Imagine setting sail with your family through Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness, where glaciers, wildlife, and fjords are just outside your cabin window. If you’re seeking a vacation that combines adventure with relaxation, then an Alaska cruise is the perfect choice for every member of your family.
This unique journey lets you explore rugged landscapes, experience vibrant cultures, and enjoy countless family-friendly amenities. With activities for all ages—from toddlers to teens—Alaska cruises promise excitement and discovery for everyone on board.
A family trip to Alaska is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about creating lifelong memories together. Picture watching humpback whales breach the surface, embarking on a thrilling dog-sledding adventure, or marveling at ancient glaciers. There’s so much you can do on an Alaskan cruise!
Top cruise lines cater specifically to families, offering kids' clubs, teen lounges, educational activities, and evening entertainment designed to bring families together.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best family-friendly Alaska cruises, each offering a perfect balance of onboard fun and thrilling on-shore adventures. Get ready to embark on an incredible Alaska cruise with kids that turns your holiday into an adventure filled with lasting memories.
Top Cruise Lines Offering Alaska Cruises
Cruise lines like Celebrity, Holland America, and Disney go above and beyond to provide family-friendly itineraries, and child-focused activities. But that’s not all. Here are some of the most popular cruise lines offering Alaska cruises, and what they offer.
Celebrity Cruises: Refined Luxury, Made Family-Friendly
Celebrity Cruises offers the perfect balance of luxury and family fun. Known for its great service, luxury, and kid-friendly activities, Celebrity is a great choice for those looking for a luxurious experience with something for everyone.
- Activities for All Ages: Celebrity’s youth programs include hands-on science and art activities for younger kids, plus lounges and social events for teens. There’s something for every age, ensuring kids and parents have plenty to enjoy.
- Scenic Itineraries: With Celebrity’s Alaska itineraries, you’ll have 7-12 nights visiting the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier. With stunning views and memorable ports of call, every day is an adventure.
- Exciting Shore Excursions: Celebrity’s Alaska excursions include wildlife safaris, glacier hiking, and whale watching, so families can experience Alaska up close. These excursions make it easy for kids and adults to connect with nature in a safe and fun way.
- Family Dining Options: Celebrity’s dining experience is designed to impress, with gourmet options and kid-friendly dishes. Families can dine in style while finding meals that everyone will love.
Celebrity Cruises provides a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. Families enjoy fine dining, top-notch service and kid and teen activities, so it’s perfect for those who want a little bit of glamor on their Alaska adventure.
Holland America Line: Classic Cruising with a Focus on Exploration
Holland America is the top choice for families who love cultural immersion and classic cruising. With programs to enrich and entertain, Holland America makes Alaska a family-friendly experience of discovery and wonder.
- Engaging Kids’ Programs: From supervised arts and crafts activities at Club HAL to lounges for teens with gaming and karaoke, Holland America’s youth programs are designed to keep everyone entertained.
- Diverse Itineraries: Multiple Itineraries: 7- to 14-day Alaska cruises with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and more. Scenic glacier views and the option to visit Denali, so the journey is varied and fun.
- Shore Excursions: Holland America offers family-friendly excursions like glacier trekking, dog-sledding, and visits to historic Alaskan towns, all led by knowledgeable guides who make each experience educational and fun.
- Relaxed Onboard Experience: Holland America’s ships feature a variety of family-friendly activities, from cooking demonstrations to wildlife talks. Families can enjoy a range of options, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Holland America is all about cultural immersion and enrichment, so it’s the perfect choice for families with older kids and teens who love learning about local history and Alaska’s heritage.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Freedom and Fun for the Whole Family
Norwegian Cruise Line is all about flexible freestyle cruising so families can enjoy Alaska on their schedule. With a laid back and fun approach, Norwegian lets families relax, explore, and dine when they want.
- Fun Youth Programs: The Splash Academy keeps kids entertained with interactive activities, themed events, and treasure hunts, while teens have their own social space replete with a dance floor and movie nights.
- Flexible Itineraries: Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point are among the spectacular destinations on Norwegian's 7–11 day itineraries. Families may take in Alaska's splendor both on and off the ship while exploring the sites at their leisure.
- Adventurous Shore Excursions: Norwegian’s Alaska excursions include zip-lining, wildlife tours and glacier explorations. Each shore excursion is family-friendly so there’s something for all ages.
- Freestyle Dining: Norwegian’s freestyle dining means families can dine when they want, with lots of options and no set times. Perfect for families who want flexibility and variety.
Norwegian’s freestyle cruising allows families to enjoy Alaska on their own schedule with no fixed dining times or set itineraries. Laid back and casual, it’s perfect for active families who love adventure and want to do their own thing.
Princess Cruises: Scenic Adventures and Nature Learning
Princess Cruises is known for its Alaska cruises, which combine natural beauty, learning opportunities, and family-friendly activities. The Discovery at SEA program allows youngsters to learn about Alaska's wildlife and scenery via hands-on activities.
