An Alaskan cruise is unlike any cruise you’ve ever experienced. The joy is definitely in the journey as much as it is in the destination.
From breathtaking views from your own cruise ship balcony to exciting onboard entertainment, you will love every moment of your trip!
This cruise has been on our bucket list for years now and it lived up to every expectation.
My great aunt and uncle lived in Juneau for years and always talked about how the views in Alaska would take your breath away. I was so excited for the chance to finally see those views in person!
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about taking a Royal Princess Alaska cruise!
*Disclosure: This post has been written in partnership with Princess Cruises. All opinions are our own.
What to Expect on a Royal Princess Alaska Cruise
Table of Contents
- What is the Princess MedallionClass?
- What are the staterooms like on the Royal Princess cruise ship?
- What is the food like on the Royal Princess cruise ship?
- Is the specialty dining worth it on the Royal Princess?
- What kind of activities and entertainment are on board the Royal Princess cruise ship?
- Is an Alaskan cruise good for families?
- Which Princess Alaska cruise is the best?
- Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Princess MedallionClass?
The Princess MedallionClass is a free tool for all guests to help enhance your experience while on board.
After booking your cruise, you’ll want to download the Princess MedallionClass app onto your mobile device.
You can get started right away by uploading your travel documents and filling in your personal information to help streamline the embarkation process. It saved us so much time when boarding the ship!
OceanReady
Once you complete the Travel Checklist provided on the app, you will be OceanReady and can order your free Medallion to be sent to your home prior to your departure.
You also have the option to pick up the Medallion at the cruise port, but check-in will be expedited if you already have it before you arrive.
Once you arrive at the cruise terminal, you can proceed to the Green Lane if you are OceanReady. This will allow you to get onboard faster and start your vacation!
Princess Medallion
The Princess Medallion is a quarter-sized device that has truly revolutionized the cruising experience.
It is unique to Princess Cruises and you won’t find anything like it on other ships.
The Medallion comes with a free lanyard, or you can choose to purchase a wearable accessory once you are on board.
Some of the options include a necklace, bracelet, clip, or sports band. We loved the sports band!
All of your information is stored in this little device that is waterproof, sand-proof, and sun-proof.
This is what you will scan when you are getting on and off the ship. It also has several other unique and helpful features.
Your Medallion is what you’ll use to unlock your stateroom door. It is completely touchless and will unlock your door as soon as you approach your room.
OceanNow
Your Medallion also has a location-based feature that acts as a tracker.
If you order a drink or a bite to eat from OceanNow on the Princess app, your server will be able to find you anywhere on the ship to deliver it to you.
We were up on the top deck and ordered a drink but decided to go down to the library to play Scrabble.
Instead of having to wait for our drink to get delivered, the server was able to find us 9 floors down in the library!
PlayOcean
There are also interactive screens, called ship portals, on each level by the elevators.
You can scan your Medallion at the portal and it will pull up a customized screen.
Here you can track your travel companions to see where they are hanging out at on the ship.
Our kids are older and enjoyed having some independence on the ship, so it gave me peace of mind to know where they were.
You can also play a variety of games on the portal with PlayOcean. There is even a digital scavenger hunt around the ship.
PlayOcean is linked to your Medallion so that it keeps track of your score. It even shows the high scores on the ship so that you can compete with others.
Princess MedallionClass app
The MedallionClass app is also very helpful throughout your cruise.
Here you will find the JourneyView that lists all of the activities offered throughout each day.
It allows you to bookmark the ones you would like to attend so that you don’t miss a single event.
The OceanCompass can be found on the app and will help you find your way around the ship. It also allows you to message or locate friends or family that you are traveling with.
You can even make dining reservations, order food, book excursions, and much more through the app.
What are the staterooms like on the Royal Princess cruise ship?
Each ship has several room options, including interior rooms, balcony rooms, deluxe balconies, mini-suites, and full-suites.
We booked the mini suite on board the Royal Princess, and it was so spacious and beautiful.
The 323-square-foot suite features a queen bed, or two twin beds, and a sitting area with a couch that converts to a sofa bed.
The bathroom is quite roomy with a full-sized bath and a massage shower head. It also has generous closet space, a desk, a mini fridge, and two flat-screen televisions.
