13 of the most unique Princess cruises with unparalleled experiences

Ice, ice, baby — Alaska’s glaciers are cooler than cool. With Princess, the #1 cruise line in Alaska, you’ll sail straight into a world of towering ice formations, untouched wilderness and wildlife that looks like it stepped out of a nature documentary. Witness calving glaciers thunder into Glacier Bay National Park — where Princess is an authorized concessionaire — or spot humpback whales breaching in the clear waters of the Inside Passage.

Shore excursions bring the adventure even closer. Pan for gold in historic mining towns or savor fresh-caught salmon grilled over an open flame. After 55 years of sailing these waters, no one does Alaska like Princess. For an even deeper exploration, extend your journey with a cruise tour that combines sea, rail and land travel to iconic destinations like Denali National Park.

Who needs postcards when the views are this jaw-dropping? Sailing through Norway’s fjords feels like stepping into a painting where every turn unveils another masterpiece. Towering cliffs plunge into calm waters while cascading waterfalls seem to come straight out of a fairytale. 

With Princess, you don’t just admire the view: you dive in. Trek to Pulpit Rock above Lysefjord for a bird’s-eye view of Norway’s natural drama, or kayak past seals in the water of Geirangerfjord. With opportunities to witness the northern lights in Tromsø or experience the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle, every stop unveils an unforgettable experience. With Princess’ signature shore excursions and onboard Nordic-inspired dining, Norway isn’t just a destination — it’s an adventure.

If you thought safaris were only for landlubbers, think again. On select Princess cruises you’ll reach Cape Town — a gateway to wildlife reserves where open vehicles carry you deep into protected, wildlife-rich savannas at dawn. If you’re expecting a big zoo, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. This is a guided, wildlife-forward exploration in vast landscapes where lions, elephants and other kings of the wilderness roam free in unscripted glory.

Back in Cape Town, ascend Table Mountain for sweeping views over the Atlantic and the rugged Cape Peninsula, then return on board for enrichment programming that adds context to what you’ve seen — regional wines, cultural performances and insights that connect you more closely to the places you’ve explored. From remote game reserves to one of Africa’s most dramatic coastal cities, this sailing delivers expedition energy with the comfort of returning to your ship each night.

Forget tacos and tequila — this is the Mexico you didn’t know you needed. Sure, the sun-drenched beaches are nothing short of perfection, but with Princess, the adventure goes deeper. Explore Mazatlán’s bustling markets to pick up handmade crafts and fresh vanilla, or head into the hills for a tequila-tasting tour that goes beyond the basics.

In Puerto Vallarta, your fork is the real adventure gear. Dive into a hands-on culinary experience where you learn the layered art of mole poblano — toasting chiles, blending spices and balancing sweet with heat — or explore local markets with a chef to taste fresh tortillas, vibrant salsas and seafood pulled straight from the Pacific that morning. Over in San José del Cabo, cobblestone streets lead you to tucked-away cafés for small-batch tequila and handcrafted sweets, turning a simple stroll into a progressive tasting. Back on board, the flavors keep the fiesta going with tamale-making workshops, live mariachi and margaritas with just the right citrus snap. On Princess sailings, every stop comes with a side of delicious opportunities to expand your palate.

Who says the journey isn’t the destination? On a transatlantic voyage with Princess, the days at sea are just as enticing as the destinations themselves. Enjoy wine tastings inspired by Portugal’s Douro Valley or attend a lecture on the history of Spain’s Moorish architecture — all while gliding toward Europe’s most recognizable cities. 

When you arrive in Lisbon, you’ll have plenty of time to wander its tiled streets and take a ride on the historic yellow trams. In Barcelona, marvel at Gaudí’s whimsical creations, like the Sagrada Família. Southampton brings you to the doorstep of London, where history and modernity collide. And with indulgent spa days and gourmet dining, a Princess transatlantic journey ensures that both sides of the pond deliver unforgettable moments.

Palaces, plazas and pastries — Central Europe does grandeur like nowhere else. When you visit with Princess, you’ll have the opportunity to wander the heart of history in cities where past and present intertwine. Stroll through the medieval heart of Tallinn, where Gothic spires rise above centuries-old guild houses. 

In Gdansk, discover the amber capital of the world and take in the grandeur of Art Nouveau facades lining Long Market. Back on board, the flavors of the region come alive with freshly baked pierogi and a toast of crisp Baltic spirits.

