The three-part series was set on the 3,100-guest Star Princess as she sailed across the north American state last year.
Millions of viewers tuned in for ‘The Cruise: Voyage to Alaska’, which has led to Princess’ booking numbers to the region doubling.
The shore excursions will all be available during Princess’ forthcoming Alaska season, which starts next month and comprises seven ships sailing locally, the largest ever deployment:
- In Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, the most popular excursion was a visit to the 3,000-year old Mendenhall Glacier. This was followed by watching whales and a host of other local wildlife via a specially-designed catamaran.
- In Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s ‘first city’, the best-seller was a trip to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The show includes the opportunity to watch traditional lumberjack activities including axe throwing, log rolling and a 50-foot tree climb race. Also included is a visit to Totem Bight State Park, which features an ancient Indian campsite complete with traditional totem poles.
- And in Skagway, gateway to the 19th century gold rush, most visitors headed to a journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Built in 1898 during the gold rush era, the railroad climbs from sea level to almost 3,000 feet and passes waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and the gold trail itself.
Meanwhile, Princess Cruises has also unveiled a new Alaska shore excursion for 2018, as a ‘Mendenhall Glacier canoe and Alaska brew adventure’ will shortly be made available. It comprises a two-hour canoe experience offering up-close views of the Mendenhall Glacier, via icebergs and the 115m Nugget Falls waterfall, followed by a visit to the Alaskan Brewing Company.
Other excursions include seaplane tours, fishing, bear expeditions and dog sledding. Tailored activities will also take place onboard, including ‘puppies in the piazza’, where Skagway’s newest sled dogs as well as their handlers visit the ship to meet the guests and pose for photos.
All excursions will continue to be on offer in 2019, when Princess celebrates its 50th anniversary sailing to Alaska.
Princess Cruises is offering a seven night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, sailing from Vancouver to Whittier (Anchorage), on Royal Princess from £2319 per person. Departing Saturday May 25, 2019, ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park (scenic cruising) and College Fjord (scenic cruising).
