Princess Cruises celebrates 65 years of Alaska statehood, gears up for spectacular 2024 season

Published on January 3, 2024

Princess Cruises, synonymous with sophistication, exploration, and top-notch hospitality, joyfully commemorates Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood. As the premier choice for Alaskan vacations, Princess Cruises has been an integral part of Alaska’s remarkable journey, introducing its natural splendor and cultural diversity to millions of globetrotters.

The attainment of statehood by Alaska stands as a pivotal juncture in the annals of American history, unraveling a plethora of opportunities and potentials. Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer for Princess, conveys sincere congratulations on this momentous milestone. “Princess Cruises takes immense pride in its role as a committed ally in Alaska’s journey, offering indelible experiences, bolstering its economy, and fostering a deep reverence for its unique heritage. We look back with pride at the remarkable memories created with millions of guests as they explored the untouched wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and lively communities in tandem with us.”

55th Anniversary Season: Grand and Unprecedented!
In parallel with Alaska’s 55th year of statehood in 2024, Princess will commemorate its 55th anniversary of guiding travelers to Alaska. The 2024 season, spanning May to September, will witness Princess Cruises surpassing expectations with seven exquisite cruise ships and five picturesque Wilderness Lodges, covering every corner of Alaska. The options cater to various budgets and durations, ensuring an appealing choice for every vacationer.

Recently attaining its peak guest satisfaction rates in 2023, the preeminent cruise line in Alaska consistently garners acclaim for its exceptional itineraries, unique shore excursions, the exclusive “North to Alaska” destination-specific enrichment program, delightful locally sourced seafood, and a myriad of other offerings. The cruise experience provides a complete immersion into the state’s rich culture, rendering it an optimal choice for families of all sizes.

The upcoming 2024 season is poised to be the most extensive and impressive to date, boasting 158 departures on 14 distinct itineraries spanning 17 destinations. This includes five glacier viewing experiences across seven remarkable ships. The cruise line’s 55th-anniversary season showcases 91 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, a record among cruise lines. It encompasses the “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, B.C., as well as Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver, B.C.

Innovative for 2024 are the convenient seven-day Inside Passage itineraries, many incorporating Glacier Bay National Park, round-trip from Vancouver on Ruby Princess. These cruises encompass four awe-inspiring ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with visits to Endicott Arm and scenic cruising of Dawes Glacier.

Furthermore, over 20 exceptional cruisetours seamlessly blend the incomparable Princess cruise experience with visits to Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula, Copper River, Fairbanks, and Anchorage—all within the comfort of Princess lodges. Celebrating its 55th anniversary, 2024 sees the introduction of two new cruisetours:

1. National Parks Tour – A 15-night adventure exploring five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks, combining a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights on land, with stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
2. Katmai National Park Tour – A nine-day cruisetour featuring two nights in Anchorage, offering an intimate bear-watching experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. This tour immerses travelers in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, allowing them to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat before or after embarking on a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, including a coveted visit to Glacier Bay National Park.

Affordable Options Galore
There are misconceptions about the cost of an Alaska cruise that need dispelling, such as it being too expensive. Princess ships provide a wide range of spacious and comfortable accommodations, including balcony, mini-suite, and suite options at various price points, making Alaska accessible to all.

For instance, guests opting for an interior stateroom for their Alaska vacation enjoy excellent value, with many opportunities to view the spectacular scenic beauty from open decks and comfortable spaces. Regardless of the chosen accommodations, all guests experience the unparalleled Princess MedallionClass onboard, offering an effortless and personalized cruising experience.

Prices for interior accommodations start at just $399 per person. For even greater affordability, four guests sharing a stateroom can sail for as little as $249 per person – not a nightly rate, but for the entire cruise! This price includes all meals and onboard entertainment, an unparalleled value unmatched anywhere else.