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Princess adds a few more Alaska sailings in 2017

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Crown Princess in Glacier Bay (Photo: Princess Cruises)
Princess Cruises is deploying six ships to Alaska in 2017 on a similar program to this year but with 113 departures, compared to 106 in 2016.

The line’s signature 'Voyage of the Glaciers' itinerary will be operated by Coral Princess, Star Princess and Island Princess between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver, BC. Every sailing visits Glacier Bay National Park plus Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Cruises through the Inside Passage are available on Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess from Seattle and Grand Princess from San Francisco. The seven- and 10-day round-trips give the option to visit Glacier Bay on select sailings.

On the more than 20 Land and Sea Vacations in 2017, most feature multiple nights at Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges to experience Denali. Passengers again will be able to purchase a pre-paid meal package for the land portion of their vacation.

Options include 'Denali Explorer,' the line's most popular choice, with itineraries that give multiple nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Most offer Princess’ exclusive 'Direct-to-the-Wilderness' rail service between the ship in Whittier and the Denali area in one day, plus the opportunity to explore Fairbanks and/or Anchorage.

The 'On Your Own' tours provide a more affordable option for independent-minded travelers and a flexible way to see the heart of Alaska. Tours follow similar routes as 'Denali Explorer' options, but do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers the opportunity to customize their experience.

'Off the Beaten Path' itineraries take travelers beyond Denali to sought-after, remote regions of the state such as the Kenai Peninsula and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. And 'Connoisseur' tours provide the highest level of service, with a professional tour director, most meals included and enhanced sightseeing.

'Heart of the Rockies Plus Rail,' a 14-night cruise-tour, originates in Calgary and includes daylight Silverleaf rail service on the Rocky Mountaineer. The fully escorted land tour combines with a seven-day northbound 'Voyage of the Glaciers' cruise on Star Princess and includes most breakfasts and dinners. Overnight accommodations are offered at Fairmont Palliser Hotel, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Aboard the ships, Princess continues its 'North to Alaska' program, featuring 'Cook My Catch,' enabling participants in select Princess fishing excursions to have the chef prepare their own catch of the day. Also offered in 2017: 'Puppies in the Piazza,' where passengers get to interact with Alaskan sled dog puppies on board.