Princess Cruises Invites Guests to Play in the Trees During 2018

Princess Cruises has announced the 2018 programming to be featured at the line’s custom designed wilderness tree house located at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. The tree house is a new addition to the guest experience that allows guests an opportunity to view Denali, North America’s highest peak, while enjoying themed activities and socializing with fellow travelers, all amongst the trees. The tree house was built during an episode of Animal Planet’s hit show “Treehouse Masters,” in association with the line’s partnership with Discovery Communications, which premiered during the season finale in fall 2017.

The tree house was the first-ever designed and constructed in Alaska by Pete Nelson, the star of the hit TV series. As one of the highest land-based north-facing viewing areas, the tree house provides Princess guests a one-of-a-kind experience to see the south face of Denali from atop the trees, and is powered by solar panels. At approximately 500 square feet, guests can access the tree house by hiking the short “hill trail loop” and be rewarded with the ultimate Denali view.

For nearly 50 years, Princess Cruises has been recognized as a destination leader in Alaska, taking more guests to the Great Land than any other cruise company with its largest deployment ever in 2018. Guests traveling on a Princess Cruises cruise tour will be able to enjoy the tree house, along with visits to other Princess-owned lodges, and a ride on the exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, saving time on travel and allowing for more time to experience the Denali-area. In 2018, tree house activities and programming include:

Tales from The Sourdough Expedition

Hosted by author, world record holder and amputee mountain climber, Todd Huston, guests will follow along a chronicle of the first successful ascent of Denali, the Sourdough Expedition. Participants will meet Huston and fellow adventurers before beginning their very own trek to the line’s new wilderness tree house. Stories of the first successful ascent will entertain guests as the group explores area trails, ending the journey with a cup of hot cocoa and doughnuts at the tree house summit. Guests are invited to join the 45-minute expedition five days a week for a nominal charge.

Sappy Hour

Found in the interior of Alaska, boreal forests are carpeted with Birch and Spruce trees, providing ideal conditions for sustainable syrup production. Beginning in 2018, guests can gather with fellow foodies inside the tree house for a unique and rare sampling of birch syrups and other tree-inspired products. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about Birch trees and the process of harvesting birch syrup. Sappy Hour will run daily at the tree house for a nominal charge per guest.

Trivia at the Treehouse

Guests are challenged to test their knowledge of The Great Land with an afternoon of brain-busting fun. Hosted by the lodge’s resident naturalist, guests will experience trivia like never before, taking in unprecedented views of North America’s highest peak from the trees. Trivia will take place daily, and participation is complimentary for lodge guests.