10 unforgettable places to visit in Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of many Alaska cruises, and with Princess, you can experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in ways few others can. Aboard a Princess Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising) Voyage, you'll sail directly into the heart of the park for a chance to spot whales, seals, bald eagles and — of course — glaciers. You might even have the unique opportunity to witness the raw power of glacial calving, as huge slabs of ice separate from the glacier and drop their massive bulk directly into the sea.

The only State capital in the US that is inaccessible by road, Juneau is nevertheless a welcoming and vibrant city, offering a rich blend of cultural attractions, exciting adventures and picture-perfect natural scenery. Beyond the many historical attractions and shopping opportunities (all within easy walking distance from nearby cruise ship docks), Juneau is a perfect launch-off point for a range of Princess excursions. Ascend the Goldbelt Tram for panoramic views of the city and the Gastineau Channel. Catch ‘gold fever’ as you explore an underground mine and pan for gold. Or simply take a guided tour of the surrounding landscape. Whatever you’re interested in, you’re sure to find a Princess excursion that suits your tastes.

Princess cruisetours in Denali National Park offer exclusive opportunities for adventure, including tours that highlight both the history and the wildlife of this region. Denali National Park is home to the tallest peak in North America, the majestic Denali, which towers at 20,310 feet, and the park itself spans over six million acres of wild, untouched landscapes that include tundra, forests, glacial rivers and extensive wildlife — grizzlies, caribou, moose, dall sheep and wolves (AKA Denali’s ‘big five’). Make your visit complete with a stay in the comfortable Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, just a mile from the park entrance.

Princess guests can take advantage of Kenai excursions, including glacier cruises and kayaking, to fully immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. Kenai Fjords National Park, located near the city of Seward, is where towering glaciers meet the sea. The park is famous for its breathtaking fjords and abundant marine wildlife. We’re talking orcas, sea otters and puffins, to say nothing of the abundant fishing opportunities. Just an hour away from Seward, the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge offers a home away from home amid this stunning scenery. 

Ketchikan, often referred to as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is a vibrant town rich in Native Alaskan culture and maritime history. Take a stroll down Creek Street — the town's historic boardwalk, perched on stilts above Ketchikan Creek — rich in opportunities for fine dining, shopping and history. Enjoy other things to do in Ketchikan as well, including visiting the Totem Heritage Center, where you’ll find one of the world’s largest collections of totem poles. With Princess excursions, you can dive even further into Ketchikan's unique culture and scenery, with numerous shows and events, tours, zip-line adventures and sightseeing. 

Exploring the vast Tongass National Forest with Princess allows you to immerse yourself in the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and there’s no better way to experience this untouched wilderness than through the Tongass Rainforest Hike. Covering over 16 million acres, Tongass is also home to Misty Fjords National Monument, a region filled with sheer, glacier-carved cliffs, spectacular waterfalls and serene fjords.

Princess® Cruises offers multiple excursions that highlight the charm of Whittier, a small port town near Anchorage. Whether you choose a wildlife and glacier cruise or a trip up Mt. Alyeska on the Glacier Express Tram, you’re sure to enjoy the experience. The town is accessible only by sea or the one-lane Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and this isolation adds to its allure, making it a perfect spot for those looking to experience the remote wonder of Alaska. And, if you’re visiting Anchorage at the beginning or end of your cruise, extend your stay with a visit to the Mount Alyeska Resort.

Encompassing around 10,000 miles of protected islands, waterways and fjords, Prince William Sound is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. For those seeking adventure, Prince William Sound offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking and fishing, but perhaps the unforgettable Alaska experience associated with this area is seeing the glaciers. Prince William Sound hosts about 150 of these massive, ancient ice formations. Book a spot on a Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise to encounter one of these glacial giants up close.

Katmai National Park is a wilderness lover’s paradise, and Princess offers exclusive cruisetours that bring you right into the heart of this rugged landscape. Known for its world-famous bear viewing at Brooks Falls, Katmai also offers extensive hiking opportunities amid dreamlike landscapes (such as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a surreal ash-filled valley formed by a massive volcanic eruption).

Skagway, a primary location in the Klondike Gold Rush, is a town where history and adventure blend seamlessly. The town's historic importance is preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where you can walk the same streets that prospectors did over a century ago and visit many of the same buildings. Princess brings you deeper into this history with dozens of excursion options — including boarding a vintage rail car on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. This scenic journey takes you through dramatic mountain passes, over towering trestles and through dark tunnels, offering stunning views from what feels like the very top of the world.

From the towering peaks of Denali to the glacial beauty of Glacier Bay, Princess® Cruises allows you to experience the best of Alaska in unparalleled comfort and style. With exclusive excursions and cruisetours that bring you closer to the state's natural wonders and rich history, we handle the details so you can enjoy the experience — making your adventure as stress-free as it is unforgettable. If you’re wondering where to go in Alaska, Princess has you covered.

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