Top Princess Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions & Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip
When I was researching the best Alaska cruise shore excursions, two destinations kept popping up over and over: Glacier Bay National Park and the White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway. This was a big factor in my decision to book with Princess Cruises because they could accommodate both perfectly.
I booked all my shore excursions through the cruise line, including the White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway in Skagway and the Mendenhall Glacier Explorer in Juneau. On our final day, we also enjoyed a fantastic Seattle city tour featuring stops at the iconic Space Needle and the lively Pike Place Market. Below, I’m sharing detailed recommendations and tips from my experience so you can make the most of your time off the ship.
Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions
Below, I’m sharing two of my favorite shore excursions from the Royal Princess Alaska cruise, plus the unforgettable scenic cruise through Glacier Bay National Park and our final Seattle city tour. All of these were easily booked through Princess Cruises.
Juneau, Alaska – Mendenhall Glacier Explorer
If you’re visiting Juneau on an Alaska cruise, I highly recommend booking an excursion, especially one that gets you out of town and into Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes. While Juneau has its fair share of gift shops and local charm, nothing compares to experiencing the real Alaska outdoors.
I chose the Mendenhall Glacier excursion that focused solely on the glacier, rather than combining it with other stops. This gave us plenty of time to hike out to Nugget Falls, take in the breathtaking views of the glacier, and watch salmon making their way upstream to spawn in the nearby creek. The entire experience was the perfect amount of time, which is exactly what I wanted out of our day in port.
Skagway, Alaska – White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway
If you’re stopping in Skagway during your Alaska cruise, the White Pass & Klondike Highway excursion is a must! I give this one a 10/10. I chose the half-day option that combines a one-way drive with a one-way ride on the historic White Pass Railroad, and it was the perfect length of time.
Each leg of the trip offers something different: the drive gives you panoramic mountain views and photo stops, while the train ride showcases the same route from a different perspective, all while learning about the Gold Rush history that shaped this area. The experience was smooth, well-organized, and narrated with a mix of live guide commentary and onboard recordings.
Whether you’re a history buff or just want to soak up some truly scenic views, this excursion is a fantastic way to experience Skagway beyond the cruise ship crowds in town.
Seattle, WA – Space Needle, Pike Place Market & City Tour with Airport Transfer
If you didn’t spend a night in Seattle before or after your cruise and opted for a late flight to explore the city, I highly recommend using Port Valet to handle your luggage and booking this excursion through Princess. It covered all the highlights of Seattle, including the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and a narrated city tour, with a convenient drop-off at the airport.
The Space Needle is a must-see experience, though I’ll admit I kept my eyes closed going up the elevator, but once at the top, the views were worth it (even if I still didn’t lean against the glass). Pike Place Market, another Seattle staple, is full of energy and charm and even includes the original Starbucks location, a treat for coffee lovers. If you want a quick, well-rounded introduction to the city, this tour packs it all into just a few hours with easy transportation.
Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)
Not a shore excursion, but if you’re wondering whether Glacier Bay National Park is worth planning your Alaskan cruise around, my answer is an easy yes. This was the main attraction for me to do an Alaskan cruise and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Glacier Bay National Park only allows two cruise ships per day, making this a rare and protected experience. The glacier views were some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen and truly unforgettable. While we didn’t spot quite as much wildlife as I’d hoped, we did see adorable sea otters floating alongside the ship.
A National Park Ranger boards the ship for the day and provides live narration throughout the journey. It helped point out things that I probably otherwise would have missed.
If you’re booking an Alaska cruise, make sure Glacier Bay is included on your itinerary. It was the highlight of the trip.
Princess Alaska Cruise Travel Tips
- Don’t wait, download the Princess Cruises app early and make your dinner and shore excursion reservations ASAP. If you want to dine anywhere besides the buffet, dinner reservations are a must. Popular excursions fill fast (we were waitlisted on one but luckily got in), so if there’s something you’re excited about, book it early!
- Order your Medallions ahead of time. On a Princess Cruise, everything onboard runs through your Medallion, it’s your room key, payment method, and more. You can wait until boarding to get it, but ordering in advance saves you from standing in line before you even step on the ship. Just know that no matter how early you order, they’ll still arrive shortly before your departure.
- Consider the Princess Premier Package. Yes, the price feels steep at first, but once you’re onboard, it’s a huge relief to know everything’s covered, with few exceptions. We loved having unlimited specialty dining, premium drinks, and Wi-Fi (which is a lifesaver since cell service is spotty). Speaking of cell service, we got a $50 roaming charge warning from our carrier while in international waters, so we kept our phones on airplane mode the whole cruise.
- Worried About Motion Sickness? I’ve experienced motion sickness while ocean fishing, so I was a little nervous about cruising. But cruise ships are much bigger and more stable than smaller boats. We booked a stateroom mid-ship on Deck 9 (D523 on the Royal Princess), and it worked out great. I did feel the movement more in the lower levels during dinner and evening drinks, but overall, I managed just fine without any medication. If you’re concerned, choose a cabin mid-ship on a middle deck and pack motion sickness remedies just in case.
- Not sure what to pack for an Alaska cruise? Check out My Alaska Cruise Packing List (& What I Wish I Brought) with tips on what I packed, what I wish I packed, and must-have essentials.
- Wondering what it’s like to eat gluten free on a cruise? See everything I ate (plus tips for navigating dietary restrictions) in my Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruise Food: Gluten Free Options & Dining Highlights
- Need help with your Alaska cruise itinerary? Check out My Royal Princess 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary (2025): What to Do in Every Port + FAQ’s
Closing Thoughts on Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions
Booking the right Alaska cruise shore excursions is key to making your Alaska cruise truly unforgettable. Whether it’s hiking alongside glaciers, riding historic railroads, or exploring vibrant cities like Seattle, planning ahead ensures you experience the best of Alaska’s natural beauty and culture. I hope these recommendations help you craft your perfect itinerary and enjoy every moment of your trip!
Safe Travels, Jacki
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)
🛳️ My Royal Princess 7-Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary (2025): What to Do in Every Port + FAQ’s