The 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers is a top-rated, one-way Alaska cruise itinerary primarily operated by Princess Cruises. Unlike standard roundtrip cruises, this route sails 500 miles deeper north into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. Every single sailing features two dedicated glacier-viewing experiences. The Ideal Alaska Cruise itinerary starts in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and sails through the inside Passage to the popular ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, before scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord, and docking in Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska. This cross-gulf itinerary is widely favored over roundtrip cruises because it opens up the option for land extensions. You can pair the 7-day cruise with a Princess Cruisetour, which uses private glass-domed trains to take you inland for 3 to 7 nights at wilderness lodges near Denali National Park. This is a comprehensive guide for the Princess 7 Day Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Alaska Cruise, including cruise excursions and Cruise tips, plus more how you can connect to Denali National Park afterwards.
Standard 7 Day Northbound Alaska Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver, Canada – Embark on your journey and set sail through British Columbia's scenic waters.
Day 2: At Sea – Relax on board as you cruise the Inside Passage.
Day 3: Ketchikan, Alaska – Explore the "Salmon Capital of the World" and view historic totem poles.
Day 4: Juneau, Alaska – Visit Alaska's capital city, famous for whale watching and the nearby Mendenhall Glacier.
Day 5: Skagway, Alaska – Walk through an authentic Gold Rush town or ride the famous White Pass railway.
Day 6: Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising) – National Park Service rangers board your ship to narrate a full day of sailing past massive, active tidewater glaciers.
Day 7: College Fjord (Scenic Cruising) – View a spectacular collection of glaciers named after prestigious American universities.
Day 8: Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska – Disembark early in the morning to catch a flight home or continue your journey on land
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Princess Cruises to Alaska
Princess Cruises is widely considered a top leader for Alaska vacations, carrying more guests to the region than almost any other cruise line. They own their own land lodges and luxury rail cars, making them the go-to choice for combining a cruise with an inland tour.
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Northbound "Voyage of the Glaciers" (7 Days)
This route sails north between Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage).
The Draw: It takes you 500 miles deeper into Alaska than a standard roundtrip. Every sailing visits two legendary glacier sites: Glacier Bay National Park and either College Fjord
Best For: Travelers who want to maximize glacier viewing or combine their cruise with a land tour to Denali National Park.
Estimated 2027 Pricing: Starting rates generally range between $596 and $1,024+ per person depending on the month and ship selection.
Popular Ships Sailing Alaska
Princess deploys multiple classes of ships to Alaska, offering options for every type of traveler:
Discovery Princess: One of the newest and largest ships in the fleet, featuring massive pools, expansive modern amenities, and luxury balcony options.
Crown Princess: A large, popular ship offering an excellent balance of classic cruise features, entertainment, and affordable price points.
Island Princess & Coral Princess: Smaller, more intimate panamax-sized ships designed to easily navigate tight fjords and smaller ports.
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What is the Ideal Stateroom to book on a Cruise
The Overall Favorites
For the Best Value: Balcony Cabin
Why it's great: It is the most popular choice for a reason. You get your own private outdoor patio to drink coffee in the morning or watch the sunset without fighting the crowds on the top deck.
Best for: First-time cruisers and scenic routes like Alaska, where you can watch glaciers and wildlife right from your room.
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For the Budget-Conscious: Inside Cabin
Why it's great: These rooms have no windows, making them the cheapest option on the ship. Because they get completely dark, they are also fantastic for getting a great night's sleep.
Best for: Travelers who only use their room to sleep and shower, preferring to spend their time and money on excursions, drinks, and onboard activities.
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For Avoiding Seasickness: Midship, Low-Deck Cabins
Why it's great: A cruise ship acts like a seesaw; the front (bow) and back (aft) move up and down the most. The center of the ship on a lower deck experiences the least amount of movement.
Best for: Anyone worried about motion sickness.
Pro-Tip: Watch Out for Your "Neighbors"
When picking a room, always look at the ship's deck plan to see what is directly above and below you.
The Golden Rule: Try to choose a deck that has other passenger cabins both above and below it.
What to avoid: Booking a room right under the noisy pool deck, the fitness center (where people drop weights), or directly above the late-night dance clubs and theaters.
What to do Onboard a Princess Cruise
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Top On-Board Activities
Movies Under the Stars – Watch hit films on a giant poolside screen while wrapped in a warm blanket with free popcorn.
The Lotus Spa – Relax with a massage, visit the beauty salon, or unwind in the Thermal Suite (a relaxation area with heated stone loungers and steam rooms).
The Piazza – Hang out in the ship's grand central hub to watch street-performer-style acts, musicians, and unique demonstrations.
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Live Shows – Watch Broadway-style musical productions, laugh at comedy acts, or catch live magic shows in the main theater.
Adults-Only Sanctuary – Pay a little extra to escape to a peaceful, top-deck outdoor lounge with plush furniture, light bites, and private stewards.
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Dining & Drinks
World-Class Main Dining – Enjoy multi-course meals that change every night, included in your cruise fare.
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Specialty Dining – Treat yourself to premium restaurants like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria or the Crown Grill steakhouse (additional fee).International CafĂ© – Grab 24-hour snacks, pastries, and gourmet coffee in the main piazza.
Casual Bites – Eat whenever you want at the poolside grill (burgers, tacos, hot dogs), the slice-and-go pizzeria, or the massive buffet.
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Special Features on Alaska Cruises
If you are sailing to Alaska, Princess brings the destination right onto the ship:
Puppies in the Piazza – Meet real Alaskan sled dog puppies that come on board for a morning.
Local Experts – Listen to park rangers, naturalists, and writers share exciting stories about Alaska's wildlife and history.
Alaskan Seafood – Taste local flavors with special seafood dishes served right in the dining rooms.
Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Ketchikan, Alaska, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and the "First City," is famous for its lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, rich Native Alaskan culture, and unique gold-rush history. Because the Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks are located right downtown, you can step off the ship and immediately dive into excursions.
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Ketchikan Duck Boat Tour: This fun, amphibious vehicle tour glides through the city's historic streets before splashing directly into the harbor. It offers great views of floating seaplanes, active salmon canneries, and local bald eagles.
Saxman Native Village & Totem Parks: Ketchikan holds the world's largest collection of standing totem poles. Tours to Saxman Native Village or Totem Bight State Historical Park feature stunning clan houses, live Tlingit dance performances, and native carving demonstrations.
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Located just a block from the cruise dock, this thrilling, high-energy event features real lumberjacks competing in axe throwing, log rolling, and tree climbing. It is packed with good humor and is perfect for all ages.
Free & Low-Cost Activities (Walking Distance)
If you prefer not to book an organized tour, you can easily walk to Ketchikan's best spots:
Historical Creek Street: A historic wooden boardwalk built entirely on stilts over the river. It served as the town's red-light district during the gold rush era. Today, it is lined with local gift shops and restaurants.
The Ketchikan Salmon Walk: Walk along Married Man's Trail right next to the rushing river. During the summer months, you can stand on the bridge and watch thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream and leaping up the waterfalls.
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Juneau Shore Excursions
Juneau, Alaska, is America's only state capital that cannot be reached by a road—you can only get there by sea or by air! It is world-famous for its majestic mountains, massive glaciers, and some of the best whale watching on Earth. Most cruise ships dock right downtown, making it easy to meet your tour guides or catch shuttles.
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Unforgettable Glacier & Wildlife Adventures
Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo: This is Juneau's most popular tour. You spend a few hours on a custom boat looking for humpback whales and orcas, then take a bus to explore the famous Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
Helicopter Glacier Trek & Dog Sledding: The ultimate Alaska bucket-list experience. You soar over deep blue crevasses in a helicopter and land right on top of an ice field. From there, you get to ride on a sled pulled by real Alaskan Huskies.
Tracy Arm Fjord & Sawyer Glacier Cruising: A full-day boat excursion that weaves through narrow rock canyons, past towering waterfalls, and right up to active, calving tidewater glaciers.
Fun Things to Do Within Walking Distance (No Tour Needed)
If you want a relaxed day without booking an official excursion, you can explore right from the cruise ship dock:
Mount Roberts Tramway- This cable car terminal sits right at the dock. It whisks you 1,800 feet up into the mountain rainforest for beautiful panoramic views of the cruise ships, alpine hiking trails, and a nature center.
The Historic Red Dog Saloon- Step through the swinging doors of Juneau's most famous historic pub. It features sawdust floors, quirky frontier items on the walls, and fun live music sing-alongs.
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Skagway Shore Excursions
Skagway, Alaska, is a tiny historic town that looks like a living movie set from the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. It sits at the very northern tip of the Inside Passage. Most cruise ships dock right next to the town, meaning you can easily walk into the historic district or jump straight onto your tour.
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The Ultimate Skagway Experience
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: This is Skagway’s most famous excursion and a must-do for first-time visitors. You ride in vintage passenger coaches up a narrow-gauge railway built in 1898. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet past steep cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and historic gold-rush trails.
Gold Rush History & Family Fun
Klondike Gold Dredge & Sled Dog Combo: Great for families, this tour takes you to pan for real gold (you are guaranteed to find some!). Afterward, you visit a training camp to meet professional dog mushers and play with adorable Alaskan Husky puppies.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp: A fun, theatrical outdoor camp set in the rainforest. You can enjoy a salmon bake, watch a hilarious melodrama show about the gold rush, and pan for gold alongside characters dressed in 1890s outfits.
Free & Easy Activities (Walking Distance)
Skagway is incredibly flat and easy to walk around on your own:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: The National Park Service runs a free visitor center downtown. You can explore beautifully restored 1890s buildings, look at old mining gear, and watch a free movie about the history of the town.
The Red Onion Saloon: A historic, former gold-rush brothel that is now a lively restaurant and bar. You can grab a drink, listen to live music, or pay a small fee for a quick, funny historical tour led by guides in period costumes.
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Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is widely considered the crown jewel of an Alaska cruise itinerary. Spanning over 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, deep fjords, and protected temperate rainforests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an untouched wilderness with no roads leading into it. Because it is heavily protected, the National Park Service strictly limits large vessel access to just two cruise ships per day. Only a select few cruise lines, primarily Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, hold the majority of these coveted permits.
What to Expect on "Glacier Bay Day"
A day in Glacier Bay is entirely different from a regular port of call because passengers do not disembark the ship. Instead, the ship itself becomes the attraction as it glides through glass-smooth waters.
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Rangers Board the Ship: Early in the morning, a small boat meets your cruise ship, and National Park Service Rangers climb aboard. They stay on the ship for 9 to 10 hours, hosting information desks, conducting Junior Ranger programs, and providing live commentary over the ship’s loudspeakers.
The 360-Degree Turn: When the ship reaches the most dramatic glaciers, the captain will park the ship and slowly rotate it 360 degrees. This ensures everyone—whether on the open top decks or relaxing on a private room balcony—gets a perfect, front-row view.
Glacial Calving: You will spend hours listening to the "white thunder"—the loud cracking and roaring sound of massive, house-sized chunks of ice breaking off the face of a glacier and crashing into the sea.
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Must-See Highlights inside the Park
Margerie Glacier: The most famous and active tidewater glacier in the park. It stands over 250 feet high above the waterline and stretches a mile wide, known for its deep blue ice and frequent calving.
Johns Hopkins Glacier: A massive, 12-mile-long advancing tidewater glacier framed by staggering mountain peaks.
South Marble Island: As your ship sails past this rocky island, you can step out onto the deck to see and hear hundreds of noisy, sunbathing Steller sea lions.
Gloomy Knob: A steep cliffside that is a prime hotspot for spotting wild mountain goats walking precariously along the rocky ledges.
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Abundant Wildlife Watching
Keep your binoculars ready throughout the entire day. Glacier Bay’s pristine ecosystem makes it incredibly easy to spot animals directly from the ship:
In the Water: Humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), harbor seals resting on floating icebergs, and playful sea otters swimming in rafts.
On the Shore: Coastal brown and black bears scavenging for food along the beaches, alongside occasional moose.
In the Sky: Tufted puffins, bald eagles nesting in the treetops, and thousands of migrating seabirds.
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Secret Sights and Sounds to Look For
Listen for "White Thunder": Before you see ice fall, you will hear a loud boom that sounds like fireworks. That is the sound of huge chunks of ice cracking and crashing into the ocean.
Watch the "Bergy Bits": Keep an eye out for small, floating pieces of ice near the ship. Harbor seals love to lay on top of these mini icebergs to rest away from predators like orcas.
Spot the Blue Ice: Look closely at the cracks in the glaciers. The ice is packed so tightly that it absorbs all colors except blue, making the deep inside of the glacier glow a beautiful, bright neon blue.
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What to Pack for the Deck
Even if you visit in July or August, standing near a massive wall of ice feels like opening a giant freezer door. The wind rolling off the glaciers drops the temperature quickly. You should pack:
Warm Layers: Wear a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof or waterproof jacket over a fleece sweater.
Good Binoculars: These are essential for spotting mountain goats on the cliffs or sea otters swimming far out in the water.
Sunglasses: The sun reflecting off the bright white ice and blue water can cause a strong glare.
College Fjord
College Fjord is a spectacular, 20-mile-long stretch of water located in the northern sector of Prince William Sound. It is world-famous for having one of the highest concentrations of glaciers in a single area, cutting directly into the snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Cruising through College Fjord is a major highlight of one-way Alaska itineraries. Like Glacier Bay, ships do not dock here. Instead, passengers enjoy an unforgettable day of scenic cruising right up to massive walls of ice.
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Why is it called "College Fjord"?
The fjord was discovered in 1899 during the famous Harriman Expedition. The research team included elite professors from Harvard and Amherst. They decided to name the massive rivers of ice after prestigious East Coast universities.
The scientists organized the names with a unique rule:
The Left Side (Northwest): Named after famous women's colleges, including Vassar, Smith, Bryn Mawr, and Barnard.
The Right Side (Southeast): Named after legendary men's colleges, including Harvard, Yale, and Amherst.
The Fun Rumor: Legend says the Ivy League scientists explicitly chose to snub Princeton University by not giving them a glacier!
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Key Highlights & Landmarks
Harvard Glacier: Standing at the very head of the fjord, this is the largest and most famous tidewater glacier in the area. Its face stretches a massive 1.5 miles wide and towers over 225 feet above the water. Unlike most melting glaciers in the world, Harvard is actually slowly advancing.
Yale Glacier: Located just southeast of Harvard, this is the second-largest glacier in the fjord.
The Panoramic Spot: There is a specific point along the cruise route where you can look around and see eight different glaciers all at the same time.
Active Calving: The waters here are highly active, meaning you have a fantastic chance of hearing the thunderous roar of ice breaking off the glacier walls and splashing down into the sea.
Wildlife Hotspot: Because the waters are calmer than the open gulf, you will regularly spot harbor seals sunbathing on floating chunks of ice, alongside sea otters, bald eagles, and pod of humpback whales.
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Tips for Your College Fjord Day
Check the Side of the Ship: If you are relaxing on your private cabin balcony, remember the fun naming trick! If your ship is sailing deeper into the fjord, the women's colleges (like Vassar and Smith) will be on your left (port) side, and the men's colleges (like Harvard and Yale) will be on your right (starboard) side.
Listen Close for Calving: Because College Fjord is narrower than Glacier Bay, the thunderous boom of cracking ice echoes loudly off the canyon walls. If you hear a sound like a gunshot or a firecracker, immediately look at the waterline of the nearest glacier to watch the ice fall!
Look Low for Sea Otters: College Fjord is famous for its massive populations of sea otters. Look closely at the small, floating chunks of ice—you will often see mother otters floating on their backs holding their babies.
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Disembarkment at Whittier (Anchorage)
Whittier, Alaska is the final stop for northbound one-way cruises and the starting point for southbound journeys. It is a tiny, unique town located about 65 miles south of Anchorage on the edge of Prince William Sound. Since most passengers fly home out of the Anchorage International Airport (ANC), you will need to arrange transportation after you step off the ship:
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The Princess Cruise Train (Direct-to-the-Wilderness): This is the most popular and scenic option. You step right off the ship and onto a luxury, glass-domed train. It takes you on a beautiful journey along the Turnagain Arm directly to the airport or a wilderness lodge.
Motorcoach Shuttles: Cruise lines and local companies run large, comfortable buses that take you directly from the port to downtown Anchorage or the airport. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours
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Princess Cruise Train (The Denali Connection)
The Princess Cruise Train, formally known as the Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail Service, is a custom-designed luxury train experience that connects your cruise ship directly with the inland wilderness. Princess operates its own branded Ultra Dome rail cars along the historic Alaska Railroad tracks, offering a seamless journey that eliminates the stress of arranging your own land travel. If you are traveling from the ship to the wilderness, the train tracks sit right outside the cruise terminal in Whittier. You step directly off your 7-day cruise and step onto the train. The trip between Whittier and the Denali National Park area is a full-day adventure, lasting roughly 9.5 to 10 hours. Because the ride is packed with changing views, live narration, and dining, it is treated like an all-day sightseeing tour rather than just a basic transfer. Princess takes care of your heavy bags. Your luggage is automatically transferred from your cruise cabin directly to your final land lodge, so you don't have to carry it on the train with you.
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The entire top level of the train car features massive, curved glass-dome windows. Every single seat gives you an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the towering mountains and forests. If you want to step outside to feel the fresh Alaskan air, take clear photographs without glass glare, or listen to the sounds of nature, you can walk out onto the outdoor viewing platform. On the lower level of the car, there is a sit-down dining salon with a kitchen. You can purchase made-to-order breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring local Alaskan flavors (such as reindeer chili or fresh seafood) as you ride. Knowledgeable local guides stay in each car, using a public address system to share fun gold-rush stories, point out historical landmarks like the Hurricane Gulch bridge, and shout out whenever wild moose or bears appear alongside the tracks.
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The Princess Wilderness Lodges
The train service brings passengers directly to the doorsteps of Princess's exclusive riverside resorts located right outside the national parks:
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Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: Located only one mile from the entrance of Denali National Park, featuring massive outdoor decks overlooking the Nenana River, timber-framed stone buildings, and multiple local restaurants.
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: Located deep inside Denali State Park, this lodge is famous for having the "Great Room"—a massive lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows specifically positioned to offer some of the most dramatic, clear views of the South Face of Mount Denali.
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Anchorage
What to See on the Drive to Anchorage
If you are taking a bus or driving yourself, the journey along the Seward Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in America:
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The Turnagain Arm: A dramatic body of water where you can watch massive 20-foot tides roll in. Keep an eye out for white Beluga whales swimming near the shoreline!
Chugach Mountains: Towering mountains line the right side of the road, where you can regularly spot wild Dall sheep climbing the rocky cliffs.
Anchorage seamlessly blends urban amenities with the raw Alaskan wilderness. Whether you have a few hours before a flight or a couple of days after your cruise, the city offers plenty of ways to explore local history, view wildlife, and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery.
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Top Attractions in Anchorage:
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail- Rent a bicycle downtown and ride this scenic, flat 11-mile paved trail. It hugs the shoreline, offering sweeping views of Fire Island, the Cook Inlet, and occasionally Mount Denali on clear days. It is also one of the absolute best spots in town to spot a wild moose!
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Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk- Located just on the southern edge of town, this accessible wooden boardwalk stretches across a scenic marsh. You can easily view nesting eagles, migrating waterfowl, spawning salmon, and foraging moose right beneath your feet.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center- Located about 45 minutes south of Anchorage, this sanctuary is a must-visit refuge for orphaned or injured animals. You can walk or drive through the park to see giant brown bears, wood bison, muskoxen, and wolves up close in their natural habitats.
The Anchorage Museum- This world-class facility offers a deep look into the cultural soul of Alaska. It features fascinating exhibits on indigenous artistry, historical artifacts, a planetarium, and contemporary Northern art.
Alaska Native Heritage Center- A renowned cultural center where you can walk through traditional, life-sized replica dwellings from various Alaskan tribes. They offer interactive storytelling, live native dance performances, and indigenous art demonstrations.
Anchorage Trolley Tours
If you are short on time, jump on this historic 15-mile narrated trolley tour departing right from downtown. Local guides share quirky town history while taking you past historic sites, Earthquake Park (sculpted by the massive 1964 earthquake), and Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world.
Why is the Voyage of the Glacier Northbound Alaska Cruise so Popular
The 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Northbound Alaska Cruise is one of the most highly recommended itineraries in the cruise industry. It is incredibly popular because it perfectly balances logistics, stunning scenic pacing, and the ultimate opportunity for land travel. Travelers love the natural visual buildup of the northbound route. You start in the beautiful city of Vancouver and sail through the lush, forested islands of the Inside Passage. You explore the cultural and historical gold-rush towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
The scenery builds in drama every single day, culminating at the end of the week with the most massive, jaw-dropping ice walls in Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord. Standard roundtrip cruises (like those leaving from Seattle) usually only have time to visit one glacier area because they have to turn around. Because the Voyage of the Glaciers is a one-way, 500-mile journey deep into the Gulf of Alaska, every single sailing guarantees two distinct glacier days (Glacier Bay + College Fjord). Because the ship drops you off in Whittier (just south of Anchorage), you are perfectly positioned to start an inland land tour.
You can step right off the ship and onto the Princess Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail cars to travel deep into the heart of Alaska to see Mount Denali and wild bears. Sailing Northbound from Vancouver means the first few days of your cruise are spent tucked tightly behind Vancouver Island and the Canadian coastline. This route keeps the ship in protected, calm waters for a large portion of the trip, making it a much smoother experience for anyone worried about getting seasick compared to ships that sail out into the rough, open Pacific Ocean.
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