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Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking wonders of Alaska!
An Alaska cruise on Princess Cruises offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and family-friendly activities.
From the charming city of Juneau to the historic town of Skagway, and the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park to the cultural hub of Ketchikan, a cruise to Alaska aboard Princess is a breathtaking experience.
You’ll even have a quick stop at Victoria, BC which is steeped in British ancestry.
Keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruise excursions that can be found at each port!
*Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Princess Cruises. All opinions are our own.
We booked a 7-day Inside Passage Cruise (with Glacier Bay) onboard the Royal Princess.
Princess Cruises is unmatched when it comes to its onboard food, service, accommodations, and entertainment on Alaskan cruises.
This is one of their most popular Alaskan cruise routes and includes stops at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria, BC. You’ll also have a full scenic cruising day through Glacier Bay National Park.
If you want to make the most of your time at each port, I would highly recommend booking the excursions directly through Princess Cruises.
If there are any cancellations due to unforeseen circ*mstances, they will automatically refund you and can help you reschedule another tour.
Click the link to see the different Princess Cruise Alaska excursions that are offered at each port.
Best Cruise Excursions in Juneau
The first stop on this cruise will be in Juneau, the enchanting capital city of Alaska.
Juneau is steeped in history and offers the perfect mix of beauty and culture.
The city was founded during the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880. It is named after Joe Juneau, one of the prospectors who made the initial discovery of gold.
Today, remnants of Juneau’s past can be explored at the Last Chance Mining Museum, which showcases mining artifacts and provides insights into the gold rush era.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Alaska State Museum as well to learn about the region’s rich history and indigenous cultures.
Additionally, the Alaska State Capitol building, constructed in 1931, offers a glimpse into the city’s political history.
If you want to get out and explore the natural beauty that Juneau has to offer, consider taking a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice.
You can even experience a dog sledding tour on the Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll take a helicopter to the glacier and then mush through the breathtaking Alaska wilderness.
While at Mendenhall Glacier, be sure to enjoy a hike along the scenic trail to Nugget Falls to witness the stunning waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool.
The Mount Roberts Tramway also takes you a staggering 1,800 feet to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Juneau’s surrounding mountains and fjords.
Visitors can also experience an aerial view of Juneau’s most stunning glaciers on a Five-Glacier Sea Plane Exploration.
Juneau is also known for being the best place for whale watching in Alaska.
We booked the Whale Watching & Alaska Salmon Bake Excursion where we were able to see humpback whales feeding in the pristine waters of Auke Bay.
We even had the rare opportunity of spotting a whale calf breaching out of the water twice! It was such an unforgettable experience.
The tour begins at the cruise ship port where you’ll board a bus and take a 25-minute narrated ride to Auke Bay.
You’ll then climb aboard a tour boat and head out onto the water in search of whales.
The captains know the best places to go. They even recognize the whales and know them by name due to the unique pattern on their fluke that identifies them like a fingerprint.
You are even guaranteed to see a whale on the tour or you get your money back.
While on the tour, there is a naturalist on board to educate the visitors and share interesting facts about whales. For instance, did you know that humpback whales eat 2,000-3,000 pounds of fish a day?
Their throats are only the size of a grapefruit, so the small herring that populate Auke Bay are their main cuisine.
Before migrating to Alaska, humpback whales spend six months in Hawaii mating and giving birth. During this time, they go the entire six months without eating.
The humpback whales lose 30% of their body weight in Hawaii, so once they arrive in Juneau they spend 20-22 hours a day looking for food and eating.
They say Alaska is the kitchen and Hawaii is the bedroom, with a very long hallway in between!
While in Alaska, nursing calves gain an average of 5 pounds per hour! Once fully grown, a humpback whale averages between 40-50 tons and is about 40-50 feet long.
It was so fascinating to learn more about these beautiful marine animals, as well as other local wildlife, and to be able to observe them in their natural habitat.
Only 1% of the population has a chance to see a whale in their lifetime, so be sure to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. It’s an experience our family will never forget!
After the whale-watching tour, you’ll board a bus and head to a traditional Alaska salmon bake.
Here you will enjoy a buffet lunch that includes fresh salmon grilled over an open flame.
The outdoor tables are nestled on the banks of the scenic Gold Creek where gold was first discovered in Juneau.
The food is delicious and the setting is absolutely beautiful!
Pile your plate high with salmon, barbecue chicken, scalloped potatoes, cornbread, rice, beans, and salad.
They even had homemade blueberry cake for dessert!
Our kids especially loved drinking hot chocolate and roasting s’mores around the fire after they were done eating.
After enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal, visitors can take a short walk along the creek to view the Salmon Creek waterfall.
There is even an entrance to an old abandoned mine near the waterfall.
Gold panning is also available where guests can pan for real flecks of gold to take home.
If you visit between June and July, you will even have the chance to see hundreds of salmon spawning in the creek.
The bus will then take you back to the cruise port where you can walk around the town.
Be sure to stop at Tracy’s King Crab Shack to try their famous crab cakes!
People come from all over just to eat their fresh crab cakes. In the summer, you’ll find a line wrapping around the building.
