Why the Star Princess Cruise Ship Is Perfect for Alaska

The Star Princess Cruise Ship: Redefining the Alaska Cruise Experience

Debuting in 2025, the Star Princess cruise ship is poised to redefine the way travelers experience Alaska. As the second ship in Princess Cruises’ next-generation Sphere-class, it blends innovation, sustainability, and luxury for a truly immersive journey through the Last Frontier.

With custom-designed features for scenic cruising, reimagined accommodations, and a lineup of unique Alaska itineraries, this ship offers a bold new vision for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort. Every moment on board is crafted to connect you more deeply with the epic landscapes and rich cultures that define a Princess Cruise Alaska.

1. Designed to Showcase Alaska’s Wild Beauty

Alaska is one of the most visually breathtaking destinations in the world—and the Star Princess cruise ship was built to make sure you never miss a moment of it.

The Dome: Alaska’s Scenery in Every Direction

This stunning multi-deck, glass-enclosed venue offers 270-degree panoramic views of your surroundings. Whether you're gliding past snow-dusted mountains or marveling at glacier-carved fjords, The Dome lets you enjoy nature’s drama in a climate-controlled setting with drinks, entertainment, and seating for all-day viewing.

Wake View Terraces

Located at the ship’s aft, these tiered terraces provide uninterrupted vistas of the water trailing behind you—ideal for sunrise reflections, whale watching, or simply relaxing with a book and a blanket. They serve as a peaceful retreat for soaking in the raw natural beauty that defines every Princess Cruise Alaska journey.

2. Accommodations That Elevate the Journey

Your stateroom isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your private haven to take in Alaska’s wilderness in total comfort.

Cabana Mini-Suites

New to the Star Princess cruise ship, these innovative accommodations offer an extended outdoor lounge area with plush seating, ideal for dining al fresco or enjoying the views in privacy. Concierge service and upgraded amenities add a touch of indulgence to every moment on board.

Sky Suites

If you're seeking the ultimate Alaska cruising experience, the Sky Suites deliver. With the largest balconies at sea, they offer expansive 270-degree views, perfect for capturing the full grandeur of calving glaciers, endless forests, and midnight sun. The suites also come with personalized service and VIP touches for an ultra-premium experience.

Across all stateroom categories, you’ll find thoughtful design, contemporary styling, and an emphasis on natural light and ocean views—ideal for the scenic splendor of a Princess Cruise Alaska.

3. Scenic Cruising Through Alaska’s Most Stunning Waterways

Aboard the Star Princess cruise ship, scenic cruising is more than just a day on the water—it’s a moving panorama of towering cliffs, ancient glaciers, and wildlife in its natural habitat.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier

This fjord is a narrow, winding waterway surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. As you approach Dawes Glacier, you'll likely see floating icebergs, harbor seals sunbathing, and maybe even a calving event as chunks of glacial ice crash into the sea. It’s one of the most dramatic and photogenic regions on any Princess Cruise Alaska sailing.

The Inside Passage

This iconic route is famed for its calm waters, thickly forested islands, and abundance of marine life. Whether you're sipping coffee at sunrise or enjoying cocktails at sunset, every moment spent cruising this passage feels like stepping into a nature documentary. Keep your binoculars handy—you might spot a pod of orcas, a group of dolphins, or an eagle perched atop a Sitka spruce.

These moments aren’t just part of the itinerary—they’re part of what makes sailing on the Star Princess a front-row seat to Alaska’s majestic landscapes.

4. Destination-Rich Alaska Itineraries

Princess Cruises has spent decades perfecting its Alaska itineraries, and the Star Princess cruise ship builds on that legacy with carefully curated journeys that combine natural wonder with cultural richness.

Juneau

Alaska’s remote capital is accessible only by boat or seaplane, adding a sense of mystery to its majestic setting. Shore excursions range from glacier trekking on Mendenhall to thrilling whale-watching tours and helicopter rides over icefields. Prefer to take it slow? Ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for sweeping views and Native Alaskan cultural exhibits.

Skagway

Step into the heart of Gold Rush history. In Skagway, you can ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway along dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, or stroll Broadway Street, lined with wooden boardwalks and historic saloons. Outdoor lovers can hike alpine trails, zipline through forest canopies, or pan for gold just like the prospectors once did.

