Princess vs Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises: Which Cruise Line Is Better?
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, choosing the right cruise line matters more than most travelers realize.
Alaska is not just another cruise destination. It’s a journey through glaciers, wildlife, and some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. The ship you choose can dramatically shape your experience — from how you view glaciers to the type of atmosphere onboard.
Two of the most popular cruise lines sailing in Alaska are Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Both offer incredible itineraries through the Inside Passage, but they deliver very different cruise experiences.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, this guide will walk you through the key differences so you can choose the cruise line that best fits your travel style.
Princess vs Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Experience | One of the most experienced cruise lines in Alaska | Strong cruise brand but fewer Alaska-focused itineraries |
| Glacier Bay Access | Frequent Glacier Bay sailings | Limited Glacier Bay permits |
| Ship Atmosphere | Relaxed, scenic, refined | Energetic and activity-focused |
| Entertainment | Enrichment lectures, cultural programming | Broadway shows, ice skating, surf simulators |
| Land Tours | Extensive Denali lodges and land + cruise tours | Limited Alaska land tours |
| Best For | Couples, scenic travelers, Alaska enthusiasts | Families and first-time cruisers |
Both cruise lines can deliver a wonderful Alaska vacation — but the right choice depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Alaska Itineraries: What Routes Do These Cruise Lines Offer?
Most Alaska cruises follow the famous Inside Passage, sailing between Seattle or Vancouver and visiting ports such as:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Ketchikan
- Glacier viewing areas, such as Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier
Princess Cruises has been sailing Alaska for decades and offers a large number of northbound and southbound itineraries, many of which connect to land tours into Denali National Park.
Royal Caribbean also sails the Inside Passage and offers several Alaska sailings each season, though its focus is more on the cruise experience rather than extended Alaska land tours.
👉 If you’re still deciding which itinerary makes the most sense, read my guide to the Best Alaska Cruise Lines.
Princess Cruises Alaska Experience
Princess Cruises is widely considered one of the most experienced operators in Alaska.
The cruise line has been sailing Alaska for over 50 years and has built an entire Alaska travel ecosystem that includes cruise ships, lodges, and guided land tours.
Many Princess Alaska itineraries include access to Glacier Bay National Park, one of the most spectacular glacier viewing areas in the state.
Princess also operates several wilderness lodges that allow travelers to extend their trip into Alaska’s interior.
These cruise + land tours often include:
- Denali National Park
- Talkeetna
- Scenic Alaska Railroad journeys
- Princess Wilderness Lodges
For travelers who want to experience both Alaska’s coastline and interior wilderness, this type of itinerary can create a much deeper Alaska experience.
👉 If Denali is on your list, you may also enjoy my Complete Guide to Denali National Park.
Royal Caribbean Alaska Experience
Royal Caribbean is known for building some of the largest and most activity-packed cruise ships in the world.
While their Alaska itineraries are beautiful, the focus onboard tends to be more about the ship itself.
Royal Caribbean ships often include features such as:
- Broadway-style theater productions
- Surf simulators
- Rock climbing walls
- Ice skating shows
- Large pool decks and entertainment venues
For travelers who enjoy a lively ship environment with plenty of activities, Royal Caribbean can be a fun way to experience Alaska.
Families and first-time cruisers often enjoy the variety of entertainment options available onboard.
Which Cruise Line Has the Best Glacier Viewing?
Glacier viewing is one of the most unforgettable parts of any Alaska cruise.
Many travelers hope to visit Glacier Bay National Park, which requires special permits from the National Park Service.
Princess Cruises typically has stronger access to Glacier Bay, which gives them an advantage for travelers who want to see multiple tidewater glaciers in one day.
Royal Caribbean more commonly sails to places like Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm, which are also spectacular but slightly different experiences.
Both offer incredible scenery — but Glacier Bay is often considered the highlight of Alaska cruising.
Choosing the right cruise line, itinerary, and glacier route can make a huge difference in your Alaska experience. If you’d like guidance selecting the right sailing, I offer personalized trip planning through Costa Bella Travel.
Which Cruise Line Is Better for Couples?
For couples seeking a relaxed and scenic Alaska experience, Princess Cruises tends to be the better fit.
Princess ships typically offer:
- A quieter onboard atmosphere
- Scenic viewing lounges
- Enrichment programs about Alaska wildlife and culture
- Wine tastings and culinary experiences
This creates a cruise environment that feels a bit more aligned with the pace of Alaska itself.
If your vision of Alaska includes peaceful glacier viewing, wildlife watching, and scenic cruising, Princess often delivers that atmosphere beautifully.
Which Cruise Line Is Better for Families?
Royal Caribbean often wins when it comes to family travel.
Their ships are designed with activities for every age group, including water slides, climbing walls, kids’ clubs, and large entertainment venues.
For families traveling with children or teenagers, these activity-packed ships can make the cruise itself just as exciting as the destination.
Final Verdict: Princess vs Royal Caribbean for Alaska
Both cruise lines offer wonderful Alaska itineraries, but they appeal to different travel styles.
Choose Princess Cruises if you want:
- A cruise line deeply experienced in Alaska
- Glacier Bay itineraries
- Scenic cruising and enrichment programs
- Denali land tours and Alaska Railroad connections
- A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
Choose Royal Caribbean if you want:
- A lively ship with lots of activities
- Entertainment and large ship amenities
- A family-friendly cruise environment
- A cruise where the ship itself is a major part of the experience
There truly isn’t a wrong choice — only the cruise style that best fits the kind of Alaska adventure you want to experience.
Planning Your Alaska Cruise
Alaska cruises are one of the most spectacular trips you can take, but the planning details can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Before you book, you may also want to read:
- Best Alaska Cruise Lines
- Alaska Cruise vs Land Tour: Which Is Better?
- Best Time to Visit Alaska
- Alaska Packing List
These guides will help you choose the right itinerary, cruise line, and travel strategy for your Alaska trip.
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Inside the Costa Bella Travel newsletter, I share:
- Alaska cruise planning strategies
- Scenic destinations worth the journey
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Ready to Plan Your Alaska Cruise?
If you’re comparing cruise lines, you’re already doing the smart thing — researching before you book.
If you’d like help choosing the right cruise line, itinerary, and timing for your trip, I offer personalized travel planning through Costa Bella Travel.
Together we can design an Alaska experience that fits your travel style — whether that includes glacier cruising, Denali adventures, or a relaxed scenic voyage through the Inside Passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Princess Cruises is often considered better for Alaska due to its Glacier Bay access and extensive cruise-and-land itineraries that include Denali.
Royal Caribbean has limited itineraries to Glacier Bay. Many of their Alaska cruises visit Hubbard Glacier or Endicott Arm instead.
Both are excellent options. Princess offers a more scenic, Alaska-focused experience, while Royal Caribbean provides more onboard activities and entertainment.
