alaska cruise with kids

If there are any cruises designed specifically for toddlers in mind I would say this is it. Oceania is also owned by the same parent company as Regent Seven SeasNCL, or Norwegian Cruise Lines. Regent Seven Seas Oceania Cruises UnCruise Adventures Cunard Six Popular Ports of Call on Alaskan Family Cruises Skagway Juneau Icy Strait Point Ketchikan Sitka Haines Disney Cruise Line Many people associate Disney with amusement parks, but the company is also known for its luxurious cruises to different parts of the world. But more importantly you will spending lots of time on deck especially if your cruise does a scenic cruise of Glacier Bay. Also in port, there are many excursions where toddlers may feel the cold i.e. document.write(''); Having some extra space was very much appreciated (and I would go so far as to say necessary). This is because toddlers and babies cant swim on cruise ships if not potty trained. A winter coat with a waterproof shell for glacier exploring or viewing, Quick dry hiking pants for rainforest hiking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi - How old was your toddler at the time of your Alaska cruise? However in our experience of cruising in Alaska, the water is too cold in pools for toddlers to swim or splash in unless you are sailing on acruise ship with a heated pool. Best Alaska Cruise with Kids! - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is almost on all Alaska cruise itineraries. The smaller ship offers casual environment that is nevery overcrowded. An Alaska cruise with kids is a family trip of a lifetime. Even if you've taken a regular tropical cruise before, preparing for a trip to Alaska is completely different than any other vacation you might take. Travelness is reader-supported: When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission at no 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. Most itineraries include cruising the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and a glacier viewing. Youll also enjoy the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, located just outside Juneau. Whenever we are traveling with a toddler we also think what is better for the destination a carrier vs a stroller. 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. Princess has won multiple industry awards for "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" (11 consecutive years including 2019), and currently has eight ships sailing to Alaska. Regent also offers longer cruises sprinked through the season for those who want a longer cruise and addtional ports-of-call. Potlatch Totem Park or Totem Heritage Center, or see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The best things to do in Alaska with kids - Lonely Planet Find a waterpark with slides, mini golf, an adults-only retreat and kids, tween and teens clubs. For Cunards Alaskan cruises it sails the Queen Elizabeth with about 2,000 passengers. If you plan to take any excursions by car this is going to be necessary unless your private tour operator can supply these. Save 50% Off Your Second Guest When Booking a Travelocity Celebrity Cruise! For this reason we advise packing both a carrier and a stroller (though a compact one) for an Alaskan cruise. Plus, the specialized play area, which is fully equipped and staffed, will be a hit with the kids. Find overland excursions on scenic railroads and on motorcoaches. Add to that specialty restaurants, and there were plenty of dining options. Ovation of the Seas with Kids - Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska Honest You can also enjoy one of the numerous entertainment venues, or work up a sweat in the Fitness Center. Some excursions are all day, while others are under two hours, so you can really pick them based on your childs attention span. If your toddler struggles sleeping when it is light a porthole or balcony cabin may not be right for you. RELATED: What to Do with Kids in Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port Guide. 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. Not only do the traditional dining venues have ample choices (half a dozen choices for each categoryappetizer, entre, and dessert), plus a childrens menu, but theres also about a dozen places on board to eat. For families with slightly older children, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a good choice (kids must be over one-years-old to sail.) BOOK NOW Take an adventure to the last frontier with a cruise to Alaska. Kids will love the Glacier Bay Small Ship Cruise, which includes two full days at Glacier National Park. An Alaskan cruise is one the entire family will love, and there is something for everyone. Most itineraries include Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Victoria. 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. Alaskas glaciers, a sight you wont be able to find anywhere else, are reason enough to jump aboard a cruise ship to Alaska with kids. Would you recommend it to other families who love to cruise? You can head to shore in Sitka to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and play with bald eagles. Helicopter tours and dog sledding are some of the most popular ones. However overall I dont think there are any more risks for toddlers on an Alaska cruise to a cruise elsewhere in the world. Find numerousdining venues and lounges, and outdoor pool and spa on each. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While Seabourn does not have an organized kids program, children and teens are welcome. A cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage on the M. V. Westward fit their individual schedules and their desire for a vacation that would combine adventure and education. Either way, having that separation was key. Wed love to hear what you think below! Best Alaskan Cruises with Kids - Carful of Kids - How Mom Road Tripped Youll also find a spa, lounges, and a casino to keep the adults on the trip entertained. Whatever you decide you would like to do research your ports before booking to ensure you get the right mix of ports for your family. The deep waters allow for deep-draft vessels to sail close to the mountains. Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. 164. r/Cruise. 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. Stateroom options include inside stateroom, ocean view stateroom, veranda stateroom and suites. Viking Ocean Cruises are all-inclusive though notable is the availability of included excursions. Keep reading for some of our favorite Alaska cruise ports and the excursions that could be great with toddlers. Families looking for even more space can book one of the mini-suites (there are 178, and they're about 300 square feet in size) or, for the ultimate in space, theres are full suites (of which there are 28, which range from 460 to 932 square feet, including balcony). Or better, arrange for a hike in the rainforest to see its animals, like the black bear. The good news is that there are 682 cabins with balconies aboard the Ruby Princess. Get in the Family Zone New on the Caribbean Princess, the Reef Family Splash Zone is the perfect place to relax, have fun and enjoy the water. All shipsinclude, inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. Alaska Cruises 2023-2024 - Find Cruise Packages for Holland America's '&https=1' : ''); Spend the day on a deck using binoculars to catch glimpses of light houses, bald eagles or fishing boats at work. If you are packing for a family, then there are some things that good to bring. The narrow gauge scenic train trip is a stand-out for cruisers, not just families. 13 days ago. Most itineraries includes Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier and Seward. The thing about Alaska is even if you are traveling in the summer it can be cold, especially for toddlers if they are sitting in a stroller. Unlike staying at one resort for a week, every day offers new scenery. What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska? 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. The ship has a variety of exciting activities for all ages, such as pools, water slides, themed events, and spas. Since its not on the water, its considered a mountain glacier. Most itineraries include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Prince Rupert and Victoria. Though high season (late June and July) will bring sun and short-sleeve weather. Diapers, Bottles, Formula and other toddler essentials. And a bonus for first time cruisers, the waters of the Inside Passage are relatively calm compared to open ocean cruising. The NorwegianJewel,Sprint and the Sun sail to Alaska with a passenger capacity of about 2,000. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. cruise suites you can see our review here! 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. Icy Strait Point and its wilderness experiences are included in the 7-day program. When it comes to family-friendly cruises, you cant go wrong with the Princess cruise line. On the stopover in Ketchikan, Oceania offers excursions like a rainforest hike, zipline adventure, and the Lumberjack show. However this rule does not apply once children reach the age of 1. Cunard is owned by owned by Carnival Corporation. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The Serenade of the Seas departs from Vancouver and gives you 7 nights of family-friendly activities and excursions. The 6 Best Kid-Friendly Shore Excursions and Alaska Family Tours 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. Alaska Cruises with Kids and Families Watch the interpretive film to learn about the gold rush and how would-be miners climbed the treacherous White Pass Trail. Seabourn Cruise Line sails the Odyssey, an all-suite cruise though not all suites have balconies. Alaska Cruise with Kids: A Fun-Filled Family Vacation The Last Frontier is bound to be a vacation your family will never forget! Alaska Cruises on a Budget; Family Time on an Alaskan Cruise; Going Solo to Alaska; Off Season Cruises in Alaska? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It features 7-night or 8-night cruises in one-way and round trip itineraries. Adults-Only Cruises: How to Have a Kid-Free Cruise - Cruiseline.com Looking for a different cruise experience, then a specialty cruise might be for you. Born in south, she spent her childhood hopping around the U.S., even venturing as far away as Kodiak, Alaska. 