Best Alaskan Cruise for Families: Charting Your Course

Dreaming of an Alaskan cruise packed with family fun? Let’s dive in. Choosing a cruise line feels like picking a favorite treat—every option has something special to offer. From onboard activities that wow kids to exciting shore excursions, two cruise lines stand out for family adventures.

Disney Cruise Line’s Alaskan Adventure

The Disney Wonder delivers a 7-night journey, tailored for families. Starting in Vancouver and available May through September, this cruise visits Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, or Icy Strait Point. Disney sprinkles its signature magic into every aspect of this experience.

Why Families Love It:

• Dining with a Theme: Eat meals in spaces inspired by Disney movies.
• Cozy Cabins for Families: Staterooms designed with bunk beds for kids.
• Kids Clubs: Interactive zones where imaginations can run wild.
• Excursions: View glaciers along the Stikine Icecap and visit scenic ports.

For more tips on family travel, including what to pack for Costa Rica, check out our recommendations!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Glacier Bay Experience

Set sail on the Norwegian Encore for a 7-night Alaskan adventure. Departing from Seattle, this cruise makes stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. The highlight? A breathtaking journey through Glacier Bay National Park.

Highlights Families Enjoy:

• Onboard Thrills: Laser tag, go-kart tracks, and live shows like “Choir of Man.”
• Excursions to Remember: Whale watching, ziplining, and exploring Tongass National Forest.
• Unique Experiences: Glide through Glacier Bay or sail the Aleutian Ballad from Deadliest Catch.

For more family-friendly excursions, dive into our guides packed with tips and travel ideas.

Both Disney’s magic and Norwegian’s thrills offer unforgettable experiences. Decide which mix of fun, adventure, and family-friendly vibes fits your dream Alaskan trip best.

Family-friendly Activities

An Alaskan cruise isn’t just about the ship; it’s about keeping the whole family entertained, on board and off. Let’s dive into what makes a family cruise unforgettable—youth programs, shore excursions, and onboard perks.

Youth Programs to Keep Kids Happy

Cruises go all out with youth programs that cater to kids of all ages. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kid’s Crew Program is a standout example. It offers fun activities for every age group, run by professionals who know how to engage young travelers.

With such variety, kids have a blast, meet new friends, and enjoy unique experiences, giving parents a chance to relax.

Exciting Shore Excursions

What’s a cruise without incredible shore excursions? They’re the heart of every stop, delivering adventure and discovery for the whole family.

• Fishing Excursions: Try your hand at reeling in dinner. The kids might even land a story-worthy catch!
• Bear Viewing: Witness Alaska’s mighty brown bears in their natural habitat. It’s awe-inspiring and perfect for a family memory.
• Glacier Adventures: Get up close to massive glaciers. Walk on them or cruise nearby—an unforgettable sight either way.

These excursions create lasting memories and let families experience Alaska’s wonders together.

Onboard Amenities to Enhance Your Cruise

Family-friendly cruises offer thoughtful touches to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Stateroom Options

Cruise cabins are designed to suit families, whether you’re traveling with a toddler or teens. Most ships offer cribs on request and rooms that fit five or more people comfortably.

Budget tip: Some cruise lines allow toddlers under 2 to sail for the cost of port charges and taxes—perfect for saving a little extra.

Babysitting Services for Adult Time

Parents can enjoy adult-only areas while kids have their own fun. Babysitting services let little ones relax in a slumber-party atmosphere until late at night.

These amenities ensure a stress-free experience for the whole family.

Ready for your Alaskan adventure? Whether it’s youth programs, shore excursions, or onboard perks, picking the right cruise sets the stage for family memories you’ll treasure forever.

Unique Alaska Experiences

If you’re scoping out the most epic Alaskan cruise for your family, prepare for adventures packed with glacier sledding and wildlife encounters. Let’s explore two of the top experiences: dog sledding on glaciers and wildlife viewing.