Our favorite feature, however, is the balcony. My number one tip when taking a Princess Alaska cruise is to splurge for a room with a balcony.
There is nothing quite like waking up to the view of a glacier right outside your bedroom or enjoying a peaceful sunset all to yourself.
Each room on the Royal Princess cruise ship also features the Princess Luxury Bed.
These beds were designed with the help of a board-certified sleep expert and offer the ultimate comfort.
The scientifically engineered mattresses are topped with a two-inch pillow top, Jacquard-woven linens, fluffy duvets, and the most comfortable pillow you’ll ever sleep on.
I guarantee that you’ll get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed every morning of your cruise!
The rooms are cleaned daily by the attentive staff, and the beds are turned down every evening. They will even set up the sofa bed and take it down each morning.
If you book a suite with the Reserve Collection, you’ll receive additional perks like access to the concierge lounge, premier dining benefits, priority embarking and disembarking, and so much more.
What is the food like on the Royal Princess cruise ship?
We were so impressed with the food on the Royal Princess! There are so many dining options to choose from, and all the food we tried was so fresh and delicious.
The Horizon Court buffet features an endless array of fresh dishes from around the world. There are endless options that cater to all tastes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The dining room is also lined with windows offering great ocean views.
If you want a quick meal on the outdoor deck, head to the Trident Grill for a burger.
Or grab a quick slice of pizza from Prego Pizzeria and a piña colada from the Mermaid’s Tail bar to enjoy poolside.
Our boys also made sure to get a soft-serve ice cream cone from Swirls Ice Cream Bar every day!
Alfredo’s is a cozy pizzeria that serves mouthwatering hand-tossed pizza.
It was even voted “Best Pizza at Sea” by USA Today.
The Royal Princess cruise ship has three main dining rooms, the Symphony, Allegro, and Concerto.
Each evening you will find an extensive menu featuring a wide variety of international dishes made fresh daily. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious!
Reservations are recommended for the main dining rooms and can be done on the MedallionClass app.
There will be two evenings at sea that are designated as formal nights and it’s a fun excuse to dress up for dinner.
I loved seeing our boys all dressed up, even if they complained about wearing a tie!
Afternoon tea is also held one of the days at sea.
You can order room service 24 hours a day at no extra charge. You can also have food delivered to you wherever you are on the ship through the MedallionClass app.
Is the specialty dining worth it on the Royal Princess?
In addition to the included dining options, there are also specialty restaurants that guests can choose to experience for an additional cover charge.
I would highly recommend making reservations for at least one of the specialty restaurants while at sea.
The elevated dining experience is sure to make your cruise even more memorable.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just looking to make memories together as a family, a specialty dining experience is the perfect way to share that special love!
A few of our favorites include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill steakhouse, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and the Chef’s Table Lumiere dinner.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria is a family-style restaurant that serves up the freshest authentic Italian cuisine.
It was even voted as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants” at sea by USA Today.
Each dish is bursting with flavor, and the presentation is impeccable.
Try one of their signature handmade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, or filet mignon. Be sure to save room for the dessert- the tiramisu will melt in your mouth!
If you are seated by a window, you may even see a whale!
We saw a whale twice during our dinner and it added an extra element of magic to our already memorable night.
Another perk of booking a suite is that suite guests get the privilege of enjoying breakfast at Sabatini’s.
You have to order the Apple Cinnamon Brioche French Toast! The toast was perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Crown Grill
Crown Grill is a gourmet American steakhouse specializing in tender steaks right off the grill.
They are also part of Princess Cruise’s award-winning “North to Alaska” program that brings unique Alaskan experiences and fresh Alaskan seafood on board.
The menu features special dishes only found on the Princess Alaska cruises, such as Alaskan Crab Cakes and King Salmon.
I also highly recommend the Surf & Turf with an 8 oz filet mignon and 6-7 oz lobster tail.
Ocean Terrace
If you’re craving even more seafood, head to the sophisticated Ocean Terrace seafood bar.
Here you will find the tastiest fresh sushi and sashimi.
The menu is priced a la carte so you can order your favorite sushi rolls to enjoy while listening to the live music at the adjacent Crooner’s Bar.
Chef’s Table Lumiere
If you are celebrating a special event while at sea, I highly recommend reserving a seat at the Chef’s Table Lumiere.
