Get Inspired | Travel Tips | Montecito Village Travel

Let the Stars Guide You in Alaska

Written by Shianne Motter | April 21, 2025

There’s a poetic symmetry to a ship named Star Princess charting a course through Alaska—land of northern lights, cosmic skies, and endless days.

Designed with light in mind, this Sphere Class ship features a glass-enclosed Dome and expansive open-air spaces that lets you stargaze on the open water. 

It’s not every year—nor even every decade—that Alaska welcomes a ship as fresh and innovative as Star Princess. In fact, brand-new ships rarely make their way to Alaska, with most new builds heading first to the Caribbean or Europe. Sail Alaska on the Star Princess from May - September 2026. 

That’s what makes the 2026 Alaska seasons so special: guests will have the chance to explore this legendary destination aboard the newest, most advanced vessel in the Princess fleet, blending cutting-edge comfort with the raw, untamed beauty and adventure of the Last Frontier. Princess Cruises is opening the portal to an unprecedented opportunities to see an ancient land and the night skies from an entirely new perspective.

Book with a MVT travel advisor for exclusive shipboard credit, cabin upgrades, and VIP insider-access.

There’s a reason Alaska stirs something primal in every traveler

Towering glaciers, breeching whales, hushed spruce forests—it’s a place that awakens a sense of awe. During summer, when the sun lingers on the horizon well past midnight. Golden hour seems to stretch time itself, offering more hours to soak in the view—the Star Princess was to shine.

With sweeping glass walls, futuristic design, and next-level MedallionClass, Star Princess is reimagining what it means to explore Alaska—with more light, more luxury, and more ways to connect with the wild soul of the north.

Princess is among the few cruise lines able to show guests the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Park rangers come aboard to provide commentary and answer questions.

2026 Alaska Itinerary Highlights

Embark on a 7-day Inside Passage cruise aboard the Star Princess, sailing from Seattle to Vancouver. This journey offers up to four glacier-viewing experiences and visits to some of Alaska's most iconic destinations. Pro-tip: book the cruisetour to give yourself the proper time and perspective of the last frontier. 

Key Ports of Call:

  • JuneauAlaska’s capital, where eagles soar and whales breach.
  • KetchikanA storied seaside village with totems and fishing boats.
  • SkagwayOnce a gold rush town, now a gateway to Yukon rail adventures.
  • Victoria, B.C.A charming Canadian city with rich history and beautiful gardens.
 
 

MedallionClass®: Smart Cruising, One Step Ahead

On Star Princess, every guest is a VIP thanks to MedallionClass® technology. This quarter-sized wearable powers everything from touchless boarding to locating loved ones around the ship. Order drinks to your deck chair, unlock your stateroom without a key, or join a shore excursion with just a tap.

MedallionClass isn’t just convenient—it’s transformational. Especially in Alaska, where spontaneity rules. Want to linger on deck for one more whale sighting or cozy up indoors as the mist rolls in? With MedallionClass, you stay in the moment while the ship adjusts to you. 

Why Travelers Love MedallionClass®

Beyond convenience, MedallionClass creates a sense of luxury and ease that makes your time onboard feel like a five-star resort at sea. It removes the little annoyances—like waiting in line or carrying your wallet—so you can focus on the fun, the food, and the freedom of cruising.

And for families or multigenerational groups, the added safety and connectivity is priceless. You’ll never worry about getting separated, and kids can enjoy independence with a digital leash that parents control.

It's what makes the Princess experience different from the rest.


Elevated Experiences

New to Princess Cruises – exclusively on the Sun and Star– the Sanctuary Collection is a luxurious oasis for travelers seeking elevated privacy and pampering. Think of the Sanctuary Collection as your own personal retreat at sea, complete with priority embarkation, a private restaurant, upgraded amenities, and exclusive access to the ship’s tranquil top-deck Sanctuary space. For those who want a more intimate, serene experience without sacrificing the grandeur, the Sanctuary Collection is your ticket to indulgence.

Princess Plus Package
For those who love value and convenience, Princess Plus includes:
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi for one device
  • Beverage package (including cocktails, wine, specialty coffees)
  • Daily gratuities
  • Premium desserts, fitness classes, and more
Alaska Cruisetour like only Princess Cruises can do
For deeper discovery, choose an optional Cruisetour
  • Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and the Alaska Range
  • complete with exclusive Princess Wilderness Lodges and scenic rail routes that show Alaska from every angle
  • stay in Princess-owned lodges near national parks before or after you sail.
Sail round-trip to Alaska on Princess from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver or one-way from the Whittier (Anchorage) cruise port.

Love By Britto 

Here, in this remote wilderness, nature speaks in constellations and golden light that lingers long past midnight. It's a place where the stars feel closer, and your inner compass realigns.

"Love by Britto" is an art-inspired dining experience created by Princess Cruises in collaboration with Brazilian artist Romero Britto. Indulge in an imaginative prix fixe menu crafted by master chef Rudi Sodamin, where each dish represents the perfect blend of culinary expertise and artistic inspiration.

Q: Do people still use travel advisors?
A: Yes! and here is why you should too...

A Montecito Village Travel advisor opens the door to suite upgrades, insider knowledge, and exclusive benefits like $100 shipboard credit on all 6+ night voyages on Princess Cruises.

So – what are you waiting for? Find an MVT advisor to help plan your dream vacation today.