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7-day Princess Cruise - Inside Passage

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    
• Alaska - Things to Do    
• Inside Passage

7-day Princess Cruise

There are so many options when it comes to Alaskan Cruise, and we decided to go with Princess Cruise. Our ship was Princess Emerald. So let’s get on the Love Boat! This was a beautiful boat, really big. When you purchase a cruise, most of all the meals are included, but not drinks. Before boarding the ship, we were given a personal card with name and cabin number on it. This will be used to open the room and also used as money card. For whatever you want to have that cost money, simply provide the card to the staff and they will scan the card. Then, your purchase will automatically be billed to your credit card on file. We had ocean view state room. It is not big, but not too small either. It had a nice fluffy bed, TV, mini-fridge and a desk. The bed was pretty comfortable, and the funny thing was that the TV aired the Love Boat show quite often. I must say, I have never seen a single episode until I was on the Love Boat! It had an ok-size open closet with a good amount of hangers, safe and some shelves. The bathroom was small, enough for just one person to be in there at one time. Shower is even smaller, standing shower with curtain around it. Emerald Princess had a great number of options when it came to food and drinks. They had a handful of bars and more than handful of dining spots, both casual and upscale. One of the popular spots was by the pool side, Pizzeria & Ice Cream bar. If you know you are going to be drinking during your cruise, they do offer drink package that you choose from, which will give you either specific number of drinks per day, or unlimited drinks per day. It can be soda package, alcohol package, specialty coffee package, etc. The evening dining is when you can, or I should say “must” get fancy. With the fancy dining, no casual attire allowed. It is kind of fun to get dressed up and fancy. On Princess Emerald, you could choose between Traditional Dining (timed seating) and Anytime Dining. We went with Anytime Dining so that we can go have dinner anytime we wanted. And yes, the food is included in the cruise. The cruise ship was full of all sorts of events happening everywhere at all time. It had lectures, art auction, special jewelry contest & prize, live theater performance, etc., etc… Never a dull moment for sure! Our favorite evening event was Movie Under the Stars! They had a pretty good selection of recent movies, and was shown on a large screen above the pool. Some staffs walks around with a small bag of popcorn, which made it extra fun. They had this really nice promenade deck that goes all around the ship on one level. People were walking or jogging here every day. We had a really fun vacation with pretty good food, and several casual eateries were open 24-hours, which was another plus for having a snack or two whenever we wanted. All the staffs took a really good care of us. It was a fun trip, we would definitely do more cruises in the future!!!

Beautiful trip! The weather was sunny and warm and we had the best cruise staff and captain every. The ship is modern and clean. All staff are so kind, friendly and attentive. Meals in the Dining room and Lido deck were first class. Our land tours were perfect, informative and fun guides with lots of time to visit on your own. We even got in to Endicott Arm to see the Dawson Glacier...no small feat for a ship the size of the Westerdam. Transfers to and from the ship were organized and smooth. Highly recommend this ship and the route. Perfect vacation: great food, friendly staff, modern ship and fabulous route.