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. Alaska Cruises, Alaskan Cruise Deals - Carnival Cruise Line The historic downtown offers a gateway into Alaskas past. Also find two pools, spa, fitness center, adult enrichment classes along with a kids club. The famed Cunard Line sails to Alaska with a bit of British style so get a more refined experience, like afternoon tea. The 23-day round trip Vancouver cruise includes Petersburg as a port-of-call. Vacations; Travel Guides; Tours and Attractions; . Silversea Cruises also offer a 14-day Alaskan cruise too. One of a Kind Experiences in Alaska with Kids Youll even got to spend a full day basking in the wonder of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. There are some cruise lines that have more of a reputation for being toddler friendly than others and there are cruises which may offering more interesting and unique itineraries. Royal Caribbean International ships offer a kids club with age-appropriate activities from 6-month-old babies until 12-year-olds. Cunard is also one of the few concessionaires authorized to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. Kids play sports and board games, watch movies, decorate cupcakes and even have dinner together during the cruise. Though longer cruises include Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Astoria in Oregon, Anchorage, Kodiak and San Francisco. The Regent Seven Seas sails the Mariner for northbound and southbound Alaskan cruises with stops at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point or Sitka, and Hubbard Glacier. 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. THE 25 BEST Family Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic Each city and port is unique and cruising through Alaska gives you a feel for what its like to live in each of those very different areas. Or arrange a flight seeing tour to witness the majesty of the Misty Fjords National Monument. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whats especially nice about an Alaska cruise is that theres so much to seewhales! Did you enjoy it? For families, the Alaskan cruises offers similar kids club options as Regent and Oceania. What's especially nice about an Alaska cruise is that there's so much to seewhales! Even if you can't afford the price of a luxury cruise and can only sail during popular vacation time, you're not totally out of luck. All Alaskan cruise itineraries include at least one sea day. Or, we jumped in the hot tub and watched from there. Layers for toddlers are important in Alaska firstly on the ship itself where the air conditioning especially in restaurants can be very cold. Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its freestyle cruising experience, which includes various engaging activities for passengers of all ages. The experience is great for family bonding. Located in the shadow of Mount Marathon and on Resurrection Bay, get a dose of rugged Alaskan landscape. There are many places to explore, and we never felt claustrophobic on our week-long journey. Carnival gives you opportunities to enjoy the fjords, glaciers, mountains, and Alaskan wildlife. orcas! Finally a data package must be purchased for your cruise. Youll find the wildlife viewing opportunities are plenty, and the curious child will adore catching glimpses of seals, whales, and sea birds. Camp Carnival, the ships childrens program, is separated into five age categories (2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, & 15-17). All cruise itineraries are good but some are better than others when you are thinking about cruising with toddlers. Outdoor adventure and picturesque scenery will enchant all who embark on an Alaskan cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the few concessionaires authorized to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. In Juneau, for instance, tours range from the $99 land tour that includes the Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Forest to the $490 dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter (the latter was one of my sons favorite excursions). Princess Cruises is also one of the few concessionaires authorized to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. Another good option for those families with older children is Oceanias Regatta, which allows kids older than 6-months to sail. 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. The departure cities for an Alaskan cruise can also allow you to experience different parts of North America. However the main things to do with toddlers in Juneau are: For more information on family friendly cruise excursions in Juneau click here. . Taking the kids to experience the glaciers before theyre gone completely isa big reason why Alaskan cruises are on many peoples bucket list. Suites are available for larger families, but you will never feel overcrowded on board because the ship only holds 700 passengers. There are so many excursions to enjoy, and there are often special pricing deals for children under 12 available. The staterooms are a great size with closet-space and ample bathroom amenities. The Westward is an 8-passenger/3-crew historic wooden yacht, just 86 feet long, which allows it to enter coves and bays too shallow for larger ships to safely navigate. Regent loves kids on its Alaskan cruises. So airfare has to be arranged and excursions are not included. orcas! Also theres an option of adding a selection of post cruise excursions to Denali, Fairbanks and the Yukon. 