Alaska cruise stops - Top destinations guides

When it comes to the top Alaska destinations, adventure is around every corner. From Tongass National Forest to Glacier Bay National Park, here are the most popular Alaska destinations to explore on your next cruise or cruisetour vacation. Many itineraries include famous Alaska cruise stops such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, which serve as gateways to Alaska's glaciers and wildlife.

Most Alaska cruises depart from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver before sailing north through the Inside Passage. All Alaska cruises travel through the scenic Inside Passage, a coastal route known for fjords, glaciers and wildlife viewing. When you sail on a Princess cruise, get up close to some of the world’s most famous glaciers. Journey through breathtaking fjords and witness beloved wildlife in their natural habitat. Some itineraries also visit additional Alaska cruise destinations such as Sitka or Icy Strait Point.

Your ship ties up within walking distance of downtown Ketchikan, which makes this one of the easiest ports to explore on your own. Wander the boardwalks of Creek Street, a row of historic buildings perched on pilings above the water, then browse galleries selling work by local carvers. To go further, Princess shore excursions reach Totem Bight State Historical Park and its 14 totem poles in about 2.5 hours, or head out to Misty Fjords, where 3,000-foot granite cliffs rise straight from the water and bald eagles nest along the rock face. Keep an eye on the salmon streams for black bears fishing the shallows.

Alaska's capital sits at the foot of snow-topped peaks and can't be reached by road, so arriving by ship is part of what makes it memorable. Downtown begins just steps from the docks, with the Alaska State Museum, local shops and fresh king crab all within an easy walk. Most guests spend part of the day at Mendenhall Glacier, where trails lead to waterfalls and viewpoints across the ice, or ride the Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts for views over the harbor. Juneau is also one of the best places on the Inside Passage to look for humpback whales, and evening excursions pair wildlife viewing with Alaska dishes like reindeer sausage and wild berry desserts.

Skagway grew up almost overnight during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, and the town has kept that era intact. The historic district starts a short walk from the pier, where false-front buildings, the Mascot Saloon and the Gold Rush Cemetery trace the stampede that brought prospectors north. The signature outing is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, which climbs to the 3,290-foot White Pass Summit along the route those prospectors once walked. Beyond town, Princess excursions head into the surrounding valleys for gold panning, ziplining above waterfalls and UTV rides through forests where moose and bears feed.

Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Alaska. Admire the snow-capped mountains and sky-high glaciers from the comfort of the ship. Learn about this unique area from park rangers who come on board, or sit back and watch animals — like sea otters and whales — relaxing in their natural habitat. the many things to do in Glacier Bay National Park Glacier Bay National Park, do it without ever having to leave your Princess ship. Many Alaska itineraries also include scenic cruising past glaciers such as Hubbard Glacier or the Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier.

While the largest city in Alaska boasts modern buildings, Anchorage also retains historical charm with notes of late Victorian and Tudor Revival architecture. However, you won’t find Anchorage’s most alluring characteristic in the construction of this town, but rather in the people — and the wildlife — that reside here. Locals fish for their own dinner in shallow waters off the shore while moose meander across paved streets. Anchorage is truly an adventurist’s nirvana, and there's no shortage of things to do in Anchorage for every type of traveler. Steps away from the heart of the city, lakes and calving glaciers invite visitors to take in the scenery by boat, plane or train. Board a raft on Spencer Lake and drift past glacial monuments. Or hop onto a charming trolley for a 15-mile exploration of Anchorage’s past and present.

With over 17 million acres of land, Tongass National Forest is home to a collection of landscapes and wildlife. Ferns carpet the forest floor while Sitka spruce trees tower over the terrain. Traverse rivers by way of wooden boardwalks and descend hills with the help of man-made stairs that blend perfectly into the environment. Weave your way through these lands and keep an eye out for grizzly bears scouring the waters for fresh catch or eagles soaring above.

On a Princess cruisetour, spend more time on land exploring Alaska’s winding rivers, meeting locals and their sled dogs, or flying over the rolling mountains. With the ability to sail into smaller fjords, our Alaska cruisetours bring you to breathtaking national parks as well as the Golden Heart City, also known as Fairbanks. Spend even more time on land with an overnight stay at one of our exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges. Located amidst legendary natural preserves like Denali National Park, enjoy convenient access to untouched lands and then relax on the fireside with emerald forests and regal mountains as your backdrop.

Lined with flowers, the sole park road woven throughout Denali National Park and Preserve welcomes you to explore parts of this untouched natural land that spread over six million acres. Rivers carve through the base of mountains, glaciers decorate the landscapes and hundreds of animals call it home. The animals in Denali National Park include the park's famous Big Five: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves and Dall sheep. Explore these regions on a tour with knowledgeable guides who can teach you about the unique landscapes and the wildlife that call Denali National Park their home.

At 669,000 acres and decorated by one of the four major ice caps in the United States, Kenai Fjords National Park is a sight to be seen. The Harding Icefield, expanding over 700 miles in length, paints the park white and feeds the glaciers that surround the crystalline fjords. Regal humpback whales leap out of the waters while seals draped over rocks bask in the sun. In this oasis, cruise through the unspoiled water and relish in the artistry of Mother Nature.

As America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Snow blankets the rocky topography, adding even more character to this national treasure. Amidst the vast waters and powder blue glaciers lie some of the largest volcanoes in North America. Raft out and cast your rod into the salmon-filled Copper River to reel in your next meal, all the while taking in the glacial sights around you.

Known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks still holds true to its historical roots— and there's no shortage of things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska for curious travelers. Experience the city’s rich Gold Rush history via sternwheeler or visit one of the region’s many gold mines. You can also tour the city by kayak, floating under the centennial footbridge and enjoying the still waters of Chena River. Or watch sled dogs undergo training at Trail Breaker Kennel. Over in Pioneer Park lies a wonderland of activities for parents and children of any age. Saddle up on the antique carousel, try your hand at disc golf or taste delicacies plucked from Fairbanks’ waters — like fresh Alaska salmon.

These unforgettable Alaska cruise destinations offer travelers a chance to explore glaciers, wildlife and historic towns across the region. From exploring Denali National Park and Preserve to fishing for fresh salmon in Anchorage, the top Alaska destinations are home to adventures for every kind of visitor. Book an Alaska cruise or cruisetour with Princess today and uncover the thrills that await you. View Alaska cruises.

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