As the third most popular cruise destination, Alaska is on a lot of families' travel wish lists. Cruising with Food Allergies Top Safety Tips, Family Vacation Packing List: 14 Essentials for Every Cruise, 8 Reasons Families Will Love Cruising with Royal Caribbean, 22 Ways to Save Money on a Family Cruise Vacation, Shore Excursions Cruise Line vs. DIY Independent Port Excursions. 20 Feb. Sailing in the Inside Passage is unique since glaciation made deep channel between the mountains. Though UnCruise celebrates with a Polar Plunge. Check out our favorites in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan! Discovery Princess will debut in Spring 2022 and cruise Alaska. Alaska Family Cruises - AdventureSmith Explorations - Small Ship This ship caters to adults and no one under 18 allowed. Everything You Need to Know About a President's Cruise You can head to shore in Sitka to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and play with bald eagles. This is because babies under 1 year of age are not usually permitted on cruises whose itineraries contain two or more consecutive cruise sea days (i.e. Note: cruise ships will sometimes have these items but again you will pay a premium for them and you cant guarantee they have brands and sizes you require. All cruise itineraries are good but some are better than others when you are thinking about cruising with toddlers. My Cruise Planner. Royal Caribbean Internationals Alaskan cruise is the perfect fit for the whole family. And Icy Straight Point boasts the ZipRider, the longest zip line in the world. For families with slightly older children, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a good choice (kids must be over one-years-old to sail.) Find two lounges along with the Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard, World Stage along with movies and casino. Potlatch Totem Park or Totem Heritage Center, or see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Here's our best tips for planning, booking and packing an Alaskan Cruise with a baby. In this section of the guide we will tell you everything you need to know for booking, selecting and enjoying your Alaska cruise with a toddler. So really you need to balance out what is most important to you. According to CLIA, suites and balconies are the most important amenity for cruisers, and that definitely holds true for families. Save 50% Off Your Second Guest When Booking a Travelocity Celebrity Cruise! The scenic train ride in Skagway is a must. Though some itineraries include Victoria, Icy Strait Point and Sitka. The cruise line is renowned for its educational, culture-focused Alaskan cruises where nature is, of course, the shining star of the vacation. So sample the rich and diverse food scene with tastes of Asia, like Chinese dim sum or Japanese ramen. Ovation of the Seas with Kids - Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska Honest Find Family cruises to Alaska on Tripadvisor. Three pool areas including a splash area for babies and toddlers, double-looping water slide and an adults only area. The Beach House teen center (for 13- to 17-year-olds) has video game tournaments, air hockey, foosball and ping-pong games, and movie nights. We have done both with our toddler and enjoyed even if they arent as overtly toddler friendly. Highlights included a racetrack, dual water slides, laser tag, along with specialty restaurants like Texas BBQ and numerous evening shows. Brightness if you are doing an Alaskan cruise in midsummer, the sunlight hours in Alaska are long. Each excursion lists the length, the activity level required, the childs price (along with the adult price), and the highlights, so you can see if its a good fit. Kids will love the Glacier Bay Small Ship Cruise, which includes two full days at Glacier National Park. So look for special itineraries that include Glacier Bay, including park rangers that board the cruise ships. An Alaska cruise with kids is a family trip of a lifetime. Thinking about taking an Alaska cruise with baby in tow? A pre and post cruise land program is also available. Cruises are back and a cruise to Alaska is a bucket list item for many families. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Since the National Park Service regulates the number of large cruise ships, this is a factor for would-be Alaska cruisers. Some ports are also close enough to the US/Canadian border that you can easily explore both countries. Youll even got to spend a full day basking in the wonder of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Yet many parents are unsure of what to expect in kids' camp, and worry their little ones will be bored. The Great Land's incredible coast and thundering glaciers are best experienced by boat, but many parents wonder if an Alaska cruise with kids is as convenient and enjoyable as it sounds. Traveling to this city, Accounting for two-thirds of Americas national parklands, Alaska offers natures beauty in her truest form. However overall I dont think there are any more risks for toddlers on an Alaska cruise to a cruise elsewhere in the world. The typical ports of call include cruising the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, cruising the Hubbard Glacier. This is luxury all-veranda ship with a selection of staterooms. Alaska Cruises, Alaskan Cruise Deals - Carnival Cruise Line Find counselors in a re-purposed card room with kids activities, though check in with your travel agent or cruise representative if this will be available for your sailing. The all-suite