Alaska, with its tidewater glaciers, towering mountains, and incredible wildlife, is the ultimate bucket list destination. And there’s no better way to explore its rugged beauty than aboard the magnificent royal princess, princess cruise. This Royal Class ship, christened by the Duchess of Cambridge in 2013, stretches an impressive 1,083 feet long and is designed to deliver a premium, unforgettable cruising experience.
From the stunning production shows in the onboard theater to the ship’s luxurious amenities, the Royal Princess ensures every aspect of your journey is filled with excitement and comfort. Set sail on the epic 7-night Inside Passage cruise from Seattle and discover Alaska like never before.
Unique Features of the Royal Princess
The royal princess, princess cruise stands out for its elegant design, extensive amenities, and unique onboard experiences that make your time at sea as enjoyable as your time ashore.
- SeaWalk: One of the most distinctive features of the Royal Princess is the SeaWalk, a thrilling, glass floored walkway that extends 28 feet over the ship’s edge. It offers stunning, heart-stopping views of the ocean below and is a perfect spot for a thrilling perspective on Alaska’s glaciers and the passing seascape.
- The Sanctuary: For adults seeking peace and relaxation, The Sanctuary offers a tranquil, child free oasis. With luxurious loungers, private cabanas, and exceptional service, it’s the ideal place to unwind while cruising through Alaska’s serene waters.
- Lotus Spa: The Royal Princess is equipped with the Lotus Spa, a full-service wellness center that offers a wide range of treatments, from deep tissue massages to revitalizing facials. It’s the perfect spot to recharge after a day of shore excursions in Alaska’s wilderness.
- Gourmet Dining: The ship’s dining options are world class. Specialty restaurants are stand out favorites, including the Crown Grill, known for its expertly prepared steaks and seafood, and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, offering authentic, upscale Italian cuisine. Beyond specialty dining, the Main Dining Room and casual options like the International Café offer flexible, high-quality meals.
The 7-Night Inside Passage Cruise from Seattle
The Royal Princess offers one of the most spectacular ways to experience Alaska with its seven-night Inside Passage cruise, sailing roundtrip from Seattle. The route threads Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage, pairing classic ports with a day of glacier viewing, and Royal Princess is one of eight Princess ships in the line’s 2026 Alaska program.
- Juneau: Alaska’s capital and the gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, and floatplane flightseeing.
- Skagway: a beautifully preserved Gold Rush town and the departure point for the White Pass and Yukon Route scenic railway.
- Ketchikan: known for Misty Fjords, a rich totem-pole heritage, and historic Creek Street.
- Victoria, British Columbia: a scenic evening call on the way home, famous for the Inner Harbour and nearby Butchart Gardens.
- Scenic glacier cruising: a day gliding past tidewater glaciers, where you may hear the “white thunder” of ice calving into the sea. The exact glacier area varies by sailing.
Onboard Entertainment and Activities
The Royal Princess ensures that guests have plenty to do while at sea, making the days between ports as exciting as the shore excursions.
- Broadway-Style Shows: The Princess Theater hosts spectacular Broadway style productions that feature talented performers, elaborate costumes, and captivating music each night.
- Movies Under the Stars: One of the signature experiences on the royal princess, princess cruise is Movies Under the Stars, where guests can watch films or concerts on a giant poolside screen. This unique experience, complete with blankets and popcorn, is especially magical when set against the backdrop of Alaska’s glaciers and mountains.
- The Piazza: The ship’s central atrium is the heartbeat for live music, performances, and dance parties. The Piazza is a great spot for people watching, grabbing a snack, or enjoying themed events.
Princess Cruises offers several fare options that package essential features, which is often a better value than purchasing items separately. The Princess Plus package bundles the Premier Beverage Package (formerly known as the Premier Beverage Package, costing around $64.99 per person, per day, plus service charge), unlimited Wi-Fi, and crew appreciation for a single daily fee.
Shore Excursions: Immersing Yourself in Alaska’s Wilderness
The shore excursions offered on the royal princess, princess cruise Alaskan voyages provide opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of this extraordinary region.
- Glacier Trek: Consider a thrilling excursion that takes you on a scenic helicopter flight over Juneau’s icefields, followed by a guided trek right on one of Alaska’s awe inspiring glaciers.
- Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, accessible via a scenic helicopter ride. Meet the mushers and their teams for a true Alaskan experience.
- Whale Watching: One of the most popular excursions, whale watching in Juneau offers the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close with knowledgeable guides.
- White Pass Rail: Take a scenic ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad in Skagway, retracing the steps of the Gold Rush pioneers through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Why the Royal Princess is the Perfect Ship for an Alaskan Adventure
The Royal Princess offers everything you need for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. From its luxurious accommodations to its wide range of onboard activities and entertainment, the ship provides a comfortable and elegant base from which to explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. Whether you’re marveling at glaciers from the SeaWalk or enjoying a gourmet meal in one of the ship’s dining rooms, the Royal Princess ensures that every moment of your cruise is a magical experience.
Ready to explore the wonders of Alaska? Book your 7-night Inside Passage cruise aboard the Royal Princess with Scott and Thomas today. Our expert team will ensure that every detail of your trip is perfectly planned, making your Alaskan journey as seamless as it is extraordinary. Don’t wait—reserve your spot now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Royal Princess Alaska Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions
Royal Princess sails seven-day Inside Passage roundtrip voyages from Seattle during the Alaska season, which runs roughly early May through late September. It is one of eight Princess ships in the line’s 2026 Alaska program, the largest Alaska deployment in Princess history. Itineraries and homeports can shift year to year, so we verify the exact sailing and departure port when you book.
A typical Royal Princess Inside Passage week calls at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, plus a day of scenic glacier cruising. The glacier day is usually Glacier Bay National Park or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, depending on the sailing. Ports and the scenic-cruising segment vary by departure, so we confirm your specific itinerary.
The base Princess Standard fare covers your stateroom, main dining, and most onboard activities, while drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and specialty dining cost extra. Princess Plus, around $65 per person per day on Royal-class ships, bundles a beverage package, single-device Wi-Fi, daily crew appreciation, and some casual dining. Princess Premier, around $100 per person per day, adds a higher beverage allowance, unlimited specialty dining, multi-device Wi-Fi, reserved show seating, and a shore-excursion credit. Princess repriced these for 2026, so we confirm current pricing at booking.
Royal Princess is a Royal-class ship of roughly 142,000 gross tons that entered service in 2013 and carries about 3,560 guests, measuring 1,083 feet long. Signature spaces include the SeaWalk, a glass-floored walkway extending over the side of the ship, the multi-story Piazza atrium, and the adults-only Sanctuary retreat. Dining and wellness highlights include the Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s, and the Lotus Spa.
For Alaska, a balcony is widely considered worth the extra cost, giving you a private, uncrowded spot to watch glaciers, wildlife, and the coastline. Side of the ship matters less than people expect, since captains usually rotate the vessel at glacier-viewing sites so both sides get a turn. On a one-way northbound sailing the starboard side keeps the coast closer, but for Royal Princess roundtrips the scenery shifts through the week, so a balcony on either side works well.
The Alaska cruise season runs from roughly May into late September, and the best month depends on your priorities. June and July bring the longest daylight, often more than 18 hours, while July and August are warmest and the peak window for humpback whales and bears during the salmon runs. May and September tend to be cooler but usually come with lower prices and smaller crowds.
