Princess Cruises guests sailing on the upcoming partial summer 2021 Alaska season will be thoroughly immersed with authentic Alaska-themed activities offered throughout the cruise line's award-winning "North to Alaska" culinary, entertainment and shore excursions series.
Previously announced, the cruise line is slated to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle, with seven-day cruises scheduled to depart July 25 through September 26, 2021, onboard Majestic Princess - a MedallionClass™ ship.
Majestic Princess is a sister ship to Royal Princess and Regal Princess but with amenities designed originally specifically for service in China. As such, while she bears a similar look and feel to her sister ships there are some interesting Asian-insipired elements such as decore and an elevated level of Cantones cuisine, VIP casino areas, and private Kareoke rooms.
"North to Alaska" brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of The Last Frontier. From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting locals, the program allows guests to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land.
Alaska Seafood
Guests savor a destination-themed dinner in the main dining rooms and unique Alaska seafood menus in the specialty restaurants during their cruise, including fresh salmon, King crab and halibut. Foodie favorites including seafood chowder from Bonanza Bar and Grill in Skagway and fish tacos from The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan are offered on the top deck grill of Majestic Princess, along with other selections in Juneau.
Exclusive to Princess cruises sailing to the Great Land, Cook My Catch offers a true sea-to-seat experience. Guests have the chance to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have chefs cook it for their dinner that night.
Meet Local Alaskans
From authors and artists to dog mushers and adventurists, "North to Alaska" cruise activities introduce guests to the unique personalities who are lucky enough to call Alaska home. Throughout the season local guests will share their unique stories of their own connection to Alaska, including:
- Susan Conrad, author of "Inside: One Woman's Journey Through the Inside Passage," shares her 1,200-mile adventure along the Alaska coast in her 18-foot kayak, forging new friendships and encountering wildlife while overcoming many challenges and living her dream.
- Nick Jans, New York Times best-selling author and renowned storyteller, comes aboard to tell his emotional story of Romeo, the wolf, and the effect he had on the people of Juneau, as told in his book, "A Wolf Called Romeo."
- Brendan Jones, prolific writer, college professor and best-selling author of the novel "The Alaskan Laundry," shares stories about his life, education, and journey from Philadelphia to Sitka, Alaska.
- Alaska Native Voices, cultural heritage guides, provide interpretive and educational lectures, storytelling, singing and personal interaction and displays of art, tools and craftsmanship of the traditional homeland Huna Tlingit, sharing the story of their connection to Glacier Bay National Park.
- Mark Kelly and Carl Johnson, award-winning photographers, have captured some of the best images the Great Land has to offer and share their Alaska photography experiences. Guests learn tips and tricks for taking their own frameable Alaska snapshots.
- Michael Modzelewski, a naturalist onboard every sailing, uncovers the history of this breathtaking state and helps guests spot native wildlife including humpback whales, bald eagles and mountain goats-- along their voyage.
- Unique Alaska Experiences
Thoughtfully curated onboard activities continue to bring the local Alaska culture to life with various experiences, including:
- Life as a Musher – guests meet a local dog musher, learn about the annual 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race and interact with a real dog.
- Midnight Sun Experience – hosted in The Sanctuary onboard Majestic Princess, guests delight in an intimate music experience with a guitar vocalist, cuddle up with blankets on lounge chairs and enjoy warm beverages or local Alaska beers.
- Klondike Festival - a celebration of the spirit of the Alaska gold rush with entertainment for the whole family, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects. In addition, a special Night at the Klondike dance party will be offered in one of the lounges.
Experience A National Treasure Glacier Bay National Park
The 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sure to impress with the magnificent blue spires of Margerie Glacier. Beyond the ice, guests see towering snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and freshwater streams. With a National Park Service Ranger onboard, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and array of wildlife that calls Glacier Bay National Park home.
Alaska Cruise Excursion Examples
Guests can experience true adventure in Alaska and feel like a local with unique shore excursions that offer a taste of true Alaska life. From fishing to dog sledding to flightseeing, some of the 2021 season offerings include:
Ketchikan – Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining; Hunting for Halibut; Zipline Adventure Park; Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure; Neets Bay Bear Cruise; Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk.
Juneau – Dog Sled Summer Camp; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Walk; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter, Guided Walk & Salmon Bake; Pilot's Choice Ice Age Exploration (with two landings); Taku Glacier Helicopter Landing & Airboat Tour; and several Whale Watching tour options.
Skagway – Glacier Discovery By Helicopter; Adventure Park & Ziplines; and White Pass Scenic Railway.
