Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess Recognized as Coolest Way To See Alaska Reinforcing Family-Friendly Luxury and Unforgettable Experiences

Published on December 2, 2025

Princess Cruises has proudly announced that its ship, Discovery Princess, has been named the “Coolest Way To See Alaska” in the 2026 Good Housekeeping Travel Awards, further solidifying the cruise line’s reputation for creating exceptional, memorable vacations for travelers of all ages. This prestigious accolade highlights Princess Cruises’ commitment to delivering an unparalleled combination of adventure, luxury, and entertainment across its Alaska itineraries.

The Good Housekeeping Travel Awards are highly regarded for spotlighting destinations, services, and experiences that offer superior value, quality, and enjoyment for families traveling together. For 2026, the awards focused on identifying travel experiences that appeal to a multi-generational audience, from families with young children to grandparents traveling with extended family. Winners were determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, which included expert reviews, consumer insights, and hands-on testing by Good Housekeeping’s editorial team. Discovery Princess stood out for its ability to merge innovation, comfort, and immersive entertainment into an extraordinary cruise experience, earning top marks across all assessment criteria.

Discovery Princess is designed to deliver an authentic Alaskan experience while offering activities and amenities that cater to every age group. Through its North to Alaska immersive programming, guests are invited to explore the culture, flavors, and spirit of Alaska from the comfort of the ship. This includes engaging presentations, local storytelling, and interactive experiences that bring the state’s natural beauty and heritage directly onboard.

Key highlights that make Discovery Princess an ideal choice for families include:

Immersive Alaska Experiences:

• Park Rangers onboard provide live narration while sailing through Glacier Bay, complemented by Junior and Teen Ranger programs.
• A storyteller series featuring cultural ambassadors, explorers, authors, photographers, and Iditarod champions delivers educational and inspiring content.
• Unique family-friendly activities such as Puppies in the Piazza and Campfire Movies Under the Stars create magical, shared memories.

Alaska-Inspired Culinary Offerings:

• Fresh, locally sourced seafood, including wild-caught salmon, halibut, and crab, forms the core of onboard dining options.
• “Cook My Catch” allows guests to enjoy the fish they catch on select shore excursions, adding an interactive culinary twist to the adventure.
• A wide selection of Alaska craft beers, local spirits, themed hot beverages, and signature cocktails enhances the dining experience for adults.

Entertainment and Enrichment Programs:

• Youth and teen activities like the Gold Rush Treasure Hunt and the Great Alaskan Fishermen’s Race foster engagement, adventure, and teamwork among younger guests.
• The ship’s immersive programming ensures that all generations can share in unique cultural, educational, and recreational experiences, strengthening family bonds.

The 2026 Alaska season marks Princess Cruises’ largest-ever program in the region. Discovery Princess sails the popular “Voyage of the Glacier” route between Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier), featuring Glacier Bay National Park, while Star Princess joins the fleet offering weekly seven-day Inside Passage cruises roundtrip from Seattle. In total, the eight-ship program spans from May through September, encompassing 180 departures and 19 destinations, providing travelers with an unmatched variety of Alaska adventures.

For those seeking to explore Alaska beyond the coastline, Princess offers extended Cruisetour packages. Guests can combine a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights at Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges to explore Alaska’s interior, including Denali National Park. This combination allows travelers to witness North America’s tallest peak while enjoying immersive experiences in the state’s pristine wilderness.

Recognition by Good Housekeeping underscores Princess Cruises’ status as the number-one cruise line in Alaska, offering transformative family travel experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious onboard amenities. Discovery Princess continues to set the standard for multi-generational vacations, delivering an extraordinary way to experience Alaska by sea.