re: About to start planning a 2025 Alaskan cruise trip for 4-6 adults

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We went with Princess in 2019. The cruise ship wasn't anything to write home about, but I don't recall any negatives either.

Then spent a couple days in Vancouver on the back end. Explored the city a little

I'd also recommend getting a balcony at minimum on the shore side of the ship as the views are amazing.

If going into Glacier Bay National Park is something you want to do, I believe Princess is the only cruise line (besides the very small boats) allowed to enter.

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We did a similar Princess cruise in 2017, we did the land & sea package - Anchorage to Denali by bus, then train to Whittier then sailed to Vancouver.

It was our first cruise, nothing negative other than the cost of wifi if you need it. Food was just average.
Picking the right excursion is important; don’t do the Totem Poles.

In 2017 they did limit the number of ships that were allowed into Glacier Bay NP. But either Holland or Norwegian were allowed in - we saw their ship when we were there. If you want to go there, and it’s worth it IMO, be sure the trip you select goes there.

We spent 3 nights in Vancouver on the back end also; drove to Whistler one day. We were in Vancouver again this past summer and took the ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria - that’s worth doing if you have a few more days.

FWIW, a friend is doing Celebrity this year and he is particular what cruises he does. He wouldn’t do Princess. I guess Celebrity is more high end.