The ship leaves Juneau Harbor at dusk where you can catch the last of the sun sinking below the mountains.
As blue hour hits, you’ll set sail to your next destination.
Best Cruise Excursions in Skagway
The second port on your cruise will be Skagway, the Gateway to the Gold Rush, where you can immerse yourself in the Klondike Gold Rush history.
From 1897-1898, Skagway became a vital gateway for prospectors heading to the goldfields of the Yukon.
Over a century after the peak of the gold rush, the town still retains its charming 19th-century atmosphere.
The Skagway Historic District has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and several cruise excursions offer historical city tours.
As you walk along Broadway Street, you’ll find that the town’s unique architecture has been preserved and provides a captivating glimpse into the past.
You’ll find colorful restored buildings from the gold rush era, including the Pantheon Saloon, and the infamous Red Onion Saloon.
The Red Onion Saloon once operated as a brothel and now serves as a museum.
Another iconic building belongs to the Arctic Brotherhood, a well-respected fraternal organization during the gold rush.
New members had to hike to the top of the nearby mountain and bring back a stick to add to the exterior. It is now covered with over 8,800 sticks.
Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and discover captivating tales of prospectors who once journeyed through here in search of fortune.
Or just stroll along the streets and pick up some souvenirs at one of the many local shops.
Be sure to also make a stop at the Klondike Doughboy to indulge in their Alaska Fry Bread.
The pillowy fry bread is coated in cinnamon and sugar and is absolutely heavenly!
Gold wasn’t actually found in Skagway, it was just a jumping-off point for gold seekers who traversed the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail. This challenging trail offered the shortest route to the Klondike.
For an active adventure, try a hiking excursion along a portion of the historic Chilkoot Trail, retracing the footsteps of gold seekers.
Wildlife enthusiasts can opt for a nature tour, spotting bald eagles, bears, and other native wildlife in their natural habitats.
If you want to experience the beauty of the area, embark on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad journey.
This iconic train ride takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery and provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by gold rush prospectors.
And if you’re up for an adventure, I would highly recommend booking the Grizzly Falls Zipline Tour!
Our family had the best time soaring over waterfalls and through the moss-covered trees in the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
The tour begins at the cruise terminal where you’ll board a shuttle bus and take a narrated drive through town.
It was interesting to learn more about the history of the town and we were surprised at just how small and remote it is.
In fact, this year’s graduating class only consists of 3 students! The population in the winter is only about 800-1000 people, but in the summer it spikes to 2,500 people.
But you won’t find many modern conveniences here, the closest major grocery store is 2 1/2 hours away in Whitehorse, Canada.
The shuttle bus will continue along the scenic Klondike Highway to the ghost town of Dyea.
After a 35-minute drive, you’ll arrive at the base camp where you’ll find a recreated 1800s mining town.
You’ll have a few minutes to take a restroom break or browse the general store for souvenirs.
You can also enjoy a steaming cup of complimentary hot chocolate at the saloon.
Everyone will then board a Unimog, an open-air all-terrain vehicle, and take a rugged 15-minute ride up the mountain to the base of Grizzly Falls.
The Unimog drive is part of the adventure as you bounce along the scenic forest road!
Once you arrive at the staging area, you’ll have a safety briefing and gear up for your adventure.
The 90-minute zipline course will take you along 10 different lines and over 4 suspension bridges.
You’ll have a thrilling adventure high above the rushing river and glacially-fed waterfalls.
My boys’ favorite was “The Pipeline”, a 750-foot zipline that reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour!
Personally, I loved the lines and suspension bridges that took you directly over the falls.
It truly is an unforgettable adventure and the beauty is unmatched. You’ll head back to the cruise ship on an adrenaline high!
That evening, the ship will make its way to Glacier Bay National Park.
This is the most scenic portion of the cruise, so be sure to take in the views on the top deck during sunset.
Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruising Day
Wake up early the next morning to breathe in the intoxicating views of Glacier Bay at sunrise.
I would highly recommend booking a balcony room and ordering room service breakfast so that you can enjoy a peaceful morning with the views all to yourselves.
Eating fresh croissants while silently gliding through the glassy waters of the bay in the early morning hours will go down as one of my top 5 most memorable travel experiences of all time.
The cruise itinerary includes a full day to cruise through Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is one of the most remote and the most beautiful parks in the national parks system. It can only be reached by plane or boat, so not many people have the opportunity to visit.
Cruise ship regulations are also put in place, and Princess Cruises just so happens to be one of the only cruise lines that has a concession contract to visit Glacier Bay.
There are over 1,000 glaciers at Glacier Bay and you’ll be awe-struck as you cruise up close to quite a few of them.
The cruise ship doesn’t port at Glacier Bay, so there are no off-ship excursions offered. But there is still plenty to do!
You’ll spend the day marveling at the immense glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks, and the serene wilderness that surrounds you.
Keep your camera ready to capture the magnificent Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays.
As you cruise through the park, keep an eye out for marine wildlife, including humpback whales, seals, and sea lions.