We approached the cruise with some trepidation and probably wouldn't have travelled by ship if there was another, practical way of seeing Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan etc. Cruising from Australian waters has a very mixed reputation and we had no idea what we would find in Canada and Alaska. The main fears were quickly allayed - there was no party crowd - I would guess the average age of passengers at 60+ and many had infirmities or disabilities. A safe adventure for those with mobility issues. (My wife and I were travelling with my 82-year-old mother-in-law who is marvellous for her age but has her limits when it comes to distance, stairs and uneven walking surfaces.) The verandah cabins, where we stayed, were very good - roomy, comfortable and well appointed - bathroom included. The beds were a bit hard for my taste but it must be impossible to get a bed which suits all 2,000 passengers. The food was of a very good standard and there were many options. The majority of meals are included in the price unless you choose to go to certain restaurants. There was a risk of overeating rather than the reverse. Alcohol is expensive. The atmosphere on board doesn't suit me - too brassy and noisy - but there is a great variety of activities, bars, lounges, shops, health facilities (gym, massage etc), observation areas, decks etc. which allow almost everyone to find a space to suit them while on board. The cabins provide a comfortable retreat. There is a not too subtle message to spend, spend, spend and some of the charges are a bit rich. In this day and age, to have to pay $70, $100 or $130 dollars for 5 days of slow medium or fast wifi is ridiculous. Even worse, all three options were glacially slow. Everything is made worthwhile, however, by the stops and excursions. We didn't see a lot of Juneau as we headed straight out on excursions which lasted till dark. My fit, adventurous wife took a helicopter ride for a two-hour trek (all kit supplied) on the Mendenhall Glacier. She described this as 'the experience of a lifetime'. Mum and I took a safer, bus tour to the glacier followed by a whale-watching boat ride and a salmon bake at an island lodge. All were very satisfying. We arrived at Skagway with time to look around but there isn't a lot to see. The town is like a Western movie set with nothing behind the facade. It is about 90% jewellery stores which all close up for the winter, leaving around 800 permanent residents. Great for photos though! In the afternoon we took the train journey up to White Pass along the route taken by the Klondike gold 'stampeders'. Historically interesting and quite spectacular. The following day we cruised, on the main ship, around Glacier Bay, This was probably the highlight for me. The whole area is awe-inspiring, with over a 1,000 glaciers in the surrounding mountains, but to get close to the large glaciers which reach the sea, and to hear the roar of ice 'calving' from the face,, is unforgettable. It is also tragic for anyone who cares about the effects of climate change, to learn that the glaciers are retreating at an ever-increasing pace. The final stop was at Ketchikan which is an attractive 'working' town of about 8,000 people. There are still plenty of places for the tourist to spend a dollar. We took a guided, boat tour out along the coast and then to a secluded cove to see a display of crab-catching. In the late afternoon we were taken to a coastal lodge for an 'all-you-can-eat' crab fest. Good fun. Nothing much more to say except that the staff, particularly hospitality and housekeeping, were universally friendly helpful and efficient. You need to watch the on-board billing system. I had no problems but many other passengers had to spend time at 'Guest Sevices' having errors corrected. The billing is live on the ship's intranet so you can check as frequently as you like. Would we cruise again? Probably not unless there was a similar situation, with no viable alternative. Our preference remains for self-organised, self driven holidays but I realise it's not for everyone and I might one day welcome an option with limited decision-making or exertion.

We took a northbound cruise from Vancouver to Seward (Anchorage) from july 23rd to 30th- THATS PEAK SEASON and the best time to visit- It was a awesome experience with landscape changing every morning. If you want to discover alaska take the Northbound (preferably) or southbound . A return cruise as a northbound one would go from Vancouver to Ketchiken , Juneau and Skagway . The return cruise will then start returning back to your starting port whereas the One way cruise would go Further North to unexplored areas of Glacier bay and Hubbard Glacier sailing further northward to the Gulf of Alaska and finally arriving at Seward . From Seward you can take a bus or train for a 2 hour journey to Anchorage from where you can fly back or further explore the Denali National park. We took a inside state room(SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) and we have no regrets. Beautiful , clean rooms which we needed for sleep and rest . Rest of the time we spend in various complimentary restaurants and activity areas. The best was the buffet Garden Cafe(SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) - find a window seat and its awesome . Only problem was there was no drinking water in the rooms - they sell water (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) There is frankly too much to do on the ship, so choose your priorities from shows , games , pool, bars or enjoy landscape -like we did. Every evening they leave the next days schedule (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES) so that you can plan your day accordingly. BON VOYAGE.