Looking for a cruise where every port feels like a world of its own? Look no further — Southeast Asia with Princess delivers a kaleidoscope of eye-catching landscapes and culinary delights inspired by vibrant cultures. Cruise by Vietnam’s James Bond Island, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from turquoise waters. Or you can explore the ornate temples of Bangkok, like the shimmering Wat Arun, before shopping for treasures in its bustling night markets. 

In Cambodia, uncover the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat with, while in Bali, you’ll be greeted by terraced rice fields and serene beaches. As you travel between ports, indulge in authentic dishes on board like pad Thai and pho and enjoy cultural performances that transport you deeper into the heart of this region.

History lessons have never looked this good. Sailing through Greece and Turkey takes you straight into the pages of adventure, where you can finally channel your inner Indiana Jones (minus the boulder chase, of course). Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, where ancient ruins reveal tales of empires past, or stand in awe of the Parthenon perched high above Athens. 

In Santorini, you can wander through the white-washed villages perched on cliffs (yep, the same ones pictured on nearly every summer calendar page), or take a dip in volcanic hot springs. Princess shore excursions like the Taste of Athens offer exclusive access to hidden treasures, like a motorcoach ride to the ancient ruins where you can explore the Parthenon. You can always dive deeper into the Mediterranean experience with onboard cooking demonstrations and performances inspired by the region’s rich traditions. This is more than a history lesson — it’s a living experience.

Rum, sun and a side of reggae — this is island life done right. With Princess, the Caribbean is more than just postcard-perfect beaches (but don’t worry, there’s plenty of those too). Swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman or hike the lush trails of St. Lucia’s Pitons. 

Love a good pirate story? Explore the caves of Barbados, rumored to be hiding spots for swashbuckling treasures. In Old San Juan, the cobblestone streets and colonial forts will transport you back in time — just without the cannon fire. Back on board, sip a mojito while calypso rhythms play in the background and don’t miss the Caribbean-inspired menu featuring jerk chicken and fresh-caught mahi-mahi.

Sushi from your local grocery store might cut it for those weekend cravings, but the offerings in Japan are so much better. Uncover the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. Wander the historic temples of Kyoto, like the golden Kinkaku-ji, or explore the buzzing streets of Tokyo, where towering skyscrapers sit alongside serene gardens. 

If you time your trip just right for cherry blossom season, you’ll experience views so stunning, you might finally understand why poets won’t stop writing about them. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at a traditional tea ceremony or shop for quirky souvenirs in Harajuku (cat-shaped tea cups, anyone?). While you sail, you’ll get to enjoy authentic Japanese dining, from fresh sashimi to steaming bowls of ramen.

Do you love a man in a well-tailored suit? Well, you probably won’t find that in Antarctica, but you will find nature’s cutest tuxedo wearers. Antarctica delivers rare access to one of the most remote environments on Earth, and the penguins who so classily call it home. Colonies of these flightless seabirds cluster along rocky beaches, while humpback whales surface in frigid waters and seals rest on drifting floes as your ship navigates deep into this polar wilderness.

Shore landings with experienced naturalists bring you onto glacial terrain for close-up encounters and expert insight into the fragile ecosystems that thrive here. As an honored to be a member of IAATO, Princess shares in the commitment to safely and responsibly traveling to Antarctica.  Your memories of Antarctica will last a lifetime; we’ll ensure that your visit doesn’t do the same.

It’s not every day you cruise through a modern wonder of the world, but you can do just that when you head to the Panama Canal. This engineering marvel turns your voyage into a front-row seat to history. Simply put, the journey is the headline experience, giving you a bucket-list worthy route where you can watch as massive locks lift your ship, carrying you between the Atlantic and Pacific with mind-boggling precision. 

Explore Panama City’s Casco Viejo, a colonial gem filled with colorful architecture, or take a jungle excursion to spot sloths and toucans hanging out in the trees. Feeling daring? Try local favorites like ceviche or a rich cup of Panamanian coffee straight from the source.

Why choose one continent when you can explore them all? Princess Cruises offer you the ultimate way to see the world — without ever repacking your suitcase. A curated collection of bespoke itineraries for adventurers, designed so you can explore the far-reaching corners of the earth. These longer sailings pair sweeping itineraries with immersive onboard programming. You might attend destination-inspired performances, culinary events spotlighting regional flavors or guest speaker sessions that add context to the ports ahead. And on select themed sailings, your cruise can revolve around a shared passion, creating a community atmosphere on board that turns fellow guests into fast friends.