Alaska may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a cruise for the whole family, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect destination! With Alaska being such a vast and remote state, a cruise makes it possible to visit many of its remarkable sites. Alaska cruises often get a bad rap for attracting an older crowd, but Alaska is becoming a hot destination for young adults and families. This is for good reason, as Alaska cruises have so much to offer. Not only do these cruise lines offer fantastic amenities that are fun for the entire family, they also offer excursions that will create memories no one will forget.
Cruise Lines
There are over 16 different cruise lines that offer Alaska itineraries. Each one of these has its own unique on board offerings.
Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess are a few of the bigger lines that offer cruises to Alaska. We will focus on the few that are very family friendly!
The Disney Cruise Line is one of our favorites when it comes to family entertainment. They have an abundance of activities for both kids and adults on their ships including excellent kids clubs, adult only areas, and amazing shows. And Disney Cruise line offers rotational dining, which is a popular thing.
Royal Caribbean has a reputation for their expansive ships and a plethora of onboard experiences. There is so much to do onboard, you won’t find a dull moment. Families can enjoy ice skating, laser tag, rock climbing and even zip lining on some of the ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line has several ships sailing the Alaska itinerary. But the newest to the area is the Norwegian Bliss. This is an amazing ship with so much to do like Laser Tag and Race Cars! It's a Buzz Worthy Experience! This ship is also perfect for multi generational family groups that want something for everyone available all day!
Carnival is a popular cruise line with plenty to offer for kids. From water slides to mini golf, there is no shortage of things to do. You can even take the kids to Camp Carnival to have some supervised fun, while the adults go have some fun of their own.
Princess Cruise Line is one of the leaders in the Alaska Market. They are not as strong in the family side, but they do offer kids programming. Princess offers some wonderful land and sea combo packages which makes the trip even more exciting!
It’s easy to find a family-friendly cruise. With all the exciting amenities each cruise line offers, the hardest part will be deciding which one to choose. No matter the ship, it is a fun way to travel to Alaska. Since cruises are all-inclusive, make sure to take advantage of the endless array of food options available. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something they enjoy. It is also worth mentioning that these cruises are an amazing value. With welcoming accommodations, meals and onboard activities included, and being transported to an incredible destination, the prices can’t be beat.
Shore Excursions
Cruise lines are packed full of activities, but the real adventure starts once you step foot on an Alaskan shore. Whale watching is of course an essential part of any Alaska cruise, but there is plenty of wildlife and beautiful scenery to take in. The whole family will have fun trying to spot wild animals, such as moose, caribou, bears, puffins, and bald eagles. The wildlife and landscapes here are breathtaking and offer a great cultural and learning experience, even for young children. It is an unforgettable experience watching glaciers pass by and spotting whales in the ocean.
With a diverse demographic making their way to Alaska, cruise lines offer excursions here that appeal to just about everyone. Many cruise lines have excursions that are suitable for all ages. Hop in a custom dog cart and be pulled by 16 Alaskan Huskies on a Skagway shore excursion. History buffs can take in Alaska’s rich history at the museums in Juneau and those that are adventurous can visit Icy Strait Point for an exhilarating, mile-long zip line. To take in all the nature and scenery offered in Alaska, go for a hike or a canoe ride at just about any stop. Each city in Alaska will have its own unique landscape, history, and its fair share of things to do. Another reason that makes this destination so great when traveling with small children is avoiding the hassle of crowds. Unlike traveling through heavily populated and tourist-ridden cities, you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing your kids are safe by your side.
With more and more cruise lines offering Alaska cruises with a wide array of itineraries, it’s easy to tailor your trip to your family’s wants and needs. There are a surplus of destinations and a variety of trip lengths to choose from. These cruises are available starting in May and lasting through September, the summer months at times offering more than 19 hours of daylight and warm temperatures. If you are looking to avoid crowds and save money, book in May or September. Whatever season you decide to visit, be sure to dress in layers, as the weather can shift quickly throughout the day.
An all-inclusive cruise offering breathtaking views is such a memorable, exciting experience for travelers of all ages. It is no wonder that the demand is increasing for Alaska cruises among families. This is the best time to book for Alaska, so don’t miss out!
Check out our Alaska Planning guide for even more tips and advice! CLICK HERE
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