Our Ship - The Discovery PrincessOur Three Port Stops: |
The journey begins aboard one of Princess Cruises most modern ships - the Discovery Princess - as we sail the legendary Inside Passage and the spectacular Voyage of the Glaciers route. Our adventure begins in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers a stunning backdrop as our ship sets sail for Alaska. Shortly after departure, we'll experience one of the most memorable sail-aways in cruising as the ship glides beneath the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. As we leave the harbor, we'll enjoy panoramic views of Vancouver's glittering skyline, Stanley Park's lush forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, and picturesque waterfront neighborhoods before entering the tranquil waters of the Salish Sea. We will be surrounded with spectacular scenery almost immediately: forested islands, rugged coastlines, distant mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife—an unforgettable introduction to the breathtaking beauty that awaits throughout our Alaska adventure.
Our first full day is a relaxing day at sea to explore our ship, enjoy our private cocktail party, and take in the full cruise experience enjoying all of the dining, entertainment, and activities onboard the Discovery Princess. Over the three days that follow, our cruise will take us to the most popular ports on an Alaskan itinerary: Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway where you can choose from a variety of optional excursions including whale watching, glacier viewing, fishing, the White Pass Rail, dining on phenomenal seafood, taking a sledding adventure pulled by sled dogs, zodiac wildlife tours and more. The last two days of our cruise is truly where the "Voyage of the Glaciers" earns it's title. We are in for one of the true highlights of this cruise: glacier viewing, and we will see an abundance of them on this itinerary. First, we will spend a day admiring the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Standing on deck or relaxing on our private balconies as our ship quietly glides toward a wall of ancient blue ice. Our cruise concludes with a sailing through College Fjord, another one of Alaska's most glacier-rich landscapes. Nestled within Prince William Sound, this remarkable waterway is home to an impressive collection of tidewater glaciers cascading from the surrounding mountains. It is an experience that's impossible to describe until you've witnessed it yourself. The thunderous crack of a glacier calving into the sea and the silence that follows are moments that stay with you forever. |
The Rail Journey to Denali |
Traveling to Denali is an experience in itself. After disembarking our ship in Whittier, we will board Princess' exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for one of the most scenic train journeys in North America. Over the course of approximately ten unforgettable hours, we'll travel through remote forests, alongside rushing rivers, past towering mountain ranges, and across Alaska's vast wilderness from the comfort of a glass-domed rail car. With expert narration, an open-air viewing platform, and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way, the journey becomes far more than transportation—it becomes one of the highlights of the adventure itself.
|
Denali Princess Wilderness LodgeFairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge |
Now, we will be deep into the Final Frontier for a four night land journey, experiencing all that Denali National Park and Fairbanks has to offer. Throughout this portion of our journey, we'll enjoy stays at Princess' exclusive wilderness lodges. Nestled at the doorstep of Denali National Park, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring North America's tallest peak and the surrounding six million acres of protected wilderness. Later, our stay at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge offers a relaxing retreat along the banks of the Chena River while placing us within easy reach of Alaska's rich frontier history and vibrant interior.
One of the highlights of our stay is the Denali Natural History Tour, an immersive journey into Denali National Park led by knowledgeable guides who bring the region's history, geology, wildlife, and Native cultures to life. As we venture into the park, keep watch for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, and, if Mother Nature cooperates, breathtaking views of Denali itself rising more than 20,000 feet above the surrounding wilderness. In Fairbanks, we'll discover the pioneering spirit that helped shape Alaska during the unforgettable Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 Tour. Cruise aboard an authentic sternwheeler along the Chena and Tanana Rivers, witness a bush pilot take off and land on the water, meet champion Iditarod sled dogs, and visit an Athabascan village to learn about Alaska's Indigenous heritage. Then step back into the days of the Gold Rush as you ride a narrow-gauge railroad to historic Gold Dredge 8, try your hand at panning for gold, and experience firsthand the determination and adventure that built Alaska's interior. Together, these experiences will transform our vacation into something far more meaningful than a cruise alone. By combining luxurious accommodations, iconic attractions, immersive cultural experiences, and Alaska's most spectacular landscapes, your Princess Cruisetour offers a deeper connection to the Last Frontier—one that few travelers ever have the opportunity to experience. |
|
Optional Pre-Cruise Packages (July 8th-10th, 2027)One and two night pre-cruise packages will be available in Vancouver.
