Juneau, Alaska, captivates visitors with its remote allure—one of only two U.S. state capitals without road access. Despite its seclusion, Juneau’s breathtaking beauty draws more travelers every year. According to the City and Borough of Juneau, cruise ship arrivals in 2023 increased by 74% from a decade earlier and by 28% from the pre-COVID high in 2019. With its remote location and spread-out cities, a cruise offers an idyllic way to see Alaska.
While Alaskan cruises have been popular among retirees for quite some time, the voyage is also incredibly family-friendly. This summer, our family took our first Alaskan cruise, and it was nothing short of incredible. The beauty of Alaska was not lost on our two kids. My husband and I enjoyed the family vacation, and we all appreciated the cooler weather in July.
Ease of Travel
Planning a family vacation to pack in all the sights and experiences of Alaska is a Herculean task. Visiting multiple cities in one week can be daunting with young children, but a cruise simplifies sightseeing by traveling to each destination at night while everyone sleeps. Parents do not need to stress over directions and maps. Each day, families choose excursions without worrying about logistics or schedules, allowing adults to truly relax and enjoy their vacation.
An Alaskan cruise is distinct from typical Caribbean cruises. The main highlight of an Alaskan cruise is the chance to see the unmatched landscape. The views are stunning as you make your way to the northwest extremities of North America.
With that in mind, bring your binoculars! There are lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. The observation deck on our ship was a popular spot to take in the views. The 15th floor had almost half of the floor filled with couches, lounge chairs, and cozy spots to look out through the expansive windows. With a full bar for the adults, and snacks and pastries for the kids, it was a unique gathering place for spotting whales and admiring the glaciers. Â
Family-Friendly Activities
The activities on and off the ship are endless. Every age has entertainment options. First, the ship is designed with each type of traveler in mind. Depending on your ship, there are heated pools, hot tubs, a theatre, racetrack, fitness room, spa, casino, arcade, library, restaurants, and bars. Cruises are especially great for a large group of people because there is truly something for everyone. On the days at sea, there are multiple activities you can join. On our cruise, the kids joined a paper airplane-building contest, while I attended a free spa seminar to learn about various treatments and sample products.
On days when the ship is docked, excursions are available and are often the best way to explore each city. Excursions can fill up quickly, so booking early is wise. Ranging from helicopter tours of glaciers, six-hour train rides across the vast landscape, kayaking, or a simple stroll through nature, there is something for every age and skill level. These excursions let both parents and kids enjoy sightseeing together, simply by following a guide on a pre-planned adventure.
Our kids’ favorite part of the trip was the excursion to a Musher’s Camp in Skagway. Even non-dog lovers couldn’t help but fall in love with the cuddly husky puppies. The guide knew her audience. She provided information about the athletic sled dogs, while knowing the majority of the group had short attention spans. The gold panning portion of the excursion was more challenging than we expected. Our kids were covered in water, and we didn’t have much gold to show for it. However, the gift shop (helpfully) offers gold for purchase.
Childcare is available on most cruise ships. Based on the age of your child, there is a drop-off childcare option. Trained professionals can watch your child while you take advantage of some kid-free time. Some families may use childcare to take part in various excursions. A three-month-old might be an extra challenge for hiking that parents would rather not take on. Or, some of the excursions have an age requirement. The childcare on cruise ships provides flexibility that families can benefit from, and provides additional fun activities for younger kids.
Food for Days
No one goes hungry on a cruise. Food lovers can enjoy unlimited buffet dishes and feast on various cuisines at fine dining restaurants. Anyone with food allergies or aversions can select specific diet alternatives, and families with picky eaters can benefit from the multitude of food selections.
My daughter and I loved the Garden Café on our ship – an entire deck dedicated to a buffet with endless options. The salad bar was fresh, and there were plenty of healthy options. My daughter fell in love with chocolate croissants and had a steady diet of fruit and ice cream for the seven-day cruise. What are vacations for, though?
Like the land excursions, the fine dining reservations can fill up quickly. If you know certain days and times that you would like to dine at the exclusive restaurants, go ahead and make the reservation.
One of our favorite restaurants was Onda by Scarpetta on our ship, the Norwegian Encore. The Italian food was rich and flavorful. The staff at every restaurant on the ship provides an incredible level of service, but the fine dining takes it up a notch. The wait staff was attentive to special diets and made thoughtful menu recommendations.
When to Travel to Alaska
The summer months are the most popular time to book an Alaskan cruise. The weather is mild for the Arctic state, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, and spotting wildlife is easier with the native animals being more active. Â However, being the most popular also makes it the priciest option. If your family has the flexibility, consider traveling slightly off-peak in May or September. The average temperatures are still reasonable, and it can often be easier on your wallet.
Regardless of when you decide to go, taking an Alaskan cruise is a vacation your whole family will remember. The wildlife and natural beauty of the 49th state are unparalleled. If relaxation is your goal, the observation deck may just become your family’s favorite spot to take in the incredible views. Or if exploration is more your thing, there’s plenty of hiking, kayaking, and ziplining to put you in the middle of the action. With a cruise ship as your home base, it’s easy to strike out on adventures to make lifelong memories with the security of knowing the schedule and logistics are covered.
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