Princess Cruises Alaska 2027: eight ships, five lodges

Published on Aug 11, 2025, 3:20 pm CDT

5 min read

Princess Cruises will scale its Alaska program in 2027 with eight ships, expanded Inside Passage options, and land extensions at five signature wilderness lodges. The next-generation Star Princess returns for a second Alaska season, running seven-day Inside Passage cruises from Seattle, while Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries add depth with more Glacier Bay access and late stays in Juneau. Cruisetour choices span Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias, supported by Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service. Bookings open August 12, 2025, with early purchase incentives through August 18.

Key Points

Why it matters: More capacity, Glacier Bay access, and lodge stays tighten Princess leadership in Alaska.
Travel impact: Weekly Star Princess from Seattle, plus extended Inside Passage and Voyage of the Glaciers options.
What's next: Bookings open August 12, with limited-time savings and upgrades through August 18.
Fleet: Star, Coral, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Island, Royal, Ruby.
Deals: Up to 40 percent off on select sailings, third and fourth guests sail free.

Snapshot

Princess Cruises says its 2027 Alaska season will feature 187 departures across 17 itineraries from five homeports, highlighted by 85 calls to Glacier Bay National Park. The lineup centers on Inside Passage cruises, Voyage of the Glaciers one-way sailings between Vancouver and Anchorage via Whittier, and longer nine- and 10-day options. Cruisetour travelers can pair voyages with stays at five Princess wilderness lodges, including two Denali-area properties, connected by same-day Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service. Early Booking Bonus runs through August 18, 2025, with a free upgrade and a $99 deposit, and Captain's Circle members get up to $200 per stateroom in instant savings.

Background

Princess has sailed Alaska since 1969 and positions itself as the region's market leader for Glacier Bay access. For 2027, the cruise program lists four marquee glacier experiences, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Endicott Arm with Dawes Glacier. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers route travels between Vancouver and Anchorage via Whittier, with two glacier-viewing days and a late stay at Juneau on northbound runs. On land, the brand's five wilderness lodges support cruisetours near Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias national parks. The company also reiterates that it brings more guests to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line, a claim it attributes to park access and itinerary design.

Latest Developments

Princess Cruises Alaska 2027, Star Princess leads Seattle

Star Princess returns as the first Sphere-class ship to sail Alaska, taking weekly seven-day Inside Passage cruises roundtrip Seattle on Sundays, while Royal Princess offers Saturday departures that include Glacier Bay. Ruby Princess continues 10-day Inside Passage voyages from San Francisco, and Emerald Princess adds a full Vancouver season plus two 16-day roundtrips from Los Angeles. Several ships, Crown, Discovery, Royal, and Star, will also operate nine- and 10-day Inside Passage options, giving travelers more flexibility on timing and ports. For planning details and current ship assignments, see Princess' Alaska hub at princess.com/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises?utm_source=adept.travel.

Cruisetours and Glacier Bay access expand depth

Voyage of the Glaciers offers seven-day one-way sailings between Vancouver and Anchorage via Whittier, with two glacier days and calls at core Southeast Alaska ports. The line schedules 85 Glacier Bay entries across the season, covering every Voyage of the Glaciers departure and a 14-day Grand Adventure roundtrip from Vancouver. Travelers can add a cruisetour that links the ship to Denali via same-day Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail, then overnight at Princess' five lodges, including Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. A 17-night Denali Escorted Cruisetour stays two nights at each lodge. Itinerary specifics are outlined on the Voyage of the Glaciers page, princess.com/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/voyage-of-the-glaciers-cruise-in-alaska?utm_source=adept.travel.

Analysis

Alaska remains one of cruising's most resilient marquee products, and Princess is doubling down on its proven formula, Inside Passage variety, reliable Glacier Bay access, and integrated lodges. Returning Star Princess to Seattle anchors a large-ship, weeklong pattern that fits school calendars and fly-cruise demand from the Lower 48. Extending inventory with nine- and 10-day Inside Passage itineraries is a smart hedge, spreading capacity beyond Saturday and Sunday peaks while adding port diversity. Voyage of the Glaciers stays essential for travelers who want two glacier days and a deeper Gulf of Alaska routing.

The land program is the differentiator. Princess' Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service and five lodge network streamline the handoff from ship to Denali-area stays, which reduces friction for first-timers and multigenerational parties. The 17-night escorted option, two nights at each lodge, answers demand for slower, more immersive travel without sacrificing convenience. Promotional pricing and third and fourth guest offers should stimulate early bookings, especially for peak June and July dates that historically sell out first. If execution matches the plan, Princess' claim of bringing more guests to Glacier Bay than any other line will remain credible, since 85 calls create powerful inventory and marketing advantages.

Final Thoughts

For 2027, Princess is blending scale with substance across ships, Glacier Bay access, and rail-connected lodge stays. Weekly Inside Passage departures from Seattle, two-glacier Voyage of the Glaciers routes, and a broad cruisetour portfolio give travelers clear ways to match trip length and depth to their interests. With bookings opening August 12 and early incentives ending August 18, the best cabins and lodge combinations will go quickly. If Alaska is on your radar for a first cruise or a return visit, this program is built to deliver value and variety under the Princess Cruises Alaska 2027 banner.