Princess Cruises Brings LNG-Powered Ship to Alaska
Princess Cruises is deploying the LNG-powered Star Princess for Alaska Inside Passage cruises through mid-September. Learn about the new routes and impact.
Princess Cruises Brings LNG-Powered Ship to Alaska
Princess Cruises is operating its first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel, the Star Princess, on Alaska Inside Passage itineraries through mid-September. This move is the first time a Carnival Corporation ship uses this fuel type in the Pacific Northwest. The ship targets the environmentally sensitive waters of the Alaska Inside Passage.
Star Princess Routes and LNG Technology
The Star Princess runs seven-day itineraries that visit Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. These routes follow the Inside Passage, which uses islands to provide calmer waters and closer views of the coast.
This deployment uses LNG to power its journeys. LNG is a fossil fuel, but it is the most scalable advanced fuel available for the maritime industry today. It reduces direct greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric pollutants compared to conventional marine fuels. For travelers who visit glaciers and wildlife habitats in Alaska, the shift to LNG changes how large-scale cruise operations impact local air and water quality.
While LNG is still a fossil fuel, it is a primary step toward reducing the carbon footprint of large cruise ships. The industry faces increasing scrutiny regarding its impact on Alaskan glaciers and marine life, so this transition is relevant for the region.
Community Investment in Alaska Ports
Princess Cruises is also directing funds toward specific organizations in the ports it visits. These investments support social and environmental needs that increase during the summer tourism season.
In Ketchikan, the company supports the Joseph T. Craig American Legion Post 3 to help rebuild a historic venue for veterans. In Juneau, funds go to Juneau Flukes to advance whale research and marine conservation. The company also supports the Skagway Childcare Council to help local families access childcare, and Sitka Trail Works to assist with the preservation of regional trail systems.
These contributions address the economic reality of Alaska. Many coastal towns see a massive surge in population during the cruise season. This surge puts pressure on local infrastructure, including childcare and public services. By funding these organizations, the cruise line helps mitigate the seasonal strain that large-scale tourism puts on remote communities.
Market Competition and Loyalty Benefits
This deployment changes the competitive landscape in the Alaska cruise market. Princess is a part of Carnival Corporation, which also owns Holland America Line. Holland America has a long history in Alaska and has also moved toward sustainable technologies. The Star Princess allows Princess to compete for travelers who prioritize lower-emission voyages.
For members of the Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle loyalty program, this ship provides an opportunity to sail on the newest hardware in the fleet. While loyalty members can find value in older, established ships, the technical upgrades on the Star Princess provide a different experience for those who want to minimize their travel footprint. Unlike older vessels that use traditional marine fuels, the Star Princess uses LNG technology.
Planning Your Alaska Voyage
Travelers interested in these specific itineraries must act quickly. The Alaska season is short, and these LNG-powered voyages end in mid-September.
If you have already booked a cruise on a different vessel, you can contact Princess Cruises to ask about ship availability or potential upgrades. If you are looking for alternative sustainable options in the region, you may also look at Holland America Line itineraries, as they also utilize modern fuel technologies. Because the window for this deployment closes at the end of the summer, availability is limited.
Final Considerations for Alaska Cruisers
The transition to LNG offers a reduced environmental footprint for travelers navigating the Inside Passage. The community investments support the towns that make these cruises possible. Travelers can book remaining voyages through the end of the September season.