Bring the Alaskan Cruise Experience Home: Delightful Recipes Inspired by Princess Cruises

Returning from my recent travel adventure—an exhilarating Alaskan cruise in late May—I was filled with an immediate desire: to start collecting as many Alaskan cruise-inspired recipes as possible! As a first-time cruiser, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the ship’s cuisine. I mentally prepared myself for a week of bland, airplane-like food, a common misconception many first-timers hold.

I was incredibly excited and honored to participate in a sponsored trip from Princess Cruises, and the culinary inspirations from this journey have led to this wonderful collection of recipes!

Seasoned cruisers will undoubtedly anticipate what I’m about to reveal. My initial apprehensions about the food were entirely unfounded, and I was utterly delighted by the exquisite culinary experience! If you nod in agreement, chances are you, too, have searched for ways to recreate those unforgettable cruise ship flavors back home. This post aims to transport you back to the stunning landscapes and delicious dining of an Alaskan adventure, offering a taste of the magic from your own kitchen.

My passion for travel runs deep! Every journey is a thrilling adventure, a chance to explore uncharted territories and visit states and countries I’ve only dreamed of. Alaska was no exception, and I was ecstatic to cross it off my bucket list! But truly, that’s not to say I won’t return—the allure of its rugged beauty and unparalleled experiences definitely calls for a repeat visit, perhaps even another culinary expedition!

The Unforgettable Cuisine of an Alaskan Cruise

In mid-May, I embarked on the captivating 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers aboard the elegant Island Princess cruise ship. While friends had regaled me with tales of Alaska’s breathtaking sights, the culinary aspect hadn’t been a prominent part of their stories. However, I was traveling with ten other food bloggers, so it was inevitable that the food would be a central topic of discussion and, of course, enjoyment!

Behind the Scenes: Cruise Ship Culinary Preparation

One of the most impressive aspects of the Island Princess was its galley—absolutely pristine! I mean spotless; you could genuinely eat off the floors. The galley photo below offers a glimpse into this incredible cleanliness. And just in case you’re wondering if they spruced it up specially for our visit, rest assured, that wasn’t the case. Online videos of the same tour on different voyages confirm this consistent level of impeccable hygiene. During our fascinating galley tour, we witnessed the intricate process behind the amazing culinary creations emerging from that massive, meticulously organized kitchen. It’s safe to say many of us were already envisioning new, cruise-inspired recipes to try at home!

The sheer volume of food prepared daily is astounding, but considering they’re feeding approximately 3,100 people, it’s understandable! The dedication to quality, despite the scale, is truly remarkable. Over the years, countless guests have requested recipes for their favorite cruise dishes, leading Princess Cruises to regularly republish their beautiful cookbook, Courses: A Culinary Journey, a treasure trove for anyone seeking to recreate cruise ship recipes. This thoughtful gesture allows passengers to continue their culinary journey long after disembarking.

The images above wonderfully capture many of the exquisite handmade chocolate decorations that adorn the stunning cakes served onboard. I personally enjoyed a piece of one of these buffet cakes, and I can confirm it was nothing short of divine – a true testament to the pastry chefs’ artistry and skill.

Culinary Souvenirs: Alaskan Cruise-Inspired Recipes

Upon our return from the Alaskan cruise, many of us food bloggers couldn’t wait to get back into our kitchens, eager to start cooking, baking, and creating. This collection of cruise-inspired recipes emerged from various sources: some were direct renditions of dishes we savored onboard, others were inspired by unique flavors encountered during excursions or in port, and a few simply celebrate the rich, distinctive culinary traditions of the Alaskan way of life. Each recipe is a delicious souvenir, bringing a piece of that incredible journey home.

Delectable Cruise-Worthy Appetizers & Dips

The sheer variety and quantity of food offered on a cruise ship truly are astounding. With over 3,000 guests to feed, such an extensive operation is understandable! What remains truly amazing, however, is the consistently high quality and deliciousness of every dish. Let’s begin our culinary journey with these tempting appetizer and dip recipes, each a delightful nod to our cruise adventures.

April’s vibrant Gazpacho recipe was directly inspired by one of our last dinners aboard the Island Princess. As April recounted, “…they served the most delicious gazpacho at dinner on one of the last nights while we were scenic cruising.” I’m incredibly grateful she recreated it, as this chilled, flavorful soup is definitely on my menu for this week!

My friend Jenn and I, along with several other friends, embarked on an unforgettable whale watching excursion at Icy Strait Point. Afterward, we indulged in a spectacular “seafood feast” that featured the most incredible king crab legs we had ever tasted! Jenn was so inspired by this experience that she created this luscious Cheesy Baked Crab Dip, which her family now raves about as the absolute best!

