Princess Alaska Cruises for Families
with
Mom Approved Travel
Princess Alaska Cruises for Families
Mom Approved Guide for Princess Cruises to Alaska
Princess can be one of the best Alaska cruise choices for families and multigenerational groups, especially when glaciers, scenery and experiencing Alaska itself are more important than having the ship itself as the main attraction.
But choosing Princess for your Alaska cruise is only the beginning.
A round trip Seattle cruise, a Vancouver sailing and a one way Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary can create very different vacations. Add different ships, glacier experiences, cabin choices and the possibility of continuing into Denali, and there is much more to compare than simply price and departure date.
At Mom Approved Travel, we specialize in family and multigenerational vacations. We help families compare the complete Alaska experience before they choose the cruise.
Princess may be the right Alaska cruise line for your family.
We help you look beyond the cruise line name to find the itinerary and experience that truly fit your family.
Why Plan Your Princess Alaska Cruise
with Mom Approved Travel?
An Alaska cruise is an itinerary first vacation, not a ship first kind of vacation.
That is one of the most important differences between planning Alaska and planning many Caribbean cruises.
A beautiful ship does not make up for choosing the wrong glacier itinerary, inconvenient flights, short port times or a land itinerary that is too ambitious for the family traveling.
Mom Approved Travel takes a family first approach to Alaska cruise planning.
Before recommending a Princess sailing, we look at:
- Who is traveling and the ages of the children
- Whether this is your first or possibly only trip to Alaska
- Which glaciers and experiences matter most to you
- How much time you have
- Whether Denali is part of your Alaska must-dos
- Your family’s previous cruise experience
- Cabin needs for couples, families and extended groups
- Mobility and activity levels
- Flight logistics
- Excursion interests
- Your overall vacation investment
Then we compare the options.
We Compare the Options That Fit Your Family
Princess is one of the cruise lines we recommend for Alaska, but the right choice depends on the experience your family wants.
Learn More: Princess Cruises
We compare the itinerary, ship, glacier experience, onboard atmosphere, land options and overall vacation investment before narrowing the choices.
Because our Travel Advisors plan Alaska across multiple cruise lines, we can also consider Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America and other Alaska options when they better fit your priorities.
Learn More: Alaska Cruises
We do not try to make your family fit a cruise line, we find the cruise line and itinerary that fit your family.
We Look at the Whole Alaska Vacation
The cruise fare is only one piece of an Alaska bucket list trip. We will also consider:
- Airfare
- Pre-cruise hotels
- Transfers
- Open jaw flights for one way itineraries
- Cabin configurations
- Shore excursions
- Cruise packages
- Land tour expenses
- Travel protection
- The number of days spent away from home
Sometimes the cruise with the lower fare is NOT the vacation with the better overall value.
We Specialize in Families Traveling Together
A couple traveling to Alaska has different planning needs than grandparents, parents and grandchildren sharing the experience.
For multigenerational groups, we may be coordinating several cabins, different activity levels, different excursion interests and different expectations of the ship.
Our goal is not to make everyone do the same thing, but to create an Alaska vacation that works for everyone traveling.
What should you look for in an Alaska cruise Travel Advisor?
A strong Alaska cruise Travel Advisor should be able to compare cruise lines, ships, glacier itineraries, cabins, flights, excursions and land options, and explain why one combination makes more sense for your family than another.
This is the kind of Alaska planning Mom Approved Travel provides. This is a bucket list trip for many families, and we want your investment into your Alaska experience to be a great one.
Is Princess a Good Cruise Line for Families in Alaska?
Is Princess a Good Cruise Line for Families in Alaska?
Yes. Princess can be an excellent Alaska cruise line for families, particularly when the destination is the priority.
Princess combines strong glacier itineraries with youth and teen programming, destination focused experiences and one of the most extensive cruise and land programs in Alaska.
Princess is often a particularly good fit for:
- Families with school-age children or teens
- Multigenerational families
- Travelers who prioritize glacier viewing
- Families interested in Glacier Bay National Park
- Adults who prefer a more relaxed ship atmosphere
- Dog lovers – Princess brings sled dog puppies and Iditarod mushers onboard during Puppies on the Piazza
- Travelers considering Denali
- Families who want children’s programming without choosing a child-centered cruise line
Princess may not be our first recommendation when a family’s biggest priorities are large water slides, thrill attractions, highly themed entertainment or character experiences.
