The Ultimate Guide to an Alaska Cruise with Kids: Tips for an Unforgettable Family Adventure

An Alaska cruise with kids is the ultimate family adventure! Watch your children spot their first whale, stand on a glacier, and meet sled dog puppies. This guide reveals everything you need: cruise line comparisons, excursion reviews, packing lists, budgets, and pro tips!

Planning an Alaska cruise with kids? You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime! Imagine your children’s faces when they spot their first whale breaching, watch a massive glacier calve into the sea, or see a bear fishing for salmon in the wild. An Alaskan cruise offers families the perfect combination of breathtaking natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and onboard entertainment that keeps everyone from toddlers to teens engaged.

But let’s be honest—cruising to Alaska with children requires more planning than a Caribbean beach vacation. The weather is unpredictable, excursions can be lengthy, and packing for everything from hiking to formal dinners takes strategy. I’ve taken my family on one Alaska cruise, and I’m sharing everything I learned to help you avoid the rookie mistakes and create magical memories your kids will talk about for years.

Whether you have preschoolers, elementary-aged children, or teenagers, this comprehensive guide will walk you through choosing the right cruise line, packing essentials, selecting kid-friendly excursions, and making the most of both port days and sea days.

>>>Read: Cruise Tips with Kids!

Quick Takeaways: Alaska Cruise with Kids

• Best time to cruise: Late May through early September for warmest weather and longest daylight
• Ideal cruise length: 7 days minimum; 10-14 days for deeper exploration
• Most kid-friendly cruise lines: Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian
• Essential gear: Layered clothing, rain jackets, binoculars, motion sickness remedies
• Top kid-approved excursions: Wildlife viewing, dog sledding, zip-lining, gold panning
• Biggest surprise: Alaska is warmer than you think in summer (50-65°F typical) but also very rainy

What Age is Best for an Alaska Cruise with Kids?

This is the first question most parents ask, and the answer is: it depends on your family and what you value most. Some cruises are cheap. Alaskan cruises are NOT cheap.

Toddlers (Ages 2-4): Alaska cruises can absolutely work with toddlers, but they won’t remember the trip. The value here is for YOU—you’ll enjoy the scenery while they play in the kids’ club. Ships have excellent childcare for potty-trained children. The downside is that many excursions have age minimums (usually 4-6 years old), so your port days will be limited.

Young Elementary (Ages 5-8): This is a fantastic age! Kids are old enough to participate in most excursions, young enough to be genuinely excited about everything, and will likely remember the trip some. They qualify for kids’ clubs, love the buffet freedom, and are endlessly entertained by whale watching.

Tweens (Ages 9-12): The sweet spot! Old enough for all excursions, able to appreciate the natural beauty, excited about wildlife, and still enthusiastic about spending time with family. They’ll love the adventure aspects—zip-lining, kayaking, glacier trekking.

Teens (Ages 13+): Can be amazing if your teen enjoys nature and adventure. The key is involving them in planning and choosing excursions they’re excited about. Many cruise lines have excellent teen programs. Photography-loving teens especially thrive in Alaska. We went with teens and they all loved it.

My recommendation: Go with your kids as old as possible. If you can wait until your youngest is 6-7 years old, you’ll have maximum excursion flexibility while they’re still in that magical “everything is amazing” phase. My youngest was 12 when we went.

Best Time to Cruise Alaska with Children

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through September, but timing matters significantly when traveling with kids. You will also want to take school schedules into consideration when choosing your timing. A great thing about an Alaskan cruise is that it is a trip you can take in the summer that isn’t too hot!

