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Norwegian provides complimentary kids programs; Splash Academy for ages 3 to 12 and Entourage for those 13 to 17. Late Night Fun Zone is available from 11 pm to 1 am if you need an adult-only night. With a capacity of over 4,000 guests, these large vessels have amenities not seen on other lines.
Accommodations for Families on Alaskan Cruises
You may also want to visit some of the biggest gold mines in the world during your stopover in Juneau. Cunard mainly uses the 2,000-passenger Queen Elizabeth for its Alaskan cruises. The ship comes with three restaurants, a pool, a spa, and a disco for your nightly entertainment.
Free or Reduced Fare for Children
In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
In addition, specialty restaurants, minibars and even gratuities are part of the package. That’s what makes Seabourn perhaps the best Alaskan cruise line for all-inclusive luxury seekers. If you have older kids, allowing them to be part of the planning can add to the excitement. Part of the decision is the ship, but the ports of call and excursions can play a significant part too.
The articles below will help you learn more about Alaska family cruises with AdventureSmith Explorations. Read an interview with a 13- and 9-year-old about their top highlights from their Alaskan family cruise. Our team is your ultimate resource to find out, and plan a fun, seamless family vacation to Alaska. We’ve traveled in the region with our own kids, so have the experience to match you with the best family cruise to Alaska for your interests and budget. Let the fun begin with our insight and expertise on booking and planning Alaska cruise family packages. The Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise detailed above is among our bestsellers of small ship Alaska cruises for families due to its active, all-ages appeal.
The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.
The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on "Glaciers & Wildlife" itineraries. Another way to make your Alaskan cruise more budget-friendly is by taking advantage of free or reduced fare options for children. Many cruise lines offer special rates for kids, making it more affordable for families to embark on this adventure together. One of the most popular dining options for families on Alaskan cruises is the buffet and casual dining venues.
Your personal family vacation planning starts now
Booking a back-to-back from Vancouver allows for double the time in ports. To maximize time in port, check the port schedule to make sure your preferred vessel docks. For foodies, Alaskan food selections will include seafood favorite such as lobster, salmon, shrimp, and of course, baked Alaska. Some lines also offer a “best of Alaska” night, with many seafood choices.
From breathtaking glacier hikes to thrilling wildlife encounters, Alaska offers a wide range of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained. One popular excursion is a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, where you can explore ice caves and witness the stunning blue ice. Another exciting option is a whale-watching tour, where you can spot majestic whales breaching the surface of the water. For those interested in Native American culture, a visit to a traditional totem pole park is a must. Here, you can learn about the rich history and symbolism behind these impressive works of art.
But ultimately, the best Alaskan cruise for families depends on each family’s personal needs & preferences. Read some testimonials from our past family travelers to see a range of styles and trips. And let AdventureSmith Explorations show you more about Alaska with kids and families. We are parents ourselves and are here to help you find the best kid friendly Alaskan cruise.
In addition to the variety of dining options available, families can also take advantage of the flexible dining schedules offered by cruise lines. This allows families to dine at their preferred time, accommodating the needs of both early birds and night owls. Whether you prefer to have breakfast in bed, a casual lunch by the pool, or a formal dinner in the evening, the dining options on Alaskan cruises ensure that you can enjoy your meals at your own pace. There are regular dining rooms, special dining rooms, restaurants, and casual dining included on these cruises. You also have kids’ clubs for kids of all ages, pools, fitness facilities, and spas.
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Uncruise Alaska- Small Ship Alaska Cruise with Kids.
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Families particularly love the Carnival line because of the vast array of amenities to be found onboard. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands. Families with more time might consider the 14-day Great Alaska Explorer Voyages aboard the Maasdam. This smaller ship (1,258 passengers) provides an intimate atmosphere with plenty of room at the rail to watch passing scenery. Maasdam’s itinerary sails roundtrip from Vancouver and travels around the Kanai Peninsula calling upon Anchorage, Homer, and Valdez.
If you want to ride thebe NorthStar near a glacier, be prepared to pay USD 70 per person. Laser tag is another family-friendly attraction that’s sure to bring smiles. While both incur an extra fee (USD 20 for go-carts and USD 9.95 for laser tag), your kids will never be bored at sea. The Disney Navigator app allows you to message members of your family or traveling group without paying a fee.
While Norwegian sails to Glacier Bay National Park, Royal Caribbean goes to Endicott Arm. However, teens will want something more than a youth program to occupy their time. While a few itineraries are offered from California, you’ll have the most selection by choosing a cruise from Vancouver or Seattle, Washington.
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You can head to shore in Sitka to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and play with bald eagles. Then, when you dock in Ketchikan, you can choose from even more activities like a visit to Totem Bight State Park. A cruise to Alaska with children and teens is a once-in-a-lifetime family experience. The Alaskan views are breathtaking, with vast swathes of wilderness, towering snow-capped mountains, and crystalline glaciers thunderously pouring ice into the sea.
On every Oceania Cruises itinerary, you get the opportunity to embrace your passion for travel while enjoying the ultimate cruise on a small luxurious ship. Right from the moment you get on board, you’ll love the decently-sized staterooms with spacious bathrooms and closets. If you’re traveling in a group, you may want to book a suite so that you have a perfect gathering space for the group. Even so, you’re still guaranteed privacy because Regent’s Alaska cruiser, the Mariner, only carries 700 passengers. Onboard, you’ll find everything your family needs to have a fun-filled cruise, from rock climbing and mini golf to wave surfing and ice skating.
