Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise Through the Inside Passage
Discovery Princess Alaska cruise was a 7-day Inside Passage adventure like no other. We departed from Seattle with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, and Victoria, Canada. The journey blended luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, awe-inspiring excursions, and festive entertainment. The Discovery Princess, the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass and the final Royal-class ship, is one of the ships celebrating Princess Cruises’ 55th anniversary sailing in Alaska this year.
Pre-Cruise Luxury Stay: Sheraton Grand Seattle
My journey began with an overnight stay at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. The hotel provided a comfortable and luxurious start to the trip, with its spacious rooms and top-notch amenities. After a restful night, I was ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 1: Departure and Discovery
The excitement hit the moment I stepped aboard the Discovery Princess Alaska cruise. The embarkation process was smooth and efficient. I was soon exploring the ship’s impressive amenities, with my Princess medallion (a wearable hands-free device) making it easy to unlock my room without a key or card, pay for things without my wallet, get food and drink delivered to wherever I was at, and conveniently find those I was traveling with.
I did feel a bit seasick as we traveled through unexpected bad weather while we made our way through the open ocean heading north, but by dinner, I was feeling better. Don’t forget to pack Dramamine or a motion sickness band, just in case.
The first night I dined at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. The rich risottos and al dente pastas transport you to the heart of Italy, complemented by an impressive selection of fine Italian wines. I loved the burrata caprese and the freshly made penne primavera.
In the evening, I enjoyed a spellbinding magic performance by Nathan Rankin. His charismatic stage presence and mind-boggling tricks were entertaining for all ages.
North to Alaska Programming on Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise
The award-winning “North to Alaska” enrichment program on the Discovery Princess Alaska cruise was a wonderful way to bring Alaska on board the ship. It featured things like Puppies in the Piazza, where guests got to see sled dog puppies up close and hear from a sled dog racer; “Wild for Alaska Seafood” where guests got to select from 30 Alaska seafood dishes, including varieties of salmon, cod, halibut, Dungeness crab wild spot prawns and razor clams, and an on-board Jr. Ranger program for youth.
Day 2: At Sea
As we headed north, during our day at sea, I attended a talk with Michael Modzelewski, naturalist/author and expert on Alaska. He told the audience about his life living off the grid and off the land in remote Alaska and how it transformed him. It was great to have his insight before we arrived in Alaska.
That night, dinner was the impressive 360: An Extraordinary Experience. This sensory extravaganza combines visual artistry with cutting-edge technology, taking you on a captivating journey through dynamic stories. During the seven-course meal, we watched vibrant video images of various parts of the Mediterranean the wrap-around video, smelled the citrus orchards, listened to melodic and uplifting music, and were immersed in interactive technology right on our plates. The meal also featured wine from LegaSea that is aged underwater in the Mediterranean Sea.
After dinner, there were so many options for entertainment, from gambling or live music to games or movies. I chose to see one of the musical performances and was so impressed with the skilled dancers and singers.
Dining on Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise
With a plethora of exquisite dining experiences to choose from, each night I was able to try a different venue. Options including the main dining room with traditional favorites and international cuisine, specialty restaurants that include Irish, Italian, seafood, steak house, and chef’s table, and inclusive dining option such as the massive World Fresh Marketplace buffet (with anything you could ever want!), as well as hot dogs, crab shack, pizza, sushi, gelato and afternoon tea. One of my favorites, the International Cafe is open 24-hours and has the best coffee drinks and bite-sized snacks and desserts.
Day 3: Juneau, Alaska
The day started with a tour of the bridge, where the captain told about what it’s like be in charge of such a large vessel. Quite a view from the bridge!
In Juneau, I embarked on the Five-Glacier Seaplane Exploration shore excursion with Wings Airways. Soaring high above the glaciers was breathtaking, providing exhilarating views of Alaska’s rugged terrain. The 40-minute floatplane ride took us over cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest, en route to the Juneau Icefield. Seeing it from the air, I was blow away by just how massive the glaciers are. I could see deep blue hue crevasses of the receding and advancing glaciers consisting of 1,500 square miles of solid ice. From my window seat, I viewed the Norris, Taku, Hole-in-the-Wall, East and West Twin glaciers with a narration. The adventure ended with smooth water landing back in Juneau. Next, I took the Goldbelt Tram to get a bird’s-eye view of Juneau. At the top, there was a restaurant and a hiking trail. For dinner, I headed to Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau. I couldn’t get over how huge the crab legs are!
Camp Discovery for Kids
Kids ages 3 to 17 can engage in diverse programs consisting of engaging activities for each age group. Little ones can visit The Treehouse center with games and exploration, older kids can visit The Lodge center for interactive fun such as air hockey, foosball and more. Teens can hang out at The Beach House for dance parties, mocktails, movie nights, dodgeball and video games. Other organized kid’s activities include scavenger hunts, basketball tournaments, dance lessons, mini golf, science projects, craft projects, trivia games, talent shows, and cooking lessons. Your kids will be begging to go to Camp, where they can interact with others their own age and make friends from all over the world. Insider Tip: Keep your eyes open for rubber duckies hidden throughout the ship!