One night packages will include the following:
|
|
July 10, 2027: Day 1 - Depart Vancouver for the Voyage of the GlaciersThe cruise will depart from Vancouver on July 10th, 2027 at 4:00pm. It is highly recommended that you arrive in Vancouver at least one day early, OR you may choose fly to Seattle and take the four hour motor coach transfer via Princess to Vancouver on the morning of the cruise. We can assist you with airfare and making sure you have the best option available for your needs. You may also choose to book your own airfare and we can assist with transportation to/from the port for you.
|
|
July 11, 2027: Day 2 - Day at SeaOur first full day is a leisurely day at sea—the perfect opportunity to settle in and discover everything Discovery Princess has to offer. Spend the day exploring the ship, enjoying its exceptional dining, entertainment, and onboard activities, and simply relaxing as we sail north. We’ll also gather for our private cocktail party, giving everyone a chance to connect, celebrate the journey ahead, and fully settle into the cruise experience.
|
|
July 12, 2027: Day 3 - Ketchikan, Alaska - 6am-2pmKetchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town. In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city. Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sport-fishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.
|
|
July 13, 2027: Day 4 - Juneau, Alaska - 8am-9pmAs part of our exclusive hosted group experience, you will be treated to a private whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and salmon bake experience, dedicated only to members of our group.
Juneau's story began in 1880 when prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, guided by members of the local Indigenous community, struck gold after an arduous journey through Alaska's rugged wilderness. Their discovery sparked one of the greatest gold rushes in the region, leading to the development of some of the world's richest gold mines and transforming a remote settlement into a thriving community. Today, Juneau is Alaska's vibrant capital city, where rich history meets extraordinary natural beauty. Accessible only by air or sea, it is one of the largest municipalities in the world by land area, encompassing more than 3,200 square miles of mountains, forests, and waterways. While its gold mining days have long since passed, Juneau is now celebrated for its spectacular glaciers, abundant wildlife, breathtaking coastal scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure—from whale watching and glacier trekking to helicopter flights and exploring the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. |
|
July 14, 2027: Day 5 - Skagway, Alaska 7am - 8:30pmStep back in time as you arrive in the historic town of Skagway, where the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush still echoes through its wooden boardwalks and beautifully preserved buildings. In the late 1890s, thousands of hopeful prospectors poured into this frontier town on their way to the Yukon in search of fortune. Many faced the grueling journey over the White Pass and the infamous Chilkoot Trail, where harsh weather and unforgiving terrain tested even the most determined adventurers.
At the height of the Gold Rush, Skagway was Alaska's largest and liveliest town, bustling with hotels, saloons, dance halls, and merchants serving nearly 20,000 fortune seekers. Although the rush was short-lived, the town's remarkable history has been carefully preserved. Today, fewer than 1,000 residents call Skagway home, and visitors can experience its authentic frontier charm while exploring museums, historic storefronts, local shops, and one of Alaska's most iconic excursions—the breathtaking White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. |
|
July 15, 2027: Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park - Scenic Cruising - 6:15am - 3:15pmOne of the most unforgettable days of our journey is spent cruising through the incomparable beauty of Glacier Bay National Park, a place so extraordinary that only a select few cruise lines, including Princess, are permitted to sail its protected waters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers, where towering walls of brilliant blue ice rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Keep your eyes and ears open—you may witness the dramatic spectacle of a glacier "calving" as massive chunks of ancient ice thunder into the water below.
Throughout the day, National Park Rangers will join us onboard, sharing fascinating insights into the park's history, geology, wildlife, and delicate ecosystem, enriching the experience with stories and expert commentary. As we quietly navigate this pristine wilderness, be on the lookout for humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoises, mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles, and countless seabirds that call Glacier Bay home. With emerald waters stretching before you, snow-capped peaks surrounding the ship, and pristine wilderness in every direction, Glacier Bay is far more than a scenic cruise—it's one of the last truly untouched places on Earth. Whether you're taking it all in from your private balcony, an open deck, or the comfort of a panoramic lounge, this extraordinary day is sure to become one of the defining memories of our Alaska adventure. |
|
July 16, 2027: Day 7 - College Fjord (Scenic Cruising), Alaska - 6:30pm - 8:30pmOur final full day aboard Discovery Princess is the perfect opportunity to relax, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and savor the last moments of our incredible voyage before beginning the exciting rail and wilderness portion of our Alaskan adventure.
