My Review: Cruising Alaska Aboard the Sapphire Princess

An Honest Review of My Bucket List Alaskan Cruise

I can’t tell you how long my good friend, Jenny, and I had talked about taking an Alaskan cruise—it must’ve been close to ten years. We’re both avid travelers who’ve lived abroad, but somehow our schedules never aligned, and the dream kept getting pushed to the back burner.

Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. Like so many others, we slowed down, reassessed, and came out of it with a renewed appreciation for saying “yes” to the things we’d been putting off. By 2022, as the world was finding its rhythm again, we knew it was time. Alaska—America’s final frontier—was calling. And naturally, we decided to experience it in style aboard a luxury ocean liner. I’m the adventurous one, and Jenny leans a little more posh, so cruising with Princess turned out to be the perfect compromise for both of us.

For anyone considering their own bucket list Alaskan cruise, this is my full review of my experience, from trip highlights to Princess Cruise Lines, and even some tips I learned along the way that will make your trip absolutely incredible!

🐋 Alaska’s calling—ready to answer? Let’s plan your perfect cruise together! Start here: Travel Planning Services.

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Why Cruise Alaska?

Alaska had always intrigued me as the last truly untouched frontier in America. Towering glaciers (unfortunately, receding more each passing year), vast and untamed wilderness, bald eagles soaring overhead, and the chance to spot whales breaching in icy waters, it’s one of those rare places that still feels genuinely wild.

Someday, I’d love to return and camp in Denali National Park, really immersing myself in the raw natural beauty of the landscape. But for this trip, with one of my best friends Jenny, who’s a bit less enthusiastic about “roughing it”, a cruise was the perfect choice. In fact, cruising is a fantastic way to sample a variety of destinations. It gave me a taste of Alaska’s diverse regions and helped me pinpoint exactly where I want to go when I come back for a deeper adventure.

Exploring Anchorage, Alaska

If I’m being honest, I took a bit of a back seat when it came to planning this trip. Jenny handled the bulk of the logistics, and I was more than happy to let her. All I had to worry about was booking my flight from Florida to Anchorage. Jenny flew in from her home in Denver, and we met up a few days before the cruise, giving us time to explore one of Alaska’s largest and most fascinating cities.

We stayed in an Airbnb near Delaney Park, a charming area with access to nice walking and running paths, which was perfect for me, since I was just getting back into running at the time. One of the standout experiences in Anchorage was visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center—an absolute must-see. We watched ceremonial performances and wandered through life-size replicas of traditional Native homes, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich cultures of the region.

Another highlight? Dinner and a beer flight at Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, a local favorite, and for good reason. That meal kicked off an unofficial mission we set for ourselves: to sample a local brewery in every port we visited.

On August 24, 2022—the long-awaited day of our cruise departure—we made our way to the train station in Anchorage for an incredibly scenic ride down the coastline, where we got our first glimpse of glaciers high in the mountains, to our port-of-call in Whittier. And just like that, the adventure we had both dreamed about for years was finally underway: Our 2022 Alaskan Cruise.

All Aboard with Princess Cruise Lines

I have to say, the boarding process at the port was surprisingly seamless. Aside from a brief moment of confusion around mandatory COVID testing (something I pray I will never have to deal with again as long as I live and travel), everything went smoothly. We dropped off our luggage, which was conveniently delivered straight to our stateroom, and were soon stepping aboard the ship, ready to set sail into the wild beauty of Alaska.

We embarked from Whittier on a drizzly afternoon, boarding the beautifully appointed Sapphire Princess, a ship that immediately struck the perfect balance between refined luxury and relaxed comfort. We got a Seaview stateroom, but in hindsight we should have sprung for a private balcony. This is an absolute must for Alaska cruises, since I can’t overstate how jaw dropping and mystical the views were as we traversed the Alaskan coast. It would have been incredible, and in my opinion well worth the extra money, to sip our morning coffee (or our lavender lattes) while watching the mist lift off the water and the mountains roll by.

For anyone who hasn’t yet sailed with Princess Cruise Lines, one of the standout features is their MedallionClass® service. Before our trip, they mailed each of us a small medallion that could be worn on a lanyard or even clipped into custom jewelry for an extra charge. As long as you had your medallion with you, nearly everything onboard was effortless. Our stateroom door unlocked automatically as we approached (no key card or tapping required), drinks and dining reservations could be ordered with a tap, and embarkation and disembarkation were a breeze. It truly streamlined the entire experience.

