Alaska is a popular cruise destination for families looking for adventure and breathtaking scenery. With its glaciers, wildlife, and vast wilderness, Alaska offers a unique and exciting vacation experience. If you are looking for the best Alaskan cruise for families, there are many options to consider.
The easiest and most convenient way is to go on an Alaskan cruise and join site excursions when the ship docks on different ports. Or you can drive or take a land tour, and then join a day cruise, which is what we did in our Alaska travel itinerary with kids. We went on the 26 Glaciers Cruise of Phillips Cruises where we saw 26 glaciers plus fjords. Unlike big cruises with their sheer size, this tour with a smaller ship allowed us to get closer to the glaciers.
However, if you don’t have time to plan or prefer convenience, going on an Alaskan cruise is a great option too. Here, we will highlight the best Alaskan cruises for families, including the attractions, dining options, excursions, activities, and prices available on each ship.
Attractions
- The natural beauty of Alaska is a major draw for families on an Alaskan cruise. From glaciers and fjords to wildlife and forests, there is much to see and explore in Alaska that you and your kids will enjoy.
- Many Alaskan cruises offer scenic cruising opportunities, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views from the ship’s comfort.
- Many ships also offer educational and interactive experiences, such as onboard naturalists and science centers, to help families learn about the region and its wildlife.
- The historic gold rush town of Skagway and the bustling city of Juneau, the capital of Alaska, are popular stops for families on an Alaskan cruise.
Dining Options
- The great thing about going on a cruise is you don’t have to research where to eat. Alaskan cruises offer various dining options to accommodate different tastes and preferences.
- Family-friendly restaurants serve up hearty, comforting meals and buffets offer a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Specialty restaurants offer fine dining experiences for those who want to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a romantic evening.
- Many ships also have casual eateries, such as cafes and snack bars, for families who want a quick bite.
- The downside is you are limited to the dining options offered by the cruise line you are on. You will miss homegrown cafes and restaurants in Alaska itself.
Excursions
- Alaskan cruises offer a variety of excursions to help families explore the region and its attractions.
- Popular excursions include whale watching, bear watching, and glacier viewing, which give you a chance to see Alaska’s wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
- Some cruises also offer more adventure-oriented excursions, such as kayaking, rafting, and hiking, for families who are seeking an active and thrilling experience.
- Cultural experiences, such as native dance performances and demonstrations, provide families with a unique and authentic insight into the local way of life.
- You will have to pay extra for these excursions, of course. And it is possible you could run out of slots.
- While there are plenty of excursions to choose from, you have a limited time to do them, so it can feel like you’re in a rush. It’s one reason we opted to go on land and take a day cruise instead. We had all the time to do different excursions without feeling rushed.
Activities
- One thing cruise lines are great at is offering all sorts of activities, most of them free. Alaskan cruises offer a range of activities and entertainment options for families of all ages.
- Onboard pools, water slides, and hot tubs provide a fun and refreshing escape from the cooler Alaskan weather.
- Kids’ clubs and teen lounges offer supervised activities and social opportunities for children and teenagers.
- Adults can relax and unwind at spas, bars, and nightclubs or participate in fitness classes, trivia games, and cooking demonstrations.
- Going on a cruise is like staying in an all-inclusive (or at least near-inclusive) family-friendly resort on the water.
- One downside is you might feel stuck on the ship for several hours. And while you can do all these activities, you will be missing out on local Alaskan experiences that you could be enjoying instead.
Prices
- The cost of an Alaskan cruise varies depending on the cruise line, the itinerary, and the type of cabin you choose.
- Budget-friendly options, such as interior cabins or budget-friendly ships, are available for families who are looking for an affordable vacation.
- More luxurious options, such as balcony cabins or premium ships, are available for families who want a more upscale experience.
- Prices can range from a few hundred dollars per person for a short, budget-friendly cruise to several thousand dollars for a longer, more luxurious experience.
When choosing an Alaskan cruise for your family, it’s important to consider your budget, travel dates, and the interests and preferences of your family members. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect cruise that offers the attractions, dining options, excursions, activities, and prices that are right for your family.
Best Alaskan Cruises for Families
Some of the best Alaskan cruises for families include:
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers a 7-night Alaskan itinerary on the Disney Wonder that is perfect for families (there are also 5, 8, and 9-night options). A 7-day cruise usually includes three full-port days with the rest at sea.
This being operated by Disney, you can expect Broadway-quality shows, Disney movie screenings, fireworks at sea, and Disney character meetups. You can pay extra for the Royal Court Royal Tea with Disney characters, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirate’s League, which offers magical makeovers for children.
Another great thing with a Disney Cruise: its kids clubs! There’s Disney’s Oceaneer Club for kids, Edge for young teens, and Vibe for older teens. It’s definitely the best Alaskan cruise for families.
The 7-night Alaskan tour from Vancouver sails to:
- Stikine Icecap
- Skagway
- Juneau
- Ketchikan
Excursions include whale watching, bear viewing, and scenic railway tours.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International’s Alaskan cruises are varied and plentiful, from 6 nights to 13 nights. You have options for one-way and round-trip. Its 7-night Alaska Inside Package cruise from Vancouver will take you to:
- Inside Passage
- Sitka
- Juneau
- Haines
- Tracy Arm Fjord
There are various activities and excursions for families, including kayaking, glacier walking, and wildlife watching. Onboard, kids can do mini-golf, rock climbing, wave-surfing, and ice-skating. The ships also offer kids’ clubs, pools, a hangout place for tweens, and teen disco.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaskan cruises offer a range of activities and excursions for families, including whale watching, kayaking, and scenic railway tours. The interesting thing about their cruises is that they combine land tours with ocean tours. For example, the 14-day Authentic Alaska cruise includes a 7-day land tour in Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Denali and a 7-day Glacier Bay Cruise from Vancouver.
It includes:
- Overnights in Homer, Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks
- Riverboat cruise and city tour of Fairbanks
- Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali
- Deluxe Dome Railcar journey from Talkeetna to Denali
- A visit to Talkeetna
- Private tour at an Iditarod sled dog musher’s kennel
- The Kenai Peninsula and the artsy fishing community of Homer
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center tours
It also offers options with no land tours. For example, it’s 7-day Alaskan cruise from Seattle covers:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Glacier Bay
- Ketchikan
- Victoria, British Columbia
The ships also pools, waterslides, a go-kart race track, a water park, water slides, ocean loops, and open-air laser tag that kids will love. Youth programs include Guppies for babies, Splash Academy for toddlers and kids, and Entourage for kids. Entertainment is geared more towards adults or older teens, however.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers a 7-night Alaskan itinerary on the Carnival Luminosa that is perfect for families. It goes from Seattle to:
- Juneau
- Skagway
- Tracy Arm Fjord
- Ketchikan
- Victoria, British Columbia
With its kids’ clubs, entertainment, and dining options, there is something for everyone on board. The cruise includes poolside dine-in movies, giant waterslides, a comedy club, and musical productions. Excursions include whale watching, bear viewing, and scenic railway tours. There are also dedicated entertainment zones for kids, teens, and adults.
Regardless of the cruise line you choose, an Alaskan cruise is a unique and memorable experience for families. With its natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure opportunities, Alaska offers a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience that your family will never forget. So pack your bags, get ready to explore, and book your Alaskan cruise today!