Late May through Early June

Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices, spring blooms, active wildlife (bears fishing, baby animals)

Cons: Cooler weather (45-55°F), possible rain, some attractions not yet open

Best for: Budget-conscious families, kids who don’t mind cooler weather

Mid-June through July

Pros: Warmest weather (55-65°F), longest daylight (nearly 24 hours at summer solstice), all attractions open, salmon runs begin

Cons: Peak pricing, most crowded, books up quickly

Best for: Families who want guaranteed warm-ish weather, those with school-age kids on summer break. We left the end of June and into the beginning of July

August

Pros: Still warm, salmon runs in full swing (best bear viewing!), Northern Lights possible late in the month, slightly fewer crowds than July

Cons: Days getting shorter, kids back in school in some districts, prices still high

Best for: Families with flexible school schedules, wildlife enthusiasts

September

Pros: Fall colors stunning, good prices, fewer families (quieter), Northern Lights more visible

Cons: Cooler and rainier, shorter days, some attractions closing, kids in school

Best for: Families who homeschool or can pull kids from school, those seeking deals

Our family’s choice: We cruised in late June and early July. We really lucked out with great weather all around and saw lots of wildlife

Choosing the Best Alaska Cruise Line for Families

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to kids. Here’s my assessment of the top family-friendly options:

Disney Cruise Line

Ages: Best for 3-12 year olds

Why families love it: Character experiences, exceptional kids’ clubs (Oceaneer Club is legendary), Broadway-quality shows, impeccable service, familiar characters ease anxiety for younger kids, great for Disney-loving families

Why to chose alternatives: Significantly more expensive, only 7-day sailings, itineraries don’t include Hubbard Glacier

Price range: $$$$$ (Premium luxury pricing)

Royal Caribbean

Ages: Best for 6-16 year olds

Why families love it: Adventure Ocean kids’ program is excellent, teen areas are cool, rock climbing walls, ice skating, amazing entertainment, good variety of excursions

Why we love it: Great value for what you get, food is good, ships are newer with modern amenities, excellent teen programs

Price range: $$$ (Mid-range to upper mid-range)

Princess Cruises

Ages: Best for 8+ or multi-generational trips

Why families love it: Discovery at SEA program with National Geographic photographers and naturalists, excellent Alaska expertise (they’ve been sailing Alaska for 50+ years), beautiful ship design

Why some skip it: Kids’ programs are smaller/less elaborate than Royal Caribbean or Disney, feels more adult-oriented

Price range: $$$ (Mid-range)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Ages: Best for 5-15 year olds

Why families love it: Freestyle cruising means no set dining times (huge win with kids!), excellent kids’ clubs, splash academy, teens-only areas, lots of dining options

Price range: $$-$$$ (Budget-friendly to mid-range)

Holland America

Ages: Best for 12+ or multi-generational where grandparents are primary decision-makers

Why some families choose it: Club HAL kids’ program is good during summer Alaska season, excellent ship reputation, wonderful naturalist programs

Why younger families often skip it: Definitely skews older, fewer kids on board (can be lonely for only children), less family-focused

Price range: $$$-$$$$ (Upper mid-range to luxury)

Our experience: We sailed Royal Caribbean. We like this company, the service they provide, and the amenities on the ship.

Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska: Which Route is Better for Families?

You’ll choose between two main routes, and each has advantages for families:

Inside Passage (Round-Trip from Seattle or Vancouver)

Typical ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria or Vancouver BC

Pros:

• No flights needed if driving to Seattle
• Calmer waters = less seasickness
• Easier for younger kids (shorter travel day)
• Usually 7 days

Cons:

• Don’t see Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier (the most dramatic scenery)
• Ports can feel repetitive by end of cruise
• Miss the Gulf of Alaska’s dramatic coastline

Best for: Families with younger kids (under 8), first-time cruisers, those prone to motion sickness, families who want lower cost

Gulf of Alaska (One-Way: Vancouver to Seward or Reverse)

Typical ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, plus Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, Seward

Pros:

• See the best glaciers (Glacier Bay or Hubbard)
• More diverse itinerary
• Option to add land tour before/after
• Don’t repeat ports
• Usually 7-10 days

Cons:

• Requires flights (adds cost and complexity)
• Rougher waters in Gulf of Alaska
• Travel day longer with flight + transfer
• Usually more expensive

Best for: Families with kids 8+, those wanting the “ultimate” Alaska experience, families combining cruise with land tour

What we did: Our first cruise was Inside Passage (round-trip Seattle). We flew to and from Seattle and spent some time in the city of Seattle, also. Our ports were:

• Sitka
• Skagway
• Edicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
• Juneau
• Victoria

How Long Should Your Alaska Cruise Be?