This was my first cruise, and my last. We know BC Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast well and have seen these cruises ply this route. In many ways it lived up to expectation. In other it did not. Without doubt it is a rip off. The cost of everything from water to beverages is way overpriced even before you add 15 % to everything. It's not as if there is a choice. What HAL expect you to spend is taken off your card when you board. If you use a pre-paid it can take ages to get any Pending charges back, and these are not itemised so you have no knowledge of what they are for. The organisation for both embarcation and in Juneau disembarkation was arduous in the extreme. We could have boarded anytime afternoon but arrived at the recommended 1.0 clock .After we picked up our key cards we were herded into a holding pen withh 1000 other International pasangers, off two ships, for about 3 hours. US and Canadian passengers strolled past though empty US customs points. In a cold hall on hard plastic seats without refreshment or any indication of how long we would wait. Once on board tired and thirsty we were in the lift when the Muster Drill started. We were hustled out of our room by the steward last to the Muster point. This could all have been avoided by HAL sending us out to Canada place for an hour when we picked up our key card and telling us when we boarded to wait until after the drill. Or escorting us to our room. Juneau was equally badly organised. Clockwise around the boat passing another line anticlockwise along narrow corridors while others came down the lifts and stairs and waltzed off. The is no wi fi to the outside world. If, as we were, the ship is diverted, telling your planned tour you will be late is not easy. Telling your pick up your disembarkation time is equally hard. Monitoring expenditure, or loading pre-paid travel cards is difficult. Skagway library has free fast access but not the boat alongside in port. That's all the bad news. The cabin was excellent. We specified a walk in shower so had an adapted room. Wide doors lovely angled shelterd balcony it was ideal for watching the inside passage and it is amazing. We saw Whales and Orca quite close. In Glacier bay a pair of Perigrine Falcons swooped close enough to touch. Seals huge Sea Lions one guy even claimed he saw Wolves on the shoreline. Every stop we saw Bears and Eagles even a huge Porkupine. Best tour Skagway half day to the Yukon with Fountier. The food was very good only spoilt by the exorbitant cost of beverages. At the end of the trip we agreed there are two types of people who cruise. Those that are addicted and do not care where the boat goes, they are there for the casino and entertainments And those who are there for where the boat goes and what's ashore.. We are the later. The entertainments we did see were too loud so we did not stay. The best bar coffee shop was the Crows Nest. Without the diversion the days at sea boring except the narrows, but Juneau and Ketchikan can only be visited by boat or plane. The weather in September was fine dry and sunny throughout. 6052 best room.

A great experience, on the whole due to staff, the sights and facilities on board the ship. The staff cannot fo enough to help. Many people celebrating and all offered little special treats. Nice touch! The sights are awesome. The facilities onboard in the case of the number of pools, jacuzzis, movies, etc were surprisingly good. I agree with previous reviews that more time in Ketchikan & Victoria would have been very welcome. The only things I didn’t like were the art sessions, the cost of the professional photographs (more people would buy if these were more reasonable), plus I felt some of the things (like milkshakes, hot drinks like hot choc & frothy coffee) could have been included in upfront cost. I hope Ruby Princess will consider these minor comments, and like my friend & mine attempts to show we had a great trip!

Glacier Bay National Park

Alaska’s crown jewel.

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park. For more information on Glacier Bay National Park, visit the National Park Service website . To learn more about Alaska visit the Alaska Geographic website .

By clicking select links above, you will leave the Princess Cruises website and navigate to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Princess Cruises or any of its affiliates.

Glacier & Wildlife Viewing

Margerie Glacier

Once a part of the Grand Pacific Glacier, Margerie Glacier claimed independence in the 1990s and has become its own masterpiece. Now this 21-mile landmark is the most famous glacier in the park, with one of the most active glacial faces. Sail past its powder blue walls and revel in its enormity from the comfort of your ship – which turns 360 degrees - while at the glacier, so all guests have an opportunity to view it.

Grand Pacific Glacier

Long ago, the Grand Pacific Glacier once included the likes of Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier. Now the 2-mile-long glacier resides on its own, extending into both Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and Grand Pacific Pass in Canada. Cloaked in black, it’s easy to mistake this landmark for a rock or land. Keep an eye out for this hidden treasure, and dive deeper into the history of this ever-evolving glacier with the help of park rangers.

Johns Hopkins Glacier

Named after the prominent Baltimore-based university, Johns Hopkins Glacier is just as prestigious as its academic counterpart. While its 12-mile-long terrain makes it one of the largest in the park, Johns Hopkins Glacier is most famous for being one of the few advancing glaciers that remain. Get a glimpse of the glacier as the ship sails past Johns Hopkins Inlet.

Meet the many personalities of Glacier Bay National Park as you cruise through the natural habitats of Alaska’s wildlife. See humpback and killer whales break the ocean’s surface, welcoming you into the Great Land. Wave hello to the sea lions basking in the Alaska sun. Watch harbor seals float atop chunks of ice, and rejoice in the playfulness of sea otters as they float across the water on their backs. Glacier Bay wildlife is a spectacle in and of itself.

Preparing for Your Day in Glacier Bay

Meet Park Rangers

Learn about Glacier Bay National Park from the people who know it best. While sailing through the park’s deep fjords, park rangers join you on board to share history and facts of the region and its wildlife. As a part of the Junior Ranger program, even kids can participate and earn their own junior ranger badge.

