Why a Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the Ultimate Way to Experience Alaska
Written By: Travel Advisor, Caitlin Smith
When most people dream about an Alaska vacation, they picture towering glaciers, whales breaching in the distance, and charming coastal towns. An Alaska cruise absolutely delivers those iconic moments, but after experiencing Alaska’s interior for myself, I can confidently say this: if you have the time, don’t stop at the cruise. Add a land tour. It transforms an amazing vacation into an unforgettable one.
I recently had the opportunity to experience a Princess Cruises Alaska Cruisetour, giving me a firsthand look at everything inland Alaska has to offer. A Cruisetour can be added before or after your cruise, creating a seamless, stress-free way to experience Alaska beyond the coastline.
While there’s no denying the beauty of sailing through Alaska, there is so much more to discover than what you can see from the water. The land portion gave me the chance to slow down and truly experience the state. Strolling through Fairbanks, learning about Alaska Native culture, watching the scenery transform on the journey toward Denali, spotting wildlife along the way, and simply taking in the sheer scale of the landscape gave me a much deeper appreciation for just how wild and beautiful Alaska really is. I wasn’t simply looking at Alaska, I was immersed in it.
One of the highlights of any exploration of inland Alaska, is the Denali region. Denali National Park, with it's 6-million acres of the incredible Alaskan tundra, is a great spot to view Denali (Mt. McKinley). The "Big One" as the locals call it, is the largest peak in North America. And even if the mountain itself stays hidden behind the clouds (which happens more often than not), the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. Towering spruce forests, braided rivers, snow-capped peaks, and opportunities to spot Alaska's Big Five: Dall sheep, wolves, moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Additional wildlife appearances make every mile worthwhile, and of course catching a glimpse of Denali is certainly a bonus, but experiencing the beauty and vastness of the national park is the true reward.
On a Princess Cruisetour, getting from one destination to the next isn’t just transportation, it’s part of the adventure. Scenic drives wind past mountain ranges, rushing rivers, glaciers, and endless postcard-worthy views. Every turn seems to reveal another incredible landscape, and I found myself just as excited about the journey as I was about the destination.
One of my favorite experiences was spending five hours aboard the stunning Princess Rail Train. These luxury, glass-domed railcars offer panoramic views through curved glass ceilings, allowing you to take in Alaska’s spectacular scenery from every angle. Open-air observation platforms provide even more opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting. The experience extends far beyond the views. The train features full-service dining with freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, a full-service bar with beverage service delivered right to your seat, and knowledgeable guides who narrate the journey, sharing fascinating stories about Alaska’s history, wildlife, and the historic Alaska Railroad. It was one of the most relaxing and memorable ways to experience Alaska’s interior.
Is a Cruisetour right for everyone? If your vacation time is limited, an Alaska cruise alone is still an incredible experience. But if you have the flexibility to add a few days before or after your sailing, I highly recommend considering the extra investment. The combination allows you to experience two completely different sides of Alaska; its spectacular coastline and its rugged, untamed interior.
One thing this trip taught me is that Alaska deserves more than a quick visit. The interior offers experiences you simply can’t have from a ship, while a cruise showcases breathtaking landscapes that can only be appreciated from the water. Together, they create a journey that’s far more complete than either experience alone. If Alaska is on your travel wish list, consider making time for both. You’ll leave with a richer understanding of this remarkable destination and memories that will stay with you long after you return home.