For those families, we may also compare Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises or Disney cruises to Alaska.
Want to compare the bigger picture? Visit our guide to the best Alaska cruises for families.
Why Is Princess So Strong in Alaska?
Princess has been sailing Alaska for over five decades and has developed an Alaska program that extends well beyond its ships.
It offers multiple glacier viewing routes, access to Glacier Bay National Park, one-way Voyage of the Glaciers sailings, five Princess wilderness lodges and dedicated glass-domed rail transportation used on its cruisetours.
Princess has also been named Travel Weekly’s Best Cruise Line in Alaska 22 times.
Glacier Focused Itineraries
Depending on the sailing, Princess Alaska itineraries may feature:
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Hubbard Glacier
- College Fjord
- Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
Not every Princess Alaska cruise visits Glacier Bay.
This is a very important distinction.
Two seven-night Princess cruises can look nearly identical in a search result while offering different glacier experiences.
This is why we compare the actual itinerary for your family before we compare cabins.
Alaska Is Part of the Onboard Experience
Princess’s North to Alaska program brings elements of the destination onboard through regional food, local experts, naturalists, storytellers and Alaska-focused programming.
For families, that means Alaska does not disappear when the ship leaves port.
When is the best time for a Princess Alaska Cruise?
- May: Spring wildlife sightings, fewer crowds.
- June and July: Warmest weather, ideal for families with school aged kids.
- August and September: Weather begins to cool, quieter ports, fall foliage, and a potential to see the Northern Lights.
Pro Tip: Cabins and Cruisetour land packages sell out quickly, often 12–18 months in advance. Booking early is best so we can get your first choice of cabin, itinerary, and excursions!
Which Princess Alaska Cruise Route Is Best?
For most families, the first major decision is round trip or one way.
Round-Trip Seattle or Vancouver
A round-trip Princess Alaska cruise may make more sense if:
- You have approximately one week
- Simpler airfare is important
- You are not planning to visit Denali
- You prefer to begin and end in the same city
- This is your family’s first Alaska trip
- Reducing travel logistics is a priority
Seattle is particularly convenient for families who prefer a U.S. departure.
Vancouver can offer excellent Inside Passage itineraries and can also be a worthwhile pre or post cruise destination.
Mom Approved Tip: Never assume a cruise includes Glacier Bay just because it says “Inside Passage.” Check the exact scenic cruising destination.
Princess’s Voyage of the Glaciers is a seven-night, one way cruise between Vancouver and Whittier, near Anchorage.
Every Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary includes two glacier viewing experiences: Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
This is often one of the first routes we evaluate when a family tells us:
- Glacier viewing is one of their highest priorities
- Denali is on the wish list
- They have 10 days or longer
- This may be their only Alaska vacation
- They want to experience more than Southeast Alaska
Because the cruise begins or ends near Anchorage, Voyage of the Glaciers also pairs naturally with a Princess cruisetour.
The better route is the one that fits the trip you are trying to take.
For one family, a round-trip Seattle sailing with easier airfare may be the clear winner.
For another, traveling all the way to Alaska without continuing into the interior would feel like a missed opportunity.
That is why we choose the itinerary for your family before we choose the ship.
Which Princess Ship Is Best for Alaska?
There is no single best Princess ship for Alaska.
The best ship is the one sailing the right itinerary for your family.
When we compare Princess ships, we look at:
- Glacier itinerary
- Departure city
- Round-trip versus one-way routing
- Port times
- Cruisetour compatibility
- Ship size and atmosphere
- Children’s and teen spaces
- Cabin availability
- Mobility needs
- Total trip cost, including airfare
A newer ship may offer more restaurants, entertainment and onboard amenities.
A smaller or more traditional Princess ship may appeal to travelers who prefer a different onboard atmosphere or find that ship is operating the stronger itinerary for their dates.
The newest ship is not automatically the best Alaska ship.
What About Star Princess?
Star Princess gives families the opportunity to combine Alaska with Princess’s newer Sphere Class ship experience, and this can make her appealing to families who want the ship to play a larger role in the vacation.
But we would not recommend Star Princess simply because she is newer. If another Princess ship offers a better glacier itinerary, cabin arrangement, schedule or land tour option for your family, we will tell you!
