Princess Cruises is making it much easier to see our 50th state this year. As you read in my blog a few days back, Princess was recently voted the best cruise line in Alaska in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. Well, now Princess Cruises has launched a special Alaska Wilderness Sale, which will offer significant savings for travel to “the Great Land.” With wave season just around the corner, Princess is attempting to woo early cruise researchers with special pricing, offering discounts on Princess cruisetours that combines the best of the state by land and sea. Now you not only can see our most beautiful state first hand, but you can save money doing it. Princess Cruises has long been a leader in Alaska, and a major contributor to keeping Alaska pristine and unspoiled for many generations to come. Take advantage of these great specials if you are planning an Alaska cruise this year. Most everyone I have spoken to who has returned from Alaska having just taken a cruise, say that if they had it to do over again, they would have added a tour. Don’t make that mistake!

The Alaska Wilderness Sale runs through February 29, 2008, and features cruisetour prices beginning at just $1,399 for a full 11-day land and sea vacation to the heart of the 49th state. The sale features discounts of $200 per couple plus a $200 onboard credit, available on many of the company’s most popular itineraries, including the exclusive Direct to the Wilderness cruisetours which feature convenient train travel right from the pier to the Denali area. Sale offers apply to a variety of cruisetour departures throughout the summer Alaska season, with a special extra for May departures - a complimentary copy of the Alaska Cruise Companion book and map set by noted author Joe Upton.

“Of course we’re thrilled that the readers of Travel Weekly have recognized our Alaska program as the industry’s best,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “And now we’re pleased to give more travelers the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the state with these affordable sale rates.”

Princess Cruises will offer an extensive Alaska program in 2008, with eight ships sailing through the state’s scenic waters. The line will offer 136 total departures aboard a diverse lineup of vessels that range from 670 passengers to 2,670 passengers. Itineraries include Gulf of Alaska cruises and cruisetours plus round-trip Inside Passage sailings from Seattle and San Francisco and the new 14-day Connoisseur voyage roundtrip Vancouver. Seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises can also be combined with a variety of different land tour options for a complete cruisetour featuring the best of Alaska by land and sea, including the state’s two most sought-after destinations on every departure - Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.

Additional information about Princess Cruises’ Alaska program is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.