As we cruise into the spectacular beauty of College Fjord in Prince William Sound, you'll find yourself surrounded by one of Alaska's most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Discovered during an 1899 scientific expedition, the fjord is famous for its remarkable collection of tidewater glaciers, many of which were named after prestigious East Coast colleges and universities by the professors who first explored this magnificent region. Towering rivers of ancient ice cascade from snow-covered mountains into the tranquil waters below, creating an unforgettable panorama at every turn. Keep your camera ready as you may witness the incredible spectacle of a glacier calving, when massive slabs of ice break away and crash into the sea with a thunderous roar. Throughout the day, you'll also have opportunities to spot humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and other wildlife that thrive in these pristine waters. With glacier-covered peaks stretching to the horizon, crystal-clear fjords reflecting the surrounding mountains, and the peaceful stillness that only Alaska can provide, College Fjord offers a breathtaking finale to our cruise. It's the perfect transition from our unforgettable voyage at sea to the extraordinary land adventure that awaits in Alaska's spectacular interior. |
|
July 17, 2027: Day 8 - Whittier / Anchorage / Direct to the Wilderness Train Ride to DenaliThis morning, we arrive in the picturesque port of Whittier, nestled between the towering Chugach Mountains and the pristine waters of Prince William Sound. Although small in size, Whittier is surrounded by some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery and serves as the gateway to the state's breathtaking interior.
For guests joining us on the Cruise Only package, your unforgettable Alaska voyage concludes today. Following disembarkation, you'll be transferred to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport for your flight home. If you'd like to extend your vacation, Anchorage is well worth exploring for an extra day or two, and we'd be happy to assist you in arranging additional hotel accommodations and sightseeing to make the most of your time in Anchorage. For those continuing on our Cruisetour, today marks the beginning of an entirely new adventure. After stepping off the ship, you'll board Princess' exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for one of the most scenic train journeys in North America. Relax in your comfortable, glass-domed railcar as breathtaking landscapes unfold outside your window—winding rivers, towering mountains, dense forests, and endless wilderness accompany you on your journey toward Denali National Park. Upon arrival at the beautiful Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, you'll have time to settle into your surroundings and enjoy this spectacular property nestled along the Nenana River. Explore the charming Princess Village, browse local shops, relax on the scenic river-view deck, gather around one of the outdoor fire pits, or enjoy a meal and live entertainment at one of the lodge's inviting restaurants and lounges. If you choose, you may also take advantage of one of the many optional excursions available this afternoon to begin experiencing Alaska's incredible interior firsthand. Today is more than a travel day—it's the exciting transition from an unforgettable cruise to an immersive wilderness adventure that showcases an entirely different side of Alaska. |
|
July 18, 2027: Day 9 - Denali National ParkWelcome to the doorstep of one of North America's greatest natural treasures. Nestled along the banks of the Nenana River, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Denali National Park. Known to the native Athabascan people as "The Great One," Denali rises an awe-inspiring 20,310 feet above sea level, making it the tallest peak in North America. Surrounding the mountain are more than six million acres of protected wilderness, home to an incredible variety of wildlife including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, bald eagles, and the iconic grizzly bear.
Beyond the spectacular scenery, Denali offers endless opportunities to experience Alaska in your own way. While your included Natural History Tour provides a wonderful introduction to the park, you'll also have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of optional excursions (available at an additional cost) designed to match every interest and activity level. Whether you dream of soaring above Denali on a breathtaking flightseeing tour, floating down the scenic Nenana River, embarking on an exhilarating jet boat adventure, hiking through the Alaskan wilderness, visiting an Iditarod champion's sled dog kennel, or enjoying an evening of food and entertainment at the Music of Denali Dinner Theatre, there's something for every traveler. Whether you spend your free time relaxing at the lodge, taking in the mountain views, or embarking on an unforgettable optional adventure, your stay in Denali promises to be one of the highlights of your Alaskan journey. |
|
July 19, 2027: Day 10 - FairbanksAfter breakfast, we'll travel by comfortable motorcoach from Denali to Fairbanks, enjoying another scenic journey through the heart of Alaska's breathtaking interior. Along the way, take in sweeping mountain vistas, winding rivers, and the vast wilderness that makes this region so unforgettable.