7 Days: The standard cruise length. Gives you 3-4 port days plus scenic cruising. This is sufficient for families with younger kids or those on a budget. You’ll see highlights but it goes FAST.

10 Days: Sweet spot for families who can swing it. Usually includes additional ports like Icy Strait Point or Sitka, more time for glaciers, less rushed feeling.

12-14 Days: Luxury option that includes either a longer cruise or cruise + land tour. Fantastic if your kids are old enough to appreciate it (10+) and you have the vacation time.

Our recommendation: Start with 7 days for your first Alaska cruise, especially if kids are younger. If they love it (and they will), plan a longer trip when they’re older and you want to. But I will say, I don’t think our family would really want to cruise more than 7 days. You get so full of food and can start to feel confined. It is smart to start shorter and see if you could enjoy a longer trip.

Overview of Our Trip

Here is a basic overview of our trip:

• Royal Caribbean: Anthem of the Seas
• June 26: Flew to Seattle and stayed overnight
• June 27: Embarkment and departure day
• June 28: Sea day (sea days were the worst for seasickness)
• June 29: Sitka
• June 30: Skagway
• July 1: Edicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (STUNNING!). Then Juneau
• July 2: Sea Day
• July 3: Victoria
• July 4: Disembarkment. Spent day sightseeing in Seattle
• July 5: Flew home

See my Instagram reel with tons of pictures from our trip here!

Essential Packing List for Alaska Cruise with Kids

This is where parents often go wrong. Remember rain is common all summer long. The part of Alaska we went to is a rainforest. Here’s what you REALLY need:

Clothing Essentials

The Layering System (Pack This for Each Person):

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking long underwear (yes, even in summer!)
• Mid layer: Fleece jacket or zip-up hoodie
• Outer layer: Waterproof rain jacket with hood (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
• Backup: Lightweight puffy jacket for early mornings on deck

Daily Wear for Kids:

• 2-3 pairs long pants (jeans, athletic pants, hiking pants)
• 1 pair shorts (for ship only)
• 5-6 short-sleeve shirts
• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts
• 1-2 sweaters or hoodies
• Rain pants (for active excursions—kids WILL sit in puddles)
• 7+ pairs socks (they get wet!)
• Underwear for each day plus extras
• Swimsuit (ship has pools/hot tubs)
• 1-2 nicer outfits for formal nights

Footwear (This Matters!):

• Waterproof hiking boots or shoes (worn on travel day)
• Sneakers for ship
• Sandals or Crocs for ship/cabin
• Rubber boots if doing beach excursions (or buy cheap ones in port)

Accessories:

• Warm winter hat or beanie for each person
• Lightweight gloves (yes, in July!)
• Sunglasses (glaciers are BRIGHT)
• Baseball cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Anything you like for rain gear. Rain coat, umbrella, etc.
• Coat or Jacket

Gear You’ll Use Every Single Day

Absolute Must-Haves:

• Binoculars: Get one pair for each child 6+. Wildlife spotting is half the fun! We use Celestron Nature DX 8×42.
• Dry bags: For electronics during shore excursions
• Backpack: For each family member for day trips
• Reusable water bottles: Ships have fill stations
• Power strip: Cabins have limited outlets
• Motion sickness remedies: Even on calm days–we had two kids get VERY motion sick on this cruise who hadn’t been motion sick on a Caribbean cruise.
  • Sea-Bands for kids
  • Dramamine for adults
  • Ginger candies
  • Prescription patches if you’re very prone
• Sunscreen: The sun is stronger than you think, especially around glaciers
• Bug spray: Essential for rainforest excursions (Skagway, Ketchikan)

Highly Recommended:

• Camera with good zoom (phone cameras don’t cut it for wildlife)
• Portable phone charger
• Ziplock bags (for wet clothes, snacks, treasures)
• Small first aid kit
• Medications you might need
• Hand warmers (for early morning glacier viewing)
• Waterproof phone cases (really nice for outdoor excursions)
• Games to play as a family
• Books

For Younger Kids:

• Stroller or baby carrier for port days (cities have hills!)
• Favorite stuffed animal or comfort item
• Tablet loaded with movies/games for sea days
• Snacks from home (ship food might not appeal to picky eaters)
• Nightlight
• Sound machine

What to Leave Home:

• Hair dryers (provided in cabin)
• Beach towels (ship provides)
• Formal wear beyond 1-2 outfits
• Excessive shoes

Our packing hack: Use packing cubes for each child. One cube for shirts, one for pants, one for accessories. Makes repacking after excursions so much easier!