Dog Sledding on Glaciers: A Must-Do Adventure

Imagine this: zooming across a blanket of ice with a team of energetic sled dogs, surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Alaska’s icy wilderness. Dog sledding on glaciers is a quintessential Alaskan experience that blends culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

Here’s how it works:

• Your family boards a helicopter to reach a remote glacier.
• Professional mushers introduce you to the art of dog sledding.
• Once prepped, you and your family take an exhilarating ride through the icy expanse.

For a similar vibe, check out the 7-night Alaska Adventure aboard Quantum of the Seas. It starts in Seattle and visits ports like Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau.

Wildlife Viewing: A Spectacle for All Ages

Alaska’s wildlife offers an up-close encounter with nature like no other. From graceful whales to playful otters, mighty bears, and majestic bald eagles, every moment feels like a scene from a nature documentary.

Top Wildlife Tours:

• Whale Watching: Witness humpback whales breaching and orcas gliding through the water.
• Bear Viewing: Spot brown bears in their natural habitat, a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
• Eagle Watching: Marvel at these magnificent birds soaring above Alaska’s rugged landscape.

For a wildlife-packed itinerary, hop on the 7-night Alaska cruise aboard Carnival Spirit. This journey includes stops at Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, ensuring plenty of opportunities to see Alaska’s iconic creatures.

Want to increase your chances of wildlife encounters? Book a guided tour with local experts partnered with your cruise line.

Adventurous Itineraries for Thrill-Seeking Families

Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise

This 8-day adventure departs from Juneau and immerses families in nature’s wonders. With glacier views, endless valleys, and abundant wildlife, it’s an ideal pick for families of all ages.

Key Perks:

• Tailored “Kids in Nature” activities like kayaking, hiking, and skiff rides.
• Knowledgeable guides who ensure fun and learning for children.
• A $500 discount for kids aged 8–17 (non-holiday departures).

Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

For a different vibe, try the 8-day Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness aboard National Geographic Quest or Venture. This cruise combines education, adventure, and breathtaking sights, offering activities such as kayaking, shore walks, and boat rides.

Young adventurers under 18 get a $500 discount, making it a family-friendly choice that doesn’t break the bank.

Alaskan Gems

Thinking about setting sail on an Alaskan cruise that’s perfect for the whole family? Choosing the right route makes all the difference. From intimate small-ship adventures to activity-packed family programs, here’s your guide to the best Alaskan cruises for families.

Top Cruise Picks for Families

Glacier Bay & Island Adventure

Set off on the Glacier Bay & Island Adventure, an 8-day journey aboard the small but cozy Alaskan Dream. With just 40 guests, this cruise delivers a personalized experience filled with cultural immersion and stunning scenery.

Families love the 15% savings on tickets for kids aged 15 and under, making it a budget-friendly option. This small-ship cruise offers hands-on activities and easy access to Alaska’s pristine wilderness, perfect for young adventurers.

Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure

For wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, the Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure is a 6-day escapade aboard the intimate M/V Sea Wolf. Nestled within Glacier Bay National Park, this cruise blends nature exploration with kid-friendly activities.

With a team of naturalist guides, kids don’t just observe nature—they actively engage with it. From kayaking to guided hikes, this cruise is packed with activities that entertain while educating.

You can read Costa Rica escapades.

Kid-Friendly Programs

Holland America’s Junior Ranger Program

Sailing aboard the Koningsdam, Holland America’s Junior Ranger Program runs on the 7-day Inside Passage route from Vancouver. Stops include Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Inlet, where park rangers guide kids through interactive activities.

Kids earn their Junior Ranger badge while learning about Alaska’s unique wildlife and landscapes, making this cruise as educational as it is exciting.

UnCruise Adventures for Families

For families seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship experiences with big thrills. Think kayaking near glaciers, hiking untouched trails, and spotting wildlife up close.

With flexible programs tailored to family dynamics, this option combines adventure with unforgettable bonding moments.

Exciting Excursions for All Ages

Families can experience everything from spotting whales to zip-lining through forests. For an educational twist, check out excursions where naturalists lead activities designed for younger audiences.

Which Cruise is Right for Your Family?

Both options promise a mix of family fun and awe-inspiring nature. Choose based on your family’s preferences for ship size, activity levels, and destinations.

Featured Image Source: ochristine.com