Princess Cruises Launches Largest Alaska Cruise Season Ever in 2026

Eight Princess ships will offer 180 departures to 19 destinations, including the debut of the new 175,000-ton Star Princess.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:19am

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Princess Cruises is gearing up for its biggest Alaska cruise season ever in 2026, with eight ships offering 180 departures to 19 destinations across the state. The highlight will be the debut of the brand-new 175,000-ton Star Princess, which can carry up to 4,300 passengers and features 30 restaurants and bars, as well as expanded entertainment venues. Princess is also debuting four new 'North to Alaska' onboard experiences to immerse guests in the local culture, cuisine, and natural wonders of the region.

Why it matters

Alaska cruising is experiencing a significant boom, with over 1.8 million passengers expected to sail to the state in 2026, a 10% increase from the previous year. Princess Cruises has been the market leader in Alaska for decades, and this expanded presence cements its position as the premier cruise line for exploring the 'Great Land'.

The details

Princess Cruises is offering eight different ships for its 2026 Alaska season, including the brand-new Star Princess, a 175,000-ton vessel that can carry up to 4,300 passengers. The season runs from May 3 to September 27, with the ships visiting 19 different destinations across the state. In addition to the impressive ship lineup, Princess is debuting four new 'North to Alaska' onboard experiences that will bring local experts, entertainment, cuisine, and cultural elements to the cruise experience.

  • The 2026 Alaska cruise season for Princess Cruises begins on May 3 with the first sailing departure.
  • The season concludes on September 27, when the final sailing returns.
  • The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge opens on May 10, followed by the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge on May 12, and the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge on May 16.

The players

Princess Cruises

A leading cruise line that has been offering voyages to Alaska since 1955, and is launching its largest-ever Alaska season in 2026 with eight ships.

Star Princess

A brand-new 175,000-ton cruise ship that can carry up to 4,300 passengers and is making its Alaska debut in 2026.

John-Paul Lamb

The Vice President of Entertainment for Princess Cruises, who oversees the new 'North to Alaska' onboard experiences.

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What they’re saying

“From encounters with local experts and native storytellers to immersive entertainment and scenic glacier viewing, these experiences allow our guests to connect with Alaska along every step of their journey.”

— John-Paul Lamb, Vice President of Entertainment, Princess Cruises

What’s next

Princess Cruises is now accepting bookings for its 2026 Alaska cruise season, which is expected to be one of the busiest in the company's history. Travelers interested in exploring the 'Great Land' by sea can visit the Princess website, contact a travel advisor, or call 1-800-Princess to learn more and secure their spot.

The takeaway

Princess Cruises' expanded presence in Alaska for 2026, including the debut of the impressive new Star Princess ship and a slate of immersive new onboard experiences, solidifies the cruise line's position as the premier way to discover the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of the 49th state.