Princess Cruises expands Alaska programme with new immersive experiences for 2026 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Princess Cruises is enhancing its award-winning “North to Alaska” programme with four new onboard experiences for the 2026 season. The expanded offering will be available across all eight ships sailing in Alaska, as the cruise line prepares for its largest deployment in the region to date.

The 2026 season will feature eight ships, 180 departures and visits to 19 destinations, offering a broad range of itineraries including cruise and land-and-sea combinations. A key highlight is the debut of the new flagship Star Princess, further strengthening Princess Cruises’ presence in the market.

New immersive experiences bring Alaska closer to guests

Originally introduced in 2015, the “North to Alaska” programme focuses on authentic encounters with local culture, nature and heritage. The new experiences for 2026 are designed to deepen this connection through a mix of education, entertainment and scenic immersion.

“Our North to Alaska program is designed to bring guests closer to the spirit, culture and natural beauty of Alaska in ways only Princess can deliver,” said John-Paul Lamb, Vice President of Entertainment at Princess Cruises. “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.”

Among the new highlights is “The Glacier Experience: A Signature Princess Day”, featuring close-up glacier viewing, expert narration and ranger-led insights. Guests also gain access to exclusive viewing areas and educational programmes on board.

“Welcome to Alaska” introduces travellers to the destination at the start of each voyage, while “Après Sea” offers a relaxed, après-ski-inspired lounge concept after excursions. The “Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice” adds a musical dimension with performances by Alaskan artists in an intimate setting.

Culinary focus on regional specialities

The programme also expands its culinary component with new à la carte dishes highlighting regional ingredients. Specialty restaurants such as Crown Grill and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria will feature Alaskan seafood including wild king salmon, crab and halibut, presented in refined dining formats.

Popular formats return to the programme

Alongside the new elements, established experiences remain part of the offering. These include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, “Puppies in the Piazza” with sled dog demonstrations, and guest presentations by participants from the TV series “Deadliest Catch”.

A curated speaker series brings insights from Alaska Native representatives, authors and photographers, while additional activities such as outdoor film screenings, stargazing sessions and themed competitions further enhance the onboard experience.

Family and youth programmes expand experiential learning

Younger guests benefit from dedicated formats such as the Glacier Bay Junior Rangers programme, Gold Rush-themed adventures and team-based exploration activities. These initiatives combine education with interactive storytelling and outdoor-inspired experiences.

With more than 55 years of experience in Alaska, Princess Cruises continues to position itself as a leading operator in the region, focusing on immersive travel experiences that connect guests with the landscapes, culture and stories of Alaska.

Image Credit: © Princess Cruises