Arriving two days early will give you more time to relax, acclimatize and enjoy the port prior to the cruise. This list includes megaships, large ships, luxury ships, and one recommendation from the small ship category. The Alaska Fjords & Glaciers cruise detailed above might be our bestseller among small ship Alaska cruises for families due to its active, all-ages appeal. They were also really welcoming and open to chatting with our kids. Long a Ray-Bans type of girl, I wouldnt have normally considered these sportier frames, but my dad was so obsessed with them that I had to see what the hype was about and they delivered. With such fantastic entertainment options that the whole family can enjoy, its easy to see why Princess Cruises is top of its class. What I like about this design in particular is its length. These wool-lined gloves are touchscreen compatible, meaning you should still be able to tap away at your phone or other smart devices without having to expose your mitts. When I saw the bear - he came right to the front and "read" the bear and allowed us to take pictures and have that experience. Or extend your Alaska family small ship cruise with a private tour to Denali National Park, Katmai National Park or Kenai Fjords National Park. What is the best Alaska cruise for families? The opportunities for adventure are endless. If youre in the market for some gadgetry, you might also want to consider a GoPro, which is essentially a mini waterproof video camera. He was immediately responsive to my questions and gave full and helpful answers. The fibers also magically wick away sweat and moisture, keeping your feet not only dry but less likely to smell like you were walking around all day. We made some lovely new friends. And oh the animals youll see: puffins, eagles, whales its an animal lovers dream trip. Consult our month-by-month guide for the best time to visit Alaska. Family Cruise. I was very impressed on how well Princess got the passengers into the Alaska experience. Similar for the ladies are these tees from Columbia (but alas, no hood). Imagine being away from cell phones and Internet for days at a time and not minding at all!! What a wonderful experience!! Case in point: this rain jacket from REI employs a recycled nylon shell to keep you dry, while also remaining breathable handy if youre hiking through the forested trails or kayaking out near some glaciers and work up a sweat. We had a TERRIFIC National Park guides. Includes Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Victoria and Seattle. A convenient little clip keeps the pair together when not in use. He had drinks in place in the morning and then different drinks for lunch and dinner. Imagine kayaking in front of a tidewater glacier or watching whales at water level from small skiff boat tours If done right, an Alaska family cruise can be a transformative adventure where you share wondrous experiences. She was always available for any questions. If youre more of a vest person and are already thinking of all the outfits you can layer with it, then consider purchasing a style like this sweater-knot Patagonia fleece vest. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Our Adventure Specialist was exceptionally helpful during our rather more complicated preparations involving travelers from 3 locations and various ages and special needs. Disney Cruise Line. NORWEGIAN BLISS The Norwegian Bliss debuted in 2018. Smartphone cameras are astonishingly advanced these days. Most Enjoyed: Definitely the Polar Bear Challenge on the last day! At Kantishna, we had no principal trip leader. The major ingredient in this, Picaridin, is considered much safer than DEET and is a synthetic compound derived from the same plant genus that produces table pepper. Prices tend to be substantially higher than the competition. Very clean cabins and we were really only in our rooms at night to sleep :). In fact, Princess Cruises has been the winner of the "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" award for 12 consecutive years, and it has eight ships that sail to Alaska. Plan on ziplining? The cabin on the Wilderness Explorer was fine, good shower pressure and lots of storage space (!) It also only comes in coal black. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Met a lot of new friends! Everything was up to or beyond our expectations: the staff were consistently pleasant, accommodating, and helpful. That was a great experience (sad) but awesome. Years ago, on my first trip to Alaska, I remember visiting a sporting goods store and being shocked to find that the selection of womens hiking boots was a sad fraction of the mens and most of them were pink. The time you choose can dramatically impact your Alaskan cruise experience far more than you might realize. The comfort, support, and weatherproofing of these boots are hard to match. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Best Alaska cruise lines. With cushioned bottoms, these socks are ideal for all-day wear whether youre circling the shops of Ketchikan or cycling down the White Pass Summit of Skagway. Health Rating: 4.5. Skagway. Offers may be subject to change without notice. As I said above, all the staff were excellent, including Dan the manager and Ka-Houk who was unfailingly though not cloyingly cheerful. For instance, perks that are typically part of the Princess Plus and Princess Premier offer . Alaska can be both cold and sunny on any given day, so this fleece-lined brimmed beanie in a wool knit will certainly see some action on your cruise. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. The ships teen-only hang out spaces include a low-key lounge area and an evening dance club. The lid can also fit a reusable straw if desired. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. It might seem instinctive to pack a big winter coat to bring to Alaska but dont beware of bulky, overly warm outer layers. All meals, at both Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali and onboard the ship were EXCELLENT. These include a video arcade, water slide, and the signature Carnival Waterworks added during the last renovation. He would have done that every day for both excursions! Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Alaskan cruises mainly offer three different departure and arrival ports to choose from: Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage. Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and well send you our favorite travel products each week. Alaska cruises offer so much for the whole family that everyone, from Grandpa Bob to the youngest member, will be on top of the world. offers three programs for youth ages 3 to 17. is available for Teens ages 13 to 17. Odyssey of the Seas is the top-ranked ship overall. In, characters in various themed magical lands that vary based on the ship. There was nothing we didn't enjoy - and I am saying that honestly! Choose as much or as little activity as your multigenerational family wishes. As weve learned, Merino wool will wick away any moisture from your digits, keeping them warm and dry two all-important things during a day in port. Particularly enjoyed the second one with Darryl along an old mining road. I had him for the fish hatchery. She was a blast when she was our guide. YES. Limited Alaska cruise option. More than we expected. But you have limited time to explore all of the many adventures that Alaska has to offer. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising, and since founding AdventureSmith in 2003, he and his team have matched guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well as intimate, boutique ships and lodges that may not make the radar of most travelers. (9 Areas Compared) We compared cruise lines to Alaska in 9 key categories. Im not alone in swearing by the brand. Group sitting is available in Adventure Ocean center for a fee from 10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. While Alaska cruise season is primarily during the summer months (from late May through early September), visions of glaciers and icebergs might have you wondering how to make sense of the weather which can range from an average of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, with temps dipping into the 40s at night. Best of all, these light layers fold down to almost nothing when you pack them or roll them into a backpack. For less than $100, I like that this pair is not only weather-resistant but entirely waterproof (in about three feet of water for 30 minutes); fog-proof; has a grippy, rubber coating; and compact so theyre easy to carry around. Hydro Flask guarantees that with its double-wall vacuum insulation, cold liquids will stay cold for up to 24 hours, while your hot chocolate will stay hot for up to six hours. The supplies were generous and first-rate - ample Celestron binoculars, high-quality boots, rain coats, pants, and gloves. And, theres also a dedicated open play area for toddlers thats stocked with a range of age appropriate toys where families can visit at their leisure. The 7-daySea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventurespends most of its itinerary in Glacier Bay National Park, maximizing time among famous glaciers and magnificent shoreline. And I think you will too when youre sightseeing for hours under the Midnight Sun. The ships are known . Regent Seven Seas Oceania Cruises UnCruise Adventures Cunard Six Popular Ports of Call on Alaskan Family Cruises Skagway Juneau Icy Strait Point Ketchikan Sitka Haines Disney Cruise Line Many people associate Disney with amusement parks, but the company is also known for its luxurious cruises to different parts of the world. Alaskan Dream, the eponymously named ship, carries 42 passengers; Admiralty Dream has cabins for 66 people; the 143 . If you already have a trusty backpack on hand but want to make sure it doesnt get soaked through on your various Alaskan adventures, consider a rain cover like this one from Osprey. The choices were great with a great variety. Its combination of amenities and activities make it one of the best Alaskan cruises for families. Alaska family land tours can add unique activities such as a wildlife safari through Denali National Park, riding the Alaska Railroad, canoeing, wild berry picking, fishing, mountain biking, river rafting, gold panning and flightseeing. When considering charter, plan at least 9-12 months or more in advance. Keep it simple with this $24 BPA-free tumbler, available in five shades and featuring a snug sipping lid that will keep sloshing at bay. Best Alaskan cruise for: Singles, Couples, Large groups, Families with children. Sarah (with an "h") was the BEST!! You will also find traditional shuffleboard and a card room with a library of board games. A sturdy pair of hiking boots typically does not come cheap, but they make up for it with durability and reliability. These Maui Jims are considered unisex, but you can choose your lens tint in bronze or blue. Whether you signed up for a hiking, kayaking, or walking tour excursion, youll need to carry your extra layers, water bottles, cameras, and gear with you and keep it dry. Eager to learn more about cruising Alaska with kids? Some operators (not all) allow you to strap a GoPro to yourself if it does not interfere with your harness and you remain hands-free. If you have older kids and a (ahem) robust travel budget, the. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved . Our kids loved all the documentaries- as did we except I was too busy to watch themneeded another week on board I think! These are: This might seem like a silly tip, but it is important to keep in mind that one-way cruises enable you to experience much more of Alaska, whereas return cruises have the advantage of simple commute, but the disadvantage of being limited in how far they can travel since the boat needs to circle back to the same port. Our Alaska family cruise experts will help you plan flights and pre-cruise or post-cruise overnights. If you want a full immersive Alaska experience take a Princess or Holland America cruise. Our Alaska travel experts have extensive experience in this region and can match you with the perfect family cruise for your interests, abilities and budget. On-board activities include gold clinics, music lessons, yoga. The8-day itinerary sailing aboard the40-guestAlaskan Dreammoves at a slower pace with more time to explore the nature and culture of Alaska. Instead, they provide off-vessel activities and onboard programs designed to bring families together. The Disney Wonder sailed its maiden Alaska voyage in 2011, and it has been unstoppable since. Families are welcome on any departure, all summer long, with kids programs always available. Hike temperate rainforest, and kayak and stand-up paddle among glaciers. The powder coat exterior is dishwasher safe and promises to remain grippy without chipping. Consult this month-by-month guide for help planning your Alaska travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, daylight and the benefits of each month. No matter the size, the fabric is thin, so it packs down to nothing in your suitcase. Best All-Inclusive Cruise For Families: Royal Caribbean, Wonder Of The Seas Best Cruise For Families With Young Children: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish Best Cruise For. I packed snacks for the kids for in between meals - mistake!! Travel Best Cruises to Alaska U.S. News ranks 35 Best Cruises to Alaska based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. This cruise travels between Juneau and Ketchikan over 8 days, featuring glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys, whales, Tlingit culture and Alaskas backcountry. Up-close glacier-viewing cruises, whale-watching boats, fishing trips with so much time out on the water, motion sickness is a lurking liability. Gray - he was my son's favorite. Imagine spending the morning on an easy walk together. Plan to arrive at least one day prior to your cruise embarkation. No extreme fitness or special access required, just a ticket to Alaska and a readiness for adventure. Older teens may enjoy activities such as pool parties, teen dinners, karaoke competitions, and sports competitions (both virtual and real). The numbers (8x25) refer to the field of view, which for this pair is about 357 feet away. The Alaskan spirit is thoroughly incorporated onboard through authentic experiences and themed entertainment. Any drink we wanted he would make..My son is 21 - not a drinker but wanted to try some things. Ginger lozenges and tea can all help reduce nausea, but the chews and pills sold by Dramamine contain medicinal-strength levels of ginger to knock it out. Both are open to children ages 3 to 12. does not otherwise separate children based on age. The best ports for adventure junkies are Sitka, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point. But of all those sailings, one destination stands out among the rest: Alaska. He asked us about our adventures at night - that was appreciated. Local guides take care of all cruise land tours, which take families into Alaskas interior via train, bus, and flight tours. Of the three, the Carnival Miracle is the better option for a family cruise to Alaska. Listen to the packing instructions :)A strap for your phone and a camera and a sense of adventure!!! Top 3 Family Cruises to Alaska Princess Cruises. Bring a steaming cup of coffee with you while you head out on deck during a scenic sail day, or keep your water frosty during a warm, afternoon tour in port: This 28-ounce tumbler from Hydro Flask keeps hot liquids hot and cold drinks cold. Repeat after me. Our experts will work with you to plan the best Alaskan family cruise package for a seamless vacation. It is not just the cruise that makes the trip unforgettable, but also the port. AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Available in shades like army green, asphalt, and farro (khaki), these pants pull out all the stops with UPF 50 rating, breathable recycled nylon, vents, six functional pockets, and an elastic drawstring waistband. Anchorage Alaska . Some ships will allow children as young as 2 years old or even babies. Carnival Cruise Line: One of the cheapest and most suitable for family fun Royal Caribbean: Has some of the most feature-filled ships and is suitable for families Princess Cruises: Offers. Ultimately, contact us to speak with our crew who can personalize recommendations for you so that you can have the best kid friendly Alaskan cruise at the lowest price. (Pro tip: Cotton actually retains water, so dont pack your average socks!) Brittany has been writing about the worlds destinations by oceans, lakes, and rivers for the past decade.