Alaska has a way of putting everything into perspective. No matter how impressive the ship, guests inevitably find themselves staring toward glaciers, scanning the horizon for whales or craning their necks toward mountains that seem to rise directly from the sea.

Yet aboard Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, the destination and the vessel complement one another well.

The second ship in Princess’ Sphere Class, Star Princess represents a significant evolution for the cruise line. Carrying 4,300 guests, the vessel — which debuted in late 2025 — meshes the latest in design, expansive outdoor spaces and a solid culinary lineup with the destination expertise Princess has spent decades fine-tuning in Alaska.

Sailing round-trip from Seattle, a seven-night itinerary visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia, while showcasing some of Southeast Alaska’s most spectacular scenes.

One of the voyage’s defining moments arrives during the ship’s transit through Endicott Arm. Guests wrapped in blankets line the outdoor decks and balconies as Star Princess glides through the narrow fjord toward Dawes Glacier. Waterfalls tumble down granite cliffs. Smaller icebergs drift silently past. It’s an experience that reminds travelers why Alaska remains one of cruising’s most compelling destinations. Later in the day, Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier offers a different perspective on the state’s immense ice fields.

Princess enhances the experience through its North to Alaska programming. Naturalist presentations regularly fill the Princess Arena, and the onboard expert frequently updates guests when wildlife appears nearby. During our sailing, whale sightings became a recurring event, sending passengers rushing to railings and windows throughout the ship. Fellow travelers returned from excursions with stories of bears, bald eagles and salmon catches.

The shore excursions proved equally memorable. In Ketchikan, the Ultimate Saxman Experience provided an engaging introduction to Tlingit culture through storytelling and native crafts. You could even see a totem pole being made, steps away from the world’s biggest collection of standing totem poles.

Skagway delivered another highlight aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, where sweeping mountain scenery eventually gave way to a Gold Rush-inspired excursion complete with gold panning and a barbecue lunch. The excursions were well-executed.

Back onboard, unwind in Star Princess’ inviting public spaces. The Dome, a striking glass-enclosed venue perched atop the ship, offers panoramic views by day and entertainment after sunset, inclusive of an enjoyable acoustic guitar performance with a thousand-plus candlelights. The soaring Piazza serves as the vessel’s social center, surrounded by lounges, bars and performance spaces that keep activity flowing throughout the day.

For travelers seeking additional exclusivity and an escape from the masses, try the Sanctuary Collection. The adults-oriented retreat includes a private restaurant, a dedicated lounge and a secluded pool area with cabanas. While Alaska’s weather can occasionally challenge cabana reservations, the attentive staff keeps cozy blankets readily available, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the scenery regardless of conditions with hot cocoa (and Baileys, if desired) in hand.

Dining is one of the ship’s stronger attributes, though service at specialty restaurants leans leisurely. Guests heading to a show or another reservation should communicate their timeline in advance to manage their own expectations. The extra time is often rewarded. The Butcher’s Block by Dario stands out for its expertly prepared steaks, nimble staff and diversity of beef. Love by Britto transforms dinner into an artistic celebration with colorful presentations and a playful atmosphere aft-side.

Among the casual dining options, The Eatery buffet offers a wide variety of cuisines (those crispy-beyond-belief chicken nuggets are a winner). But don’t slack on hitting the Lido Deck venues. The pizza-by-the-slice spot near the pool became a reliable favorite between excursions, while the surrounding outdoor dining spaces offered some of the voyage’s best views and people-watching.

Also make time for the onboard wellness offerings. Within The Enclave at the Lotus Spa, the piping-hot sauna and steam room provide welcome relief after chilly days ashore. Active travelers will appreciate the jogging track circling the upper deck, where panoramic ocean vistas accompany every lap. Nearby pickleball courts, basketball facilities and ping-pong tables encourage friendly competition, though Alaska’s brisk winds occasionally become an uninvited participant.

Entertainment rounds out the experience. New productions, including Meridian and Illuminate, showcase the capabilities of the technologically advanced Princess Arena and the ship’s cast. Meanwhile, O’Malley’s Irish Pub frequently drew standing-room-only crowds for its live music performances.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Star Princess, however, is its crew. Service shines across the vessel. From the cruise director’s personable presence and jokes of the day to the enthusiastic karaoke host at Princess Live!, interactions feel genuine rather than rehearsed.

One tip: order a Medallion wristband before sailing. While the included lanyard works well enough, the wristband is far more convenient during excursions, meals and activities. Guests who wait until embarkation often encounter longer lines onboard to buy one during the first day of the cruise.

In a region filled with unforgettable scenery, Star Princess succeeds by enhancing the journey rather than competing with it. The ship delivers friendly service, standout dining and creative spaces while keeping the Last Frontier firmly at the center of the experience. That’s exactly what a great Alaska cruise should do.

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