Heidi BucoloAre you planning an Alaska cruisetour and wondering what to expect? Princess Cruises operates five wilderness lodges across Alaska, offering access to unparalleled landscapes, dining, and authentic Alaskan experiences. From Denali National Park to the Kenai Peninsula, these remote lodges provide the perfect base for exploring Alaska’s most spectacular destinations during your land and sea adventure.
After six Alaska cruises, we just experienced our first cruisetour visiting three of the five lodges. Now, we’re back and highlighting what you need to know about each lodge including lodge maps, restaurant menus, and amenities to help you pick the perfect itinerary for your bucket list adventure.
What Are Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodges?
Princess Alaska wilderness lodges are strategically located accommodations in Alaska’s most breathtaking regions. These lodges are designed to complement the cruise, giving guests the opportunity to explore more of the interior state.
Each lodge combines rustic charm with modern amenities, featuring:
- Premium accommodations with mountain and river views
- Multiple dining venues serving fresh Alaska seafood
- Guided wilderness activities and included tours led by experts
- Convenient shuttle service to national parks and nearby attractions
- 24/7 guest services for seamless travel experiences
Pro Tip: Restaurant reservations can be made in advance through OpenTable
The 5 Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodges
1. Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
Location: Denali State Park, two hours south of the main entrance of Denali National Park
Best For: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, dramatic Denali views
Why Visit: Mt. McKinley Lodge features a host of activities, including hiking trails and enrichment opportunities from naturalists and mountain climbers. This lodge offers the most spectacular mountain views of any Princess property (weather permitting).
Accommodations:
- 460 rooms spread across Buildings 1 to 25
- Ice machines and laundry facilities
- On-property shuttle
- Water refill station in main lodge
- Gift shop in main lodge
- WiFi can be spotty across the property
- Luggage storage available
Dining:
- 20,320 Alaskan Grill – mountaineering-themed restaurant named after Denali’s elevation, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- North Fork Restaurant – fine dining with Alaska Range views, breakfast and dinner service, reservations required
- Base Camp Bar – cocktails and dinner with outdoor seating
- Coffee Bruin Espresso – coffee and grab-and-go items
Mt. McKinley Lodge Restaurant Menus: 20,230 Alaskan Grill | North Fork | Base Camp
Unique Features:
- Treehouse – built in 2017 and featured on Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters,” accessible via 1.1-mile hiking trail
- Nature trails including Creek Overlook (0.7 mi), Lodge Trail (0.4 mi), South Loop Path (0.7 mi), and Treehouse Trail (1.1 mi)
- Cliff Hudson Bush Plane – photo-op with restored 1939 bush plane outside the Hudson Theater
- Hudson Theater – showcases Photosymphony presentation ($) and daily enrichment talks (complimentary)
- Alaska Adventure Quest – geocaching experience
- Fireside Fun – s’mores, snacks, and drinks at the fireside patio (weather permitting)
- Talkeetna Shuttle service available ($10 roundtrip), approximately 1-hour bus ride
Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge Map
2. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Location: 1 mile from Denali National Park entrance on the banks of the Nenana River
Best For: First-time interior Alaska visitors, a comprehensive wilderness experience
Why Visit: The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the flagship Princess property providing the most comprehensive Alaska lodge experience with lots of activities and modern comforts.
Accommodations:
- 666 rooms spread across Wolf Den, Grizzly Meadow, and Caribou Ridge sections
- Ice machines and laundry facilities available
- On-property shuttle
- Water refill stations in Main Lodge and The Great Room
- Princess Village featuring various shops
- WiFi available on property
- Convenient walking paths
Dining:
- King Salmon Restaurant – fresh Alaska seafood with a beautiful backdrop, breakfast and dinner, reservations required
- Fannie Q’s Saloon – breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner inspired by legendary pioneer Fannie Quigley, reservations recommended
- Grizzly Burger – gourmet burgers and specialty milkshakes with a river view deck, lunch and dinner
- Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub – lunch and dinner, pizza delivery available
- River Run Espresso & Rapids Morning Express – coffee and grab-and-go items
Denali Lodge Restaurant Menus: King Salmon | Fannie Q’s | Grizzly Burger | Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub
Unique Features:
- Princess Village – shopping area with specialty shops including Christmas Cabin and Alaska Fine Gifts
- Complimentary Denali Park shuttle every 30 minutes to visitor center
- Fireside patio – outdoor seating around fire pits
- Alaska Adventure Quest – geocaching experience
- Denali educational presentations led by naturalists
- Variety of dining – the most on-property restaurants of any Princess lodge, along with nearby Holland America Denali Lodge and “Glitter Gulch”
- River View Pathway – scenic walking path and outdoor terraces offering views of the Nenana River and Denali National Park.