April found inspiration not once, but twice, to perfect her homemade cracker recipe. The first spark came while she was savoring a comforting bowl of chicken zoodle soup in her cozy stateroom (yes, the soup itself was an inspiration!). Her second muse was a delightful smoked salmon dip she enjoyed in Hoonah, Alaska, truly a taste of the region.

When Sandra crafted this tantalizing mango salsa, her mind drifted back to the incredible fish tacos she devoured at Deckhand Dave’s in Juneau. You might recall my mention of Dave’s legendary establishment in my post about our Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour. Truly, these were the best fish tacos anywhere, and this salsa perfectly complements that memory!

Here’s another incredibly tasty Crab Dip recipe for you, this one by Stephanie. What makes her version stand out is its use of Greek yogurt, transforming it into a delightful no-bake option. It’s so quick and easy to whip up, perfect for any gathering!

Lynne and her husband, Kurt, chose the picturesque White Pass Scenic Railway tour as their excursion during their port day in Skagway. Among the many amazing food trays offered on the train, there were these utterly delicious little bites that Lynne later recreated at home. Behold her exquisite Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Bites!

It seemed that with almost every meal, Stephanie would order a crisp Caesar Salad to accompany her entree. She cherished them so much on the cruise that she now regularly whips them up at home, bringing a touch of that shipboard elegance to her everyday dining.

Refreshing Cocktails & Drinks Reminiscent of Alaskan Cruising

One of the many joys of being on a cruise ship is the blissful freedom from worrying about who’s driving home. This liberation allows for a truly relaxed experience, perfect for enjoying a cocktail or two! The Island Princess offered a variety of inviting spaces to unwind and savor a drink. Here are some of our favorite cruise-inspired drink recipes, each born from our delightful multiple cocktail hours and the desire to extend that vacation feeling.

My wonderful friend Jackie was both my roommate and my fellow adventurer on our excursions! After returning from Alaska, she wasted no time in experimenting with new drink concoctions. This enticing Rum Cruiser cocktail was her very own creation, directly inspired by the gorgeous, expertly mixed cocktails we savored each evening in the sophisticated Wheelhouse Bar.

I must admit, I am absolutely captivated by the brilliant inspiration behind Jenn’s Alaskan Glacier Martini! The mesmerizing blue hue of the drink beautifully represents the deep blue ice of the glaciers, while the delicate white meringue artfully mimics a majestic glacier floating serenely on top. It’s a true work of art!

No comprehensive cocktail list would truly be complete without the inclusion of a timeless Long Island Iced Tea. Erin, too, found inspiration in the vast array of delicious cocktails readily available onboard the Island Princess, leading her to recreate this popular classic.

I previously mentioned that Jackie has been a whirl of cocktail-making since our return, and it all began with this incredible Key Lime Pie Martini. We are quite similar in our preference for a nightly glass of Cabernet and rarely stray far from it. However, on our final night aboard the Island Princess, Jackie boldly ordered a Key Lime Pie Martini from the menu at the Wheelhouse Bar. She adored it so much that she was determined to recreate it, and it was a resounding success! I made them myself recently, and they were utterly delicious, capturing that sweet, tangy cruise memory perfectly.

If you’re seeking a truly beautiful cocktail, just take a look at Sandra’s captivating Island Cocktail (which can also be enjoyed as a refreshing mocktail). The Island Princess features a serene, adults-only area at the very back of the ship called The Sanctuary, a private oasis where guests are pampered with delicious food and any drinks they desire. This idyllic setting was the very birthplace of the inspiration for Sandra’s stunning and tranquil drink.

A leisurely stroll around the cruise ship reveals an abundance of delightful spots to grab snacks, coffee, refreshing sodas, a sophisticated cocktail, a satisfying lunch, and of course, indulgent ice cream and milkshakes! Erin created this classic chocolate milkshake as a nostalgic nod to those wonderfully creamy treats readily available onboard.

I am genuinely excited to try this captivating Blue Ocean cocktail that Lynne meticulously crafted! In my humble opinion, it was hands-down the most visually stunning drink served onboard – a true oceanic masterpiece in a glass.

Dinner Time Delights Inspired by Alaska

Aside from the delightful cocktail hour, dinner was absolutely my favorite part of the cruise! The dining options were incredibly diverse, and I can honestly say that everything—and I mean every single thing—I tasted was utterly delicious! I’m already envisioning my next cruise adventure. For now, my friends, I present to you a generous selection of cruise-inspired dinner recipes that will bring those memorable flavors straight to your table.