Ketchikan

This colorful port is known as Alaska’s “First City” and is a hub of Indigenous culture and wildlife viewing. Visit Totem Bight State Park, explore the art galleries of Creek Street, or venture into the Tongass National Forest—the world’s largest temperate rainforest—for a kayaking or bear-watching excursion.

Sitka and Icy Strait Point (select sailings)

Sitka blends Russian colonial history with Tlingit traditions, while Icy Strait Point offers an immersive eco-adventure experience owned by Alaska Natives. Zipline over the forest, take a small-group wildlife tour, or learn about traditional crafts and customs from locals.

These itineraries ensure every Princess Cruise Alaska sailing delivers a deep and authentic experience of the state’s diverse regions.

5. Enrichment and Exploration Onboard

Even while at sea, the Star Princess cruise ship keeps you connected to the spirit of Alaska.

Discovery at SEA

This exclusive partnership with Discovery provides hands-on learning and entertainment for all ages. Attend stargazing sessions, nature talks from onboard naturalists, and wildlife-spotting programs designed in partnership with experts. Kids and teens can join Discovery and Animal Planet-themed activities tailored just for them.

Cultural Performances & Local Experts

Alaska’s story comes alive through live onboard performances, regional cooking demos, and destination lectures by Alaskans. From native drumming and storytelling to learning about the ecology of the Inside Passage, these moments give deeper meaning to what you’ll see ashore.

The goal isn’t just to see Alaska—it’s to understand and feel it.

6. Dining That Reflects Alaska’s Flavor

Food on board is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself—and on the Star Princess cruise ship, it reflects Alaska’s rich bounty.

Regional Specialties

Menus change to reflect the day’s port and region. Savor wild-caught salmon, Pacific halibut, Dungeness crab, and reindeer sausage prepared by award-winning chefs. Pair your meal with Alaskan craft beer or wine sourced from the Pacific Northwest for a true taste of the region.

Signature Dining Venues

• Catch by Rudi: A modern seafood restaurant by Chef Rudi Sodamin, where every dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Traditional Italian with a contemporary twist, perfect for a leisurely multi-course dinner.
• World Fresh Marketplace: A vibrant buffet with global cuisine and daily Alaska-themed dishes.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between excursions or settling in for a gourmet experience, dining aboard the Star Princess cruise ship is always a culinary journey.

7. Entertainment, Wellness, and Relaxation

The Star Princess cruise ship is more than a means to explore Alaska—it’s a destination in itself, filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and enjoy.

Princess Arena

This all-new, technologically advanced theater hosts Broadway-caliber shows, live music, and guest speakers. With flexible seating and immersive lighting, every performance is a visual spectacle.

Lotus Spa & The Sanctuary

Treat yourself to an ocean-inspired massage, a warm stone therapy session, or a restorative facial. Then escape to The Sanctuary, a tranquil adults-only deck with private cabanas, healthy snacks, and attentive service. It’s a peaceful haven, perfect for sea days spent in quiet luxury.

Activities for Every Age

From trivia games and art auctions to mixology classes and movie nights under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Families will especially appreciate the kids’ and teens’ clubs with themed activities that keep younger cruisers entertained and engaged throughout the trip.

8. A Sustainable Way to See the Last Frontier

Princess Cruises is committed to preserving the beauty of Alaska for generations to come, and the Star Princess cruise ship is a key part of that mission.

This LNG-powered ship uses cleaner-burning fuel to reduce emissions and environmental impact. Advanced systems manage waste, water, and energy usage more efficiently, helping protect Alaska’s fragile ecosystems. Sailing aboard the Star Princess means you’re choosing a smarter, more sustainable way to cruise.

Why the Star Princess Cruise Ship Is the Ideal Way to Explore Alaska

The Star Princess cruise ship was designed with one goal in mind: to help you experience Alaska more deeply, more comfortably, and more completely than ever before. From its panoramic lounges and balcony-filled accommodations to immersive programming and unforgettable itineraries, it’s a new standard for what a Princess Cruise Alaska can be.

Whether it’s your first trip to the Last Frontier or your fifth, you’ll discover something new—because no other ship brings you closer to the magic of Alaska than the Star Princess.