In the morning, park rangers will board the cruise ship where they’ll spend the day providing insightful commentary and enriching your experience with their knowledge of the region’s ecology.
Our kids especially loved being able to participate in the Junior Ranger Program at Camp Discovery onboard the Alaskan cruise ship.
You’ll also want to take advantage of the unique experience of soaking in the hot tub while surrounded by glaciers or swimming in the heated pool in the shadows of the snow-covered mountains.
For more information about the ship, see our guide, What to Expect on a Royal Princess Alaska Cruise.
Glacier Bay National Park is not only a natural wonder but also a living testament to the region’s glacial history.
The park’s glaciers have been slowly retreating since the Little Ice Age, revealing landscapes shaped by ice for thousands of years.
The landscape is constantly changing due to climate change and other factors, so it truly is a remarkable experience to view the glaciers before they retreat even more.
Best Excursions in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the “Gateway to the Inside Passage”. You’ll pass by it on your way up to Juneau but will make a stop on your way back down.
The region has a fascinating history tied to the fishing and timber industries.
The vibrant city also has a rich Native American heritage.
To learn about the indigenous culture, take an excursion to Saxman Native Village, Totem Heritage Center, or Totem Bight State Park.
These locations provide different opportunities to admire beautifully carved totem poles and discover the fascinating world of Native American art and culture.
Ketchikan not only showcases its rich native heritage but also offers unique cruise excursions that highlight the city’s natural beauty.
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, embark on a salmon fishing excursion and try your luck at catching the renowned Alaska salmon.
Taking a scenic wilderness cruise through Misty Fjords is also something you’ll always remember, especially if the weather is moody.
Kids and adults alike will love watching the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. It was even touted as one of the “Top 10 Things to See in Alaska” by The Travel Channel.
You also won’t want to miss Creek Street, a picturesque boardwalk lined with colorful buildings and quaint shops.
Instead of being built on solid ground, the historic buildings are built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek because it was too difficult to blast into the surrounding mountain to make room for development.
Creek Street is best visited while on a historic walking tour where you’ll learn more about the area’s interesting and often seedy past.
Booze and brothels were a common theme on Creek Street as it was once home to the red-light district.
Many of the houses and buildings even had trap doors for bootleggers to deliver alcohol during the prohibition. They would reach the trap doors by boat at night while under the cloak of darkness.
Dolly’s was the first brothel in Ketchikan and it has since been converted to a museum that is open to visitors.
Ketchikan is also known as the Salmon Capital of the World.
Ketchikan Creek which runs through Creek Street is one of the best places to see spawning salmon in the summer months.
And you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience a traditional salmon bake where you can savor freshly cooked Alaska salmon.
For an adrenaline-filled adventure, I would recommend the Wilderness UTV Family Adventure.
The 12-mile tour is equally beautiful and thrilling as you traverse along an old logging road through the George Inlet fjord.
There are a few stops along the way, including Totem Point.
Your guide will take a moment to share more about the history of the area as you take in the breathtaking view over the glassy water.
The next stop is at Mahoney Falls where you can witness the thundering 1,500-foot waterfall from a distance.
You’ll then take a short walk through the forest to lower Lake Mahoney.
Once you reach the lake, you’ll discover that the surrounding mountain peaks and forest trees are perfectly reflected in the water.
It is such a peaceful place and you’ll most likely only be sharing it with your small tour group. Our boys especially loved having a rock skipping contest at the lake.
After this last stop, you’ll climb back on your UTV and take the scenic drive back to base camp.
The tour will end with a grilled reindeer sausage picnic lunch while overlooking the water.
After you’re done eating, you’ll take the shuttle bus back to the cruise port.
You’ll have a little bit of time to walk around the city before saying goodbye to this storybook town.
Best Excursions in Victoria
Your last full day of the cruise will be spent mostly at sea before arriving at Victoria that night.
Take advantage of a day at sea to fully enjoy the amenities offered on Royal Princess.
Relax by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, challenge your friends or family in a sporting competition, enjoy a live performance, or participate in one of the many scheduled activities.
Of course, you’ll also want to take advantage of the array of dining options, from casual to specialty dining, and indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by world-class chefs.
To learn more about what it’s like onboard Royal Princess, see our guide What to Expect on a Royal Princess Alaska Cruise.
The cruise ship will arrive in Victoria as the sun is setting, offering spectacular views at golden hour and sunset.
Since you are arriving later in the evening, you’ll only have a few hours to explore the city, so I recommend taking a City Highlights Tour.
This bus tour will allow you to get a taste of the city as you uncover its captivating history during your short time at port.
The city of Victoria was named after Queen Victoria, and it is deeply rooted in its British colonial history. It is known for its charming blend of British heritage and natural beauty.
If you find yourself with more time to explore Victoria, check out our guide for the Best Things to do in Victoria, BC with Kids.
I hope this guide will help you discover the best Alaska cruise excursions with Princess Cruises.
From the gold rush tales of Skagway to the native heritage of Ketchikan, each destination tells a unique story that adds depth to your Alaskan adventure.
Book your Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises to create lasting memories with your family!
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