Day 4: Skagway, Alaska
In Skagway, my shore excursion was the 6-hour Glacier Point Wilderness Safari to see Davidson Glacier up close. It started with wildlife viewing during a scenic boat ride through Lynn Canal – Alaska’s deepest fjord. We passed multiple waterfalls and glaciers and saw tons of sea lions and bald eagles. We got off the boat and boarded an old school bus and took a short drive to a pavilion to pick up kayaking gear. We then did a 1 a quarter-mile hike through a forest to get to a 31-foot voyager canoe. We paddled down a calm river, then took a short walk to other canoes that we paddled on a lake to finally arrive at remote beach at Glacier Point. Our expert guides shared their extensive knowledge of the area, all along the way. After seeing Davidson Glacier, we were treated to a tasty box lunch before boarding the cruise back to Skagway. It was a wonderful way to see some of the remote areas that Alaska is known for.
After the safari, I wandered around the town of Skagway to take a peek at the souvenirs shops that lined the street. Back on board the ship, I sat in on a talk by an Iditarod racer and got to see husky puppies up close. So cute! For dinner, I ate in the Main Dining Room, which has a variety of menu options and special themed nights.
Entertainment on Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise
During the cruise, days are filled with shore excursions and nights are filled with dining and entertainment. There are so many options to choose from – live music performances, comedy shows, and Broadway-style productions in the ship’s theater. There’s also the casino, which has slot machines and table games. If you’d rather just hang with those your traveling with for a quiet evening, the lounges provide a more relaxed atmosphere for sipping cocktails and socializing.
Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park
This was the day I was most looking forward to, cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. I started the morning by having the “Ultimate Balcony Breakfast “delivered to my stateroom, where I sat, ate and took in the awe-inspiring surroundings from my balcony, in my pajamas. The meal included fresh salmon, pastries, fruit, orange juice and champagne. We spent the day taking in the sights and sounds of Glacier Bay National Park and the surrounding area. I even say a piece of the glacier “calf,” break off. There were eagles flying above and mini-icebergs floating by. It was truly magical. Don’t forget to pack binoculars. There are more than 1,000 glaciers in Glacier Bay. We got to see the impress Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, John Hopkins Glacier, and a number of others. Glacier Bay Park rangers and naturalists came on board to educate guests about Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Later in the day, I headed to The Sanctuary, the most relaxing part of the ship, in my opinion. It is by reservation only and consists of an outdoor deck seating area at the front of the ship with lounge chairs, cabanas and a hot tub. This adults-only retreat also has servers offering a variety of food and drinks. It is a must-do! Take in the spectacular views while soothing music plays. I also hit the gym to try an Xponential Fitness class. Princess Cruises has partnered with this well-known brand to offer classes such as yoga, Pilates, Barr and more. The gym also features an assortment of cardio and strengthening machines.
I was treated to a culinary delight at The Catch by Rudi for dinner. Not only did the food taste good, but the presentation was a work of art. Renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin’s seafood dishes are masterpieces.
Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska
With a port stop in Ketchikan, I opted for the Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance & Totem Park shore excursion. We visited the Saxman Native Village where we were treated to a captivating song and dance performance in the Beaver Clan House that showcased Alaska’s indigenous heritage. The tour included a visit to Totem Park with an indigenous guide who provided insights into the local history and traditions, and provided detailed descriptions about the cultural significance of each type of pole. He also shared the background of traditional canoe making at the Canoe Canopy and led us into the Carving Center to see the process carvers use to make totem poles. On the way back to the ship, we drove through Ketchikan to get a peek at things like the infamous Creek Street, Ketchikan’s former red-light district during the Gold Rush; historic residential areas, and the historic downtown area.
In the evening, I got to indulge in the Caymus Winemaker Dinner with exceptional Caymus Vineyards wine pairings to perfectly complement each course.
Day 7: Victoria, Canada
This was a day for some R&R. After a wonderfully relaxing 50-minute massage at The Lotus Spa, I hung out in The Enclave and took full advantage of the amenities. The hydrotherapy circuit featured a large jacuzzi with waterfall shower, multiple air jets, and soothing water beds in the pool. Other amenities included a Turkish-style steam bath, ceramic steam chamber, warm dry chamber, and sensory showers.
I tried the Crown Grill steakhouse for dinner and enjoyed the upscale atmosphere with a menu that included things like steak, lobster, soup, salad, and cheesecake.
With a late night stop in our final port, Victoria, Canada, I signed up for the Foodie & Victoria History Walking Tour. We strolled through the charming streets, stopped at Off the Eaten Track’s office to sample local delicacies and walked past historic landmarks such as the Fairmont Empress Hotel and ended with a “beaver tail” Canadian delicacy.
Activities on Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise
There are so many different types of activities to choose on the Discovery Princess Alaska cruise. From dance lessons and trivia games to culinary demonstrations and an egg drop competition, there’s something for everyone. You can browse the shops to pick up clothing or souvenirs, visit the art gallery and attend an art auction, sit in on lecture about skincare, run laps around the outdoor track, play ping pong or basketball, watch an outdoor movie, and so much more. There’s never time to be bored…unless you want to.
Day 8: Disembarkation
We ended the journey back in Seattle for disembarkation. The 7-day Inside Passage cruise aboard the Discovery Princess encapsulated the essence of luxury travel, providing a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and world-class dining with shore excursions that let me explore some of Alaska’s wilderness, see some of the epic sights, and learn about the indigenous culture.
Cruisetours with Princess Wilderness Lodges
If you’re looking extend your time in Alaska, you can combine your cruise with a stay in the cruise line’s exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges. All of the cruisetours include a visit to Alaska’s top-two attractions – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.
Book your cruise today aboard the Discovery Princess to experience Alaska for yourself.
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Disclosure: Airfare, accommodation, cruise and land excursions were provided by Princess Cruises in order to do my review, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.