- Engaging Programs for Kids and Teens: Camp Discovery provides interactive experiences for young explorers such as wildlife tracking and stargazing, while teens have their area to socialize and play sports.
- Iconic Itineraries: Princess offers 7 to 12 day cruises to Alaska’s most stunning destinations, including Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm Fjord, and the Kenai Peninsula. Every port of call showcases Alaska’s natural wonders, from icy fjords to wildlife rich forests.
- Educational Shore Excursions: Princess’s shore excursions include wildlife tours, fishing trips, and nature hikes that get families into Alaska’s natural environment. These activities are fun and educational for young nature lovers.
- Family-Friendly Onboard Options: With Movies Under the Stars and family-friendly dining, Princess Cruises has plenty for families to do and enjoy together onboard.
Princess Cruises offers an educational and scenic experience for nature loving families through the Discovery at SEA program. The cruise is all about connecting families with Alaska’s wildlife and ecosystems, so it’s perfect for young explorers and budding naturalists.
Royal Caribbean: Adventure-Packed and Action-Ready
Royal Caribbean is all about adventure, with activities onboard and onshore for active families. With rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, every day at sea is a new experience.
- Age-Appropriate Youth Programs: Adventure Ocean has programs for different age groups, scavenger hunts, splash zones, and games for younger kids. Teens have their own hangout spaces with sports courts and dance parties.
- Alaska Itineraries: Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises, 7 to 9 nights, visit Juneau and Ketchikan. With multiple excursions and onboard activities, Royal Caribbean is perfect for families who want to keep the energy high.
- Shore Excursions: From dog sledding and helicopter glacier tours to whale watching, Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions are fun for the whole family. It’s the best way to experience Alaska’s wild side.
- Onboard Adventure: With rock climbing, zip lining, and pools Royal Caribbean’s ships are perfect for active families who like to do lots of things. Mealtime has plenty of family-friendly dining options so everyone can be happy.
Royal Caribbean is all about adventure. Rock climbing, ice skating, and zip lining. Perfect for families who like to be active.
Carnival Cruise Line: Casual, Budget-Friendly Fun
Carnival is all about casual, family fun, so if you’re looking for an affordable, stress-free cruise, this is the one. With a laid-back vibe and family-friendly entertainment, Carnival makes cruising easy.
- Youth Programs for Kids of All Ages: The Dr. Seuss themed play areas and interactive games in Camp Ocean keep little ones busy, while teens can enjoy social events and movie nights at Club O2.
- Popular Alaska Itineraries: Carnival’s 7-day Alaska cruises hit the popular ports of Juneau and Skagway, so you can experience all of Alaska without the hassle of managing multiple ports.
- Affordable Shore Excursions: Carnival’s excursions, such as wildlife tours, zip-lining, and city tours, make exploring Alaska accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Families can choose from a variety of activities to suit their interests.
- Casual and Fun Atmosphere: Carnival’s family-friendly dining and entertainment options, including live shows and themed dinners, create a festive onboard environment that’s perfect for making memories.
With activities for all ages, Carnival’s Alaska cruises are all about stress-free, affordable family fun. Carnival makes cruising easy with a laid back vibe and family-friendly entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line: Where Magic Meets Adventure
Disney Cruise Line combines the magic of Disney with the beauty of Alaska, creating an immersive experience for families with young kids and Disney fans. Character meet-and-greets, themed entertainment, and family-friendly excursions add a whimsical touch to Alaska’s wild landscapes.
- Disney-Themed Activities for Kids: Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab feature interactive games and workshops, while teens have their own exclusive space. Young kids will love meeting characters and joining themed activities.
- Enchanting Itineraries: Disney’s Alaska cruises, ranging from 5 to 9 nights, stop at scenic locations like Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, and Juneau. Disney’s family-focused excursions bring Alaska’s beauty to life in a magical way.
- Special Shore Excursions: Disney has family-friendly excursions like dog sledding, zip lining, and glacier tours, with a dash of Disney magic that adds an extra layer of fun for kids.
- Entertainment for All: From Broadway shows to themed dining, Disney’s onboard entertainment makes every moment memorable, it’s a truly magical family vacation.
Disney Cruise Line brings a touch of magic to Alaska, making it a fantastic choice for families with young Disney fans. With activities inspired by beloved characters and stories, Disney makes cruising with kids fun and memorable.
Your Alaska Cruise Awaits!
A trip to Alaska is the perfect family cruise option, combining beautiful landscapes, rare wildlife, and the opportunity to see other cultures. These seven family-friendly cruise lines offer the ideal balance of excitement, relaxation, and exploration to ensure a great holiday for everyone.
Whether you're searching for exciting excursions, engaging youth activities, or just enjoying Alaska's beauty from the luxury of a cruise ship, there's something for every family. Here’s to your next unforgettable adventure in Alaska! Bon voyage!