Denali Wilderness Lodge Map
3. Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge
Location: In the heart of Alaska’s interior on the banks of the Chena River
Best For: Northern lights seekers, cultural experiences
Why Visit: Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge boasts beautifully landscaped grounds and a terraced deck extending to the water’s edge. This is Alaska’s premier urban wilderness lodge.
Accommodations:
- 328 rooms with river or garden views
- Recently remodeled with rustic Alaskan decor
- Outdoor recreation areas & fitness center
- Ice machines and laundry facilities available
- Water refill station in lobby
- Gift shop in lobby
- WiFi on property
- Additional amenities at the nearby Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Dining:
- The Edgewater – breakfast buffet and elegant dinner featuring scenic Chena River views, reservations required for dinner
- Trackers Bar & Grill – lunch and dinner in a casual setting, featuring burgers, sandwiches, and cocktails
- Riverview Bar & Deck – outdoor venue overlooking the Chena River serving food and drinks in the evenings (weather permitting)
- Seasons Gifts & Coffee – espresso beverages, snacks, and Alaska-made gifts
- Fireside Lounge – espresso bar and wine selection on mezzanine level (open seasonally)
Fairbanks Riverside Lodge Menus: The Edgewater | Trackers Bar & Grill | Riverview Deck
Unique Features:
- Chef’s Garden – seasonally harvested ingredients incorporated into food & drink menus
- Downtown Fairbanks shuttle service ($10 roundtrip)
- Northern lights viewing opportunities with alert system
- Hospitality Room on mezzanine level for guest relaxation
- Nature Trails – Lodge Trail and Riverview Walk along Chena River
- Alaska Adventure Quest – geocaching experience
- Outdoor recreation with firepits, bocce ball, and more
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge Map
4. Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Location: Cooper Landing, Kenai Peninsula (47 acres on Kenai River banks)
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts, couples seeking an intimate wilderness retreat
Why Visit: Kenai Princess is the perfect mix of tranquility and adventure. This intimate lodge offers Alaska’s premier fishing experience and wood-burning stoves in every guest room.
Accommodations:
- 86 bungalow-style rooms with private porches, cathedral ceilings, and wood-burning stoves
- Most intimate Princess lodge setting
- On-property fitness center
- Ice machines and laundry facilities available
- Shuttle service available on request
- WiFi available in Main Lodge, may be spotty elsewhere
- Gift shop on-site
- Water refill station in Main Lodge
Dining:
- Rod & Reel Restaurant – fine dining with spectacular Kenai River and Mt. Cecil views, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, reservations required
- Rafter’s Lounge & Deck – casual Alaska fare for lunch and dinner with outdoor seating overlooking the Kenai River
- Espresso Bar – specialty coffee and grab-and-go items
Kenai Wilderness Lodge Menus: Rod & Reel | Rafter’s Longe & Deck
Unique Features:
- World-class Kenai River fishing – legendary salmon runs
- Multiple Kenai River observation decks for wildlife viewing
- Nature Trail through serene forest landscape with bypass option
- RV General Store with snacks and sundries
- Alaska Adventure Quest – geocaching experience
- Naturalist-led outdoor program – hands-on experiences and lectures
- RV Park on site
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge Map
5. Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
Location: On 200 acres near the junction of the Klutina and Copper Rivers; at the gateway to North America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias
Best For: Remote wilderness seekers, national park explorers, photographers
Why Visit: Located near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Copper River Princess is a true wilderness retreat. This is the most remote Princess lodge with access to America’s largest national park.
