An Incredible Alaskan Journey: Discovering the Best of Land and Sea with Princess Cruises

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, my recent trip to Alaska with Princess Cruises is at the top of the list. For two weeks, my husband and I explored Alaska by both land and sea, and I can’t stop raving about it! We were lucky to have warm, sunny weather for almost the entire time during our July/August trip. If you’re looking for a trip filled with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and seamless travel, this is it.

A Sunny Welcome in Anchorage

We kicked off our adventure in Anchorage, where we stayed at the beautiful Hotel Captain Cook, which I highly recommend—it’s a cozy, luxurious hotel with great service. A must-stop restaurant during our stay was Snowy City Café. I still think about their breakfast and the mocha cappuccino, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up before exploring the city. We took the trolley tour around Anchorage to see some of the sights, such as the underground home built into the hillside, as well Earthquake Park. We got to see a lot in an hour and we had a fun guide who even sang for us!

Talkeetna: A Hidden Gem

From Anchorage, we traveled on the Princess Direct-to-Wilderness domed train to Talkeetna, a journey that was beyond scenic. The panoramic windows allowed us to take in the jaw-dropping landscapes as we traveled through forests and along rivers. Talkeetna quickly became one of our favorite stops. We stayed at the Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge, and it was a wonderful resort. The treehouse on the property was a personal favorite—imagine climbing up a hill and spending a few hours relaxing in a treehouse with breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley in the background! We made our way back down the hill before it got dark and enjoyed a nice dinner at the restaurant. The porch at the lodge’s main building offered equally stunning views, and we were truly blessed one day when Mt. McKinley emerged in full view. Witnessing the third-largest mountain in the world in all its glory was nothing short of magical.

Denali National Park: Wildlife and Wonder

Next, we journeyed further north by train to Denali National Park. The train ride was so peaceful, and I couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking scenery, especially while enjoying the best salmon chowder in the dining car. Our stay at McKinley Chalet Resort was equally memorable. One of the highlights of our time here was the Denali Tundra tour. We spotted so much wildlife—bears, moose, caribou, and even a fox! Each moment felt like we were part of a nature documentary.

In the evenings, we enjoyed a musical dinner theater, a perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring. We ended the night making s’mores at an outdoor fire pit under the Alaskan sky!

Cruising Through Glacier Bay

After an exciting week on land, it was time to board our cruise in Whittier. I’ve been on many cruises, but this one was truly unforgettable. My favorite day was cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—sunny and in the high 70s. The towering glaciers and vibrant blue waters created a scene I’ll never forget.

Royal Princess

We sailed on the Royal Princess, and we had a spacious balcony suite cabin, which I highly recommend for an Alaskan cruise. The comfort of the balcony made it easy to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the beautiful scenery. We’d often enjoy a cup of coffee and just relax. We were especially lucky one evening when we got the opportunity to see the spectacular sight of the northern lights dancing across the sky from our balcony—a magical experience we’ll never forget.

Whale Watching, Glaciers, and Lumberjacks

Our adventures didn’t stop there. In Juneau, we went on a whale-watching cruise where we saw humpback whales breaching and playing in the water—absolutely mesmerizing! We also visited the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier, and in Ketchikan, we caught an entertaining lumberjack show and watched salmon swim upstream in a picturesque creek.

A visit to the fishing village of Hoonah capped off our cruise with fresh seafood that melted in our mouths. There’s nothing like indulging in Alaska’s finest seafood while surrounded by such raw natural beauty.

Why This Should Be Your Next Trip

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Alaska, this is the trip you’ve been waiting for. From seamless transfers and breathtaking train rides to wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring glaciers, every moment of this adventure was magical. Whether you're watching a whale breach or simply relaxing in front of a mountain view, Alaska has a way of making you feel connected to something larger than life.

This trip with Princess Cruises truly was the trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to help you experience it too. If you're ready for an unforgettable journey through the Last Frontier, let’s start planning your perfect Alaskan adventure today! Book a time on my calendar to chat or send me an email.