Pre-Cruise Seattle Stay & 5-Minute Embarkation
Embarkation was scheduled for Sunday out of the Port of Seattle. To begin the journey unhurried, I flew up Friday evening on Alaska Airlines for a two-night pre-stay at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Taking the extra time to explore allowed me to visit with dear friends, take in the crisp Pacific Northwest air, and savor an extraordinary cocktail at Canon on 12th Avenue — an intimate sanctuary known for its world-class spirits library.
When Sunday morning arrived, the embarkation process at the pier was an absolute revelation. Thanks to Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass technology, boarding took exactly five minutes. Because documents, health declarations, and security information were uploaded in advance through the MedallionClass mobile app, arriving at the terminal required nothing more than verifying identity and stepping aboard.
The MedallionClass Revolution: Effortless Living at Sea
From the second you board, your entire shipboard journey revolves around the quarter-sized Princess OceanMedallion. Gone are plastic keycards and the friction of fumbling through pockets with full hands. As you approach your stateroom, sensor pads recognize your presence and unlock the door automatically before your hand touches the handle.
The Medallion coordinates every element of shipboard hospitality:
- Hands-Free Stateroom Access: Unlocks effortlessly as you step within six feet of your cabin door.
- Effortless Muster Drill: Check-in is handled digitally at your leisure via the app and confirmed in person at your designated muster station without crowded group assemblies.
- OceanNow On-Demand Delivery: Craving a hot cocoa or craft cocktail while curled under a blanket on the open pool deck? Order through the app and crew members deliver it directly to your exact deck lounger using precision indoor positioning.
- Touchless Transactions: Spa appointments, retail boutiques, and specialty bar orders are processed seamlessly with zero paperwork or physical signatures.
Culinary Excellence: Harmony & Good Spirits
The Majestic Princess offers an exceptional culinary portfolio, and my travel companion and I made it our mission to experience as many dining rooms and venues as possible. Without question, one of the shining standouts was Harmony.
Developed in partnership with Chef Richard Chen (the first North American chef to earn a Michelin star for Chinese cuisine), Harmony delivers an elevated Cantonese dining experience that is sophisticated and authentic. From succulent roasted duck to delicate dim sum pairings and wok-tossed lobster, every dish demonstrated exquisite balance. The service in Harmony was warm, attentive, and flawless.
Evenings aboard centered around the multi-story grand Atrium (Piazza). Inspired by classical European town squares, this vibrant hub features live classical strings, acrobatic performances, and the beloved cocktail tutorials at Good Spirits at Sea, where master mixologists demonstrate farm-fresh concoctions paired with engaging regional backstories.
Aloha Deck Mini-Suite: The Quiet Luxury of Balcony Living
We reserved a Mini-Suite on the Aloha Deck, which proved to be the ultimate haven for an Alaska voyage. The layout features substantial living space, a separate sitting area with a full-size sofa bed, two flat-panel televisions, an expansive bathroom with a full tub and shower, and an extended private teak balcony.
Our stateroom steward was personable, incredibly kind, and — as I suspect — part ninja! The digital touch pad outside our cabin door allowed us to signal when we were out for service. Yet even on the occasions we forgot to toggle the indicator, we would return to find our suite immaculate, fresh ice replenished, and delightful towel art welcoming us back.
Alaska Ports of Call: Whales, Gold Rush Ale & Wild Salmon
Coming from 90-plus degree temperatures and relentless sunshine in Southern California, stepping into Alaska’s crisp 50-degree weather and gentle mist felt exhilarating. Our itinerary featured Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, framed by relaxing days at sea.
Juneau Whale Watching
Booked directly through Princess Cruises, our Juneau whale watching excursion struck wildlife gold. While humpback whales remained shy, we encountered a massive pod of Orcas (killer whales) breaching and surfacing alongside curious Steller sea lions.
Skagway Local Vibe
After exploring Skagway’s historic boardwalks and gold rush trading posts, we unwound at The Skagway Brewing Company. Known for its spruce tip blonde ale and vibrant atmosphere, it is an essential stop for beer lovers.
Ketchikan Culinary Flavors
In Ketchikan, we prioritized local Alaskan artisans. We stopped at Salmon Etc to taste authentic smoked wild salmon and pick up their signature dry rub seasoning. A quick stop at 108 Tap House & Burger Bar yielded delicious Sorbet Cosmopolitans and crispy poutine.
Glacier Day in the Inside Passage & The Enclave Thermal Suite
During our morning cruising the Inside Passage, Majestic Princess navigated close to four monumental tidewater glaciers. Even though temperatures required layering every fleece and parka I had packed, standing on our private Mini-Suite balcony as crystalline ice calves thunderously into the emerald fjord was magical.
To warm up after glacier viewing, the greatest decision we made was securing an unlimited thermal suite pass to The Enclave at Lotus Spa. The Enclave is Princess Cruises’ largest-ever thermal sanctuary, featuring:
- A deep hydrotherapy pool with cascading rain jets and targeted water massage stations.
- A soothing Turkish Hammam and an aromatic Caldarium infused with herbal scents.
- Heated ceramic stone loungers contouring the spine while gazing out at passing forested mountains.
- Sensory experience showers alternating warm tropical rains with bracing arctic mists.
Karen Lee Elder’s Insider Alaska Tips
- Reserve a Balcony or Mini-Suite on Starboard or Port: While both sides offer stunning views during inside passage navigation, having your own private balcony ensures uninterrupted viewing without crowding top deck railings.
- Pre-Book The Enclave Pass: Thermal suite passes are strictly limited per voyage to preserve tranquil spacing. Secure your pass prior to sailing.
- Order Custom Medallion Accessories Early: While complimentary lanyards are provided, ordering clip-ons or stylish bracelets through the app keeps your hands totally free for hot chocolates and cameras.
- Always Choose Wild Alaska Salmon: In ports like Ketchikan, inquire with local smokehouses like Salmon Etc. Wild Pacific king and sockeye salmon offer unparalleled rich flavor.
Explore More Alaska & Princess Cruise Insights:
- Princess Cruises Alaska Specialists Hub → — Browse itineraries, Cruisetours, and glacier routes.
- Princess Cruises Certified Travel Agency Hub → — Complete guide to the Princess fleet, MedallionClass, and fleetwide amenities.
- Princess MedallionClass Travel Specialists → — Deep dive into smart ship technology and hands-free cruising.
- First-Timer's Guide to Princess Cruises → — Essential packing, embarkation, and dining advice for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Majestic Princess Alaska Cruises
Ready to Sail Alaska on the Majestic Princess?
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