Written by, Colleen Glasby (Spirit of Adventure Travel agent)
Why Our Family Fell in Love with Alaskan Cruises
When most families first think about cruises, tropical destinations usually come to mind. Caribbean beaches, swimming pools, and endless sunshine (and if you’re not sure which cruise is best for your family, check out my other post!). But one of the most magical and family-friendly cruise destinations is often overlooked- Alaska. I have been fortunate to visit Alaska by cruise three times, the last voyage being with my two young children (both boys ages 5 and 2). Taking younger children on a cruise to Alaska may sound adventurous (and maybe even a little daunting), but it can be one of the most memorable and rewarding vacations you’ll ever experience together. Here’s why I think Alaskan Cruises are the best for families!
1. Alaska Brings the Magic of Nature to Life
Books and movies are filled with bears, whales, eagles, and glaciers- and in Alaska, your kids will see these things for real! Imagine their excitement spotting a humpback whale’s tail splashing into the sea, or pointing to a bald eagle soaring overhead. These moments spark curiosity and create connections to the natural world that no picture book or TV show can replicate. Little adventurers can discover how glaciers are formed, why salmon swim upstream, and how indigenous communities live in harmony with nature. These lessons are woven into hands-on experiences like watching a lumberjack show, visiting a totem pole park, or stepping onto a glacier. Learning becomes an adventure!
2. Kid-Friendly Adventures at Every Port
One of the best things about the Alaskan Cruises are the ports of call. Alaskan ports of call, like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, all offer family-oriented excursions. From easy hikes to gold panning, dog-sled demonstrations, and wildlife tours, the activities are designed to engage kids at their level. Many excursions are short enough to fit young children’s attention spans, but exciting enough to leave lasting memories. My boys loved visiting the Fortress of the Bear and Raptor Center in Sitka, and connected viewing the animals to the DisneyNature Bears film (also filmed in Alaska!).
3. A Stress-Free Way to Explore the Wild
Traveling with young children can be overwhelming—packing, unpacking, finding places to eat, and keeping everyone entertained. A cruise ship takes the stress away. Your floating hotel travels with you, meals are included, and there’s always something fun for kids to do onboard. Parents can relax knowing that logistics are handled, while kids enjoy both adventure ashore and comfort at sea. And if you’re always looking for ways to beat the heat with little ones, you’re in luck! The cooler weather of Alaska is a huge benefit, but be prepared for varying temperatures by packing in layers. We packed our boys a water repellent raincoat, sweatshirt, and light winter jacket. Check out ourpacking list for cruises, with a special section for Alaskan Cruise itineraries.
4. Onboard Entertainment for Kids
All of the best cruise lines that sail to Alaska often have excellent kids’ clubs, splash areas, play zones, and family activities. On our last family cruise to Alaska, we learned about volcanic activity and even built our own erupting volcano! My 5 year old also enjoyed listening to onboard naturalists share information about the wildlife he was about to see the following day (his own personal Wilderness Explorer). This balance of onboard fun with off-ship exploration means your children will always have something to look forward to.
5. Family Memories That Last a Lifetime
I know all too well that vacationing with young children can be enjoyable and exhausting (sometimes both at the same time). I also know that years later, my two year old might not remember the souvenir he just had to have, but he’ll remember the time they stood on the top deck of a cruise ship watching glaciers sparkle in the sun. An Alaskan cruise creates those once-in-a-lifetime moments that become part of your family’s story. Now that’s magic!
Now that you know so many amazing reasons why you should take an Alaskan cruise with your family, you might be asking, “but which cruise line is best for an Alaskan cruise?” The answer is – it depends! Part of the benefit of working with a travel advisor is listening to the needs, wants, and dreams of your family and allowing us to pair the best possible options. The magic happens when we can find the perfect ship, itinerary, and stateroom for your family.
Are you ready to create memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime? From spotting whales splashing in the waves to cozying up together while glaciers drift by, the experiences of an Alaskan cruise are equal parts awe-inspiring and comforting. Best of all, a cruise gives parents peace of mind, knowing that meals, activities, and logistics are taken care of. Alaska may feel like a faraway adventure, but on a cruise, it becomes an accessible and unforgettable journey the whole family can enjoy.
An Alaskan cruise with kids is easier than you think, and more magical than you can imagine. Start planning your family’s adventure today with one of our agents, so we can handle all the details while you focus on making magical memories!
