13 of the Best Alaska Cruises for Families

best alaskan cruise line for families

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snow-capped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

NORWEGIAN BLISS

best alaskan cruise line for families

One of the most popular dining options for families on Alaskan cruises is the buffet and casual dining venues. These offer a relaxed and informal atmosphere where families can enjoy a wide selection of delicious meals. The buffet-style setup allows guests to choose from an array of dishes, ranging from fresh salads and seafood to mouth-watering desserts. When it comes to dining options on Alaskan cruises, families will be delighted by the variety of choices available. The cruise lines understand the importance of providing a wide range of options to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of their guests. From casual buffet-style dining to specialty restaurants specifically designed for families, there is something to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Disney Cruise Line

And who can resist the Character Breakfast with choices like Meeska Mooska Mickey Waffle or Buccaneer Bagel (with salmon and cream cheese)? Disney will cater to their dietary needs if your child is cruising with multiple food allergies. Although not completely all-inclusive, standard fares include cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and specialty coffee.

Entertainment and Sports Facilities

Royal Caribbean International offers a variety of Alaska itineraries that are perfect for families. They offer onboard activities like rock climbing, ice skating, and mini-golf, as well as a youth program for kids of all ages. Royal Caribbean also offers flexible dining options and a variety of shore excursions. Alaska cruises first made their debut in 1881, when the Pacific Coast Steamship Company began cruising the Inside Passage aboard its two ships, the Ancon and the Idaho.

Serenade of the Seas

The Serenade of the Seas departs from Vancouver and gives you 7 nights of family-friendly activities and excursions. The ship has everything your family needs for a fun-filled cruise from rock climbing to ice skating. The crew of the ship is pleasant and eager to make your visit unique and memorable, and the staff’s great knowledge of Alaska at por of call is equally impressive. This Signature-class ship makes stops in the popular ports on the 7-day cruise. You can head to shore in Sitka to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and play with bald eagles.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's history here you shouldn't overlook. If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dogsled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. The Camp at Sea divides the children into four age groups; Shipmates 3 to 5, Cadets 6 to 9, Captains 10 to 12, and 13 to 17.

Oceania Cruises

Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks. Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. Guests will enjoy Misty Fjords National Monument and Tongass National Forest.

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.

Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Historical and Cultural Tours

One of the most extensive lines in the world, Carnival offers great Alaskan cruises geared towards families. 3,012 guests can set sail from Seattle on the Carnival Splendor to enjoy the 7-day Alaskan adventure. Families particularly love the Carnival line because of the vast array of amenities to be found onboard.

Family-Friendly Shows and Performances

Kids might enjoy making their own Tagalong sea creature, which randomly appears on large TV screens. Their Discovery program welcomes little ones as young as six months when accompanied by an adult. The Treehouse caters to kids 3 to 7, The Lodge 8 to 12, and 13 to 17-year-olds have a group called The Beach House.

Whether you prefer golf challenges, poolside relaxation, or karaoke, a Holland America Alaska cruise has it all. The main dining room, casual dining rooms, speciality restaurants, lounges, and casinos are just a few of the amenities. For family travelers, UnCruise Adventures has designed specific family-focused departures called Family [F]UnCruise Discoveries.

Skagway is a historic gold rush town that offers a glimpse into Alaska's past. Families can take a ride on the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, or go dog sledding on a glacier. The town also features shops, restaurants, and museums with exhibits on local history and culture. Overall, each cruise line offers unique experiences and amenities that cater to different types of families.

An Alaska family cruise has lots of activities onboard, but also include a port-intensive itinerary. While choosing a cruise line, you’ll also want to factor in times spent in each port. Notably, Crystal is one of the few cruise lines offering complementary launderettes.

I have been to Alaska with Cunard, and it was one of my favorite itineraries. While there are plenty of choices for seeing Alaska by cruise ship, some lines focus on the Alaska experiences and others on the onboard activities. Top picks for Alaska are Holland America and Princess, who have offers cruised to Alaska the longest.

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