For a seasoned traveler, the revelation might seem surprising: I had never before embarked on a cruise. The allure of the open sea, the promise of exotic destinations, and the floating-hotel experience had remained unexplored territory. That is, until an opportunity arose to sail through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska – a place already etched in my heart as a favorite. It was time to shed my cruise virginity and discover what this popular mode of travel was all about.
Alaska, a land of immense scale and unparalleled beauty, presents a wealth of cruise options. The sheer number of itineraries and cruise lines vying for attention can be overwhelming. After careful consideration, I chose to embark on my maiden voyage with Princess Cruises. Little did I know, this journey would not only introduce me to the world of cruising but also transform my perspective on what a cruise vacation could be. This trip with Princess has changed the way I look at cruising.
Beyond the Southern Glaciers: Exploring the Alaskan Interior
Alaska’s vastness is difficult to comprehend. It dwarfs even the largest mainland American states, a fact proudly proclaimed by locals and emblazoned on countless souvenir t-shirts. While many cruises focus on the stunning glaciers of the southern coast and some venture as far north as Anchorage, a significant portion of the state’s interior remains largely untouched by typical cruise itineraries. This is where Princess Cruises distinguishes itself.
Princess Cruises offers unique land-based extensions that seamlessly integrate with their cruises, allowing passengers to delve deeper into the Alaskan wilderness. These "cruisetours" transport travelers by comfortable buses and scenic railways through the heart of Denali National Park and all the way to Fairbanks, providing an immersive experience beyond the typical coastal cruise.
At each stop along the way, a plethora of excursions awaits, catering to diverse interests and activity levels. From wildlife viewing tours to historical explorations, the options are plentiful. Furthermore, Princess Cruises boasts its own network of Princess Lodges strategically located at key destinations, providing comfortable and convenient accommodations throughout the land tour portion of the journey.
My own Alaskan adventure included a memorable Denali Wilderness Tour, where I had the privilege of observing grizzly bears, majestic moose, and herds of caribou in their natural habitat. As an added bonus, I was fortunate enough to take a flight-seeing excursion over Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America’s highest peak, an experience that left me speechless. I also enjoyed the freedom to explore the quirky and charming town of Talkeetna, known for its vibrant arts scene and laid-back atmosphere.
Stepping Aboard: A World of Amenities and Impeccable Service
The real surprise, however, came when I finally boarded the ship. One of the first things that struck me was the high level of amenities and service offered on board. While I anticipated the presence of standard features like gyms and spas, the quality and attention to detail far exceeded my expectations.
The gym, for instance, was surprisingly spacious for an onboard facility, equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines. A variety of group fitness classes, including yoga and cycling, were also available, catering to different fitness preferences.
The spa was a haven of luxury, featuring a serene enclave with hydrotherapy stations designed to soothe and rejuvenate. I indulged in a high-end facial that delivered noticeable results immediately, with the benefits continuing to improve in the weeks that followed. The ship’s Medallion-level internet package provided surprisingly strong and reliable connectivity, even while at sea, allowing me to attend Zoom meetings and stream movies without interruption.
But it was the exceptional service provided by the staff that truly stood out. Our cabin steward was incredibly attentive, promptly addressing any requests and ensuring our accommodations were always impeccably clean. The onboard staff, from bartenders who remembered our names to chefs who greeted us personally and recalled our preferences, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It seemed that everyone on board made a genuine effort to connect with guests on a personal level.
The Technological Marvel: The Princess Medallion
What truly sets Princess Cruises apart is its innovative Medallion technology. The Medallion, a small, wearable device about the size of a coin, and its accompanying smartphone app, revolutionize the cruise experience.
The Medallion serves as your personal key, both on and off the ship, as well as your room key. Sensors strategically placed throughout the ship track the location of each Medallion, enabling a multitude of convenient features. For example, approaching your stateroom automatically unlocks the door, eliminating the need to fumble for a keycard when your hands are full.
The Medallion also facilitates on-demand delivery of just about anything, anywhere on board. Imagine ordering a coffee while relaxing in your room and then spotting a whale breaching on the opposite side of the ship. The waiter can use the Medallion system to locate you and deliver your coffee directly to your new vantage point.
All onboard purchases are also made through the Medallion, eliminating the need for cash. The system automatically identifies the closest guest based on their Medallion location, streamlining transactions and making lines move quickly and efficiently.
The Medallion app also allows you to track the location of your travel companions, provided they have granted you access. This feature proved invaluable for finding friends and family in crowded areas during onboard events.
Overall, the Medallion app was incredibly useful. It provided access to the daily cruise schedule, facilitated reservations for dining and activities, and even allowed me to indulge in late-night room service on more than one occasion. The Medallion and its accompanying app seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the cruise, enhancing convenience and enjoyment.
A Culinary Journey: Beyond the Buffet
Cruise ship food often elicits jokes about weight gain, typically attributed to the sheer volume of food available rather than the quality. While the Princess Buffet, known as the World Fresh Market, is undoubtedly worth exploring (and boasts some of the best samosas I’ve ever tasted), it was the variety and quality of the dining options that truly impressed me.
The standard dining package included an impressive array of choices, from casual ramen and burger stands to the main dining room, which featured a different menu each night. And let’s not forget Alfredo’s Pizzeria, widely regarded as serving some of the best pizza on any cruise line.
However, it is in its specialty dining venues that Princess Cruises truly shines. Crown Grill offers a premium surf-and-turf experience, complete with top-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood. The Black and Blue Onion Soup is a standout starter, and the 22-ounce Porterhouse steak is sure to impress both in size and flavor.
Harmony, created in collaboration with Chef Richard Chen, who previously opened the first Chinese restaurant in North America to receive a Michelin star, offers a refined and authentic Chinese dining experience. The attention to detail and quality is evident in every dish, from traditional favorites to modern interpretations. The steamed bass was a personal highlight, but I found it difficult to choose a dish I didn’t enjoy.
The newest addition to the Princess Cruises culinary lineup is The Catch by Rudi, currently available on select ships but slated to expand to more vessels throughout the year. This seafood-focused restaurant showcases the freshest catches from Alaska, transforming them into inventive and delicious dishes, including a raw seafood bar. Every dish was exceptional, making it my favorite dining experience on the ship. The Catch by Rudi isn’t just a good cruise ship restaurant; it’s a great restaurant, period. The Smoked Salmon Sensation starter was so good that we ordered two more for the table, and everyone eagerly shared their individual entrees, exclaiming, "You gotta try this!"
The beverage program was equally impressive. In addition to several standard bars throughout the ship, there was a specialty cocktail bar called Good Spirits at Sea, featuring an exclusive cocktail menu developed by mixologist Roby Floyd. Each drink is inspired by one of Princess Cruises’ destinations, incorporating traditional ingredients from that location with an innovative twist. My personal favorite was the Starry Night in Oslo, which featured charcoal tea and gold dust that together mimicked the Northern Lights. While these drinks are currently only available at the specific bar, the menu has become so popular that Princess Cruises plans to move it to a larger, more centrally located venue on board.
A Convert to Cruising
It’s safe to say that I was never hungry or bored during my time on board. Everything was well-organized, engaging, and enjoyable. The quality and care that the team took with every aspect of the cruise experience truly sold me on cruising. This My First Cruise Was on Princess Cruises, has indeed changed my way of seeing cruising. Now, the only question is: where should my next cruise destination be? This My First Cruise Was on Princess Cruises trip has left me wanting to explore more cruising options. My First Cruise Was on Princess Cruises, and I am ready for the next adventure.
