family cruises to alaska

6 best Alaska cruises for families

Adorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, crazy lumberjacks, majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you're looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose?

Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, one with laser tag and a go-kart race track and many with expansive play spaces for kids, waterslides and family-focused onboard activities. Look for bigger ships with plenty of amusements; smaller and older ships might not have as many kid-friendly attractions.

I'm not mentioning luxury cruise ships here because they are geared for adults, but families looking for a more upscale, smaller-ship cruise to Alaska should know that many high-end lines will put on some kid programming during summer-break cruises to Alaska with a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

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If you're ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families.

7-night Alaska Adventure cruise on Quantum of the Seas

The 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean 's largest-in-the-world Oasis Class ships that boast zip lines, ice skating rinks and AquaTheaters. But it still offers a great mix of activities, including a skydiving simulator, high-tech theater with robotic "dancing" screens, an escape room, indoor basketball court/bumper car pavilion and dedicated spaces for both kids and adults.

Kids can gobble up hot dogs and pizza at themed eateries, while adults can enjoy date night at Wonderland with its imaginative molecular gastronomy or Jamie's Italian, created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Seven-night Alaska cruises sail round-trip from the easily accessible port of Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska; as well as Victoria, British Columbia. One day is spent cruising through the scenic Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Sailings depart between late April and September.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

7-night Alaska cruise on Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line 's 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder (which can carry 2,713 guests when completely full) is the perfect size ship for a family cruise to Alaska. It's smaller than many of the megaships catering to families in this part of the world, so guests can view glaciers and enjoy shore excursions without feeling too crowded.

The ship is full of Disney magic — photo ops with Mickey and friends and Disney princesses, restaurants themed to "The Little Mermaid" and "The Princess and the Frog" and a musical stage show of "Frozen."

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, with plentiful bunkbeds and split bathrooms so two people can get ready for bed at once. Waiters assist with cutting up food for little cruisers or bringing pureed baby food, and the imaginative kids clubs keep little ones happily occupied when you're not exploring in port.

Disney Wonder's weeklong Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, so all Americans, even kids, will need passports to fly in to the departure port. The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Seasonal sailings run May to September.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

7-night Alaska cruise on Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Line 's Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money. Families will appreciate not having to pay extra for kid-friendly eats at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican outlet, Guy Fieri's burger joint and all-day soft serve ice cream station. Comedy shows (both family-friendly and adults-only), an onboard water park, mini-golf and kid, tween and teen clubs are also included in the fare.

Cabins are no-frills but tend to be roomier than comparable cabins on competitors' ships. Many rooms sleep four, but connecting cabins will get you more space and an extra bathroom while still keeping the family together.

Carnival Spirit spends summers in Alaska from late April to mid-September. It sails round-trip from Seattle and visits Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

7-night Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, and Norwegian Encore is based in the region from April through October each year. This might not help the typical family, but if your kids are young, you homeschool or have atypical breaks, a shoulder-season deal might be waiting for you.

The 3,998-passenger ship is NCL's biggest, and families will be amazed at how much there is to do on board (though be prepared to pull out your credit card for the best activities). The ship features a laser tag arena, go-kart race track, virtual reality pavilion and water park.

Norwegian is also known for its entertainment, and after a day hiking on glaciers or chowing down at salmon bakes, you can take in the spectacular "Choir of Man," sing along to the Beatles tribute show at The Cavern Club, or laugh yourself silly at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best Alaska cruises for families, Norwegian Encore sails round-trip from Seattle, stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The standout day on this itinerary is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , which only a limited number of ships can visit each year. Save more by taking advantage of Free at Sea perks , which often include a free beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, specialty dining and — perfect for families — free third and fourth guests in each cabin.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Royal Princess

Families with a little more vacation time might want to tack a visit to the Alaskan interior before or after their cruise, either independently or with a cruisetour. For this, you'll need a one-way cruise that begins or ends in an Alaskan port.

A top candidate for this kind of family vacation is a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises ' Royal Princess sailing between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and either Skagway or Sitka, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the itinerary.

It's then up to you whether you spend you pre- or post-cruise time in the Kenai Fjord area, in Anchorage or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks or into the Arctic.

Royal Princess is known for its fan-favorite Alfredo's pizza, Movies Under the Stars (when the Alaskan weather permits) and snacks and entertainment in the central Piazza. With its special North to Alaska activities, families can cuddle some adorable sled dogs on board the ship and meet Iditarod winners and other notable locals. Kids can become junior rangers with the help of the park rangers who come aboard the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise on Wilderness Legacy

Suppose your family isn't into the big-ship lifestyle and wants a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path experience that's also geared toward families with kids and teens? In that case, the best family cruise to Alaska for you might be the "Kids in Nature" departures of UnCruise Adventures ' 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on "Glaciers & Wildlife" itineraries. These seven-night cruises include hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, daytime and evening kayak and skift tours in places like Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay's less-visited "Outback" and visits to the LeConte and Baird Glaciers.

On three departure dates in June and July 2024, the Wilderness Legacy will staff up with "Kid Wranglers" who will lead the kid-focused activities. The minimum age to sail is 8 years old, but plenty of tweens and teens join the fun as well.

Bottom line

You no longer have to wait until you're retired to explore Alaska. Take the kids on a weeklong exploration of the 49th State, and you'll have plenty of cruise ships and itineraries to choose from. The best Alaska cruises for families combine action-packed itineraries with vessels designed for family fun, but we're sure your family can find a way to have a great time up north no matter which cruise ship you choose.

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The Family Vacation Guide

13 of the Best Alaska Cruises for Families

posted by James Brockbank on October 25, 2021 // last updated on October 25, 2021

Nothing is as easy as finding cruise vacations that suit the needs of your family. Even so, you can never go wrong with an Alaskan cruise. Taking a family cruise to the state is something that you’ve undoubtedly considered. 

Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful but also radiates the calmness of nature, which your whole family will love.

If you’re planning a leisurely cruise to Alaska, here are 13 of the best cruises to consider.

Disney Cruise Line

Princess cruises, holland america line, norwegian cruise line, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, lindblad expeditions, carnival cruise line, windstar cruises, regent seven seas, oceania cruises, uncruise adventures, icy strait point.

Many people associate Disney with amusement parks, but the company is also known for its luxurious cruises to different parts of the world. Since it launched in 1998, the Disney Cruise Line has been a game-changer as far as family cruises are concerned. It’s no exaggeration to state that each cruise liner in Disney’s Alaska fleet delivers the ultimate family cruise. 

A Disney Cruise Line Alaska itinerary allows your family to relax and savor the ship. For instance, a typical seven-day cruise gives you two days at sea, three full port days, and a final day at sea. Hence, your family will have ample time to familiarize themselves with the ship, participate in onboard activities, and explore the various ports of call without feeling overwhelmed. 

While on the cruise, your kids will have plenty of opportunities to meet lifelike Disney characters, which is perhaps even better than visiting Disneyland. Also, expect lots of themed parties and events that keep the young ones occupied throughout the cruise. 

The kids-friendly staff and amenities such as pools and kids’ clubs guarantee a fun-filled cruise for the entire family. The large staterooms on Disney’s Alaska fleet are also convenient for families. 

Carnival Corporation-owned Princess Cruises also offers some of the best Alaska cruises for families. The cruise line offers a 10-night round trip cruise from Sam Fransisco, a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Vancouver and Seattle, and a 14-night round trip cruise from Los Angeles. 

Princess uses some of its largest ships for the Alaskan cruises, including the Golden Princess, the Emerald Princess, the Ruby Princess, and the Grand Princess. 

The Princess cruise ships are ideal for family vacations, thanks to their large staterooms, kids’ clubs, lots of dining options, spas, pools, and themed events that will fill your days. 

Most itineraries also include excursions to Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and the widely popular Glacier Bay National Park. So, if you’re looking for a family cruise that takes you through Alaska’s untamed beauty, book a vacation with Princess Cruises. 

Holland America is one of the Alaskan cruise lines allowed to sail through the Glacier Bay National Park. Its ships sail from Vancouver, Seattle, Whittier, and Seward and offer 7-night one-way and round-trip cruises. 

Whichever ship your family hops onto, you’ll find lots of activities and day-long entertainment for all ages. So, whether you love golf challenges, lounging by the pool, or even karaoke, you’ll find it all on a Holland America Alaska cruise.

Each ship has friendly employees who are out to make your experience special and memorable. The employees’ extensive knowledge of Alaska and each port of call is also fantastic. Amenities include the main dining room, casualty dining rooms, specialty restaurants, lounges, and casinos. The ships also feature a kids’ club, two pools, spas, and fitness centers. 

Most Holland America Line itineraries include cruise calls to Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan, and Juneau. If you’re lucky, your ship may stop at Icy Strait Point and Victoria. Wherever your Holland America cruise takes you, the whole family will have a truly fantastic experience. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its freestyle cruising experience with fun activities for all ages. It uses four ships for its Alaska cruises, with plans to add an even larger one in 2022.

 The cruise line has a dedicated 4,000-passenger ship for Alaskan cruises (the Norwegian Bliss), which offers thrilling amenities including a go-kart track, a water park, water slides, and an open-air tag course. 

Besides the larger ships, Norwegian’s Alaska fleet includes a smaller ship, the Norwegian Sun, which has fewer than 1,000 staterooms. You can hop onto the ship if you’re looking for a leisurely and quiet family cruise. Regardless of the ship you find yourself on, you’re guaranteed large rooms and amenities that suit your family’s needs. 

With Norwegian, you can choose anything from a five to twelve-day one-way or round-trip cruise from Seattle. Besides, your family will experience memorable shore excursions that allow you to learn more about Alaska’s wildlife, people, and wildlife. 

Itineraries include a trip to the ZipRider zipline, fishing excursions, and whale watching. Family-friendly tours into Alaska’s interior can also be organized as part of your itinerary. 

If you’re planning a multigenerational cruising trip to Alaska, Celebrity Cruises will deliver the experience of your lifetime. With three ships dedicated to its Alaskan cruises, Celebrity offers more choices than you’ll get anywhere. Whether you prefer round trip or one-way itineraries, you can choose a Vancouver, Seattle, or Seward departure. 

Celebrity is renowned for its premium cruising adventures. Its Alaskan fleet visits 12 US and Canadian destinations. Thus, you get the opportunity to spend more time in port than other Alaska liners. Ports of calls include Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, and Endicott Arms & Dawes Glacier. 

There are plenty of fun activities for all ages on each ship, including pools, water slides, themed events, and spas. Celebrity Cruises also offers land packages at its ports of call. So, if your family loves the outdoors, you may want to include a trip to the Banff National Park or Lake Louise in your Celebrity Cruises itinerary. 

If you’ve ever wanted to go on an Alaska cruise that your whole family will enjoy, Royal Caribbean International’s Alaskan cruises are the perfect fit. With departures from Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, Royal Caribbean offers one-way, round-trip, and seven-night cruises with many family-friendly activities and excursions. 

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. You’ll also come across familiar restaurants such as Johnny Rocket’s and Ben and Jerry’s. 

Royal Caribbean has spacious staterooms designed with family accommodation in mind. These rooms come equipped with large bathrooms, fun bunk beds, and everything else needed to ensure a fun-filled cruise. 

A well-attended and equipped kids club with activities for kids as young as six months is available onboard, so you can lounge by the pool without worrying about what the young ones are up to. Furthermore, there’s a tween hangout and teen disco for the older kids and a bar for the parents. 

If a cruise line partners with the National Geographic Society, you undoubtedly expect adventure when you get onto one of their ships, right? Well, Lindblad Expeditions delivers that and so much more. The cruise line is renowned for its culture and nature-focused Alaskan cruises that are not only memorable but also educational. 

When you get aboard with your family, you’ll love the host of activities and amenities on offer. For starters, the onboard specialists give lectures and tours to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. All ships come equipped with kayaks, so you get to explore places you never imagined. 

Inland excursions in your ports of call are included in the cruise fare. Hence, you can spend your days hiking, taking in Alaskan cultures, or even shopping. Unlike the other cruise lines on this list, Lindblad has smaller ships, so no worries about overcrowding. What’s more, the environment on the ship is so laid back that you can walk around barefoot. 

Carnival is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, and it offers some of the best Alaskan cruises for families. The mega cruise line’s Alaskan fleet boasts giant waterslides, dedicated entertainment zones for kids, teens, and adults, and poolside movie screens that will make your family cruise one to remember. 

Carnival has a dedicated kids program, Camp Carnival, divided into five age groups (2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, & 15-17). There are also supervised playrooms with plenty of age-appropriate fun activities such as gaming consoles, candy-making machines, and arts and crafts. If you have kids below two years old, Carnival offers reasonably priced day and evening babysitting. 

Most Carnival Cruise Line Alaska itineraries include Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Seward, Ketchikan, and Juneau. You can also choose to visit historical ports such as Victoria, BC. Wherever your cruise docks or sails to, you’re in for a full-filled adventure for the entire traveling group. 

If you’ve always wanted to go on an intimate Alaskan cruise with your family, there’s no better cruise line to choose than Windstar Cruises. Windstar sails the Star Breeze for its Alaska cruises, a family-friendly ship that combines coastal cruises with memorable overland explorations that will leave your family wanting more. 

During a typical Alaska cruising season, Windstar offers nine journeys from June to September on four family-centered itineraries. Recently, it has introduced the Scenic Alaska itinerary that takes passengers through the Canadian Inside Passage. 

Thanks to Windstar’s Signature Expeditions program, your kids get to learn about Alaska’s geography, history, and culture from a team of six local experts with insider knowledge. 

All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the fare on Windstar Cruises. Itineraries include an 11-night Vancouver to Seward trip with stops at Misty Fjords, Juneau, Sitka, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell. So, if you enjoy canoeing, catamaran cruising, or even wilderness safaris, book your upcoming Alaskan vacation with Windstar Cruises. 

If you want to experience Alaska in style, there’s no better cruise line for you than Regent Seven Seas. Booking your cruise vacation with Regent allows you to sample Alaska’s exciting wildlife, majestic glaciers, and charming frontier towns in the utmost luxury. There are plenty of sports and activities to keep the whole family entertained and relaxed during your cruise. 

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. 

Tracy Arm Fjord is Regent’s Alaska destination. Here, your family will enjoy taking in the majestic glacier-carved cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and enchanting views of the Sawyer Glaciers. 

You can also book a helicopter trip to the Mendenhall Glacier. Although Regent doesn’t offer the amusement park-like amenities you’ll find on Disney and other better-known Alaska cruise liners; you’re still in for a memorable cruise vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Line owns Oceania Cruises, and therefore, its ships have the same look and feel as NCL’s cruisers. However, one thing that sets Oceania apart is the high-end cruise ship experience and gourmet dining on the high seas. 

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. 

Oceania Cruises sails to Alaska during the summer months and takes you on seven to 11-day itineraries through the breathtaking Northwest Passage. The refined yet casually elegant cruises on the Regatta start at Seward or Vancouver and include stops at enchanting towns along the route you’ll take. 

Regarded as one of the best Alaska cruises for families, Oceania offers a kids-oriented Alaska Explorer Youth Program. The young ones can also choose the Regents Club Mariner Youth Program to learn more about Alaska. The Regatta features four dining venues, a coffee shop, five lounges, a spa, and an outdoor pool where the entire family can unwind during your cruise. 

The name “UnCruise” is undoubtedly the antithesis of the conventional cruise experience. Nonetheless, UnCruise Adventures offers some of the most memorable Alaska expeditions you’ll find anywhere. 

The cruise line’s expeditions are designed to help you experience Alaska’s wilderness. The small ships on its fleet take you to places where larger cruisers on this list won’t dare to venture. 

Whether you board the 84-passenger Safari Endeavour or the 22-passenger Safari Quest, each voyage with UnCruise Adventures is full of surprises for the entire family. The onboard expedition team is always at hand to exp[lain the family-friendly entertainment and adventure options on offer. 

Although most ships on the fleet only offer basic staterooms without balconies, your kids won’t mind it because there’s a lot for them to see and do. The cruise line offers dozens of itineraries in 14-day or seven-day formats, with stopovers in Sitka, Juneau, and the Glacier Bay National Park. 

Cunard is one of the oldest cruise liners, and it’s easy to see why it offers some of the best Alaska cruises for families. With Cunard, you get the opportunity to sail to Alaska and savor its sights and sounds with a tinge of British style. 

The refined experience aboard the cruise line’s Alaska fleet is something your whole family will love. Most cruises originate from Vancouver, and you can choose anything from a 10-night to a 19-night cruise.

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. 

On their part, your kids will love the dedicated play area that’s fully equipped and staffed. Since Cunard is a British cruise line, a formal night is a norm, so expect to have one during your Alaskan cruise.

To guarantee your family’s comfort, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth comes with plenty of accommodation options, including spacious ocean view staterooms, inside staterooms, and even suites. The cruise line’s Alaska itinerary includes Prince Rupert, Skagway, Sitka, and the Glacier Bay National Park. 

Six Popular Ports of Call on Alaskan Family Cruises

Alaska is vast and is home to some of the most breathtaking and untouched natural wonders, including volcanoes, glaciers, shorelines, and wildlife. A cruise to Alaska should be considered incomplete if you fail to explore the interior and the ports of call along the route. That said, these are six of the most popular ports of call on Alaskan family cruises: 

Home to less than 1,000 residents, Skagway is one of the most important ports of call on Alaskan cruises. Despite its small-town charm, it boasts a big-city culture. Skagway is known for its rustic Victorian architecture, violet-spotted fields, and winding wooden railways, snow-capped mountains, and steep hiking trails that you’ll love exploring. 

During your stopover, you’ll enjoy sampling the dense rainforests and reliving the iconic Klondike Gold Rush. The best part of it is that most of these attractions are located close to the cruise ship port. Besides, there are lots of restaurants where you can sample Alaskan cuisines as you wait to hop onto your cruiser to the next port of call. 

Here, rolling mountains overlook quaint waters below, and it’s no surprise that Juneau is one of the most popular ports of call for Alaskan cruises. Most itineraries include this small town, thanks to its proximity to the picturesque Mendenhall Glacier. The majestic Orcas at Juneau are also a sight to behold and make the town a must-visit. 

If you love inland adventures, make it a point to sample the trails and mountains around Juneau. The panoramic view atop Mount Roberts, in particular, isn’t something to miss if you venture inland. You may also want to visit some of the biggest gold mines in the world during your stopover in Juneau. 

If you’re a history and culture enthusiast, there’s no better way to enjoy your Alaska voyage than booking a cruise that stops at Icy Strait Point. The small charming town is regarded as the home of the rich Alaskan culture. 

Here, you can attend a tribal dance or even venture out to the surrounding parks to check out the wildlife. In Icy Strait Point, you’ll also find ZipRider, the world’s longest zip line. 

Visiting this small Alaskan town, you’ll first see the small white boats floating together along the shoreline. Meanwhile, grizzly bears battle the fishermen in search of their next catch of salmon. Dubbed the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is a favorite port of call for seafood lovers. 

Beyond the colorful shoreline, the town invites you to experience Alaska’s rich past and present. Also, don’t let the opportunity to visit the Misty Fjords National Monument and the Tongass National Forest pass you when visiting Ketchikan. 

No port of call along Alaska’s heralded shoreline radiates Alaskan history better than Sitka. There’s so much to do and see in this small seaport. Whether you want to join the New Archangel Dancers in their patterned aprons and crimson skirts in a jingle, or prefer fishing, you’ll have it all in Sitka. 

At Sitka National Historical Park, you’ll have the opportunity to watch seasoned artisans as they weave, bead, carve, and metal-work to create amazing pieces of art that reflect Alaska’s culture and history. You can also pay a visit to the famed St. Michael Russian Orthodox Cathedral to marvel at the hand-painted Biblical scenes, glass-stained windows, and captivating interior. 

Arguably, Haines is one of the lesser-known ports of call on Alaskan family cruises, but it isn’t any less impressive. Staggering mountains and open roads surround this tranquil town. If you love clicking away, there’s no better place to capture lifelong memories of your Alaskan trip than Haines, thanks to the numerous photo-worthy opportunities that abound. 

Outside the cruise ship port, you’ll get the opportunity to feel the soft, soothing tickle of fur as you get up-close with Alaska’s legendary wolves. If you’ve always wanted to have an encounter with Alaska’s furry residents, such as the reindeer, moose, and bears, the Kroschel Wildlife Center is a walking distance from Haines. 

If your itinerary allows, don’t forget to visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see these majestic birds soaring through the air or resting amidst the bare trees.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids and/or Teens

September 9, 2022

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. All of the new experiences create an excellent opportunity for family bonding.

Even the most hard-to-please teen will be charmed by shore excursions such as dog sledding or sea kayaking! The Last Frontier is bound to be a vacation your family will never forget!

So without further ado, here are the 15 best Alaska cruises for families that you can find!

Let’s get started

1. Disney Wonder

2. discovery princess, 4. norwegian bliss, 5. celebrity eclipse, 6. serenade of the seas, 7. ng venture, 8. carnival splendor, 9. star breeze, 10. seven seas mariner, 11. regatta, 12. wilderness legacy, 13. queen elizabeth, 14. majestic princess, 15. seabourn odyssey, all aboard, best alaska cruises for families.

The Disney Cruise Line has been a stand-out in family vacations since its inception in 1998, and it’s no stretch to say that each cruise ship in Disney’s Alaska fleet is designed to provide the ultimate family vacation.

Your family can relax and enjoy the Disney Wonder on an Alaska trip. The seven-night cruise balances days at sea with three full port days. As a result, your family will have plenty of time to get to know the ship, participate in onboard activities, and enjoy shore excursions without feeling rushed.

Your children will have numerous opportunities to encounter lifelike Disney characters while sailing. Plus, they can enjoy themed parties and events to keep them entertained throughout the vacation.

The kid-friendly personnel and amenities like pools and kids’ clubs ensure that the entire family has a great time on the voyage. Families also like the spacious staterooms which Disney’s Alaskan fleet is known for.

• Sails from : Vancouver
• Duration : 7 nights
• Cruise line : Disney Cruise Line
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver

When it comes to family-friendly cruises, you can’t go wrong with the Princess cruise line. The Discovery Princess boasts large staterooms, plenty of dining options, a kids’ club, teen lounge, and themed events to make your family vacation a stand-out time.

Opting for the shorter 4-day itinerary can be a great way to introduce your kids to cruising life. It is long enough to get a feel for life at sea, but not so long that you will be miserable if they can’t quite find their sea legs.

This cruise only has one stop in the Last Frontier — Ketchikan. However, you and your family can still get a solid Alaska experience with shore excursions like watching the lumberjack show, going sea kayaking, or wandering through the rainforest sanctuary.

• Duration : 4 days
• Cruise line : Princess
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Seattle

There are numerous activities and all-day-long entertainment on Holland’s Eurodam which houses 2104 cruisers. 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.

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. Then, when you dock in Ketchikan, you can choose from even more activities like a visit to Totem Bight State Park.

• Sails from : Seattle
• Duration : 7 days
• Cruise line : Holland America Line
• Itinerary : Seattle, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its freestyle cruising experience, which includes various engaging activities for passengers of all ages. The Norwegian Bliss is a 4,000-passenger ship explicitly designed for Alaskan trips, with thrilling features such as a go-kart track, a water park, water slides, and an open-air tag course.

Icy Strait Point and its wilderness experiences are included in the 7-day program. The state’s largest Native Tlingit community is located at Icy Strait Point, and surrounding waterways are abundant with wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales. You’ll also enjoy the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, located just outside Juneau. Explore the Visitor Center, which has a view of the Juneau Ice Field, and walk the nature trails.

• Cruise line : Norwegian Cruise Line
• Itinerary : Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Dawes Glacier, Icy Point Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Celebrity Cruises will provide you with the trip of a lifetime if you’re planning a family cruise to Alaska. The ship has a variety of exciting activities for all ages, such as pools, water slides, themed events, and spas. Celebrity Cruises also offers land packages. If your family enjoys the outdoors, tack on an excursion to Banff National Park or Lake Louise.

If you decide to disembark in Sitka, you can spend the day exploring the seas in a Zodiac, visiting the rescued bears, or biking through the rainforest. You can paddle a canoe up to the glacier in Juneau, indulge yourself with a salmon feast, or go panning for gold.

The Celebrity Eclipse is the pinnacle of modern vacations. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with various dining options. You can also enjoy one of the numerous entertainment venues, or work up a sweat in the Fitness Center.

• Cruise line : Celebrity Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver

Royal Caribbean International’s Alaskan cruise is the perfect fit for the whole family. 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 staterooms are large and decked out with families in mind. The rooms have huge bathrooms, comfortable bunk beds, and everything else you’ll need for a fantastic voyage.

Onboard, there is a well-equipped kids club with activities for children as young as six months, so the grown-ups can enjoy a little bit of vacation time on their own! For the slightly older kiddos, there’s a tween hangout and teen disco.

• Cruise line : Royal Caribbean International
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Icy Straight Point, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Tracy Arm Fjord, Vancouver

Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Society partner, delivers adventure and so much more. The cruise line is renowned for its educational, culture-focused Alaskan cruises where nature is, of course, the shining star of the vacation. The smaller ship offers casual environment that is nevery overcrowded.

Life aboard is full of funv activities and high-quality amenities. The NG Venture onboard specialists offer educational lectures to help your family make the most of thier time in the Last Frontier.

On your shore excursions (included in your ticket!), you’ll hike through lush Alaskan rainforests, paddle your kayak into secluded inlets, and marvel at crystalline icebergs from a Zodiac. You’ll even got to spend a full day basking in the wonder of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

• Sails from : Juneau
• Duration : 8 days
• Cruise line : Lindblad Expeditions
• Itinerary : Juneau, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Petersburg, Glacier Bay, Icy Straits, Sitka

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.

Camp Carnival, the ship’s children’s program, is separated into five age categories (2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, & 15-17). Parents can feel good knowing their little ones are enjoying the supervised playrooms and age-appropriate games. Plus, there is babysitting available for kids under two.

Head ashore to explore the quaint seaside town of Ketchikan and the state’s capital, Juneau. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas surrounding you. Carnival gives you opportunities to enjoy the fjords, glaciers, mountains, and Alaskan wildlife.

• Cruise line : Carnival
• Itinerary : Seattle, Tracy Arm Fjord, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

For a more intimate cruise experience, book your family vacation aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze, where the staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5. A family-friendly ship, Star Breeze combines coastal cruising with overland explorations that your family is sure to adore.

The all-suite yacht has two dining options, an infinity pool, and a spa. Kids will love Windstar’s Signature Expeditions program, which will allow them to learn about Alaskan history and culture from local experts.

With only 312 guests on board, Star Breeze can tuck into the smaller ports like Wrangell or cruise through narrow waterways, giving you a more intimate Alaskan experience.

• Duration : 11 days
• Cruise line : Windstar Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau,Tracy Arm, Inian Island, Icy Strait Pointe, Misty Fjords, Prince Rupert, Vancouver

For families with slightly older children, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a good choice (kids must be over one-years-old to sail.) Kids 5-17 can make sue of the free Club Mariner Youth Program which includes all sorts of interactive activiites like scavenger hunts and dance parties.

The staterooms are a great size with closet-space and ample bathroom amenities. Suites are available for larger families, but you will never feel overcrowded on board because the ship only holds 700 passengers.

Your cruise fare includes shore excursions, free onboard WiFi, ande even concierge services.

• Cruise line : Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Seward

Another good option for those families with older children is Oceania’s Regatta, which allows kids older than 6-months to sail. There are no babysitting or nanny services available for children under five. However, those aged 5-12 can enjoy the Alaska Explorer Youth Program, which provides games and special events.

The elegant Regatta is “the flagship” of the Oceania fleet. Cruisers will adore the teak decks, resplendent tile work, and the custom stone touches. All of the spaces — public and private — are luxuriously furnished, and there are four restaurants to meet all of your dining needs. You’ll also find a spa, lounges, and a casino to keep the adults on the trip entertained.

On the stopover in Ketchikan, Oceania offers excursions like a rainforest hike, zipline adventure, and the Lumberjack show. You can find additional exciting activities at each of the stops! Note: sailers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on all shore excursions.

• Cruise line : Oceania Cruises
• Itinerary : Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, Seattle

UnCruise Adventures provides some of the most unforgettable Alaska adventures available. Expeditions offered by the cruise line are aimed to give you a taste of Alaska’s natural beauty. Its compact ships take you to places where the larger cruise ships on this list can’t go. The expedition staff onboard is always available to explain the various family-friendly entertainment and adventure opportunities.

The 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy allows you to get an up-close Alaskan experience that everyone is sure to enjoy. Visit Glacier Bay National Park regions that are rarely visited by tourists, and hike and cycle around Chichagof Island, where UnCruise is the only line to hold the permits. You’ll find many more intimate Alaskan adventures on an UnCruise cruise!

• Cruise line : Uncruise Adventures
• Itinerary : Juneau, Glacier Bay, Chichagof Island, Baranof Island, Baird Glacier, Ideal Cove, Juneau

Cunard is one of the world’s oldest cruise lines, so it offers some of the most fabulous Alaskan cruises for families. Cunard gives you the chance to cruise the waters of the Last Frontier and take in the wonderous — all with a British flair.

Your entire family will enjoy the polished experience aboard the Queen Elizabeth who can accommodate 2,000 cruisers on the 7-night cruise which departs from Vancouver. The ship has three restaurants, a pool, a spa, and a disco for your nightly amusement. Plus, the specialized play area, which is fully equipped and staffed, will be a hit with the kids.

• Cruise line : Cunard
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Vancouver

Majestic Princess is one of the newest ships in the fleet and offers a signature experience with a touch of Chinese flair. Foodie families will love the dining options available every hour of the day. Endless buffets, frozen treats, and all the made-from-scratch entrees your hearts’ desire.

The 7-day Alaskan tour leaves from Vancouver and includes three desirable ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The cruise culminates in Anchorage, where you could extend your vacation or fly back home.

There are so many excursions to enjoy, and there are often special pricing deals for children under 12 available. You and your family can hike, kayak, canoe, and watch performances like the Lumberjack show.

• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Anchorage

While Seabourn does not have an organized kids’ program, children and teens are welcome. Babies younger than 6-months are not permitted to sail, however.

Families love that the shore trips are complimentary for children, and the line offers such up-close adventures. The expedition team is full of scientists, naturalists, and scholars to help you learn all about the Alaskan way of life.

Glide through the waterways on sturdy Zodiacs or sea kayaks for a more intimate experience in the Alaskan fjords. You’ll find the wildlife viewing opportunities are plenty, and the curious child will adore catching glimpses of seals, whales, and sea birds.

• Duration : 14 days
• Cruise line : Seabourn
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Prince Rupert, Alert Bay, Vancouver

When it comes to family cruising in Alaska, the options are nearly endless! You can find all the adventure your little ones desire without giving up an ounce of comfort.

If you are able to splurge on your vacation, booking one of the smaller ships is definitely a great way to experience the Last Frontier!

If you’re searching for cruises to take with your better half, then head over to my guide of the best Alaska cruises for couples .

About the author

Travel Reporter - Alaska Expert

Dara is a travel writer, political news junkie, and part-time actress. Born in south, she spent her childhood hopping around the U.S., even venturing as far away as Kodiak, Alaska. When not bent over her laptop or prancing around on stage, Dara can be found binge-watching Netflix, making endless to-do lists, or reading a sci-fi book.

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Our Family Alaska Cruise

By Candyce H. Stapen | Published on February 5 2024

On our family Alaska cruise, we stood on the deck staring in amazement at the sheer size of Hubbard Glacier — a cool icy blue in the sunlight — which stretched for miles and was backed by gloriously snowcapped mountain peaks. After dreaming of this moment for months, cruising past this dazzling sight on our first full day onboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas®  reinforced that our family Alaska cruise was the best choice for us.

Not only were my husband and I awestruck by Alaska's natural wonders, but so were Alissa, our teen daughter, and Matt, our college-age son. We bonded over dog sledding, flightseeing and whale spotting and enjoyed discussing the day's events over dinner every night. In my experience, engaging teenagers on a family vacation is much more complicated than pleasing younger kids, and we were thrilled that this vacation succeeded in holding their interest each day and producing lively family conversations each evening.

The Train To Talkeetna

We set up our trip so that we'd have a cruise tour with a relaxing rail journey before our family Alaska cruise . In Anchorage, we boarded Alaska's famous glass-domed sightseeing train, the Wilderness Express. Through the large windows and the glass-domed ceiling, we watched Alaska's landscape roll by, including forests filled with spruce and hemlock, snowcapped mountains and small towns. We had lunch in the dining car and played gin rummy, a family favorite, after we ate.

We got off the train at Talkeetna, a funky little town filled with wooden storefronts and eateries. Located near Denali State Park, it is a gateway to flightseeing and fishing adventures. From the deck of the ridgetop Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, about an hour from town, we savored views of the jagged slopes of the Alaskan Range. We dined on delicious grilled salmon and devoured blueberry tarts for dessert. And although clouds often envelop Denali's summit, the mist lifted one afternoon, revealing the majestic snow-capped peak of the mighty mountain.

The View From Above

The best decision we made on this trip? Booking a flightseeing trip to Denali National Park and Preserve, which was one of the most memorable experiences of our Alaska vacation. In the language of native Koyukon Athabascans, "Denali" translates to "the great one." At 20,310 feet, Denali's Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America and a must-see Alaska travel site that inspires awe.

We took advantage of Alaska's 17-plus hours of daylight to board the helicopter in the late afternoon from Talkeetna. Our 10,000-foot vantage point gave us a sense of Ruth Glacier's massive size — it's a seemingly endless stretch of blue ice slit with crevasses and laced with turquoise pools. When we were within two miles of Denali's summit, the clouds lifted and we saw Denali's peak pierce the sky. Returning over the park, we spotted grizzlies loping across the frozen turf.

Spying On Whales

We arrived early in Seward , the departure point for our Alaska cruise, so that we could experience more sights before we set sail. Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park — home to nearly 40 glaciers that are part of the 700 square miles of the Harding Icefield — in an expedition boat proved to be another highlight of our family vacation in Alaska. Just minutes after we left the dock, our naturalist guide pointed out otters floating, then rolling like logs, in the water. We sailed by spruce thickets, a sea lion colony sprawled on a rocky islet and a puffin rookery. When we heard "thar she blows," we ran to the port railing just in time to catch a glimpse of the bumpy head of a 40-foot humpback whale before he disappeared below the surface.

Floating slabs of ice dotted the sea as we cruised to about a half-mile of the glacier's terminus, a vantage point that gave us a sense of the massive formation that dwarfed our vessel. When the captain cut the engines, we listened. Soon, we heard cracks and a thunderous roar as the glacier calved huge chunks into the sea. It was another awe-inspiring moment on our Alaska travels.

On the way to the glacier, our warm hats and gloves were enough to keep us comfortable, but heading into the wind on the way back, we started to feel the chill. Most of the other passengers escaped to the windowed ship's interior, but we craved the fresh air so we huddled together on a bench, laughing as we wrapped ourselves like burritos in blankets we borrowed from the crew.

Taking In Glaciers And Huskies

We boarded our ship, the 2,466-passenger Radiance of the Seas®, and immediately sailed away. Early on in our sailing, a day of cruising to Hubbard Glacier  gave us time to explore the ship.

Matt grabbed a deck lounge chair while Alissa walked the promenade with us before striking out alone to check out the teen lounge. When the ship drew near the colossal glacier, we met on deck to share the moment. A majestic sight, the glacier towered 350 feet above the water. But no teen or 20-something stares at a glacier for three hours, no matter how impressive. To remain in sight of the glistening blue behemoth and the ice-chunk-dotted sea, we convinced them to play shuffleboard with us. It has become a fun family cruise staple for us over the years, and the kids won again.

Later in the cruise, this family of dog lovers couldn't resist booking a dog-sledding shore excursion. After all, husky dog sledding is part of Alaska's heritage. The excursion starts with a helicopter ride above an emerald-green forest to the plateau of Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska's most noted sights. On a vast snow field, the huskies howled excitedly as our guide harnessed our team, explaining how lead dogs steer the sled and wheel dogs add muscle.

After the musher yelled "hike," the team took off, effortlessly falling into formation. We savored the soft sounds of the dogs' paws on the snow and the sun on our faces for about 20 minutes as we were pulled across the field. We could have spent the whole day gliding across the snow, but at the end of the ride we were treated to a visit with the husky puppies in the kennel. Before returning to the ship, we grabbed a seafood dinner in town — crab cakes and grilled shrimp — and picked up some souvenirs for friends back home.

The Gold Rush Route

Learning a region's history is important to us on a trip, and our family Alaska cruise was no exception. We boarded the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, which first launched in 1898, in Skagway  for the three-hour excursion.

From our train's window, we saw Alaskan sights we had only read about — the grueling terrain many gold rush prospectors had to conquer to seek riches in the Yukon Territory. En route to the White Pass Summit, the narrow-gauge train climbed 2,888 feet. Tuckered out from an evening of dancing in the teen lounge, our kids were happy to sit and listen. They found the narrated history informative and the scenery engaging, even if we had to poke them awake occasionally so they wouldn't miss a waterfall or a gorge.

Over a dinner of sockeye salmon and crab legs in town, we talked about the obsession that motivated so many people to carry supplies along the arduous trail. Many perished in the process. A ruggedly steep stretch, Dead Horse Gulch, took its name from the 3,000 pack horses that died when prospectors tried to cross the pass. At the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway's six-block historic district, a display of the supplies — tools, grain, blankets and clothing — made the climb seem impossible.

It was a beautiful family dinner to end the day with, and we were grateful for the time together. One of our best family vacations, our family Alaska cruise gave us days filled with Alaskan adventures and dinners over which to compare notes and share the stories. Most of all, we were grateful for the time with our children and a moment to enjoy them before they moved on to more adult lives.

Written By CANDYCE H. STAPEN

Candyce H. Stapen has served as a travel editor for USA TODAY and Frommers.com . She has also written for The Washington Post, Travel Weekly, Men's Journal and Washingtonian and is the author of more than two dozen books about family travel. Candyce lives in Washington, D.C. and travels with her family whenever she can.

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