It truly is a memorable dining experience. We enjoyed a nice date night onboard while our youngest had a great time hanging out at Camp Discovery.
The evening will start with champagne and hor d’oeuvres at the Wheelhouse Bar led by the Executive Sous Chef and the Director of Restaurant Operations.
You’ll then proceed to the kitchen where you’ll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the galley.
It is fascinating to see what it takes for this amazing staff to prepare and serve over 15,000 dishes per day on the cruise ship!
Then comes the main event. You’ll be escorted to a special table for an intimate culinary experience.
The multi-course tasting dinner is specially created by the Executive Chef and is exclusive to this dining experience.
Each dish is a show-stopper, both in flavor and presentation.
The Executive Chef will even come out between courses to share a little bit about his culinary creations.
Seating is limited for this event, so be sure to make a reservation as soon as you get on board if this is something you are interested in doing.
Gelato Shop
The Gelato Shop is located near the Piazza and is the best place to go for a sweet treat.
There is a nominal fee for their hand-scooped authentic Italian gelato.
However, if you upgrade to the Princess Plus package, you receive special perks like two free specialty desserts a day.
This includes the gourmet milkshakes from the Gelato Shop that are to die for! Of course, they are best enjoyed with a sunset view from your balcony.
Other perks with the Princess Plus Package include WiFi, fitness classes, a beverage package, and more.
What kind of activities and entertainment are on board the Royal Princess cruise ship?
There is never a shortage of things to do on board the Royal Princess Alaska cruise!
Evening shows and entertainment
We were especially impressed with the evening shows.
They featured comedians, magicians, and spectacular musical productions in the Princess Theater. Our family’s favorite was the comedian!
The smaller Princess Live Theater hosts trivia and game shows in the evenings and throughout the day.
And if you love karaoke, then head to the Vista Lounge!
The Vista Lounge is also where they hold auditions for The Voice of the Ocean for those that would like to compete on the last night of the cruise.
In the evenings, head up to the top deck for the Movie Under the Stars event.
Here you can cuddle up under a blanket and enjoy popcorn and a movie on the big screen.
There are board games available at the library, or you can also cozy up with a good book.
For those 18 years and older, you can try your luck in a game of Black Jack or a Texas Hold ’em tournament at the Vegas-style casino.
“North to Alaska” events
The Royal Princess features entertainment and events that are unique to Alaska.
This includes having naturalists, park rangers, and even lumberjacks on board to give presentations.
One of our favorite Alaska-themed events was Puppies in the Piazza.
During the event, guests learn more about the history of dog sledding and even cuddle Alaskan Husky puppies!
There are a variety of other classes and events that are offered throughout the day. Check JourneyView on the app for a calendar of events.
Swimming pools, spa, and other amenities
If it’s a nice day, take a dip in the heated Fountain Pool or Plunge Pool found on the Lido Deck.
There are also several hot tubs to enjoy in the evenings or when it’s a little chilly outside.
Adults will enjoy relaxing in luxury at the exclusive Sanctuary where you can purchase a half or full-day pass.
The Retreat Pool & Bar on the Sun Deck is also a beautiful adults-only space with a heated pool, hot tubs, and poolside cabanas available to rent.
Consider booking a spa treatment from the Lotus Spa while you are at sea. I booked a 75-minute deep tissue massage and it was absolutely heavenly!
For the ultimate in relaxation, purchase a day pass for the Enclave at the Lotus Spa.
This thermal suite features a heated hydro-therapy pool with a rain shower. There is also a Turkish-style steam bath, an aroma steam chamber, and a dry sauna.
Relax and take a nap on the heated stone bed or heated water bed. It will feel so nice after spending a cold day in Alaska!
If you enjoy staying active while on vacation, then you’ll appreciate the fitness center where you’ll find treadmills, weight-lifting machines, a walking track, and other exercise equipment.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy playing basketball and pickleball on the sports deck. There are also ping pong tables, a golf driving net, and bocce ball.
Check the JourneyView calendar for a list of sports competitions held throughout the day.
Is an Alaskan cruise good for families?
The answer to this question is a resounding YES! A cruise is the perfect family vacation.
We have traveled all over the world as a family and my kids said that this was one of their favorite trips ever. It is the perfect way to create lasting memories together as a family!
