On our final turn, pine forests gave way to an almost blinding blanket of white.

This was oursecond trip to Alaska, but our first cruise together.

Off the ship, we were testing ourselves and trying new things.

Dogsledding in alaska

Dogsledding on a glacier in Skagway.Credit:Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

On the ship, there were familiar comforts for both of us.

Discovery Princesstook its maiden voyage in 2022 and holds up to 3,660 passengers in its 1,830 staterooms.

There are 100 connecting staterooms and 40 accessible staterooms on board.

Discovery Princess in alaska

The Discovery Princess sailing through Skagway, Alaska.Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The $149 cover charge is worth it; we sippedElixSeawine, aged beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

Still, its best to book early to guarantee you dont miss out on your own must-do activities.

We stayed away from the Las Vegas-style casino, though it was very popular.

Discovery Princess balconies

Stateroom balconies on board the Discovery Princess.Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

(Reservations are required.)

Accessibility

Discovery Princesshas 40 accessible staterooms.

Anonline guidemaps out the accessible public restrooms, routes, elevators, and amenities on its 19 decks.

Dining experience on Discovery Princess

On board guests sitting for the 360: An Extraordinary Experience.Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

zip lining in alaska

Nina’s dad while on a zip lining excursion in Juneau.Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

Discovery Princess pool at night

Movies Under The Stars on the Discovery Princess’s pool deck.Courtesy of Princess Cruises