Princess Cruises new one-of-a-kind wilderness treehouse at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge was revealed on the season finale of Animal Planet’s hit show “Treehouse Masters,” bringing an opportunity to view Denali, North America’s highest peak, from a unique perspective as the latest guest experience enhancement created from its partnership with Discovery Communications.

As the newest addition to the line’s property, the treehouse 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 treehouse provides Princess guests a one-of-a-kind experience to see the south face of Denali from the trees, and is powered by solar panels. At approximately 500 square feet, guests can access the treehouse by hiking the short “hill trail loop” and be rewarded by the ultimate Denali view.

Guests traveling on a Princess Cruises cruisetour will be able to enjoy the treehouse, along with visits to other Princess-owned lodges, and a ride on the Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, saving time on travel and allowing for more time to experience the wilderness of Alaska. Plans are underway for treehouse programming that will be announced in the months leading up to summer 2018.

“The treehouse here at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge was our first-ever build in Alaska,” said Pete Nelson, star of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters.” “We took the opportunity to connect the treehouse with this beautiful frontier by utilizing materials from areas around the state – reclaimed wood from Ketchikan, wooden benches from Palmer – all of these elements will help to connect visitors to Alaska in a unique way.”

A special wilderness treehouse ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge located within Denali State Park, and one of Princess Cruises’ five wilderness lodges. The event featured lumberjack ax throwers and the release of a rehabilitated juvenile bald eagle back into the wild. Dave Salmoni, zoologist and the star of Animal Planet hit show, “Pet Nation Renovation” kicked off the ceremonial event, assisting the lumberjacks by holding the ribbon as it was cut by a swift throw of an ax.

Opening ceremonies for Treehhouse Masters tree house for Princess Cruises at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

“We invite guests visiting Alaska from around the world to join us at our Lodge and the new treehouse,” said Lisa Syme, Princess Cruises vice president. “Alaska provides one of the most unique travel experiences and our new wilderness treehouse encourages our travelers to explore and experience it with child-like curiosity and wonder.”

For nearly 50 years, Princess Cruises has been recognized as the destination leader in Alaska and has been named “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” 10 consecutive years by Travel Weekly magazine. On board, Alaska guests experience the award-winning program, North to Alaska, which includes unique Alaska onboard enrichment , entertainment and food and beverage offerings, as well as Discovery Channel and Animal Planet recommended and exclusive shore excursions, as part of the cruise line’s Discovery at Sea partnership. More information can be found at www.princess.com/alaska.

Starting in 2015, the partnership between Princess Cruises and Discovery Communications began creating memorable vacation experiences for the whole family through the Discovery at Sea program, bringing programming on board the line’s fleet including stargazing, activities featuring Discovery hit shows, Science Channel activities, and immersive Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions.

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