My Royal Princess 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary (2025): What to Do in Every Port + FAQ’s
Our 7-day Alaska cruise itinerary started as a bucket list trip and ended as something I can’t wait to do again. Between the endless glacier views, the fresh ocean air drifting through our balcony door, and some amazing meals, Alaska completely stole my heart.
My 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary Route Overview
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Cruise: 7-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) on the Royal Princess
Departure Port: Seattle, Washington
Cruise Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Highlights: Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria BC
Day-by-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Embark: Seattle, WA
We flew into Seattle the morning of the cruise which can be risky, and not always recommended, but it worked out! We landed around 8:00 AM and it took about three hours to get from the airport to on board. We hadn’t pre-arranged transportation, but Princess Cruises had staff at the airport to help direct passengers. The shuttle ended up being cheaper than an Uber and brought us directly into the port.
Once on the ship, we used the time before our room was ready to explore the ship and start getting familiar with the layout (which honestly didn’t happen fully until day 2 or 3). Day 1 is really about getting settled and soaking in the excitement that you actually made it on your bucket-list trip!
Day 2 – At Sea
We took full advantage of the sea day to slow down. Slept in (which means 7:30 for us!), had breakfast and coffee, and spent time exploring the ship. We got our mile in with seven laps around the walking track, took the stairs whenever we didn’t have a drink in hand, and actually let ourselves relax, a rarity for us. I grabbed a gluten free pizza by the pool while we caught some entertainment, including “Battle of the Sexes” near the wine bar. It was formal night, so we dressed up for dinner at Allegro and ended the night with a comedy show and a movie in bed, balcony door open and the sound of the ocean in the background.
Day 3 – Juneau, Alaska
We arrived in Juneau around 1:00 PM after a slow morning of coffee, breakfast at Allegro, and soaking in the incredible balcony views (seriously, if you’re debating the upgrade, do it!). We kept our balcony doors open every chance we got and nothing beats watching movies with the mountains and water just beyond your feet. This was a pinch me moment every time I soaked it in! In Juneau, we took an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. It was busy getting off the ship, but if you booked through the cruise line, they’ll get you where you need to go. We ended the day with steak and lobster at one of the speciality dining options at Crown Grill.
Day 4 – Skagway, Alaska
We arrived early in Skagway, grabbed a quick breakfast on the ship, and headed out for the White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway excursion. It was a scenic half-day adventure and one I’d definitely recommend, especially if you want to avoid the crowds in town. These small Alaskan ports fill up fast when multiple ships are docked! We planned to try Skagway Brewing Co. for lunch (they had advertised gluten free options), but the wait was long, so we headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon.
With a great in-room movie selection, we watched Top Gun before dinner at Sabatini’s, the other specialty dining option onboard. This ended up being my favorite meal of the trip with gluten free risotto balls, calamari, and shrimp! We wrapped up the night with a drink in the Piazza and live music.
Day 5 – Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)
Today was the highlight of our trip, Glacier Bay. We arrived around 6:00 AM and immediately headed to our balcony, where we were greeted by adorable sea otters. A Park Ranger boarded the ship and narrated our journey through the bay, with a stunning turning point at Margerie Glacier. The narration continued until around noon and added so much to the experience. This was the coldest day of our trip, so I recommend dressing in layers and bringing a hat. We lucked out with no rain and clear skies, which made the views even more incredible. That evening, we scored a last-minute dinner reservation at Sabatini’s and ended the night with limoncello and a live music concert in the Vista Lounge.
Day 6 – Ketchikan, Alaska
With only a half-day in Ketchikan, we chose not to book an excursion and explored town on foot instead. It’s a short and easy walk from the pier, and Creek Street is a must see. James had a little FOMO about skipping the bear tour, but I was happy with our choice, especially because it meant time for Alaskan King Crab at Alaska King Crab Company. Service was great and gluten free friendly. Back on board, we walked laps on the top deck, grabbed gelato, relaxed in the room, and ended the day with Land & Sea at Allegro, music in the Piazza, and a movie with the balcony door open.
Day 7 – Victoria, British Columbia (Evening Stop)
This was our last full day on the cruise, with most of it spent on the ship since we didn’t arrive in Victoria until 9:30 PM. We enjoyed a slow morning and attended the 10 AM “Meet the Chef” event in the theater. The chef prepared four dishes, and the experience ended with a behind-the-scenes tour of the galley.