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. Then theres the ice cream station, which was always bustling. Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, offersthe popular 7-day one way cruises from Anchorages Whittier and Vancouver. Though experience the Skywalk, an over the ocean glass walkway to see the ocean below. Holland America offers 7-day, 10-day, 11-day one-way cruises as well as 12-day and 14-day round trip cruises. Highlights included a racetrack, dual water slides, laser tag, along with specialty restaurants like Texas BBQ and numerous evening shows. Norwegian cruise ship in Alaska Taking an Alaska cruise with toddlers tips. With departures from Vancouver or Juneau, Seabourn Cruise Line offers 7-night one-way cruises with different ports-of-calls in each direction. Disney Cruise Line. Glide through the waterways on sturdy Zodiacs or sea kayaks for a more intimate experience in the Alaskan fjords. With a smaller ships gain access into smaller ports. Stroll the charming streets with English-inspired architecture. Find Family cruises to Alaska on Tripadvisor. (function() { The Lodge Tween Center (for 8- to 12-year-olds) does treasure hunts, rocket-building, and board games. The NG Venture onboard specialists offer educational lectures to help your family make the most of thier time in the Last Frontier. As you walk the streets of Ketchikan, learn about the symbolism used on the totems like the plants and animals of the temperate rainforest. Some ports are also close enough to the US/Canadian border that you can easily explore both countries. So really you need to balance out what is most important to you. Silversea Cruises sails the Silver Muse, Silver Whisperand the Silver Shadow, all-suite small ships. Visiting Alaska is almost like visiting a different world entirely. Along with speciality restaurants like a steakhouse and sushi. Is Alaska a cruise destination for kids? Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Society partner, delivers adventure and so much more. Three pool areas including a splash area for babies and toddlers, double-looping water slide and an adults only area. Summary About Alaska Cruise Excursion for Kids. The answer is yes! Alaska Cruise with Kids: Disconnect. Explore. Learn. Eat. Repeat 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. Looking for family cruises to Alaska? Oceania Cruises sails the Regatta for most Alaska cruises. From the comfort of your own cabin or the cruise deck, you can view some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife around. Final Note; Best Cruise Line for Alaska. Alaska is brimming with family-friendly adventures from its iconic wildlife, national parks and glacier-filled hikes to gold-mining, ATVing and ziplining. Also theres an option of adding a selection of post cruise excursions to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. If Disney are out of your budget or you dont fancy a Disney cruise the other lines listed above are also all family friendly. Consideration for brands mentions and this article contain affiliate links. You and your family can hike, kayak, canoe, and watch performances like the Lumberjack show. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband. Most itineraries include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway along with a glacier viewing. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 15 Best Cruises to Alaska | U.S. News Travel Skip to content. Well look no further! Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with various dining options. 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. With the red, white and blue whales tail funnels, Carnival offers a bargain at sea. During sea days, many families we spoke to broke into smaller groups (kids going to camp, adults reading or playing cards, grandparents attending lectures) and then joined up again at dinner. Or visit the separate building, Russian Bishops House. Cruising with toddlers /toddler cruise packing list. Your cruise fare includes shore excursions, free onboard WiFi, ande even concierge services. A family-friendly ship, Star Breeze combines coastal cruising with overland explorations that your family is sure to adore. We were fortunate in that it didnt rain at all on our cruise, but packing in layers alleviates the bad weather dilemma. Royal Caribbean sails the Radiance of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and the Serenade of the Seas. And Icy Straight Point boasts the ZipRider, the longest zip line in the world. The dress range was wide, and most people were on the more casual side. medianet_versionId = "111299"; Offering 10-day round trip cruises from San Francisco along with 6-day, 7-day and 8-day round trip cruises from Seattle. Uncruise Alaska- Small Ship Alaska Cruise with Kids - Family Travel Please note if Glacier Bay is on your itinerary this is not a port day but a sea day involve scenic cruising. in the Tongass Rainforest in Ketchikan. Onboard find a kids club for the kiddos 5 to 12 along with teens. CLIA notes that not only are cruises the preferred vacation choice for many families, but that kids are more involved in the decision-making process for cruises versus land-based trips. Find similar amenities on both, like lots of dining options from burgers to Asian to pizza. There was also a sports court for basketball, and a nine-hole miniature putting course and a golf simulator. Yes! As a large port for western Canada, offers cultural influences from around the Pacific Ocean. Life aboard is full of funv activities and high-quality amenities. So its Alaskan itineraries include ports-of-call like Wrangell, Prince Rupert and College Fjord. Thank you for your support! Welcome Aboard events aboard Celebrity's President's Cruise to Alaska (Photo: Chris Gray Faust) . That doesnt mean there isn't plenty of room for impromptu fun, though. If you've already booked your Alaska cruise, it's a pretty safe bet that you've also been bombarded by. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It was one of the highlights of the trip. 3,012 guests can set sail from Seattle on the Carnival Splendor to enjoy the 7-day Alaskan adventure. Then, when you dock in Ketchikan, you can choose from even more activities like a visit to Totem Bight State Park. Adventure calls so pack the rubber boots and be prepared to explore. All Your Questions About Taking a Child on an Alaska Cruise, Answered amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Parents can feel good knowing their little ones are enjoying the supervised playrooms and age-appropriate games. Departing as early as May and as late as September, Alaska cruises usually depart from Seattle, Vancouver and Steward. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The guides on the excursions usually take a special interest in kids and engage them during the tour. Our biggest takeaway? Now that hopefully I have helped you book your toddler friendly cruise, what should you pack for a cruise with a toddler? For a full guide on what the best stroller for cruise travel is click here! Best Alaska Cruise 2023 | Best Time to Cruise to Alaska - Reader's Digest Plus, there is babysitting available for kids under two. Ketchikan street Things to do in Ketchikan on Cruises. For its Alaskan cruises, Carnival sails the Splendorand the Spirit, with capacities between 2,000 and 3,000 passengers. The cruise ship interiors feel more luxurious and find more options for dining and lounging. If your family enjoys the outdoors, tack on an excursion to Banff National Park or Lake Louise. 15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families for 2020 | SheBuysTravel Alaska is on a lot of families' travel wish lists, child-based activities like kids club and babysitting. Alaska Cruises & Alaskan Cruise Destinations - Disney Cruise Line For Alaska we recommend taking both. The Queen Elizabeth features inside staterooms, ocean view staterooms, staterooms with balconies along with suites. This way your whole cruise stays in the USA and therefore there is less documentation involved. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler This ship in particular really appeals to familiesit had a strong multigenerational aspect with many grandparents, parents, and kids traveling together. It offers three restaurants along with the specialty restaurants like Mexican and Asian. Disney Cruise Lines is perhaps has the most toddler friendly cruise ships in their fleet as they are geared particularly at the family audience! Its an authorized concessionaire to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. Sail away for fun and adventure on your next family cruise. Also find a pool, an adults only retreat and kids, tween and teens clubs. 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). at glaciers or out whale watching so layers are important for port and sea days. 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. 1. These cookies do not store any personal information. Therefore the only reason a toddler couldnt go on a cruise if it is an adults only cruise line or sailing but these are usually limited to the following lines only: Probably the number one question we are asked by people considering their first cruise vacation with kids is Is it safe to take a toddler on a cruise?. As the third most popular cruise destination, Alaska is on a lot of families' travel wish lists. For families, Oceania Cruises offers an Alaska Explorer Youth Program for kids 5 to 12. What about the kids? We opted for a seven-day Alaska sailing with Princess Cruises, on the Ruby Princess, making stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. 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.
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