Accommodations:
- 85 guest rooms
- Newest Princess lodge (opened 2002)
- Signature two-story “Great Room” with stone fireplace and 25-foot ceilings
- Stunning views of Mt. Wrangell, Mt. Drum, and Mt. Blackburn
- Ice machines and laundry facilities available
- WiFi available in the Wrangell Room
- Gift Shop on property
Dining:
- Two Rivers Restaurant – elegant dining with dramatic mountain and valley views, breakfast and dinner
- Whistle Stop – casual atmosphere, lunch and dinner
- Dragon Fly Espresso – specialty coffees and grab-and-go options
Copper River Lodge Menus: Two Rivers | Whistle Stop
Unique Features:
- Shuttle service from the lodge to Copper Center and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Mail services – postmark as “Copper Center, AK”
- Most remote Princess location for authentic wilderness immersion
- Alaska Adventure Quest – geocaching experience
- Naturalist-led outdoor program – hands-on experiences and lectures
- Garden to Table – dine on seasonally crafted dishes and drinks with ingredients from the lodge’s garden
- Lots of Trails – Wooded Way (0.1 mi), Point Overlook Trail (0.7 mi), Klutina Lake Road (0.25 mi), North 40 Loop (1.2 mi), Old Brenwick-Craig Road (0.75 mi), Klutina River Trail (1.5 mi)
Cooper River Princess Wilderness Lodge Map
Planning Your Princess Wilderness Lodge Stay
Understanding the logistics and seasonal factors of Princess Alaska wilderness lodges will help you make the most of your cruisetour land portion. Unlike the mostly all-inclusive nature of your cruise, the lodges operate more like traditional hotels with separate charges for meals, beverages, and additional services.
Knowing what to expect—from weather variations and included amenities to booking strategies and additional costs—ensures you can budget appropriately and plan your days at each property.
Here’s a quick summary of what every cruisetour guest should know before arriving at their first lodge. If you’re looking for more information, we have a complete guide on tips, tricks, and what to expect during your first Princess Alaska cruisetour.
Seasonal Considerations:
- May-September: All lodges operational
- June-August: Peak season with best weather
- August-September: Northern lights season begins (Fairbanks area)
- Shoulder seasons: Lower rates, fewer crowds, variable weather
What’s Included vs. Additional Costs:
Included:
- Accommodations and basic amenities
- Shuttle services on property
- Alaska Adventure Quest geocaching
- Naturalist presentations, lectures, and guided walks
- WiFi in main lodge areas
Additional Costs:
- All meals and beverages
- Optional tours and excursions
- Laundry services
- Gift shop purchases
- Shuttle services to towns and nearby attractions (typically $10 roundtrip)
Booking Recommendations:
- Choose your cruisetour wisely – most cruisetours only visit select lodges
- Reserve dining at signature restaurants prior to arrival
- Book popular tours early
- Pack layers for variable Alaska weather
- Consider meal plans if available
- Don’t overschedule yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay at Princess lodges without taking a cruise? Princess lodges welcome independent travelers. While most guests combine stays with Princess cruises, the lodges are available for direct booking when space is available.
Do Princess lodges provide refrigerators? Standard rooms do not include refrigerators. They are only available for guests requiring cold storage for medications.
Are Princess lodges family-friendly? All lodges welcome families with children’s activities and kid-friendly dining options.
How far in advance should I book? Alaska’s summer season is popular. We always recommend booking 6-12+ months in advance for best availability, especially for peak July-August dates.
What should I pack for Alaska lodge stays? Layer-appropriate clothing for swings in temperature, comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, and other personal items. All restaurants at the lodges are casual, so there’s no need to pack dressier clothing.
Why Choose Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodges?
Princess wilderness lodges offer the perfect combination of authentic Alaska experiences and comfortable accommodations allowing guests to venture into the interior of the state before or after their Alaska cruise. Each property provides strategic access to Alaska’s most spectacular destinations while maintaining the service standards Princess is known for worldwide.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in Denali National Park, fishing on the legendary Kenai River, northern lights viewing opportunities in Fairbanks, or remote wilderness exploration near Wrangell-St. Elias, Princess lodges provide comfort and convenience.
When booking a cruisetour, you don’t have to worry about any logistics. Princess provides a seamless experience from these remote lodges to cruise ships in Whittier, Alaska.
Comments
Have you stayed at any of these Princess Alaska wilderness lodges? Which is your favorite? Drop us an anchor below to share your cruisetour experiences.