Lunch was our final pizza at Alfredo’s Pizzeria, still one of our absolute favorites, and the afternoon was spent on our balcony scanning the horizon for whales. Supposedly, sightings become more common as you approach Victoria, and we spotted over 30 in the distance, occasionally catching a blow or a tail. Our last dinner, naturally, was at Sabatini’s, and it did not disappoint.
We arrived early in Victoria, and despite the late hour, we took the 30-minute walk into downtown to explore. We visited Fisherman’s Wharf and admired the beautiful flowers lining the streets. If we’d had more time, I would have loved to see Butchart Gardens, but this quick visit was a perfect taste of Victoria’s charm.
Day 8 – Disembark: Seattle, WA
Departure from the ship was smooth and stress-free. We opted for the Port Valet service, which I highly recommend. With this option, you say goodbye to your luggage the night before (as most disembarkation options require), but your airline provides your boarding passes and baggage tags right on the ship. From there, you don’t deal with your luggage again until you arrive home, making for a much easier travel day. This gave us the freedom to enjoy one last excursion in Seattle, visiting the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and taking a city tour with airport transfer. I highly recommend this tour if you’re not spending an overnight in Seattle, as it covers all the highlights.
The Space Needle elevator ride was a bit nerve-racking, but once at the top, it was much easier to relax, although you still won’t catch me leaning against the glass. Pike Place Market was bursting with gorgeous flower bouquets, and the scent of fresh fish somehow felt perfectly at home in Seattle. We wrapped up our trip with a meal at Floret in the Seattle Airport, which I highly recommend for my fellow gluten free and allergy-conscious travelers.
FAQs about a 7-Day Alaska Cruise
Planning an Alaska cruise comes with a lot of questions. Here are the top FAQs I had before we set sail, with answers to help you plan your own trip.
1. What’s the best time to go on an Alaska cruise?
The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, but most people choose to cruise between June and August for the best weather. That said, May and September cruises are less crowded and can be more affordable. I opted to cruise the first week of August and lucked out with perfect weather.
2. Which Alaska cruise itinerary is best?
It depends on what you want to see, but I highly recommend picking an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park. It was a bucket-list moment for me, and not all cruise lines are permitted to sail through it. Princess Cruises is one of the few with consistent access and that’s why I chose them!
3. What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?
Layers, layers, layers. Alaska weather changes fast, so pack everything from light jackets to waterproof gear. Even in summer, you’ll want hats, gloves, and a warm fleece, especially for glacier viewing. I put together everything I packed for this trip here ➡️ My Alaska Cruise Packing List (& What I Wish I Brought)
4. Do Alaska cruises accommodate special diets like gluten free?
Yes, especially on larger cruise lines like Princess Cruises. I’m gluten free and had no trouble finding safe, delicious options at every meal. The crew takes dietary restrictions seriously, and I had gluten free options available for every meal and snack throughout the day. You can also note your dietary needs directly in the Princess Cruises app before boarding. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruise Food: Gluten Free Options & Dining Highlights
5. Is an Alaska cruise worth it?
100% yes. It’s one of the most scenic and unique cruise experiences you can take. From watching whales in the wild to cruising past towering glaciers, the views are nonstop. If you love nature, adventure, or just a good glass of wine with a view, you’re going to love it.
Final Thoughts on my 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Our 7-day Alaska cruise itinerary started as a bucket list trip and something I thought I would check off and move on from, but it turned into so much more. The views were breathtaking, the food exceeded every expectation, and the overall experience left me already planning a return. I’m going to miss the open balcony door the most, with the constant scenery rolling by at any given moment, from glaciers to sea views.
Ending the journey with a quick Seattle tour was the perfect finale. Between the Space Needle’s sweeping views, the vibrant energy of Pike Place Market, and a final toast at Floret in SEA Airport, it was a smooth and memorable wrap-up to an already amazing vacation. Whether you’re planning your first Alaska cruise or returning for another adventure, I hope this post inspires you to savor every bite and make the most of every moment, both at sea and on shore.
Don’t forget your free one-page Alaska cruise itinerary template, just drop your email below and you’ll be one step closer to smooth sailing!
For more information on Alaska cruising, be sure to check out my other detailed blog posts below covering itineraries, packing tips, and must-see excursions.
🍴 The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruise Food: Gluten Free Options & Dining Highlights
🧳 My Alaska Cruise Packing List (& What I Wish I Brought)
🛤️ Top Princess Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions & Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip