EMERALD PRINCESS Alaska Cruise Guide 2026

Quick Reference

Cruise Line	Princess Cruises
Ship Class	Grand
Gross Tonnage	113,561 GT
Passenger Capacity	3,082 (double occupancy)
Crew Size	1,200
Year Built / Last Refurbished	2007 / 2019
Number of Decks	19
Homeport (Alaska)	Seattle
Typical Itinerary Length	7 nights
2026 Alaska Port Calls	85

Why Choose Emerald Princess for Alaska

Emerald Princess offers a fantastic blend of classic cruising and modern amenities, making it a solid choice for an Alaska cruise. Its mid-size allows access to scenic cruising areas like Tracy Arm Fjord that larger ships might skip. The ship has a good variety of staterooms and onboard activities, appealing to a wide range of travelers. The Princess MedallionClass technology also streamlines the embarkation process and enhances the overall cruise experience.

Compared to other Princess ships sailing Alaska, such as the Discovery Princess (newer and larger) or the Grand Princess (similar class but slightly older), Emerald Princess strikes a balance between size, price, and available amenities. The Movies Under the Stars poolside cinema is a particularly popular feature on Alaska cruises, offering a unique way to enjoy the stunning scenery even in cooler weather. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, provides a quiet escape for those seeking relaxation.

While Emerald Princess isn't the newest ship in the fleet, its 2019 refurbishment refreshed the interiors and updated many of the public spaces. This ship is best suited for families, couples, and multi-generational groups seeking a comfortable and well-rounded Alaska cruise experience. It offers a good value for the price, without sacrificing essential amenities and access to incredible Alaskan scenery. For casual port days, many passengers pack Alaska cruise t-shirts or funny Alaska cruise shirts.

2026 Alaska Itineraries

The typical 7-night Alaska itinerary on Emerald Princess sails roundtrip from Seattle, Washington. Princess offers several sailings in the 2026 season, usually between May and September.

Here's a sample itinerary, though arrival/departure times are always subject to change:

• Day 1: Seattle, Washington (Embark)
• Day 2: At Sea
• Day 3: Juneau (1:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Day 4: Skagway (7:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising)
• Day 6: Ketchikan (7:00 AM - 1:30 PM)
• Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia (7:00 PM - 11:59 PM)
• Day 8: Seattle, Washington (Disembark)

A key highlight is the scenic cruising day in Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ship spends the day slowly navigating through the park, offering incredible views of glaciers calving into the sea. Be sure to check the Princess Patter (daily newsletter) for times when a National Park Ranger will be onboard to give talks about the history, geology, and wildlife of Glacier Bay. The itinerary also includes a stop in Victoria, offering a taste of British charm.

Stateroom Guide for Alaska

Best Stateroom Categories for Alaska

For an Alaska cruise, a balcony stateroom is king. Having your own private outdoor space to watch the glaciers and wildlife is worth the extra cost. Ocean view staterooms are a decent alternative, but the unobstructed views from a balcony are hard to beat. Interior cabins are the most budget-friendly but offer no natural light or views.

When choosing a balcony stateroom, consider the ship's direction of travel. On a roundtrip itinerary from Seattle, the starboard (right) side of the ship often offers better views of the coastline and glaciers when sailing north, while the port (left) side may offer better views when sailing south. However, this can vary based on specific locations within Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm, so it's not always a guarantee. Check deck plans for cabin locations and potential obstructions.

Stateroom Types & Pricing

• Interior: Starting around $800-$1200 per person for a 7-night Alaska cruise. Pros: Most affordable option. Cons: No natural light or views of the scenery.
• Ocean View: Starting around $1200-$1800 per person. Pros: Natural light and some view of the outside. Cons: Limited view compared to a balcony.
• Balcony: Starting around $1800-$3000+ per person. Pros: Private outdoor space with unobstructed views of the Alaskan scenery. Cons: More expensive than interior or ocean view cabins. An Alaska cruise hoodie or Alaska cruise sweatshirt is a must-have for early morning glacier viewing on your balcony.
• Suite/Mini-Suite: Starting around $3000+ per person. Pros: More space, enhanced amenities, often include priority embarkation/disembarkation and other perks. Cons: Most expensive option.

Note: Prices are approximate and vary significantly based on sailing date, availability, and promotions. Check directly with Princess Cruises for current pricing.

Dining on Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. The main dining rooms include:

• The Botticelli Dining Room: Offers traditional fixed-seating dining with set times each evening.
• The Michelangelo Dining Room: Provides anytime dining, allowing you to dine when you choose.
• The Da Vinci Dining Room: Also offers anytime dining.

The dress code in the main dining rooms is typically smart casual, with two formal nights per 7-night cruise. On formal nights, gentlemen are encouraged to wear suits or tuxedos, and ladies typically wear cocktail dresses or gowns.

Specialty restaurants include:

• Sabatini's Italian Trattoria: Offers a delicious Italian dining experience. Cover charge is typically around $29 per person.
• Crown Grill: A premium steakhouse serving high-quality cuts of meat and seafood. Cover charge is typically around $39 per person.

For more casual dining, you can choose from:

• Horizon Court Buffet: A large buffet offering a wide variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• The Salty Dog Grill: Serves burgers, hot dogs, and fries.
• Slice Pizzeria: Offers freshly made pizza by the slice.
• International Cafe: Located in the Piazza, serving pastries, sandwiches, and specialty coffees.

Don't Miss Dining Experiences:

• Sabatini's: The pasta dishes are consistently excellent, and the ambiance is sophisticated.
• Movies Under the Stars with Popcorn: Snuggle up on a deck chair and enjoy a movie with complimentary popcorn under the Alaskan sky.

Emerald Princess often features Alaska-specific dining options, such as fresh Alaskan seafood dishes in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants. Look for themed menus that highlight local ingredients. Room service is available 24 hours a day (with a small fee for some items). Dietary accommodations can be arranged in advance by contacting Princess Cruises.

Entertainment & Activities

Signature Experiences

• Movies Under the Stars (MUTS): This poolside cinema is a highlight, especially on an Alaska cruise. Cozy blankets are provided, and you can enjoy movies, concerts, and sporting events under the Alaskan sky. Dress warmly!
• The Sanctuary: This adults-only retreat offers a peaceful escape with comfortable lounge chairs, attentive service, and spa treatments (for an additional fee). Reservations are recommended.
• Piazza Atrium: The heart of the ship, the Piazza features live music, street performers, and various activities throughout the day and evening. Grab a coffee at the International Cafe and enjoy the entertainment.

Onboard Activities

• Pools and Hot Tubs: Several pools and hot tubs are located on the upper decks.
• Lotus Spa: Offers a wide range of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The thermal suite is a relaxing place to unwind.
• Fitness Center: A well-equipped gym with treadmills, ellipticals, weights, and other exercise equipment.
• Sports Court: For basketball, volleyball, and other sports.
• Casino: Try your luck at the casino with slot machines, table games, and poker.
• Kids and Teens Programs: Princess offers age-appropriate programs for kids and teens, with supervised activities and dedicated spaces. Kids Club (3-7), Voyagers (8-12), and Teens (13-17).
• Alaska Enrichment: Attend naturalist talks, wildlife spotting sessions, and ranger programs to learn more about the Alaskan environment and wildlife.

Evening Entertainment

• Princess Theater: Hosts Broadway-style shows, musical performances, and comedians.
• Wheelhouse Bar: A nautical-themed bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Explorers Lounge: Offers live music and dancing.
• Churchill's Cigar Lounge: For cigar smokers.
• Skywalkers Nightclub: A late-night dance club with a DJ.

Best Spots for Alaska Viewing

Here are some of the best places to view glaciers and wildlife on Emerald Princess:

• Deck 16 Forward: Offers panoramic views from the front of the ship. This is an uncovered area, so dress warmly.
• Promenade Deck 7: Wraps around the entire ship, providing unobstructed views on both sides. Great for walking and spotting wildlife.
• The Sanctuary (Deck 16): While a paid area, the elevated position and comfortable seating make it an excellent spot for glacier viewing (adults only).
• Explorers Lounge (Deck 7): A comfortable indoor lounge with large windows, perfect for rainy days.
• Your Balcony: If you have a balcony stateroom, this is the most private and convenient way to enjoy the Alaskan scenery.

The Captain will typically announce when the ship is approaching a glacier, giving you time to find a good viewing spot. Get up early to beat the crowds, especially on glacier viewing days. A long-sleeve shirt works well for layering on deck.

What to Pack for Emerald Princess Alaska Cruise

• Layers: Pack clothing that can be easily layered, such as t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece jackets, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Formal Wear: Pack appropriate attire for formal nights (usually two on a 7-night cruise). Men: suit or tuxedo. Women: cocktail dress or gown. Check with Princess Cruises for the specific dress code requirements.
• Shore Excursion Gear: Hiking shoes, a waterproof rain jacket, and a backpack are essential for shore excursions. An Alaska cruise jacket is also recommended for rain at port.
• Glacier Viewing Essentials: Binoculars, a warm hat, gloves, and a camera are must-haves for glacier viewing.
• What NOT to Bring: Irons, candles, and certain types of electrical appliances are prohibited on board. The ship provides hairdryers in the staterooms.
• Carry-on Bag: Pack essentials like medications, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on bag, as your checked luggage may not arrive in your stateroom until later in the day.

Tips for First-Time Emerald Princess Cruisers

• Book Early: The best time to book your Alaska cruise is typically 6-12 months in advance to secure the best stateroom selection and pricing.
• Download the MedallionClass App: This app enhances your cruise experience by allowing you to check in online, access your stateroom, order food and drinks, and track your itinerary.
• Make Specialty Dining Reservations: If you plan to dine at Sabatini's or Crown Grill, make reservations in advance, either online or through the app.
• Consider a Drink Package: If you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages each day, a drink package may be worth the cost. Do the math to see if it makes financial sense for you.
• Research Shore Excursions: Research shore excursions in advance and book them either through Princess Cruises or independent tour operators. Independent operators can sometimes offer better prices, but booking through Princess provides a guarantee of getting back to the ship on time.
• Embarkation Day Hacks: Arrive at the port during your assigned check-in time to avoid long lines. Take advantage of the onboard lunch buffet while waiting for your stateroom to be ready.
• WiFi Package Advice: Princess offers various Wi-Fi packages. Consider purchasing a package if you need to stay connected, but be aware that the internet speed can be slow at times.
• Gratuities/Tipping: Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account. You can adjust the amount if you wish.
• Princess Cruises Loyalty Program: Join the Princess Cruises Captain's Circle loyalty program to earn points and receive benefits on future cruises.
• Souvenir Savings: Many passengers pack Alaska cruise t-shirts or funny Alaska cruise shirts as casual port day wear and easy souvenir alternatives.

Who Is Emerald Princess Best For?

• Families with Young Kids: The kids' clubs and family-friendly activities make Emerald Princess a good choice for families with young children.
• Couples/Honeymooners: The romantic ambiance, specialty dining options, and relaxing spa make it a good choice for couples.
• Multi-Generational Groups: The variety of stateroom options and onboard activities make it suitable for multi-generational groups. Matching cruise shirts or Alaska cruise family shirts are popular for embarkation day and group port photos.
• Budget-Conscious Cruisers: Emerald Princess offers a good value for the price, with a range of stateroom options and dining choices to suit different budgets.

Luxury seekers might prefer a smaller, more upscale ship with personalized service. Solo travelers might find the larger ship overwhelming and prefer a smaller ship with more opportunities for social interaction. However, overall, Emerald Princess offers a well-rounded and enjoyable Alaska cruise experience for a wide range of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emerald Princess good for an Alaska cruise?

Yes, Emerald Princess is a solid choice for an Alaska cruise. It offers a good balance of amenities, activities, and value for money. The ship's size allows it to navigate scenic areas like Tracy Arm Fjord, and the Movies Under the Stars poolside cinema is a unique feature for enjoying the Alaskan scenery. The MedallionClass technology also enhances the overall experience.

What deck is best for Alaska views on Emerald Princess?

Deck 16 forward offers panoramic views from the front of the ship, but it's an uncovered area. The Promenade Deck 7 wraps around the entire ship, providing unobstructed views on both sides and is ideal for wildlife spotting. Higher decks near the Sanctuary also provide excellent vantage points, but may have limited access or fees.

Do I need a balcony on Emerald Princess for Alaska?

While not essential, a balcony stateroom is highly recommended for an Alaska cruise. Having your own private outdoor space to watch the glaciers and wildlife is worth the extra cost for many cruisers. Ocean view staterooms are an alternative, but the unobstructed views from a balcony are hard to beat.

How many sea days are on a Emerald Princess Alaska cruise?

The typical 7-night Alaska itinerary on Emerald Princess includes two full days at sea: one at the beginning of the cruise and one at the end. These days allow you to enjoy the ship's amenities and activities while sailing through the Inside Passage. This does not include the scenic cruising day in Glacier Bay.

What is the dress code on Emerald Princess?

The dress code on Emerald Princess is typically smart casual, with two formal nights per 7-night cruise. On formal nights, gentlemen are encouraged to wear suits or tuxedos, and ladies typically wear cocktail dresses or gowns. Check the Princess Patter for specific dress code details for each night.

Does Emerald Princess have a kids club?

Yes, Emerald Princess has dedicated kids and teens programs with supervised activities and spaces. The kids club is divided into age groups: Kids Club (3-7), Voyagers (8-12), and Teens (13-17). This allows children of all ages to participate in fun and engaging activities tailored to their interests.

Is Wi-Fi included on Emerald Princess?

Wi-Fi is not typically included on Emerald Princess unless you purchase a package. Princess offers various Wi-Fi packages, allowing you to stay connected during your cruise. Prices and speeds may vary, so check with Princess Cruises for the latest information.

What time does Emerald Princess arrive in port?

Arrival times in port vary depending on the specific itinerary and port of call. A typical arrival time is around 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM, but it's always best to check the daily schedule provided by Princess Cruises for the most accurate information. Port schedules can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Can I book shore excursions through Princess Cruises?

Yes, you can book shore excursions through Princess Cruises. They offer a wide variety of excursions in each port of call, ranging from wildlife viewing tours to helicopter rides. You can also book excursions independently through local tour operators, often at a lower price, but be sure to allow ample time to return to the ship before departure.

How old is Emerald Princess and has it been refurbished?

Emerald Princess was built in 2007. It underwent a refurbishment in 2019, which updated the interiors and added new features. While not the newest ship in the fleet, the refurbishment helped to keep it in good condition and maintain its appeal to a wide range of cruisers.

Explore More Alaska Cruise Ships

• Star Princess Alaska Cruise Guide
• Discovery Princess Alaska Cruise Guide
• Coral Princess Alaska Cruise Guide
• Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Guide
• Alaska Cruises 2026: All Ports & Ships

Gear Up for Your Emerald Princess Cruise

Sailing on the Emerald Princess? Browse our collection of Alaska cruise shirts, hoodies, and outerwear — designed for cruise travelers who want comfort and style at every port of call.