Santa Clarita-based Princess Cruises Thursday announced plans to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings from Seattle.
Departing July 25 through Sept. 26 to and from Seattle, the seven-day cruises aboard the Majestic Princess will be open for sale on Friday.
All passengers who cruise to Alaska with Princess must have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the voyage and provide proof of vaccination, according to the cruise operator. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.
The cruises will visit signature ports, glaciers and attractions in Alaska, including Glacier Bay National Park. Dining, entertainment and shore excursion details are currently being finalized and will be communicated in the coming weeks.
“We have been working towards this moment to return to service for over a year and starting with our Alaska cruise vacations is incredibly gratifying,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.
“We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young and (Alaska) Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism,” Swartz said. “In addition, we would like to thank our long-standing partners at the CDC, and in both Alaska and the Port of Seattle who helped make this happen.”
Dunleavy said: “The return of the cruise industry to Alaska is great news for anyone hoping to experience the rugged beauty of the `Last Frontier.’ More importantly, it signals a hopeful new chapter for the dozens of communities and tens of thousands of Alaskans who rely on cruise industry partners to help them share Alaska with the world.”
The Alaska cruises start at $799 per person.