Best Kid-Friendly Shore Excursions by Port

This is where your Alaska cruise comes alive! Make sure you book as soon as you know what you want to do. We booked most things through our ship just so we didn’t have to worry about transportation or if the ship ended up being late or something.

It is wise to leave time open at some ports for just exploring. You do not want to overbook yourself.Here are fun options to consider:

All Ports

Essentially, every port you visit will have some common options for things to do. Consider options that you want to do in general and spread them out among the ports. Here are some common activities:

• Whale watching
• Kyaking
• Helicopter or plane ride
• Fishing
• Hiking

Take note of what is UNIQUE at each port and decide if that is a must for you. If so, book that at that port.

Juneau

There is a LOT of wildlife in Juneau. This is where we saw the most wildlife just out and about. This is also a really good place to get souvenirs, so don’t stress about needing to find them in other small towns you visit.

There are also a lot of glaciers here. You can only get into Juneau by boat or plane because the mountain passes are full of glaciers.

Juneau gets 30-40 days of sun A YEAR, so expect rain and clouds. We did happen to get one of those sunny days while we were there, but you can see in the image above that “sunny day” is still pretty cloudy.

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Combo (Ages 4+, 4-5 hours)

• Why kids love it: See massive glacier AND whales in one trip
• What to know: Long day but worth it, bring snacks
• Cost: $$-$$$

Glacier Helicopter & Dog Sled Tour (Ages 5+, 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Helicopter ride, land ON a glacier, meet sled dog puppies
• What to know: Weather-dependent (books up fast!)
• Cost: $$$$

Zip-Lining Adventure (Ages 8+, usually 70+ lbs, 3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Flying through rainforest, adrenaline rush
• What to know: Weight/height requirements vary
• Cost: $$-$$$

Whale Watching (All ages, 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Humpback whales breaching, orcas if lucky
• What to know: Bring motion sickness meds, dress WARM
• Cost: $$-$$$

Gold Panning & Salmon Bake (All ages, 2-3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Keep the gold they find, learn history, eat delicious salmon
• What to know: Great for younger kids or those who need easier excursions
• Cost: $-$$

Whale Watching and Salmon Bake (all ages): WHAT WE DID

• Why kids love it: Two-for-one experience—see whales in morning, feast on salmon afterward, kids get really hungry after whale watching so the timing is perfect
• What to know: Best value excursion in Juneau! Salmon bake is all-you-can-eat with sides, includes outdoor seating overlooking the water, usually includes beer/wine for adults
• Tip: Book the earliest whale watch slot if possible—calmer seas and more active whales, then kids are ready to devour salmon by lunchtime

This is an excursion we did. We loved the salmon bake. It was a quaint location outdoors with delicious food. It feels like a must to eat salmon while in Alaska. The whale watching was fun, HOWEVER this was at the end of our trip and we had already seen so many whales up to this point on another excursion and also from the ship. We had seen gray whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, and orcas. If I knew exactly how our trip would have gone and was planning today, I would have taken the time we had to do the Goldbert Tram instead and perhaps the Mendenhall Glacier.

Skagway

Skagway was one of our favorite stops. Collectively, it was our very favorite stop. It is a gold mining town close to the Canadian border. There is a cute, short hike to a waterfall in this town, also.

White Pass Scenic Railway (All ages, 3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Historic train, stunning views, great for all ages
• What to know: Can be cold even in summer, sit on right side going up for best views
• Cost: $$
• Parent tip: Book early—this sells out!