Not Sure Which Princess Alaska Cruise to Choose?
Are Princess Alaska Cruises Good for Kids and Teens?
Yes, Princess Alaska cruises are good for kids and teens, especially for children who are excited about Alaska itself.
Princess offers age based Youth & Teen Clubs for ages 3–17, along with family entertainment such as Movies Under the Stars, games, production shows and Alaska focused activities.
But there is an important distinction to make:
- Princess is family friendly without being completely child centered.
- This can be an excellent balance for families with older children, teenagers or several generations traveling together.
- Children can have their own spaces and activities while the family still comes together for glacier viewing, meals, entertainment and port days.
For a family whose children primarily want water parks, thrill rides or characters, another cruise line may be a better match.
Why Princess Works for Multigenerational Alaska Cruises
Alaska is one of those destinations where several generations can be excited about the same trip for completely different reasons.
- Grandparents may be looking forward to scenic cruising and rail travel.
- Parents may be focused on wildlife, excursions and getting everyone from place to place.
- Kids and teens may be dreaming about whales, glaciers, sled dogs, trains and active adventures.
Princess gives families enough flexibility to spend meaningful time together without requiring everyone to follow the same schedule.
For multigenerational groups, we help you think through your needs and wants for:
- Connecting or nearby cabins
- Balcony and non-balcony combinations
- Mobility and accessibility
- Excursion activity levels
- Children’s and teen programming
- Dining arrangements
- Flight timing
- Pre-cruise hotels
- Cruisetour pacing
One Family Does Not Have To Do the Same Excursion
This is an important part of multigenerational Alaska planning.
- Grandparents may choose a scenic or wildlife-focused experience while teenagers tackle something more active.
- Younger children may need a shorter day while other family members stay in port longer.
Good multigenerational planning creates the experiences everyone will share and gives family members permission to experience Alaska differently.
Should You Add a Princess Alaska Cruisetour?
We discuss adding a Princess cruisetour when Alaska’s interior is an important part of the trip.
Princess cruisetours pair a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with an inland journey using rail and motorcoach transportation and Princess wilderness lodges.
Depending on the itinerary, the land portion may include destinations such as:
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Mt. McKinley
- Kenai
- Copper River
A cruisetour may be a good fit when:
- Denali is a priority
- This may be your only Alaska trip
- You have at least 10 days
- Your family is comfortable changing hotels
- You want the transportation and lodging coordinated
- Your group can manage a more structured pace
A cruise only vacation may be better when:
- You only have one week
- Your family needs a slower trip
- Several hotel changes would be difficult
- Younger children may struggle with long transportation days
- You prefer to invest more of the vacation budget in cruise excursions
More Alaska is not automatically a better Alaska vacation for your family, the right amount of Alaska depends on the people traveling.
For a deeper comparison, read our Alaska land-and-sea cruisetour guide.
Princess Alaska Cruises in 2027
There are still excellent 2027 Princess Alaska options available, but the best choice depends on what matters most to your family.
When you talk with your MAT Advisor, we will compare the best available combination of itinerary, ship, cabin, airfare and overall value.
For the 2027 Alaska cruise season, your Mom Approved Travel Advisor can help identify:
- The strongest glacier itineraries available
- Sailings that still have family-friendly cabin options
- The best choices for school break dates
- Roundtrip versus one way options
- Opportunities to add Denali or a Princess cruisetour
- The best overall value once flights, hotels and excursions are considered
Availability for cabins that sleep three or four guests or for families needing several rooms together will become harder to find as we get closer to the 2027 Alaska cruise season, but your MAT Advisor can help you find the best option available for your family.
>> Start a conversation with a MAT Advisor HERE
Princess Alaska Cruises in 2028
Princess Cruises has opened its 2028 Alaska season, with 185 departures across 14 itineraries aboard eight ships.
The 2028 season includes cruises ranging from 4 to 16 days, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier near Anchorage, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Princess will visit 16 Alaska destinations and offer scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.
For families planning 2028 Alaskan cruises, we recommend connecting with one of our MAT Advisors sooner rather than later, when you need:
- A cabin for three or four guests
- Connecting cabins
- Several cabins near one another
- An accessible cabin
- A specific school break week
- A specific glacier itinerary
- A popular Princess cruisetour
Early planning gives you more choices. The goal is to book early once we know which Alaska vacation is worth booking.