That said, in the spirit of full honesty, there was one aspect that felt a little… unsettling. Because the medallion tracks your location on the ship, service is incredibly efficient—like having a drink delivered to you no matter where you are on deck. But that same feature can feel invasive. Case in point: a crew member from one of the restaurants, who had been a bit flirty the night before, managed to track me down early the next morning on deck, not in a service capacity, but just to make small talk. True story. Definitely a little creepy. Still, despite that awkward moment, the benefits of the MedallionClass® system far outweighed the drawbacks, and I appreciated how much it enhanced the overall service and convenience of the cruise.

All in all, I thought Princess did Alaska incredibly well. Their onboard programming included naturalist talks, and the slightly smaller size of their ship, compared to other brands mega-liners, meant we got just a little bit closer to the landscape and glaciers and a little further into the Alaskan fjords. Additionally, we had fun taking in the art gallery, enjoying the shows and entertainment, and indulging in their incredible food, not just at the specialty restaurants but across all of their venues. Honestly, I’ve been on a few different cruise lines and the food on Princess far surpassed the rest.

Each evening, we’d recap our day over a cocktail while soaking in panoramic views of the coastline and fjords. One cold evening we even enjoyed an on-deck movie. Brrrr!

The Highlights of Our Alaskan Cruise

Glacier Bay National Park

We almost missed this part of the itinerary due to heavy fog, but luckily it lifted just in time, and thank goodness because this was, hands down, the star of the cruise. As the ship slowed and glided gently through the chilled waters of the fjord, we stood bundled in blankets on deck, binoculars in hand, scanning the shoreline in hopes of spotting the elusive brown bear. To our delight, we saw not just one, but three, along with mountain goats expertly navigating a steep rock face and sea otters bobbing playfully in the icy waters below.

At the head of the inlet, the mesmerizing blue face of Margerie Glacier came into view—just in time for us to witness a calving event, as massive chunks of ice cracked and thundered into the sea. The sharp echo of splintering ice breaking the stillness of the wilderness was both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Skagway

Stepping into Skagway felt like walking onto the set of a Wild West movie. Before exploring the historic town, we boarded the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway for a breathtaking journey into the mountains, all the way to the Canadian border. This vintage train ride stunned us with jaw-dropping views at every turn, including towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and narrow trestle bridges that seemed to defy gravity. Jenny and I had our noses pressed to the glass the entire ride, determined not to miss a single moment.

Back in town, we celebrated with some excellent craft brews at Skagway Brewing Company and capped off our visit with a deep-fried Klondike Doughboy—a deliciously indulgent end to a perfect day.

Juneau

In Alaska’s quirky capital, we did a whale-watching excursion set up through the cruise line that completely delivered. We saw multiple humpbacks dipping and diving into the depths of Auke Bay, proudly displaying the unique markings on their flukes. The guides were both passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, and I even found out that one of the deck hands had once lived on St. Croix, USVI, where I had lived for a short stint in 2016-17.

Afterward, we warmed up with halibut tacos and local brews at The Devils Club Brewing Company. Like I said, it was our goal to find a brewery at each port.

During our extended stop in Juneau, we also had the opportunity to visit Mendenhall Glacier State Park, just a short bus ride from town. From there, we hiked a rain-soaked trail through the misty forest, where we watched salmon fighting their way upstream. The path led us to an incredible viewpoint where the massive face of Mendenhall Glacier came into full view, framed by towering evergreens and a roaring nearby waterfall. It was breathtaking.

Juneau is definitely one of those places I can imagine myself living in one day.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan was as quirky and colorful as we’d imagined, with its charming wooden buildings, towering totem poles, and a strong logging and fishing heritage that pulsed through every corner of town. We kicked off our day with a guided kayak tour with Southeast Sea Kayaks, led by a true outdoorsman who knew the waters like the back of his hand. As we paddled around the serene coastline of Revillagigedo Island, we found ourselves enveloped in the peaceful stillness of nature. Bald eagles soared overhead, and we even sampled some fresh seaweed straight from the water (surprisingly nutritious…not so much delicious). Afterward, we were rewarded with a much tastier treat: locally canned salmon, crisp crackers, and a cold Alaskan beer.

