Princess Alaska Cruise Review: Roundtrip Vancouver & Endicott Arm
For our 30th anniversary, my husband and I chose to celebrate in the most spectacular way possible: sailing the Inside Passage round-trip from Vancouver. As we left port, we sat on our balcony enjoying the view of the Lions Gate Bridge—the perfect start to a bucket-list trip.
I’m sharing the highlights of my recent sailing, including the reality of cruising Endicott Arm and having a mushing legend on board.
The Ship & Onboard Experience
The “View-First” Design
Princess ships are designed for Alaska, with ample glass and tiered decks that make taking in the beauty of Alaska from a warm lounge easy. The Horizon Court buffet has windows all down the side and one morning when we were having breakfast, a crew member passed by and pointed out a whale next to the ship. That’s the beauty of this ship—you never have to stop looking for wildlife. Even the Terrace Pool area in the aft (rear) offers excellent views of the fjords.
North to Alaska Programming
There was an “Alaska-themed” atmosphere on board ship, with local naturalists and professors talking about glaciers and how they form. Nick Jans, a great storyteller, talked about his book A Wolf Called Romeo about a black wolf that befriended the people and dogs of Juneau.
A highlight was “Puppies in the Piazza.” Ryan Redington, the 2023 Iditarod champion and grandson of Joe Redington, the “father of the Iditarod,” brought a couple puppies on board.
Pro Tip: If you want a seat or an up-front view, get to the piazza early!
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Endicott Arm is a stunning deep fjord with numerous waterfalls coming down the mountains. As we got closer to Dawes Glacier, we saw more and more “bergy bits.” We saw harbor seals resting on the ice floes. We didn’t get super close to Dawes Glacier but I was able to see it calve.
Pro Tip: Princess offers an excursion in Endicott Arm aboard a catamaran. You go deeper into Endicott arm and get a closer look at waterfalls and Dawes Glacier.
The Southeast Alaska Trio
Juneau
Even with the best planning, travel hiccups happen. When our Princess whale watching tour was cancelled at the last minute, I had to figure out another option and we found Juneau Tours & Whale Watch right at the dock. They were fantastic—knowledgeable about individual whales and, most importantly, got us back to the ship on time. We would highly recommend them.
Skagway
Skagway was the primary jumping-off point for the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush. From Skagway the stampeders had to traverse the harsh White Pass or Chilkoot trails to reach the goldfields in Canada’s Yukon Territory.
We took the White Pass Summit Scenic Railway Tour. It is narrated, takes 2.5 to 3 hours and is a round trip.
Pro-Tip: If you’re in Skagway on a day with 3+ ships in port, restaurants fill up fast. I recommend having an early lunch in town or heading back to the ship for a relaxed meal to avoid the 45-minute wait times we encountered.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is known for the colorful houses along Creek Street and for totem poles. We enjoyed learning about the totem poles and the stories behind them during our excursion. Then we walked along Creek Street with its many shops. It is a must see, but it can be a crowded area. Don’t miss the Married Man’s Trail at the northern end of Creek Street. It was once used as an escape route for visitors to the red-light district.
Pro Tip: Past the upper end of Creek Street is Schoenbar Trail that runs along the forested banks of Ketchikan Creek. It was beautiful, peaceful, and away from the crowds.
The Cabin Experience: The Inside Passage Advantage
I view a balcony as a must on an Alaskan cruise since scenery is paramount. Because the Inside Passage and Endicott Arm are narrow, you’ll have stunning views on both sides of the ship. Unlike some itineraries where one side faces the open ocean, on this route, you really can’t go wrong with your cabin placement.
Pro Tip: If a helicopter glacier trek is your #1 priority, consider booking an interior cabin to “trade up” your budget for that excursion!
The Food & Service
“Wild for Alaska” seafood menu items such as salmon and cod are complimentary and served in the main dining room. While the “Crab Shack,” is a pop-up that only happens on select nights or sea days and costs extra. It usually includes a seafood boil, featuring items like Alaskan crab legs, mussels, and shrimp.
Princess Cruises offers the MedallionClass Experience. With your medallion the door of your cabin unlocks when you get close. The ultimate in convenience, you can order food or a drink to be delivered to you wherever you are on the ship so you never need to worry about missing anything. Note: There is a one-time activation fee of $14.99 currently for this service; however, if you have Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages that fee is waived.
The Princess Advantage: Priority Docking
Beyond the technology, there is one major reason I recommend Princess for these specific ports: Priority Docking. Because of their long-standing history in Alaska, Princess ships are generally assigned the piers closest to the town centers. While other ships may require a shuttle or a long walk into town, we were able to walk directly off the ship and into the heart of Skagway and Ketchikan. It saves you time and energy, which is precious on a port day!
Is a Princess Alaska Cruise Right for You?
Alaska is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling of scale and wonder that stays with you long after you’ve sailed back under the Lions Gate Bridge. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing a glacier calve in Endicott Arm or the simple joy of watching sled dog puppies in the atrium, Princess delivers a classic, seamless experience in Alaska.
Reading a review is a great start, but having an advisor who has actually walked these decks, navigated the port cancellations, and found the “secret” quiet trails makes all the difference. I don’t just book your cabin; I make sure you’re on the right side of the ship for the best views and that your excursions are truly “can’t miss.”
Ready to start planning your 30th anniversary or bucket-list getaway? Let’s make sure your Alaska story is as perfect as mine was. Click here to schedule a one-on-one planning session.
