In preparation for the 2026 Alaska season, Princess Cruises has announced the introduction of 4 additional experiences within its established North to Alaska programme, supplementing a range of returning activities that have formed part of the offering for several years.
First introduced in 2015, the North to Alaska programme was developed to connect passengers with the culture, landscapes and traditions of Alaska through presentations, entertainment and culinary features inspired by the region. The programme integrates local personalities, educational activities and regional cuisine to provide a contextual understanding of the destinations visited during the voyage.
The 2026 season will represent the largest Alaska deployment in the company’s history. Eight vessels will operate in the region—Star Princess, Coral Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess and Island Princess. Together they will operate approximately 180 departures visiting 19 destinations across the region.
The programme will be highlighted by the debut of the company’s newest vessel, Star Princess, which is scheduled to begin its first Alaska season as part of the expanded deployment.
John-Paul Lamb, vice president of entertainment for the cruise line, indicated that the purpose of the North to Alaska initiative was to allow passengers to experience the region’s culture and natural environment through encounters with local experts, storytelling, entertainment and guided glacier viewing, thereby enabling travellers to engage more directly with the destination throughout the voyage.
Among the new additions for 2026 is the Glacier Experience, described as a dedicated day of scenic glacier viewing supported by narration from experts and commentary from park rangers during sailings in areas such as Glacier Bay. Passengers will also have access to presentations, information desks and designated viewing areas during glacier passages.
Another introduction is the “Welcome to Alaska” presentation, scheduled once on each voyage and hosted by the cruise director. During this session, passengers are introduced to naturalists and enrichment speakers and receive an overview of the programme’s cultural and educational elements.
The programme also introduces “Après Sea,” an evening gathering intended to follow days spent ashore or viewing glaciers. The event will offer warm beverages and panoramic observation spaces, with Star Princess hosting the experience in The Dome, located on the upper deck.
A further addition is the Candlelight Concert Series: Fire & Ice, an extension of the line’s existing candlelit music performances. The programme will feature performances by Alaska-based singer-songwriters in an intimate setting designed to reflect the atmosphere of the region.
Culinary offerings will also reflect the destination. Selected specialty restaurants aboard the ships will present new dishes highlighting regional seafood, including wild Alaskan salmon, crab and halibut prepared in a variety of styles.
Alongside these new features, the cruise line will continue several established elements of the North to Alaska programme. These include presentations connected with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, educational encounters featuring sled-dog puppies associated with the Iditarod race, and appearances by fishermen and captains connected with the television series Deadliest Catch.
The programme further includes a speaker series featuring writers, photographers and cultural representatives from Alaska, who provide lectures and discussions related to the history, wildlife and traditions of the region.