The journey began with a weeklong voyage through Alaska’s coastal waters aboard the Star Princess, the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet that entered service in 2025. Over seven days the traveler joined family members for a mix of shore excursions, onboard relaxation, and wildlife sightings that ranged from bald eagles to humpback whales. The experience combined the scale of a modern ship with the longstanding presence Princess has maintained in the region since the 1960s. ([1])
Modern Comforts That Support Exploration
The Star Princess accommodates 4,300 passengers at double occupancy yet rarely felt crowded, thanks to numerous public spaces that allowed guests to spread out comfortably. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi and the MedallionClass system, which uses a wearable device as a room key, payment method, and location tracker, simplified daily routines. The technology proved especially useful for locating family members across the large vessel and for automatic cabin-door unlocking when hands were full. Cabins featured intuitive lighting, strong water pressure in the showers, and plush bedding that made rest easy after long days ashore. Twice-daily housekeeping added a consistent sense of welcome. Crew members throughout the ship were described as gracious and attentive, contributing to an atmosphere that felt both polished and approachable.
Close Encounters with Glaciers and Wildlife
One of the most memorable moments came during a helicopter excursion over the Juneau Icefield, where passengers stepped onto the glacier itself and walked among streams of glacial blue water and deep crevasses. The sound of ice underfoot and the scale of the landscape left a lasting impression that viewing from the ship alone could not match. An airboat ride near the Taku Glacier offered additional close views of eagles and seals. In Skagway, an ocean raft trip through a lengthy fjord combined moments of speed with pauses to observe waterfalls and wildlife. A scenic railway journey into Canada followed historic routes while providing dedicated narration and a private platform in the luxury car. Ketchikan brought a forest walk in the Tongass National Forest and a return sighting of humpback whales from the water.
Thoughtful Dining Options Onboard
Meals ranged from included venues such as the main dining rooms, buffet, and casual deck outlets to specialty restaurants accessed through an optional package. Standouts included the steakhouse Crown Grill, where lobster tail arrived with melted butter, and the interactive teppanyaki experience at Umai, complete with entertaining chefs and group participation in lighthearted challenges. Sushi at Makoto Ocean and hot-smoked salmon at The Catch by Rudi also received praise. Alaska-sourced ingredients appeared on menus, including fresh salmon loaded in Juneau and local beer served throughout the ship. Lobster was offered as an included choice on the final formal night. A retro-style diner adjacent to the main buffet provided extra seating when the primary area filled quickly.
Entertainment and Multigenerational Atmosphere
Daily programming included more than 130 activities, from game shows and bingo to a theatrical production called Illuminate and candlelight concerts set among hundreds of candles. Aerial performances took place in the central Piazza and the Dome, while a magic show in a speakeasy setting added an intimate evening option. Shuffleboard tournaments and other light competitions encouraged participation across age groups. The ship attracted multigenerational families, with spaces designed for different age ranges of children alongside areas suited to adults. The overall tone remained lively yet refined, allowing passengers of varying ages to find comfortable ways to spend their time together or apart. The combination of a new ship’s amenities with decades of regional expertise created a voyage that balanced comfort and discovery. Passengers returned to the vessel after each port with hot chocolate or quick massages available, reinforcing the sense that the journey itself was as restorative as the landscapes encountered along the way.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.