Yukon Suspension Bridge & Gardens (Ages 6+, 4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Suspension bridge, walking through temperate rainforest
• What to know: Moderate walking required
• Cost: $$

Dog Mushing Experience (Ages 5+, 2.5 hours)

• Why kids love it: Ride on wheeled sled, meet puppies, learn about Iditarod
• What to know: Not on snow in summer (wheeled sleds)
• Cost: $$-$$$

White Pass Summit & Emerald Lake (Ages 6+, 5 hours)

• Why kids love it: Canadian border crossing, beautiful scenery, easy hike
• What to know: Long drive, bring passports!
• Cost: $$

Helicopter Tours

There are various helicopter tours you can take in Skagway. The helicopter pad is right by the ship port. We did not do a helicopter at all in Alaska. We have done it in Hawaii, so I am sure it would be breathtaking! It is also very expensive per person.

• Why kids love it: Riding on a helicopter!
• What to know: You can book glacier hikes or dog sledding along with the helicopter
• Cost: $$$$$

Jeep Rental: WHAT WE DID

We LOVED this. We were set to book the train when a friend highly recommended renting a jeep instead and driving ourselves. The introverts in our family loved this idea because we could in a car by ourselves. We really loved it! There are so many breathtaking views along the drive. We were able to actually stop and look at the views (in the train, you just go). We were able to take pictures and go at our own pace.

With the drive, you are able to continue on to Emerald Lake. The train does not take you that far. We were also able to easily drive to the waterfall hike rather than having to pay to be transported there or walk all the way there.

We booked through DIY Jeep Tours. They say up to 5 people, but we had 6, so you can call and see if they have a vehicle that will fit 6 if you need. They provide an interactive tour guide that is pre-recorded so you learn some of the history of the town and understand what you are seeing on the way.

Tip: Get there as soon as they open in the morning. The renal process is very slow, even when you already have a reservation. Be first in line so you can head out right away.

Sitka

Our first port was Sitka. We loved this little town! Not many cruises stop here, but it was one of our favorite stops. This town has Russian influence you can still see in some of the buildings, like St. Michael Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House. This is an easy town to do on your own without excursions. We did an excursion and then went to town and walked around.

They recommend you book transportation ahead of time. They have a free shuttle bus from the port to the town. We were the only ship there, so the shuttles were not busy at all.

See ideas for Sitka on Viator here.

Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure (at least 8 – 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Paddle through calm protected waters, excellent chance to see sea otters, seals, and eagles up close, smaller group sizes mean more personalized attention, kids feel accomplished after paddling
• What to know: No kayaking experience needed but kids must be strong enough to paddle (usually 8+), waters are calm and protected so great for beginners, wetsuits/dry suits provided, limited to 12-16 people typically
• Parent tip: Best wildlife viewing of any kayaking excursion in Alaska. We strongly considered this because we love to Kayak, but we did worry about the day having bad weather and having to do it anyway. We are “Kayak in beauitful, warm summer weather” people.

National Historic Park Alaska (all ages): WHAT WE DID

After our excursion, we went to town and walked around, including visiting this National Park. It was beautiful and a must see! It was also FREE.

• Why kids love it: Easy walk through the rainforest to get some zoomies out. Totem pole trail through rainforest feels like a treasure hunt, see totems being carved by Native artists, tide pools at beach, easy walking paths perfect for all ages
• Cost: Free
• What to know: Rich cultural experience, learn about Tlingit history and Russian colonial past, junior ranger programs available in summer, bring bug spray for forest trail
• Website here

Sea Otter Wildlife Quest (All ages, 2.5-3 hours): WHAT WE DID

Everything I read said Junea was the spot for seeing whales, so I booked this tour expecting very little other than hoping to see other wildlife. We had a great day this day because we saw several types of whales, plus the other wildlife of bears, sea otters, and eagles. The scenery was beautiful and the Naturalist (tour guide) was incredibly knowledgeable.

We would definitely do this again.

• Why kids love it: Fun animal sightings! You can also view from in the boat and outside
• Cost: $$
• We booked this through Royal Caribbean

Victoria or Vancouver, BC

Our stop in Victoria was brief. We had only about 5 hours at this town. It was beautiful with flowers blooming everywhere.