yacht has two dining options, an infinity pool, and a spa. Highlights include sports courts, fitness center, casino and spa along with specialty restaurants like sushi. And if you want to know more about cruise suites you can see our review here! Skip to content. Find five dining venues, five lounges, coffee shop, outdoor pool, and spa along with a theater, nightclub and casino. Our biggest takeaway? Both the Jewel and Sun include, inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. Since I spent a good portion of my childhood living in The Last Frontier, I, There are so many destinations when it comes to Alaskan travel, but one that seems to be at the top of many peoples lists is Anchorage. Designed by ThemeSphere. Is it safe to take a toddler on a cruise to Alaska? Most larger ships are a la carte cruises so airfare, specialty restaurants, beverage packages, including soft drinks and bottled water, excursions are not included. at glaciers or out whale watching so layers are important for port and sea days. opportunities to leave about Native American history and. Other ports an Alaskan cruise may stop at that arent in Alaska are: The most important thing for you to decide is whether you want. Ketchikan street Things to do in Ketchikan on Cruises. Whether or not you should take a car seat on an Alaskan cruise will largely depend on what type of excursions you are planning on doing and who you are doing them with. The main cruise ports for Alaska cruises are: Train in Skagway Best Things to do in Skagway. From exploring the glaciers and wildlife of Juneau to discovering the rich history of Skagway, we were able to experience all that Alaska has to . The Queen Elizabeth offers a pool, spa along with lectures and nightly entertainment. Looking for a different cruise experience, then a specialty cruise might be for you. Find inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. Find four restaurants, three lounges, outdoor pools and spa along with a theater and casino. Top-rated Alaska family tours that are loved by explorers of all ages! She shares her life with her three kids and her husband. Theres the buffetfruit, vegetables, breads, sweets, hot food, and cold cutsat the Horizon Court on deck 15. 141. r/Cruise. Most ships include at least one hot tub but no pool. Your children will have numerous opportunities to encounter lifelike Disney characters while sailing. All of the new experiences create an excellent opportunity for family bonding. The Lodge Tween Center (for 8- to 12-year-olds) does treasure hunts, rocket-building, and board games. Looking for family cruises to Alaska? Have you cruised to Alaska with kids? Skip to Content. orcas! As the capitol of Alaska, its a small city. Its a popular option for multi-generational cruise. Youll also enjoy the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, located just outside Juneau. The Ruby Princess kids camp is free and open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days (babysitting is available after 10 p.m. for $5 per hour) and has three groups sorted by age. Being next to those glaciers gets really chilly especially for toddlers so you will want fleeces, coats, scarfs and gloves etc. There are numerous activities and all-day-long entertainment on Hollands Eurodam which houses 2104 cruisers. UnCruise offers lots of itineraries in 7-day or 14-day formats. Explore the Visitor Center, which has a view of the Juneau Ice Field, and walk the nature trails. However the main things to do with toddlers in Juneau are: For more information on family friendly cruise excursions in Juneau click here. Cruising Glacier Bay for at least 8 hours, cruisers see marine life, like bald eagles and seals. Holland America offers lots of options for cruisers. I would say there are no additional safety concerns on a cruise to Alaska however there are some extra precautions you may want to take in ports. The 6 Best Kid-Friendly Shore Excursions and Alaska Family Tours A closed loop cruise is where you stay in the same country. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with various dining options. Also theres an option of adding a selection of post cruise excursions to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. Cruising also allows you to appreciate the scenes in between cities something you would not get to experience on an airplane or road trip. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Families love that the shore trips are complimentary for children, and the line offers such up-close adventures. Cunard is one of the worlds oldest cruise lines, so it offers some of the most fabulous Alaskan cruises for families. Though finding a quiet corner to read might be harder on a large cruise ship. Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Society partner, delivers adventure and so much more. Viking Ocean Cruises are all-inclusive though notable is the availability of included excursions. Or enjoy an afternoon tea at the celebrated Empress Hotel. Infants/Toddlers. From nappies, to bottles, pacifiers and formula for instance. A family-friendly ship, Star Breeze combines coastal cruising with overland explorations that your family is sure to adore. 118. 15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids and/or Teens By Dara Brewton Updated onSeptember 9, 2022 A cruise to Alaska with children and teens is a once-in-a-lifetime family experience. Kid-friendly cruises are the most convenient way for the fam to . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And a bonus for first time cruisers, the waters of the Inside Passage are relatively calm compared to open ocean cruising. For a full guide on what the best stroller for cruise travel is click here! The smaller ship offers casual environment that is nevery overcrowded. In addition, Viking Ocean Cruises offers many pre and post cruise options like the Rocky Mountaineer scenic train, Denali National Park, Vancouver and Anchorage. So now you know why some tips for booking we will turn our attention to packing for toddlers on a cruise to Alaska. Its compact ships take you to places where the larger cruise ships on this list cant go. Everything about Alaska is massive from the 90-pound cabbages grown in the Matanuska Valley to the coastline that's longer than all the other U.S. states combined. Glide through the waterways on sturdy Zodiacs or sea kayaks for a more intimate experience in the Alaskan fjords. The ship has everything your family needs for a fun-filled cruise from rock climbing to ice skating. As you walk the streets of Ketchikan, learn about the symbolism used on the totems like the plants and animals of the temperate rainforest. The Carnival cruise ships feature inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. Life aboard is full of funv activities and high-quality amenities. Take Advantage of Kid-Free Areas. One of a Kind Experiences in Alaska with Kids Norwegian Cruise Line offers the option of adding a selection of post cruise excursions to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. Celebrity Cruises is an a la carte cruise line so be prepared to pay for a beverage package including soda and barista coffee, photo package and WiFi along with excursions. Either way, having that separation was key. As a bonus, the train depot is a short walk from the cruise ship port. You can also enjoy one of the numerous entertainment venues, or work up a sweat in the Fitness Center. Planning & Packing Tips Disney Cruises 4 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska with Kids Last updated November 14, 2019 If you've dreamed of taking a cruise through Alaska but you're concerned the kids won't enjoy the trip, here are a few reasons why an Alaskan cruise can make a perfect family vacation. If your toddler struggles sleeping when it is light a porthole or balcony cabin may not be right for you. Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is almost on all Alaska cruise itineraries. Best Alaska Cruise with Kids! - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums This ship in particular really appeals to familiesit had a strong multigenerational aspect with many grandparents, parents, and kids traveling together. Cruising with infant tips what stateroom should I book? Additional ports-of-call include Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord or the Endicott Arm. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00KR9OQGS,B014VBIEZQ,B00MRZIFD0,B0194WDVHI,B00RZV7WKS,B01N6DC2ZE,B009ZB17W0,B007XTLO0G,B01GKZNWTO,B07GC4V65T"; For You to Know: Lets Cruise Kids participates in several affiliate programs including Amazon Associates. Seven Seas Explorer is the top-ranked ship overall. Watch the interpretive film to learn about the gold rush and how would-be miners climbed the treacherous White Pass Trail. The things you need to consider when booking your cruise cabin on an Alaska cruise when traveling with toddlers are: Personally for an Alaska cruise I would always choose to have a porthole or balcony cabin so that we as adults can enjoy the scenery even once your little ones are in bed. Uncruise Alaska- Small Ship Alaska Cruise with Kids - Family Travel Also you should consider whether you want to do a closed loop cruise. From the weather you'll experience to what you do on shore, there are a lot of differences from your typical cruise. Get unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, ground transfers, free WiFi onboard. 15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families for 2020 | SheBuysTravel cruise suites you can see our review here! Parents can feel good knowing their little ones are enjoying the supervised playrooms and age-appropriate games. Unlike staying at one resort for a week, every day offers new scenery. Find a selection of itineraries including 7-night one way cruises from departing from Vancouver or Seward or a 13-night round trip cruise out of Seattle. 164. r/Cruise. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. 13 days ago. In between Draw 4s and bites of pepperoni pie, we listened to the tell-tale sound of the glacier calving (a big crushing sound) and took in the view. what should you pack for a cruise with a toddler. Princess Cruises is also one of the few concessionaires authorized to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. But Matthew loved the camp so much, he begged to go back every day. Also find a pool, an adults only retreat and kids, tween and teens clubs. Find a waterpark with slides, mini golf, an adults-only retreat and kids, tween and teens clubs. So for Alaska, find a lot of seafood. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable and if you go early (or late) in the season, it can be a bit chilly. If you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission at no addtional cost to you. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Possibly the biggest factor that will determine how much you will enjoy a cruise with a toddler is the line you select. The Alaskan views are breathtaking, with vast swathes of wilderness, towering snow-capped mountains, and crystalline glaciers thunderously pouring ice into the sea. Youll find many more intimate Alaskan adventures on an UnCruise cruise! There were family activities such as backstage tours to see how production shows are created aboard the ship. Get discount pricing for kids under 17. Though cruisers can choose a 13-night round trip cruise from San Francisco and 15-night round trip cruise from Los Angeles. Ketchikan offers the official visitor center for the Tongrass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S. Cruise Ship Etiquette: Are Passengers Allowed to Order Dishes That Aren't on the Menu? If you are thinking about doing an Alaska cruise with baby instead of toddlers you may be more restricted. If you plan to take any excursions by car this is going to be necessary unless your private tour operator can supply these. All ships include inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. But you can. Find dates, prices and cruise ships to plan your Alaska family cruise. Learn about the Tlingit people as well as the Gold Rush as you sail the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Even the most hard-to-please teen will be charmed by shore excursions such as dog sledding or sea kayaking! For this reason we advise packing both a carrier and a stroller (though a compact one) for an Alaskan cruise. The historic downtown offers a gateway into Alaskas past. 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! 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. The crew of the ship is pleasant and eager to make your visit unique and memorable, and the staffs great knowledge of Alaska at por of call is equally impressive. With consistent amenities find a host of dining options international cafe, chocolate journeys and afternoon tea. With a smaller ships gain access into smaller ports. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets Alaska Cruises on a Budget; Family Time on an Alaskan Cruise; Going Solo to Alaska; Off Season Cruises in Alaska? Adults-Only Cruises: How to Have a Kid-Free Cruise - Cruiseline.com Thank you for your support! Find similar amenities on both, like lots of dining options from burgers to Asian to pizza. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. scenery Alaskan cruises often have scenic cruise bys and amazing landscapes to see on sea days and between ports. It can take awhile to get your bags back so be sure you have all your essentials to last you through the day and overnight by packing your cruise embarkation day bag properly. 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. In our opinion cruises are a safe vacation for toddler providing you supervise your child at all times and if you decide to book a balcony cabin that you ensure all furniture is kept away from the edge to prevent climbing etc. Thank you for reading about our family's Alaskan cruise excursion! For a more intimate cruise experience, book your family vacation aboard Windstars Star Breeze, where the staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5. The big trend in cruising is having enough to do for kids and parents separately, as well as together. It is long enough to get a feel for life at sea, but not so long that you will be miserable if they cant quite find their sea legs. When your cruise ship docks, you can get up close and personal with nature through numerous Alaskan activities likedog sledding, crab catching, deep sea fishing or even ice trekking. Alaska Cruise with Kids: A Fun-Filled Family Vacation Alaska, Cruise Travel, United States / April 7, 2011 by Lisa Goodmurphy / 5 Comments Highlights of an Alaskan family cruise and land tour. Most itineraries include Ketchikan, Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park and Skagway. The Club Mariner Youth Program is staffed with counselors that meet for a few hours a day on port days and twice on sea days. The anytime dining (which means guests could eat whenever they want between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.) was good for those families who wanted flexibility. Final Note; Best Cruise Line for Alaska. Read More 02 . If youre searching for cruises to take with your better half, then head over to my guide of the best Alaska cruises for couples. Packing List for Kids Alaska Packing List for Kids Taking the entire family on a cruise to Alaska will give you and your kids memories to last a lifetime. This small ships pull into ports that others sail by. Most itineraries include Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Victoria. As your cruise ship sails Disenchantment Bay, use binoculars to view the marine life and birds. I'm here for your advice, crazy stories, and any tips for excursions. Most cruise lines offer the popular one-way format with departures from either Vancouver, British Columbia, or Seward, Alaska (near Anchorage). The cruise culminates in Anchorage, where you could extend your vacation or fly back home. Other awesome features include large observation decks and kayaks and stand-up. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas surrounding you. One of the differences about cruising to Alaska is that in the towns you will not find toddler essentials easily and you may have to drive out of town to a supermarket to get these things and you will play a premium for them too. Opting for the shorter 4-day itinerary can be a great way to introduce your kids to cruising life. Cruise lines that have reputations as being more family friendly that also have ships in Alaska are: Things to consider when you are looking for both a toddler friendly cruise line and toddler friendly ship are the facilities that your toddler will be able to use such as: On other cruises to warm weather destinations we would also suggestion looking for cruise ships with splash pads. With just 312 passengers, Windstar Cruises offer an intimate way to explore the 49th state. Kids will love Windstars Signature Expeditions program, which will allow them to learn about Alaskan history and culture from local experts. Posts may contain affiliate links. On Windstar Cruises all meals are included along with non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee drinks. TheRoyal Princessand theMajestic Princesseach carries 3,500 passengers. Movies Under the Stars happened each night and even though the weather could be a bit cold, Matthew and I huddled under a blanket (the ship provides them, along with free popcorn). For your cruise youll pay for roundtrip airfare, shore excursions and purchase an alcohol package. The 7-night round trip cruises depart from Vancouver. However they are much more expensive than other cruise lines. With the majority of cruises originating out of Vancouver, find the popular 7-night to 10-night Alaskan cruises. This is perfect if you have a toddler like mine who loves trains. This means that by clicking on or purchasing products we recommend through a link may help us earn a small commission, which helps keep this blog running. Note: For more information on other cruise destinations with toddlers check out our other guides too such as cruising in the South Pacific. document.write(''); Complimentary airfare and ground transfers are available as well. I toyed with the idea of bringing my son on one, because the data was so convincing: According to the recent cruise travel trends report by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the worlds largest cruise trade association, families that cruised with kids under the age of 18 reported a 9 out of 10 satisfaction rate, and travel agents are reporting an increase in requests for adventure travel cruises. Visit Catherine | Carful of Kids's profile on Pinterest. Join. Best Alaskan Cruises for Kids March 15, 2022 If your cruise sails through the Glacier Bay National Park then park ranger will climb on broad to facilitate Junior Ranger programming. The famed Cunard Line sails to Alaska with a bit of British style so get a more refined experience, like afternoon tea. An Alaskan cruise is the easiest way to explore the rugged wilderness of the national parks in Canada and the U.S. Add a bucket list excursions like dogsledding, flight seeing and helicopter glacier tours, then you have a trip to remember. 2. There will always be concerns before taking your family anywhere, and I wouldn't know as much as I do about Alaska with children if I hadn't decided to go on the trip and bring Matthew along. With cruise ships that carry 2,000+ passengers, the activities and amenities are nearly endless, like water slides and dedicated kids areas. medianet_height = "280"; If youve dreamed of taking a cruise through Alaska but youre concerned the kids wont enjoy the trip, here are a few reasons why an Alaskan cruise can make a perfect family vacation. 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. Discover exciting ports featuring prehistoric glaciers, gold-mining relics and eclectic shopping, while enjoying first-rate entertainment and family-friendly recreation on board the ship. As the old adage goes, theres no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Cruise Critic offers a variety of Alaska cruises for family . One of our most memorable family vacations was a multi-generational Alaskan cruise that we took with my husband's parents. Whenever we are traveling with a toddler we also think what is better for the destination a carrier vs a stroller. Most itineraries include cruising the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and a glacier viewing. Foodie families will love the dining options available every hour of the day. Though high season (late June and July) will bring sun and short-sleeve weather. UnCruise Adventures provides some of the most unforgettable Alaska adventures available. Each ship also includes a kids club. Celebrity Cruises is owned by parent company, Royal Caribbean International. An interactive splash pad with giant whale feature will entertain kids of all ages with showers, sprays and a water jet from the whale's spout! 13 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions for Families - We3Travel Find interior staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. Its an authorized concessionaire to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. For traditional diningwhere passengers were assigned a table and had the same one at the same time for the duration of their cruisethe pre-set times were 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., which lent itself to the family atmosphere. Also Alaskan cruises include a formal night so pack sometime dressy. Space is a premium on cruise ships so make sure your stroller is compact. Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, offersthe popular 7-day one way cruises from Anchorages Whittier and Vancouver. Of course, for those last-minute families, you can always book excursions on the ship, too. If your first thought is "Alaska cool!" you're on the right track even in the mild summer season, you should still pack your sweater.
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