Sail on a lavish cruise from Alaska to Vancouver at a steal this summer

As the cruising season to The Land of the Rising Sun winds down, Vancouverites can take advantage of a few ultra-low-cost, last-minute deals. 

Princess Cruises has slashed prices by upwards of 50 per cent on select one-way Alaskan sailings between Vancouver and Anchorage. There are also significant discounts on round-trip sailings from Canada Place to the northernmost state, too. 

One of the best deals this season departs in the evening on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from Anchorage at 8:30 p.m. in the evening. The seven-day "Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Southbound)" takes passengers on an epic journey down the rugged coastline, starting with a cruise past the impressive, bright-blue and white Hubbard Glacier. After that, they'll spend a day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teeming with a range of wildlife and breathtaking glacial formations. 

Travellers will depart from the ship for the first time in Skagway, where they can learn about the city's rich gold-mining history. Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is the second stop on the itinerary. The city is home to the strikingly sapphire Mendenhall Glacier. 

After departing from Juneau, the ship will sail through the awe-inspiring inside passage, making a stop in Ketchikan, which is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and subsequently a favourite of predatory birds, such as bald eagles, as well as carnivorous mammals like wolves and black bears.

While Princess Cruises has some of the cheapest deals available to Alaska, travellers regularly praise the company for its vibrant entertainment, upscale dining options, attentive service, and traditional cruising style. There are chances to dress up for formal nights on a few nights out of a seven-night sailing. 

Vancouver cruise to Alaska with Princess Cruises 

The total cost for an interior stateroom for two people is $1,575.20 including all taxes and fees or $787.60 per person. The per-person cost breaks down to $112.51 per diem, which is less than you would pay for a night at a decent hotel in most cities across North America. 

Not only does that cost include your transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package that can reduce the cost of your spending.

The price doesn't factor in your flight to Alaska, however.

Prices for one-way tickets start at around $700 and you can use the Google Flights price calendar to find a time that works for your schedule.

While the cruise doesn't depart until the evening, you'll need to arrive a few hours prior to departure to check-in and the ship won't wait for stragglers. There are several early morning departures from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) that will get you into Anchorage before noon. The ship will sail at 8:30 p.m.