Butchart Gardens (All ages, 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Beautiful gardens, ice cream, easy walking
• What to know: Great final port activity, very accessible
• Cost: $$

Whale Watching from Victoria (Ages 4+, 3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Orcas! Also see seals, sea lions
• What to know: Can be choppy, take motion sickness meds
• Cost: $$-$$$

Cragdarroch Castle (ages 6+, 2-3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Real Victorian castle with turret you can climb, 87 stairs to the top (kids love counting them!), stained glass windows, secret passages feel, period costumes and furniture kids can see up close
• What to know: Lots of stairs (not stroller accessible), self-guided tour so kids can go at their own pace, usually combined with Butchart Gardens or city tour, castle has 39 rooms to explore
• Cost: $ (castle entry alone) or $ (combined tour)
• Parent tip: Let kids pretend they’re royalty and create stories about living in the castle—turns history into imaginative play. The view from the tower is worth the climb!

O Canada Highlights Tour (All ages, 3 hours)

• This is good if you want to explore the city with a guide. A pro is you get to see lots of things and get lots of info. A con is you cannot move at your own pace.

Walk the City: WHAT WE DID

With the short time at port, we decided to simply explore the city on our own. You can pay to ride a bus to and from the middle of town from right off the ship. We opted to do that so we would have more time to walk around the city. You can also pay for other transportation. We walked all around town. It was a very pretty city.

Ketchikan

We did not go here, but here are ideas based off of research I did in deciding which cruise to take.

Rainforest Canopy & Zip Line (Ages 8+, 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Multiple zip lines, rainforest platforms
• What to know: Can be muddy, wear appropriate footwear
• Cost: $$-$$$

Saxman Native Village & Totem Poles (All ages, 2-3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Cultural experience, totem pole carving demonstration
• What to know: Educational but accessible for all ages
• Cost: $-$$

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary & Eagle Center (All ages, 2-3 hours)

• Why kids love it: Rescued bald eagles up close, salmon viewing creek
• What to know: Easy walking, covered areas, great for younger kids or rainy days
• Cost: $$

Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour (Ages 2+, 2 hours)

• Why kids love it: Seaplane ride, stunning fjords, possible wildlife
• What to know: Expensive but incredible, weather-dependent
• Cost: $$$$

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

We did not go here, but here are ideas based off of research I did in deciding which cruise to take.

Whale Watching in Icy Strait (All ages, 3-4 hours)

• Why kids love it: Highest concentration of humpback whales in Alaska
• What to know: Best whale watching of any port!
• Cost: $$-$$$

ZipRider (Ages 10+, 60-275 lbs, 1.5 hours)

• Why kids love it: World’s largest zip line, 1,300 feet high, 5,330 feet long, 60+ mph
• What to know: Absolutely thrilling, not for the faint of heart
• Cost: $$
• Parent tip: Teens LOVE this

Brown Bear Search by Boat (Ages 6+, 3.5 hours)

• Why kids love it: Best chance to see bears fishing for salmon
• What to know: Timing matters—August is prime bear season
• Cost: $$$

Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier (Scenic Cruising Day)

We did not go here, but here are ideas based off of research I did in deciding which cruise to take.

Why kids love it: No excursion needed—this is an all-day shipboard event.

What to know:

• Bundle up—it’s COLD on deck even in July
• Park rangers come onboard to narrate
• Bring binoculars
• Be patient—glaciers calve unpredictably
• Hot chocolate on deck is a must Cost: Included in cruise

Parent tip: Wake kids early for glacier viewing (usually 6-8am approach). The early morning light is magical and it’s worth the grumpy wake-up.

Excursion Booking Strategy

Book Through Cruise Line vs. Independent? That is a big question people have. As I mentioned, for this trip, we booked most activities through the ship.