During her time in Alaska, Holly experienced salmon fishing for the very first time—a truly memorable adventure. Onboard, she particularly fell in love with the Hazelnut and Panko crusted salmon. Inspired by this exquisite dish, she masterfully recreated something equally drool-worthy with her Herb Baked Salmon recipe, capturing those fresh Alaskan flavors.

One memorable evening, we enjoyed dinner at an onboard specialty restaurant called The Bayou Steakhouse. Erin was so captivated by their delicious grits and sausage dish that she was determined to recreate those flavors. Her resulting Easy Shrimp and Grits recipe is a fantastic way to bring those delightful memories back to life!

After Lynne’s wonderfully picturesque hike in Icy Strait Point, where she learned fascinating facts about bears, the teeming salmon runs, and other Alaskan wildlife, salmon was undoubtedly on her mind. The sheer abundance of fresh, delicious salmon available in Alaska is truly incredible, and this inspired her to create this mouth-watering Chimichurri Salmon recipe, which I absolutely cannot wait to try!

Another truly delicious Alaskan-inspired salmon recipe comes from my dear friend Jenn. She crafted this refreshing Grilled Salmon Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette. It looks absolutely amazing, and I am eagerly anticipating the chance to try it myself!

In all honesty, I am incredibly excited that Stephanie decided to recreate this fantastic Low Country Boil, directly inspired by our unforgettable seafood feast at Icy Strait Point! That experience was super delicious, highlighted by the best crab legs I’ve ever had, and this recipe promises to capture that same incredible flavor and communal joy.

Stephanie also developed this absolutely beautiful and flavorful Brown Sugar Baked Salmon recipe. Are you noticing a delicious trend here? Oh, the wonderful variety of salmon recipes inspired by Alaska, truly yum!

If you’re like many passionate travelers who adore a particular recipe from Princess Cruises and constantly seek to recreate it, you’re in for a treat! Sandra successfully recreated the luscious Fettuccine Alfredo she enjoyed so much onboard!

As I mentioned earlier, Holly and her husband embarked on an exciting salmon fishing excursion during their Alaskan adventure. She couldn’t wait to return home and begin preparing all sorts of delightful salmon recipes, including these easy and flavorful Salmon Patties, a true taste of Alaska’s bounty.

Indulgent Cruise-Inspired Sweets & Pastries

There was absolutely no shortage of incredible desserts, tempting sweets, and delicate pastries aboard the Island Princess. I adored so many of them that I genuinely don’t know if I could name a single favorite! Let’s discover what the other food bloggers thought, with these truly delightful cruise-inspired recipes for sweets and treats.

Aboard the Island Princess, at the always welcoming Horizon Court, you can indulge in the most amazing chocolate chocolate chip cookies. Meanwhile, The International Cafe tempts with its sweet, Nutella-filled donuts. April brilliantly mashed these two beloved favorites together to conjure up these gorgeous-looking Nutella Cookies, a fusion of cruise ship bliss!

A perennial cruise-going favorite is the spectacular Baked Alaska Parade, a dazzling event that unfolds in Sabatini’s restaurant. Jenn was so utterly inspired by those gorgeous, flaming desserts that she conceived and created these individual Strawberry Shortcake Baked Alaska treats, a perfect homage to the classic.

Another cherished favorite from Sabatini’s was the exquisite Espresso Creme Brulee. Jackie raved about it every single night, determined to recreate its rich, caramelized perfection at home. It has now become her undisputed go-to dessert for entertaining guests, a testament to its unforgettable flavor!

My friend Lynne absolutely adored the Chocolate Bear Claws she discovered at Horizon Court, the seemingly always-open buffet onboard. She loved them so much that she made it a mission to recreate them at home, and judging by their appearance, they look nothing short of amazing!

Yet another culinary inspiration originating from the delightful Horizon Court came from Erin: these charming Mini Pavlovas. She enjoyed them so immensely onboard that she knew she simply had to share how to create these delicate, cloud-like gems, ensuring others could savor their light, sweet perfection.

Sandra was so enamored with the delectable pastries served onboard that she was inspired to create these incredibly delicious-looking Coconut Knots! Their golden, braided appearance and promise of tropical flavor are a perfect echo of the cruise’s sweet offerings.

While onboard, we were granted a fascinating tour of the ship’s galley, where all the delicious culinary magic unfolds! During this behind-the-scenes experience, Stephanie observed the chefs expertly crafting a particular dessert. She was so captivated that she couldn’t wait to get home and recreate it herself – and thus, this magnificent Deep Dish Apple Pie was born!

If this culinary journey has left your mouth watering and sparked your curiosity about the incredible food experience on a Princess Cruise, be sure to explore all the diverse food and dining options here! Have you ever embarked on a cruise adventure? What was your absolute favorite part of the experience, especially when it came to the delightful cuisine?