It is such a great value, considering it includes all of your accommodations, food, entertainment, childcare, and transportation to a different port every day.
There is so much on board to keep everyone of all ages entertained.
Older kids will especially appreciate the freedom to roam around and enjoy the extra independence you won’t find on other vacations.
An Alaskan cruise will also give your kids the opportunity to experience nature and culture with so many amazing excursions available at the ports.
Camp Discovery is the designated kid and teen center onboard the Royal Princess cruise ship. You’ll find spaces geared for 3 different age groups.
The Treehouse is for kids ages 3-7 years.
The Lodge is for kids 8-12.
And the Beach House is a teen hang-out for youth ages 13-17 years.
They are packed with everything kids love including an air hockey table, Skee-ball, foosball, video and computer games, board games, movies, crafts, and more.
The centers are run by the friendly staff and they have so many fun activities planned throughout the day.
Older kids sign themselves in and out with a parent’s permission, but younger kids will need to be signed in and out by a parent for safety reasons.
Parents will especially love being able to enjoy a date night with a quiet dinner and evening show while the kids are having fun at the center.
I will say that an Alaskan cruise is often considered to be geared more toward the older generation.
It is true that you won’t see as many kids onboard, but we also appreciated that there wasn’t the spring break party vibe that you find on many Caribbean cruises.
We still felt like there were plenty of things to do for families and our Alaskan cruise quickly became one of our most memorable family vacations!
Which Princess Alaska cruise is the best?
There are several different Princess Alaska Cruises to choose from so it may be hard to decide which one is best.
However, there are a few things you need to consider. Including, what port the cruise leaves from, the length of the cruise, and what ports the ship will stop at along the way.
The Princess Alaska cruises generally depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, BC so you’ll need to consider the cost of flights to either cruise terminal when choosing your trip.
You can also choose between a roundtrip cruise or a one-way southbound or northbound cruise.
If you book a one-way cruise, you will be able to experience more of Alaska as you cruise to Anchorage. However, you will also need to get a plane ticket in or out of Anchorage.
The length of the cruise varies from a short 4-day Sampler to a 14-day Grand Adventure. I would recommend a 7-day cruise, especially if it is your first time.
This will give you enough time to fully experience what Alaska has to offer, but it isn’t too long if you are worried about your sea legs.
When considering what ports you would like to visit, the must-see stops (especially on your first trip) are Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
I would also highly recommend booking a cruise that spends a day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.
This is one of the most remote national parks that can only be accessed by plane or boat.
Princess Cruises is one of the only cruise lines that has a concession contract to visit the park, and you do not want to miss it!
For recommended things to do at each port, see our guide The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions at Each Port.
We booked the 7-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) cruise on board the Royal Princess. Click the link to book your unforgettable Alaskan cruise!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the best month to go on an Alaskan cruise? The Alaskan cruise season is relatively short from April-October. However, the best time to go is Mid-May to Mid-September when the weather is warmer and the whales start migrating back to Alaska. Just keep in mind that the weather is better in the summer months, but the rates and crowds are better in the spring and fall.
- Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? Yes. Even if you are a US citizen, you will still need a passport as every Alaskan cruise makes a stop in either Vancouver or Victoria, BC.
- What should I pack for an Alaskan cruise? Even if you are visiting in the summer, you will want to dress in layers. I would recommend a lightweight puffer jacket that is easy to roll up and pack, as well as layers to wear underneath. You’ll want warm yet comfortable clothes to wear on the excursions. For the cruise ship, don’t forget a swimsuit and flip-flops if you plan to go in the pool or hot tub. You’ll also want to pack a few nice dresses or suits for the formal nights.
- What is the average temperature on an Alaskan cruise? The average temperature in Alaska during late spring and early fall is in the 50s. During the summer months, the temperatures are generally in the 60s, so dress accordingly. Keep in mind that Alaska also experiences between 17-20 hours of daylight in the summer months.
- When is the best time to see whales on an Alaskan cruise? Whales begin migrating back from Hawaii as early as April and stay in Alaska until as late as November. However, you will have the best chance of seeing whales from May-September.
- Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise? Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. However, it is possible to see the aurora borealis on a late September cruise if the conditions are right.
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I hope this guide will help you to know what to expect on an Alaskan cruise onboard the Royal Princess. It is sure to be one of your most memorable experiences!
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