Cruise Line Excursions:

• Pros: Ship will wait if excursion runs late, vetted for safety, easy to book, customer service
• Cons: More expensive (20-40% markup), larger groups, less flexibility

Independent Excursions:

• Pros: Often cheaper, smaller groups, more flexibility, support local businesses
• Cons: Ship will NOT wait if you’re late, you must research carefully, must arrange own transportation
• Where to book: Viator, TripAdvisor, directly with local operators

Good strategy:

• Book guaranteed activities and activities with exact start and end times through cruise line (helicopter tours, train rides)
• Book flexible activities independently (whale watching, city tours, car rentals)
• Always book 1-2 days ahead of first-time independent operator to ensure reliability

How many excursions should you book?

• With young kids (under 8): 2-3 excursions total, leave some ports for easy exploring or ship time
• With elementary age (8-12): 3-4 excursions, mix of active and relaxed
• With teens: 4-5 excursions, more adventurous options

Making the Most of Sea Days with Kids

Sea days are built into most Alaska cruises for glacier viewing or for simply getting to the next port. Here are ideas of how to keep kids busy on sea days:

• Glacier viewing from deck (if scenic cruising day)
• Kids’ club or pool time
• Activity time on the ship. Make note of any activities your kids might like. Climbing wall, FloRider, Ping pong, Ice Skating, Mini Golf, Arcades, Scavenger hunts, visiting the lounge, trying new eating spots, etc.
• Shows
• Deck games
• Family games. Play in your room if there is space or find spaces on the ship you can gather
• Visit the ship library (most have them)
• Classes
• Trivia activities
• Movies

Dining on an Alaska Cruise with Kids

Main Dining Room

Pros: Waiter service, full menu, experience formal dining Cons: Set times (traditional), kids must sit still for 60-90 minutes

Tips:

• Request early seating (5:30-6pm) with kids
• Ask for kids’ menu in advance so they can decide before arriving
• Bring small activity bag (crayons, small toys) for waiting times
• Let kids order from adult menu if they want—it’s included!

Buffet

Pros: Flexible timing, see the food before choosing, kids can pick exactly what they want, faster Cons: Can be crowded, quality varies, less experience

Tips:

• Go early or late to avoid crowds
• Let older kids (8+) navigate buffet independently (great responsibility practice)
• Try specialty buffets (Alaska salmon buffets are amazing!)

Specialty Restaurants

Pros: Quieter, higher quality food, special occasion feel Cons: Extra cost ($30-60/person), reservations required

Our experience: We did the buffet for breakfast and lunch most days and did dinner in the dining room each day.

Room Service

Pros: FREE on most lines, private family time, breakfast in PJs Cons: Limited menu, can be slow

Best uses:

• Breakfast before early excursions
• Late night snacks after shows
• When kids are too tired for dining room

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Managing Seasickness with Kids

Even in the relatively calm Inside Passage, kids can get seasick. Go prepared even if you have done a cruise and did not get seasick. Being seasick really makes you miserable. Here’s our prevention strategy:

Before Cruise:

• Talk to pediatrician about Dramamine dosing
• Buy Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands—surprisingly effective for kids!)
• Pack ginger candies
• Purchase seasickness medicine and helps

Onboard Prevention:

• Choose midship cabin on lower deck (least motion)
• Keep kids hydrated
• Encourage looking at horizon, not screens
• Fresh air helps—spend time on deck
• Avoid greasy foods if prone to motion sickness
• Nauzene is a great medicine to help with motion sickness
• Pack Motion sickness patches. Either start the trip with them or have them on hand if sickness strikes

If Seasickness Strikes:

• Get them outside immediately
• Focus on horizon
• Ginger ale or crackers
• Lie down in cabin if severe
• Visit medical center if persistent (Dramamine available)

Our experience: Our middle child gets carsick but did fine on the cruise using Sea-Bands and staying outside during rough patches. The Inside Passage is remarkably calm most days.

Money-Saving Tips

An Alaskan cruise really is not a cheap cruise. Use these tips to help save money on your trip.

1. Book 12+ months in advance for best cabin selection and prices
2. Cruise in shoulder season (May or September) for 20-40% savings
3. Choose repositioning cruises (late April or late September one-way)
4. Book connecting rooms instead of suite if you need space
5. Bring your own soft drinks (most lines allow 12-pack per person)
6. Skip drink package if kids don’t drink specialty beverages—stick with lemonade
7. Do 1-2 independent excursions instead of all cruise line bookings
8. Skip professional photos—bring good camera and take your own
9. Use kids’ club for meals (often free or included) instead of specialty dining
10. Watch for sales because they will happen. This is risky if you have specific things you want to do because they can sell out. If you are flexible, waiting for sales on excursions can help save money

Balcony vs. Inside Cabin: Does It Matter with Kids?

