Frequently Asked Questions

 Alaska’s weather can change quickly, even during the summer. Cruise guests may experience sunshine, rain, wind, and cool temperatures during the same day. Coastal ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway may be rainy, while glacier-viewing days can feel especially cold on open decks. 

 Pack clothing that can be layered, including moisture-wicking shirts, sweaters or fleece, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a warm hat and gloves for glacier days. Sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, a small backpack, and a portable phone charger are also helpful. Princess recommends preparing for changing conditions rather than packing one heavy winter coat. 

 Travel-document requirements depend on the departure port, itinerary, citizenship, and whether the cruise visits Canada. Even when another form of identification may be permitted, traveling with a valid passport is strongly recommended. Guests should review the official requirements for their specific sailing before departure. Completing check-in through the Princess Cruises app does not replace the need to carry the required travel documents. 

 The Princess Medallion is a wearable device that serves as your cruise identification and stateroom key. It can also be used for purchases, boarding the ship, locating travel companions, and accessing personalized onboard services. Guests are encouraged to download the Princess Cruises app and complete the OceanReady steps before sailing. 

The standard fare generally includes your stateroom, meals in designated complimentary dining venues, entertainment, pools, fitness facilities, and many onboard activities. Beverages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, crew appreciation, photographs, and shore excursions may cost extra unless included through a promotion or package.

 Princess Plus and Princess Premier bundle popular onboard expenses into one daily price. Both include a beverage package, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, casual dining benefits, OceanNow delivery, and room-service delivery. Premier adds upgraded beverages, Wi-Fi for additional devices, unlimited casual and specialty dining, professional photos, reserved theater seating, and shore-excursion credit on qualifying sailings. Benefits and prices depend on the ship, sailing date, and package purchase date. 

 Popular Alaska excursions—including whale watching, scenic rail journeys, glacier flights, dogsledding, fishing, and wildlife tours—can sell out well before departure. Booking early offers the best selection. Excursion schedules and availability may change because of weather, port conditions, wildlife activity, or local operator requirements. 

 Guests may book excursions through Princess or through independent local operators. Princess excursions offer coordinated transportation and added assistance if a ship-related schedule change occurs. Independent excursions may provide smaller groups or different options, but guests are responsible for confirming timing and returning to the ship before departure. 

Alaska offers opportunities to see whales, bald eagles, bears, seals, sea lions, salmon, and other wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the port, season, weather, and excursion. Binoculars are useful for spotting wildlife from the ship and during port visits. 

Glacier viewing depends on the itinerary and operating conditions. Ships may adjust their route or viewing location because of ice, fog, weather, or other safety concerns. Guests should review the itinerary to determine whether their sailing includes Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Endicott Arm, or another scenic cruising destination.

 Daytime clothing is generally casual and comfortable. Smart-casual clothing is appropriate for most evenings, while selected nights may be designated as formal or dress-to-impress evenings. Warm layers are still helpful when walking on outdoor decks after dinner. 

Princess offers MedallionNet Wi-Fi onboard. Wi-Fi may be purchased separately or included with Princess Plus or Princess Premier. Internet performance can vary based on the ship’s location, weather, and network demand.

 Yes. Princess offers youth and teen programs, family-friendly entertainment, pools, dining choices, and excursions suitable for a range of ages. Families should review excursion age, height, mobility, and weight requirements before booking. 

 Many ships, ports, and excursions offer accessible options, but conditions vary. Some ports require tender boats, and certain historic areas, trails, aircraft, or smaller tour vessels may have limited accessibility. Guests should discuss mobility needs before booking excursions and request accommodations as early as possible. 

Arriving at least one day before the cruise is strongly recommended, especially when flying to Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, or another departure location. Arriving early reduces the risk of missing the ship because of airline delays, cancellations, or luggage problems.

Absolutely! Kristin On The Go Travel can help you select the right Princess ship and itinerary, compare staterooms and package options, plan pre-cruise accommodations, and choose excursions that match your interests, activity level, and budget. Personalized planning can make every part of your Alaska vacation—from embarkation day to your final port—feel easier and more enjoyable.

 Cruise itineraries, package inclusions, prices, policies, excursions, and port schedules are subject to change. Always review the current Princess Cruises information and the details associated with your specific booking.