Founded following the discovery of gold in 1902, Fairbanks quickly grew into the commercial heart of Alaska's Interior and remains the state's second-largest city today. Affectionately known as the "Golden Heart City," Fairbanks earned its nickname not only because of its rich Gold Rush heritage, but also for the warm hospitality of its residents and its central location within Alaska's interior. During the summer months, Fairbanks basks in nearly 24 hours of daylight, giving visitors extra time to experience everything this fascinating destination has to offer. Historic sternwheelers still navigate the Chena and Tanana Rivers, just as they did more than a century ago, carrying guests through the same waterways that once transported prospectors and pioneers during the Gold Rush. |
|
July 20, 2027: Day 11 - FairbanksToday, our Cruisetour includes the popular Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 Tour, where you'll step back in time to experience Alaska's pioneering spirit, learn about the region's rich history, and even try your hand at panning for gold. In addition to this included excursion, Fairbanks offers a variety of optional experiences (available at an additional cost), including flightseeing adventures to the Arctic Circle, visits to local museums, cultural attractions, and other unique opportunities to explore Alaska's remarkable Interior. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the lodge, participate in an optional excursion, or pack up for your flight home.
|
|
July 21, 2027: Day 12 - Fly homeOur adventure will this morning. Flights may be scheduled directly from Fairbanks to your home city. Princess also offers package that allows you to fly to Seattle from Fairbanks, overnight in Seattle, and fly back to your home city the following day. Please let us know in your booking form if you are interested in this option.
|
InteriorThese staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. The most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed.
Deluxe BalconyChoose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning.
This cabin includes the same amenities as a balcony stateroom and also includes the following:
|
BalconyThis impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.
This cabin features all of the same amenities as an interior stateroom, but also includes the following:
Mini-SuiteChoose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option. This cabin includes the same amenities as the Deluxe Balcony with the following additions:
|
Pricing and Inclusions for the Land, Rail, and Sea Adventure aka: "Cruise Tour"All pricing listed is the ESTIMATED per person rate and based on double occupancy (two people sharing one room) in the least expensive available location on the ship. Single, triple, and quad pricing is available. Please request alternate occupancy pricing when filling out the quote form.
Interior Staterooms Starting At: $3,746 per person Balcony Staterooms Starting At: $4,909 per person Deluxe Balcony Staterooms Starting At: $4,865 per person Mini Suites Starting At: $5,675 per person Trip Inclusions:
|
Pricing and Inclusions for the Cruise OnlyAll pricing listed is the ESTIMATED per person and based on double occupancy (two people sharing one room) in the least expensive available location on the ship. Single, triple, and quad pricing is available. Please request alternate occupancy pricing when filling out the quote form.
Interior Staterooms Starting At: $1,978 per person Balcony Staterooms Starting At: $3,072 per person Deluxe Balcony Staterooms Starting At: $3,072 per person Mini Suites Starting At: $3,857 per person Trip Inclusions:
|
|
Meet Your Travel Advisor/Trip Hostess:Hi! I'm Traci, travel advisor and owner of Ten Palms Travel.
Alaska has a way of changing you. The immense glaciers, incredible wildlife, rugged mountains, and untouched wilderness create an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. It's a destination that deserves to be experienced—not just visited. I've personally cruised Alaska three times and had the privilege of hosting our 2023 Ten Palms Travel Signature Journey aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. It was an incredible adventure and introduced many of our guests to the beauty of America's Last Frontier. Looking back, though, I consider that trip our "Taste of Alaska." This journey is something entirely different. For 2026, I intentionally selected Princess Cruises because I believe they offer the most immersive Alaska experience available. With more than 50 years of sailing Alaska, no cruise line has deeper roots in the region. They don't simply take you to Alaska—they bring Alaska to you with culturally immersive onboard experiences. |
|
|
Previous Ten Palms Travel Friends and Family Adventures! |
|
Ten Palms Travel
|