Picking the Right Princess Ship for Alaska in 2026
Princess Cruises is running its biggest Alaska season ever in 2026 — eight ships, 180 departures, 19 destinations. That sounds great until you actually try to book one and realize you're choosing between vessels that range from 670 guests to over 4,300. The ship you pick shapes the entire trip, so here's a practical guide to matching the right Princess cruise ship to your Alaska priorities.
Star Princess — The Newest Ship in Alaska
The headline for 2026 is the debut of Star Princess, the second Sphere Class ship in the fleet. This is the largest and newest ship Princess has ever sent to Alaska, carrying over 4,300 guests. It features The Dome, a geodesic glass structure with panoramic views, and The Sphere, a suspended glass piazza. For travelers who want the newest hardware, the most dining options, and the biggest entertainment lineup, Star Princess is the flagship choice. It sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-day Inside Passage itineraries. The tradeoff: more guests means more crowded ports and longer lines at excursion tenders.
Small Ships for a Quieter Alaska Experience
On the opposite end, Coral Princess and Island Princess carry around 2,000 guests each. These are the ships veteran Alaska cruisers tend to prefer. Smaller crowds mean shorter lines, more attentive service, and a calmer atmosphere during glacier viewing. Coral Princess in particular gets strong reviews for its one-way Voyage of the Glaciers itineraries between Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier), which include two glacier days — Glacier Bay and either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord depending on direction. Starting around $100 per night, they're also among the most affordable options in the fleet.
Mid-Range Ships — Discovery Princess and Crown Princess
Discovery Princess (around 3,600 guests) and Crown Princess (about 3,080 guests) sit in the middle. Discovery Princess is relatively new, launched in 2022, and handles the Voyage of the Glaciers route alongside the smaller ships. Crown Princess received a refurbishment in 2025 that addressed complaints about wear and tear, adding O'Malley's Irish Pub and refreshing public spaces. Both offer a good balance of onboard options without the mega-ship density of Star Princess. If you want modern amenities but still value some breathing room on deck during glacier approaches, these are the sweet spot.
How to Choose Based on Your Travel Style
The decision really comes down to three questions. First, do you want a round-trip from Seattle or a one-way between Vancouver and Anchorage? Round-trip is simpler for logistics; one-way gives you two glacier days and avoids backtracking. Second, how important is the ship itself versus the destination? If onboard entertainment and dining variety matter most, lean toward Star Princess or Discovery Princess. If you'd rather spend your time on the rail watching glaciers with fewer people around, Coral Princess or Island Princess will serve you better.
Third, consider the land extensions. Princess owns wilderness lodges near Denali and other parks, and their cruisetour packages combine the cruise with rail travel and multi-night lodge stays. The 15-night National Parks Tour hits five national parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, and Wrangell-St. Elias. These pair best with the one-way sailings on the smaller ships, since you're already moving through the state rather than looping back to Seattle.
Alaska is one of those destinations where the "best" ship depends entirely on what you want from the trip. A travel advisor who knows the fleet can save you hours of comparison shopping and match you to the right ship, cabin category, and itinerary. Reach out and we'll help you sort through the options.