Back on land, we wandered Creek Street, browsed its eclectic shops, and made sure not to miss the town’s delightfully eccentric highlight: The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. It was every bit as entertaining as promised, with teams of lumberjacks competing in over-the-top feats of strength, speed, and skill. After the show, we made our way to Bawden Street Brewing Company, a local gem with what might be the coolest brewery logo I’ve ever seen. Needless to say, I left with a bag full of merch before we made our way back to the ship.

Life Onboard: Wine, Whales, and Wellness

Finding Balance

One of the best parts of cruising with a close friend is finding that perfect balance—whether you’re packing your schedule with activities or doing absolutely nothing at all, it just works when you’re with the right travel buddy. Jenny and I started off a little overzealous, chasing every raffle and jewelry giveaway on the ship. For some, this is peak cruise excitement, but we quickly realized we were having a much better time once we let go of the hunt for bracelet charms and simply slowed down.

From there, we settled into a far more relaxing rhythm. We made use of the spa, got in a few gym sessions, sampled wine tastings, enjoyed art auctions, caught a couple of stage shows, and tried every dessert we could. Because let’s be honest, calories don’t count on vacation.

Dining Experience

Dining aboard the ship was equally enjoyable. Princess offered everything from casual bites to elegant, multi-course dinners. The onboard coffee bar became one of our favorite haunts—avocado toast was my breakfast staple, and the lavender lattes? Absolutely delish! As for standout meals, the Alaskan salmon at the signature dining venue was unforgettable, and I still dream about the wood-fired pizza from Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

Entertainment is in the Wildlife Viewing

While the bars and nightly entertainment weren’t major draws for us (we were easily 20 years below the average age of most cruisers), we didn’t feel like we were missing out. After long days filled with excursions and exploration, we were happily tuckered out by sundown. For us, the real magic came in the quieter moments—spotting wildlife along the way, especially during the final leg of our journey.

As we neared Vancouver, we were treated to an unforgettable display: sea otters, humpback whales, and an entire pod of orcas surfacing alongside the ship. It was a breathtaking farewell to a trip we’d waited years to take.

Reflections on Alaska

Alaska surprised me. It was more dramatic, more serene, and more emotional than I expected. It made me feel small in the best possible way. Sharing that experience with Jenny—laughing over morning lattes, hiking through spruce forests, clinking glasses as glaciers drifted past—made the trip all the more special.

If you’re even remotely considering an Alaskan cruise, don’t hesitate. It strikes a perfect balance between rugged adventure and serene luxury, offering something truly unique with every stop. I also can’t speak highly enough of Princess Cruises. They delivered a smooth, thoughtful, and elevated experience from start to finish.

In truth, I cannot wait to go back to Alaska. I’m already dreaming up a return trip, ideally with a Denali camping adventure added to the beginning or end of another cruise. There’s just something about Alaska that stays with you.

Planning Tips for Alaskan Cruisers

• Book a balcony cabin. You’ll thank yourself every relaxing morning or “at sea” day that you get to sit in privacy with a warm beverage and watch the rugged coast pass by.
• Layer up! The weather changes quickly, and you’ll want to be warm while on deck watching glaciers or wildlife.
• Excursions are worth it. Whale watching, scenic train rides, and guided hikes or kayak tours all add rich texture to your trip.
• Make spa reservations early. Book your treatments on embarkation day for the best prices and availability, especially if you want to book “at sea” days, which get booked up fast!
• Bring binoculars. You’ll want them for spotting wildlife from the ship.
• Upgrade your camera. If you want to take pictures of the wildlife you’ll see from the ship, you’ll want a decent zoom lens.
• Don’t go chasing jewelry. Like I mentioned before, some cruisers live for the chase and that is okay, but for me Alaska is unlike any other cruising destination and chasing bracelet charms or jewelry raffles takes away from the true draw of this trip.

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Final Thoughts

Traveling to Alaska reminded me of the power of nature and the joy of traveling with someone who shares your sense of wonder. It was a trip we’ll be talking about for years, and I for one will be back one day soon for another round of glaciers, wildlife and adventure.

Thank you to Jenny Harp (@jharpphotography) for a wonderful trip and for contributing some of your stunning photos for this article!