This is one of the biggest decisions and budget considerations.

Inside Cabin

Pros:

• Cheapest option (save $1,500-3,000)
• Kids sleep better in pitch dark
• Forces family to spend time exploring ship

Cons:

• Feels cramped with family
• No private outdoor space
• Miss spontaneous wildlife sightings
• Can feel claustrophobic

Best for: Families on tight budget, kids under 8 who won’t appreciate balcony, families who plan to be out of cabin all day

Balcony Cabin

Pros:

• Private outdoor space for wildlife watching. We saw so many whales from our balcony!
• Kids can play quietly on balcony
• Sitting on balcony while others sleep in
• Don’t fight crowds on deck during glacier viewing
• Worth it for photography opportunities
• Worth it if viewing a glacier from the ship

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive
• Balcony small on most ships
• Safety concern with young kids (railings are high, but still)

Best for: Families with kids 6+, early risers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, those wanting private space

Our experience: We have only done balcony rooms and have never regretted it. It was SO worth it. Seeing whales from our private balcony at all times of day was priceless. I could be getting ready and Brayden would call out that he sees orcas and I was there immediately.

Compromise option: Book oceanview with large window. You get natural light and views without balcony cost.

Cell Phone Coverage

Before you leave, check your cell phone plan and what charges will be for international waters and for being in Canada. If you will get charged, make sure you know how to switch your phone to a mode to avoid those charges. While cruising, you move in and out of International waters, US waters, and Canadian waters. Don’t get hit with big roaming charges when you get back.

Common Questions Parents Ask

Is Alaska cruise too cold for kids? Summer Alaska (June-August) averages 50-65°F—cool but not freezing. With proper layering, kids do great. It’s cooler than Caribbean but not as cold as most people think!

Will my kids get bored? Not likely! Between kids’ clubs, pools, shows, activities, and port days, there’s always something happening. Sea days go fast with glacier viewing and ship activities.

What if weather is bad? Rain is common but doesn’t stop most activities. Ships have tons of indoor options.

Can I do Alaska cruise with a baby/toddler? Yes, but you’ll miss out on most shore excursions due to age restrictions. Ships have nurseries (6 months+) and babysitting services. Best to wait until age 4-5 if possible.

Do we need passports?

• Yes if you have any stops in Canada.
• One-way or stops in Canada: Yes, required
• Always bring them anyway in case of emergency requiring flight home

How much cash do we need? Almost none! Cruise is cashless—everything charges to room. Bring $100-200 for tips on independent excursions and small purchases in port.

Will there be other kids on the cruise? Summer Alaska cruises are VERY family-friendly. Kids’ clubs are packed. Your children will make friends easily.

Biggest Alaska Cruise Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them!)

Mistake #1: Not bringing warm enough clothes. Don’t think “summer” means warm. Wrong! Pack warmer than you think.

Mistake #2: Booking back-to-back port days without a break. Make sure you are mindful of the needs of those in your family. If you are unsure, wait and book activities at some ports if you feel up to it.

Mistake #3: Not reserving kids’ club spots in advance. Popular times fill up. Reserve spots on embarkation day!

Mistake #4: Skipping the park rangers’ talks. The National Park rangers who come aboard during glacier viewing provide incredible education. Don’t miss it!

Mistake #5: Not bringing good binoculars. We shared a few pairs among us and that was fine.

Mistake #6: Booking too many excursions. Leave time to just explore ports independently and enjoy ship amenities.

Mistake #7: Bringing brand new shoes. Break in hiking boots BEFORE the cruise. Blisters are miserable!

Mistake #8: Not teaching kids about Alaska before going. At our first port, we heard an adult behind us say, “Wow. You don’t see that in America.” Have a bit of education so your kids know some about where you are.

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