Is the Grand Princess the right ship for your Alaska cruise? Our in-depth Grand Princess Alaska cruise review covers itineraries, cabins, dining, and more.
The Grand Princess is a classic, pioneering ship in the world of Alaska cruising. As one of the vessels that helped establish Princess Cruises as a leader in the region, she has a long history of sailing the Inside Passage. For travelers who prioritize an immersive Alaskan experience and value the deep expertise of a seasoned crew, the Grand Princess offers a compelling and often affordable option. While she may not have the bells and whistles of the newest mega-ships, her traditional charm and excellent itineraries make her a perennial favorite.
The Grand Princess primarily sails the classic “Voyage of the Glaciers” route, a 7-night, one-way journey between Whittier (the port for Anchorage) and Vancouver, B.C. These northbound and southbound itineraries are highly sought after as they include two distinct glacier-viewing experiences: the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park and either the massive Hubbard Glacier or the numerous tidewater glaciers of College Fjord.
A typical 7-night itinerary includes stops in the popular Alaskan ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. These ports offer a wide array of shore excursions, from whale watching and salmon fishing to glacier trekking and historical train rides. The ship’s schedule is well-paced, with a sea day for scenic cruising and relaxing onboard.
For those preferring a roundtrip voyage, the Grand Princess also offers 10-night Inside Passage sailings from Vancouver, which include additional ports like Sitka or Icy Strait Point, and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Grand Princess is well-suited for an Alaskan cruise due to its thoughtful design and Princess’s dedication to destination immersion. The ship boasts ample outdoor viewing areas, including a wraparound promenade deck that allows for uninterrupted scenic cruising.
A standout feature is the “North to Alaska” program, which brings the Alaskan spirit on board. This award-winning program includes presentations by local naturalists and experts, cooking demonstrations with fresh Alaskan seafood, and even appearances by Alaskan lumberjacks. Furthermore, the partnership with the Discovery Channel provides “Discovery at SEA” programming, offering enriching, educational content about the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. For kids, the Jr. Ranger Program on Glacier Bay days is a fantastic way to engage them with the natural wonders around them.
The onboard excursion desk is staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can help you navigate the myriad of tour options in each port. And, for a truly memorable experience, watching a movie under the stars on the top deck, with the stunning Alaskan landscape as your backdrop, is hard to beat.
Choosing the right cabin can significantly enhance your Alaskan cruise experience. For the one-way “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries, the side of the ship you’re on matters. For southbound sailings from Whittier to Vancouver, a port side (left) cabin is ideal for views of the coastline along the Inside Passage. Conversely, for northbound sailings, a starboard side (right) cabin is preferable.
Many seasoned cruisers recommend a balcony cabin on the Caribe deck. These balconies are larger than on other decks and are half-covered, providing a sheltered area to enjoy the scenery even in inclement weather. While the ship will turn in front of glaciers to give everyone a view, having your own private space to watch for whales or enjoy a morning coffee against a backdrop of mountains and fjords is an undeniable luxury.
For those on a budget, an obstructed oceanview cabin can be a good compromise, offering natural light and a glimpse of the outdoors at a lower price point.
The dining experience on the Grand Princess is varied, with a mix of complimentary and specialty options. The ship has three main dining rooms: Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci, offering both traditional fixed-time seating and “Anytime Dining.” The menus feature a range of international dishes, and on Alaska sailings, there’s an emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
For more casual fare, the Horizon Court buffet offers a wide selection for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the top deck, you’ll find pizza, burgers, and hot dogs at Slice Pizzeria and The Salty Dog Grill. The 24-hour International Café in the Piazza is a popular spot for specialty coffees, pastries, and light bites.
For an upgraded dining experience, the Crown Grill, the ship’s classic steakhouse, and Sabatini’s, the Italian specialty restaurant, are both excellent choices for a reasonable extra charge. On Alaska sailings, the pop-up Crab Shack is a must-try for seafood lovers.
On sea days and in the evenings, the Grand Princess offers a variety of entertainment options. The Princess Theater hosts Broadway-style production shows, while the Vista Show Lounge and Explorers Lounge feature comedians, magicians, and live music. The ship’s casino offers a range of table games and slot machines.
For a more relaxed evening, you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the many bars and lounges, such as Crooners Martini Bar or the Wheelhouse Bar. As mentioned, Movies Under the Stars is a unique and popular entertainment choice. During the day, there are trivia contests, dance classes, and enrichment lectures.
For the best pricing and cabin selection, it’s advisable to book your Grand Princess Alaska cruise well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season of June through August. Keep an eye out for promotions that may include onboard credit, free gratuities, or drink packages, as these can add significant value to your cruise fare.
Given the Grand Princess’s age, it’s often priced more affordably than the newer ships in the Princess fleet, making it an excellent value proposition. An interior or obstructed oceanview cabin will be the most budget-friendly, but upgrading to a balcony is often worth the extra cost for the enhanced scenery viewing. The “Princess Plus” and “Princess Premier” packages can also be a good value, bundling Wi-Fi, gratuities, and beverage packages for a set daily price.
Yes, Grand Princess is a solid choice for an Alaska cruise, particularly for those who prioritize itinerary and destination experience over the latest shipboard amenities. As one of Princess's original large ships, it has been sailing these waters for over two decades. The crew's expertise is extensive. While it is an older vessel and may lack some of the modern features of newer ships, it offers fantastic value and access to premier destinations like Glacier Bay.
For optimal scenery viewing on a southbound Inside Passage itinerary, a balcony cabin on the port (left) side of the ship is recommended. For northbound sailings, the starboard (right) side is preferable. Many cruisers favor the Caribe deck for its larger balconies, which are partially covered, offering a great mix of sun and shelter.
Yes, Grand Princess has itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park. Princess Cruises is one of the few cruise lines with extensive permits to enter this protected area, and they ensure that passengers have a memorable experience with onboard National Park Rangers providing commentary.
The Grand Princess typically sails 7 to 10-night 'Voyage of the Glaciers' itineraries between Whittier (for Anchorage) and Vancouver, or roundtrip from Vancouver. Common ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
With a capacity of 2,600 passengers, the Grand Princess is considered a mid-sized ship in the context of modern cruising. In Alaskan ports, it feels manageable and less overwhelming than the mega-ships that can carry twice as many people. This often translates to a more relaxed and less congested experience ashore.
The ship’s design offers several excellent spots for glacier and wildlife viewing, including the wraparound promenade deck and numerous outdoor deck spaces. The 'North to Alaska' program brings local culture and cuisine onboard, with presentations from naturalists and local experts. The 'Discovery at SEA' programs offer further educational opportunities.
The main difference is Princess's deep-rooted expertise in Alaska and their robust 'North to Alaska' program. While the Grand Princess is an older ship compared to many competitors from Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, it often provides a more authentic and destination-focused Alaskan experience. It's less about onboard thrills like waterslides and more about immersing passengers in the culture and scenery of the Great Land.