Princess Cruises just dropped some major news that's going to make Alaska cruise planning a whole lot easier for your group. They're absolutely going all-in on Alaska for 2025-2026, and honestly, it's about time!
If you've been dreaming of that bucket-list Alaska cruise with your family, friends, or extended group, this expansion is exactly what you've been waiting for. Let me break down what Princess is doing and why it's such great news for group travelers.
The Big Picture: More Ships, More Options
Princess is bringing seven ships to Alaska in 2025, then bumping it up to eight ships in 2026. That's their biggest Alaska season ever, with 180 departures hitting 19 destinations. The star of the show? The brand-new Star Princess will be making her Alaska debut in 2026.
This isn't just about having more ships on the water, it's about giving you and your group way more flexibility when it comes to booking dates, cabin types, and itineraries that actually work for everyone's schedule.
Five Homeports = Less Travel Hassle
Here's something I love about this expansion: Princess is sailing from five different homeports throughout the Alaska season (April through September):
- Seattle – Perfect if you're coming from the Pacific Northwest or want easy flight connections
- San Francisco – Great for California groups or those wanting to explore the city before/after
- Los Angeles – Ideal for Southern California travelers
- Vancouver, B.C. – Beautiful city with often better airfare deals
- Anchorage (Whittier) – For those who want to fly directly into Alaska
Why does this matter for your group? Because when you've got 8, 10, or 15 people trying to coordinate travel, having multiple departure points means everyone can find flights that work for their budget and schedule. No more forcing Great Aunt Martha to take three connecting flights just to meet everyone in Seattle!
Cruise Options for Every Group Style
Princess is rolling out cruise lengths from 7 to 20 days, which means you can finally find something that works whether your group includes working parents who can only take a week off or retired grandparents who want the full Alaska experience.
The Quick but Sweet Option: 7-Day Cruises
The Voyage of the Glaciers cruises are perfect for groups who want to see the highlights without using up all their vacation time. You'll visit Glacier Bay National Park (Princess takes more guests there than anyone else), and honestly, seeing those glaciers calve into the ocean is worth the trip alone.
The "Let's Do This Right" Option: 10-14 Day Cruises
Inside Passage voyages give you more time to really soak it all in. You'll get up to four glacier-viewing opportunities, and there's something magical about having those extra sea days where your group can just hang out, play games, and watch for whales from the deck.
The "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Option: 16-20 Day Cruises
For groups who want the ultimate Alaska experience, Princess offers longer cruises like the 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice roundtrip from San Francisco. Yes, it's a commitment, but imagine the memories your group will make!
Cruisetours: The Best of Both Worlds
Now here's where Princess really stepped up their game. They've massively expanded their cruisetours, basically combining your 7-day cruise with land-based tours of Alaska's national parks. We're talking about visiting up to five national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai.
These packages run 9-15 days and include:
- Scenic rail travel (seriously stunning views)
- Stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges
- Professional guides who know Alaska inside and out
- All the logistics handled for you
For group travel, this is huge. No more trying to coordinate separate cruise bookings, hotel reservations, train tickets, and park tours. Princess handles everything, which means less stress for whoever's organizing your group trip (probably you!).
What Makes This Different from Other Cruise Lines
Princess isn't just adding more ships: they're adding better experiences. The new Star Princess features something called "The Dome" (the industry's first geodesic structure) and "The Sphere" (a suspended glass area), both designed to give you incredible views of Alaska's scenery.
Plus, Princess brings on local Alaskans during the cruise: lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, and storytellers who share what life is really like up there. Your group gets authentic Alaska, not just tourist stuff.
Perfect Timing for Group Bookings
Since you're reading this in late 2025, the 2026 season bookings are probably already open (or will be very soon). This timing is actually perfect for group travel because:
- Early booking perks: Princess typically offers better pricing and cabin selection for early bookers
- Group amenities: With more ships and sailings, there's better availability for group dining reservations, shore excursion coordination, and cabin blocks
- Planning time: Your group has months to coordinate schedules, save money, and get excited
Who This Expansion Really Benefits
Multi-Generational Families
With cruise lengths from 7-20 days and multiple homeports, it's easier to find something that works for both the working adults and the retired grandparents in your family.
Friend Groups Over 50
Princess has always catered well to mature travelers, and with more departures and longer itineraries, you can finally plan that bucket-list trip with your college friends or longtime neighbors.
Large Groups (10+ People)
More ships and 180 departures mean better chances of getting the cabin types and configurations your large group needs, plus group pricing opportunities.
Couples Celebrating Milestones
Whether it's an anniversary, retirement, or just because you finally have time to travel, the expanded offerings mean you can find the perfect romantic Alaska cruise that fits your style.
What You Should Do Right Now
If your group has been talking about Alaska, this expansion is your green light. Here's what I recommend:
- Start the conversation with your travel companions about dates and cruise length preferences
- Consider which homeport makes the most sense for your group's travel logistics
- Think about whether you want cruise-only or one of those amazing cruisetours
- Reach out to me to discuss group rates, cabin configurations, and booking strategy
The reality is that Alaska cruises sell out, especially the popular sailing dates and cabin categories. With Princess adding all this capacity, you have the best shot you've had in years to book exactly what your group wants.
Ready to Make It Happen?
Alaska isn't getting any younger, and neither are we! This Princess expansion is creating the perfect storm of availability, options, and timing for group travel. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a friends' trip, or a couples' getaway, there's never been a better time to book that Alaska cruise.
Want to explore what Princess's Alaska expansion could mean for your specific group? Let's chat about dates, pricing, and how to make this dream trip a reality. After all, life's too short to keep talking about "someday."
Ready to start planning your Alaska adventure? Contact Getaway By Tonya Jean Becker today to explore Princess Cruises' expanded Alaska offerings and find the perfect cruise for your group.
#getawaybytjb #alaskacruise #princesscruises #grouptravel #bucketlist #familytravel #alaskaadventure