>> Start a conversation with a MAT Advisor HERE
What Makes Mom Approved Travel
an Alaska Cruise Expert?
Our Alaska cruise recommendations are built from a combination of destination knowledge, supplier education, cruise-line comparisons and experience planning complex family travel.
Mom Approved Travel’s Alaska planning strengths include:
- Family and multigenerational cruise planning
- Princess Alaska expertise
- Knowledge of Alaska’s major cruise lines
- Cruise only and cruisetour (land and sea) comparisons
- Cabin planning for families and extended groups
- Glacier and itinerary comparisons
- Excursion guidance for different ages and abilities
- Support coordinating the moving parts around the cruise
- Ongoing Advisor education as ships, itineraries and Alaska programs change
- Advisors who invest time into certifications from Alaska tourism authorities, cruise lines and industry associations
Our expertise is demonstrated by knowing why one family should choose Princess, and why another may be happier elsewhere.
What is the best travel agency for an Alaska family cruise?
The best Alaska cruise travel agency is one that can compare cruise lines and itineraries objectively, understands the logistics of family and multigenerational travel, and helps plan the full vacation, not only the cruise reservation.
Mom Approved Travel was built around helping busy families simplify travel.
Ready to Find the Right Alaska Cruise for Your Family?
There are dozens of ways to cruise Alaska.
Your family does not need to research every one of them. All you have to do is tell your MAT Alaska Expert Travel Advisor:
- Who is traveling
- Your preferred travel window
- The ages of the children
- How many days you have
- Whether Glacier Bay or Denali is important
- What everyone most wants to experience
We will help you narrow the cruise lines, ships and itineraries until the right Alaska vacation becomes clear.
You bring the Alaska wish list. We’ll help you choose the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Alaska Cruises
Yes, Princess can be one of the best Alaska cruise lines for families that prioritize glaciers, scenery, destination programming and the option to add Denali.
Families that prioritize major onboard attractions, characters or highly themed children’s entertainment may prefer another cruise line.
Yes. Princess’s Alaska Cruisetours combine a 7-night cruise with 3–7 nights on land. Options include Denali National Park lodges, scenic glass-domed rail cars, and cultural stays in Fairbanks or Anchorage, your MAT Advisor can show you the best options for your wishlist!
No. Princess offers many Glacier Bay itineraries, but not every Princess Alaska cruise visits Glacier Bay.
Depending on the itinerary, scenic cruising may instead feature Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord or Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
It really depends on what you want to see and do, which is why working with an MAT Advisor is important!
May to June: Springtime. Wildlife and fewer crowds.
July to August: Warmest weather and school breaks.
September: Quieter, colorful fall foliage, and Northern Lights potential.
Voyage of the Glaciers is a seven-night, one-way Princess cruise between Vancouver and Whittier, near Anchorage. Each itinerary includes two glacier-viewing experiences: Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
There is no single best Princess ship for every family. We recommend choosing the Alaska itinerary first, then comparing the ships operating that route based on cabin needs, children’s ages, onboard activities, budget and travel style.
Yes. Princess offers Youth & Teen Clubs for ages 3–17 along with family entertainment and Alaska-focused programming. It is often a strong fit for families whose children are excited about wildlife, glaciers and the destination itself.
Choose a cruise-only vacation if you have limited time or prefer a slower trip. Consider a cruisetour if Denali and Alaska’s interior are priorities and your family has approximately 10 days or longer.
An experienced Alaska cruise Travel Advisor can help compare cruise lines, routes, glaciers, ships, cabins, flights, excursions and land tours instead of simply reserving the cruise. This can be especially valuable for families and multigenerational groups coordinating several travelers, cabins or activity levels.
Mom Approved Travel specializes in family and multigenerational vacations. We compare the complete Alaska trip, including cruise line, itinerary, ship, cabins, flights, excursions and land options before helping your family choose a vacation.
Yes. We plan Alaska vacations across multiple cruise lines. If Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity or another Alaska option fits your family better than Princess, we can compare those choices with you.
Yes! Our Alaska Cruise Experts have first hand experience and go through a rigorous education program. Not only are they certified Princes Cruise Experts, and Princess Certified Alaska Experts; but are also Travel Alaska certified Experts by Travel Alaska, the Department of Tourism!
