Princess brings modern elegance to Alaska cruising, offering a mix of upscale design and familiar Princess comfort. As the newest and final Royal-class ship, it follows the successful formula of its predecessors, featuring a spacious Piazza Atrium at the heart of the ship, lively entertainment venues, and a well-thought-out deck plan.
Discovery Princess has a variety of 2025 Alaskan itineraries designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty. Travelers can choose from classic seven-day itineraries, which explore scenic highlights like Glacier Bay and College Fjord, or opt for a longer 14-day Grand Adventure that adds even more ports and glacier visits.
For 2025, there are also roundtrip cruises from Seattle and Vancouver, plus one-way options between Vancouver and Anchorage for those wanting a longer trip.
What Passengers Think
Discovery Princess impresses cruisers with its elegant design, friendly crew, and high-quality specialty dining. However, some guests found service in the main dining rooms slow and experienced long waits at bars and buffets.
Related articles:
