She and Julie were quite the combo!!! Family Cruise. 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. She was in heaven and 14,000 picture or more later - she found her happy place. This cruise currently has three ships that sail to Alaska, and they offer excellent onboard amenities, including: Now, these amenities are phenomenal and are bound to keep the whole family entertained. But we know that each family is unique and thus travel is very personal, so review the trips below then contact our experts to be matched with the best Alaska family cruise for you. The desserts even got my (not sweet- toothed) husband tasting a sample each evening. Our Adventure Specialist was exceptionally helpful during our rather more complicated preparations involving travelers from 3 locations and various ages and special needs. From the moment when we were met at the airport, everything went smoothly; nothing was a hassle or even a minor irritant. Theres a freshness in the air, a staggering amount of wildlife to watch, and as for the beer and seafood lets just say its worth making the journey. I think the nature of the trip, with Nat Geo, attracts passengers with similar interests very well, so the group was simpatico. Disney No surprise, Disney has kids coveredeven as young as 3 months. . Learn about the Tlingit people as well as the Gold Rush as you sail the calm waters of the Inside Passage. You bet. The Ultimate Small Ship Alaska Cruise Guide - Cruise Critic Older teens may enjoy activities such as pool parties, teen dinners, karaoke competitions, and sports competitions (both virtual and real). Discovery Princess 3. There are Husky puppies available for sled dogs fans for snuggling and photos. Not sure when to go? With demand picking up over the last few years, many companies have stepped up their cruise game, and people who want to take a cruise in Alaska are more spoiled for choice than ever before. Use the filters to narrow down your search, or contact us for a personalized recommendation on the best Alaskan cruise for families centered around your needs. Matt the bartender what a guy!! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Alaska cruises. Your questions answered | Royal Caribbean Blog Top 7 of the Best Alaskan Cruises for Families Breakfast was always exciting because we got to hear what we were having for lunch and dinner! Not to mention the bartender and the engineer, all of whom did whatever they could do make our trip pleasant - never limiting themselves to their defined duties. This stylish hoodie is not only handy as an underlayer but will also protect you from unsuspecting sunburn under those sneaky Alaskan rays. What a wonderful experience!! Taking a cruise is something that is on many peoples bucket lists. The best ports for families who love to shop are Juneau, Anchorage, and Ketchikan. 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. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission. The boat was really comfortable and had everything we needed. The ships teen-only hang out spaces include a low-key lounge area and an evening dance club. And, it may be better suited for families, Crystal Cruises is known for its upscale luxury cruises, but it typically has relatively limited programming for kids. The baker invited my granddaughter to bake cookies; the captain let her steer the boat; Emily, our tour leader, went out to purchase cold supplies when our grandchildren developed coughs and sneezes; our waitress, Ginny, cheerfully served us in staggered stages when our grandchildren came to meals late; and Amy did our rooms out of her regular schedule when the grandchildren were in bed when she arrived. Overall, this ship may be a bit more restrained and adult than some of the other ships on our list. Celebrity Eclipse 6. Talk about a vacation video! An over-the-ankle fit provides more overall support to your foot and soles are designed with advanced materials for shock absorption and stability. Rectangle Copy 10 And fortunately, summer sailings coincide with the Alaska cruise season. But the stay at Kantishna Roadhouse and the wildlife spotting made it worth the trip. An all-natural alternative that we always have in our bag is ginger. We met really interesting people. 10 Best Alaska Cruises for Families 2020 - Family Vacation Critic Highlights include visits to Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau and Kake with a special focus on Alaskan culture and Native American history. Norwegian Cruise Lines 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sun is sailing from Vancouver to Whittier and back all spring and summer with per person rates ranging from $399 to $679. These Maui Jims are considered unisex, but you can choose your lens tint in bronze or blue. The number 1 experience was the Glacier Bay National Park section of our "un-cruise" on the Wilderness Explorer because of the variety of activities: hiking, kayaking, wildlife spotting - just one thing after another. I think the only thing is one morning we anchored in a really rocky (back and forth) spot and my mom got sea sick and missed out on the days activities. We are often asked if it is appropriate to cruise with three generations: kids, parents and grandparents. Limited Alaska cruise option. Princess Cruises In 2019, Princess Cruises celebrated its 50th year sailing to Alaska. 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. 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(for teens ages 14 to 17) is a chaperoned lounge with music, movies, video games, big-screen plasma TVs, dance floor, Internet caf, and teen-only activities. To buy:amazon.com, $19 for a two-pack (originally $30). A much better plan of attack is to layer a shirt with a fleece and throw a light, waterproof layer like this over top so you can be prepared for any weather. When is the best time to visit Alaska? offers a wide range of character experiences throughout the ship. I highly recommend carrying a daypack with you when you disembark the ship and venture into Alaskas ports. 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. Special programming for kids on all departures includes photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and child-friendly menu options. for children ages 3 to 11. Alaska cruises in 2023 offer a range of itinerary options, with cruise durations varying from 4 to 22 nights. Sure, some cruise lines offer the use of binoculars in your room or around the ship, but rarely are you allowed to take them with you in port. We have all thought about a large cruise ship - but no longer! Don't think we needed 4 course lunches when dinner was so delicious. Serenade of the Seas 7. Brittany Chrusciel has reported from dozens of cruises, from the world's largest ships to some of the smallest. Dont risk it; buy the bug repellent. We were very impressed with the level of knowledge of the crew across a wide range of topics which value added to our experience enormously. AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. No formal nights and no dress codes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She was so friendly and fun! He loved seeing things that even people on the ship (me) didn't see. Both segments of the trip were well organized and superb and very relaxing. Cruise Critic is the perfect place to plan your . Glaciers, Zodiacs among sea lions and eagles, whale viewing, pilot whales and great naturalists all were special. I am sure I am missing someone - but EVERYONE was great!!! The best cruise lines for Alaska (at a glance) She was a blast when she was our guide. This 100-passenger ship is geared toward folks seeking exploration and adventure. If you want a full immersive Alaska experience take a Princess or Holland America cruise. While Bonine is a considerably less drowsy formula than traditional Dramamine, its still not recommended for children under 12 and it can still make you sleepy. This is a longtime bestseller among our best Alaskan cruises for families. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Cruise Packing List: 35 Essentials for Your 2023 Cruise Princess Cruises started their sailing cruises to Alaska in 1969. My son LOVED the bush whacking tours!!!! The articles below will help you learn more about Alaska family cruises with AdventureSmith Explorations. We would do it again, as we found AdventureSmith to be definitely value added in every way. A 7-day cruise usually includes three full-port days with the rest at sea. Once youre back home and dreaming about that time you went dogsledding in Alaska, the tapered tumbler should fit into the cup holder in your car. Ted - I went kayaking with him the first day. Every meal was great - if anything there was just too much food! Odyssey of the Seas is the top-ranked ship overall. 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. Its one of my favorite destinations in the world and one of the top cruise itinerary recommendations I make when people ask me where to sail. 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. The Alaskan spirit is thoroughly incorporated onboard through authentic experiences and themed entertainment. The lid can also fit a reusable straw if desired. We made some lovely new friends. Unlike DEET, picaridin is also odorless and non-greasy. Norwegian offers complimentary childrens programs for kids ages 317 so this ship is a popular choice for families. Arriving two days early will give you more time to relax, acclimatize and enjoy the port prior to the cruise. It might seem instinctive to pack a big winter coat to bring to Alaska but dont beware of bulky, overly warm outer layers. ON THIS PAGE Alaska Family Cruises:The 5 Best Alaska Cruises for FamiliesWhat Is the Small Ship Experience Like?How Old Should Kids Be?Multigenerational Family CruisesWhen to Plan & BookLogistics for Alaska Family CruisesBest Family Cabins Alaska Family Cruise DealsAlaska Family Charter CruisesAlaska Cruise Extensions for FamiliesMore Alaska Resources for KidsView All Alaska Family Cruise Itineraries. 5 ways Disney makes cruising Europe easy for families All rights reserved. Read on to figure out which one will be just right for you. She circumnavigated the globe on a ship at the age of 20 and loves being at sea. This list includes megaships, large ships, luxury ships, and one recommendation from the small ship category. The best ports for adventure junkies are Sitka, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point. May 9, 2018 - Learn all about the best Alaska excursions for your Alaskan cruise! Best Alaskan cruises for summer, per travel experts - New York Post Alaska Cruise Lines | How To Pick The Line That Fits | ALASKA.ORG So, were including the, And, guests have access to a robust menu of enrichment and educational activities. Of the three, the Carnival Miracle is the better option for a family cruise to Alaska. We offer a number of kid friendly Alaskan cruise and land tour combos with special youth and child rates. If only they gave out prizes for the most efficient packer. Norwegian Cruise Lines 2,002-passenger Norwegian Sun is sailing from Vancouver to Whittier and back all spring and summer with per person rates ranging from $399 to $679. 15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids and/or Teens It was informative and entertaining, and then he took us out back to meet the sled dogs in training - all rescue animals! Disney Cruise Line offers a 7-night Alaskan itinerary on the Disney Wonder that is perfect for families (there are also 5, 8, and 9-night options). No kidding, you really do need the rubber boots! Of course, there are some restrictions with this sale. Beyond excellent!! So glad we did. Cons. No large ship cruises for us!! You will also find traditional shuffleboard and a card room with a library of board games. Best trip!! 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. Consult our month-by-month guide for the best time to visit Alaska. The zip-off bottoms might seem a bit dorky at first, but function over fashion is where its at when youre gallivanting around the Great Outdoors. A collection of small ships make this iconic 13-day passage along the coastline between Seattle and Juneau, Alaska, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park. If you have older kids and a (ahem) robust travel budget, the. While Norwegian Sun is one of the lines newest ships , its in good shape and the itinerary includes all the highlights like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Cruise Critic offers deals on Alaskan cruises as short as 7-days with well-know cruise lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and more! Our teenage grandchildren loved them and we all appreciated how effortlessly they were included in riding and operating them. Rab, the group leader, was engaging, knowledgeable and always enthusiastic. Children ages 15 and under receive 15% off the double occupancy rate. Most Family Friendly: Disney Cruise Lines Best for Adventure: Princess Cruises Where Natural Beauty Marries Metropolis: Royal Caribbean International Best Educational Experience:. Andy and Adelia - they drove the skiffs for us a few times. Due to their interest in a mix of wilderness, Native culture, port visits and soft adventure activities, they will be able to interact with locals and be active. This beanie will not only keep your ears toasty on chilly days, but the brim is helpful to shield you from the elements and your eyes from the sun. Then I found Merrell, and I never looked back. Courtesy Princess Cruises. Over the last decade of my career as a cruise journalist, Ive set sail on more than 50 cruises so you could say I know how to pack a suitcase for any voyage. Here is a list of how to fill your suitcase so you can spend every last moment soaking up the memories and not the weather of your Alaska cruise. Why choose between a warm hat and a cap with a visor, when you can have both? NG Venture Best Alaskan Cruises For Families - WaterWorldGuide.com Wedded the two trips together seamlessly. Let AdventureSmith Explorations show you more about Alaska with kids and families. My daughter is the best one out of all of us. These include: When it comes to port excursions, Disney highlights the beauty and splendor of Alaska all while exposing guests to local customs and culture. that provides hands-on cooking classes for kids and teens. Stateroom configurations are notably family-friendly with 1 split bathrooms and extra berth options. What is the Best Cruise Line for Alaska in 2023? Holland America Line Final Verdict Best Overall Cruise : Windstar Cruises Buy on Cruisecritic.com Why We Chose It Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska's glaciers and fjords; other ships can't squeeze into some of these special places.