What to Wear & Climate

With temperatures fluctuating between 30-60 degrees Fahrenheit, dress in layers to make sure you’re comfortable all day. Since it’s usually cooler on the water and near the glaciers, we recommend packing a warm coat, waterproof gear, a hat, gloves and supportive walking shoes. You may also want to bring extra memory cards for your camera so you can reminisce about all your adventures through Glacier Bay National Park with Princess. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring binoculars so you can admire the natural landmarks up close from the comfort of the ship.

Glacier Bay Experience

Enjoy around 8-hours in Glacier Bay National Park cruising by spectacular scenery with one hour spent at the face of Margerie Glacier. Park rangers will provide commentary from the bridge, hold presentations in the Princess theater and wander the open decks so you may ask them questions. Many of the activities onboard will be suspended to ensure you get the most from this special experience.

Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

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• Princess Cruises

Discovery Princess and Glacier Bay

By sunluva7 , June 9, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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Someone posted in the Review section (May 2023) that Discovery "does  not  go near the glacier" and that an optional "$300 up close" excursion was offered to be able to get further to the glacier. The reviewer doesn't mention if it was Glacier Bay, but I've never heard of Princess doing this. Is this the case for all Princess cruises now in Glacier Bay, or was this a one-time thing due ship size, to ice or some other weather factor? I'd love to hear from someone else who may have cruised or will be cruising in Glacier Bay in 2023, as we are looking at Discovery to Glacier Bay in 2024.

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5 minutes ago, sunluva7 said: Someone posted in the Review section (May 2023) that Discovery "does  not  go near the glacier" and that an optional "$300 up close" excursion was offered to be able to get further to the glacier. The reviewer doesn't mention if it was Glacier Bay, but I've never heard of Princess doing this.  

That's not Glacier Bay, that is a Princess excursion available at Hubbard Glacier.

https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/hubbard-glacier-scenic-cruising-alaska-excursions/hubbard-glacier-and-wilderness-exploration

7 minutes ago, EDVM96 said: That's not Glacier Bay, that is a Princess excursion available at Hubbard Glacier. https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/hubbard-glacier-scenic-cruising-alaska-excursions/hubbard-glacier-and-wilderness-exploration  

Thanks for clearing that up. Is that routine for Hubbard Glacier - an optional excursion? I have not done Alaska with Hubbard. The reviewer posted two photos, one from the Discovery this May and one from a previous cruise, showing a vast difference in how close they got to the glacier. I assumed it was the same glacier in both pics, but now I'm not sure. 

17 minutes ago, sunluva7 said: Thanks for clearing that up. Is that routine for Hubbard Glacier - an optional excursion?

snoozecrooze

Correct, the ship went to Hubbard on the April 30 cruise between YVR and SEA this year. Important to note as well that any further reviews of Discovery this year will feature Endicott Arm and not Glacier Bay because the ship doesn't visit there this summer.

The Discovery Princess, which we're on now, went to the Endicott Arm, which is home to Dawes Glacier. You stop pretty far from it due to the big ice chunks floating everywhere. A couple other smaller tour boats, not affiliated with Princess, got a lot closer. There is a Princess excursion to get close to the glacier where you actually get off the ship onto the tour boat while in Endicott Bay and go to Dawes Glacier, then to Juneau to reunite with the ship. Not sure what it cost.

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Princess Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

From Seattle's buzzing city streets to pristine Glacier Bay to a salmon capital (and a state capital, too).

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Princess Cruises Inside Passage Glacier Bay from Seattle

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No moment is missed on this busy Inside Passage with Glacier Bay cruise itinerary. It is ideal for those who want to spend as much time on shore as possible. There are four ports of call, three in Alaska and one in British Columbia. Only one full day is spent at sea, with an additional cruising day spent exploring the crystalline waters and remarkable glaciers within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Princess Cruises offers this popular seven-day route out of Seattle.

Daily Itinerary & Sailing Dates

Below is a general itinerary for this cruise. Note that there are variations in the exact cruise itinerary between sailing dates. Ports of call, route, and details will vary. Be sure to request a cruise quote using the links below or with our cruise finder to see the most up to date information for the particular voyage you are interested in.

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The busy waterside city at the edge of Puget Sound is a convenient and quite scenic embarkation point for this roundtrip itinerary.

Passengers enjoy their ship's abundant amenities on this itinerary's singular day at sea.

Many passengers set foot in Alaska for the first time on this popular Juneau port of call. The lively city offers a fitting welcome, with glaciers to tour, delectable fresh seafood to taste, and wildlife to see.

The route continues overnight to Skagway, and with an early morning arrival, gives cruisers a long day in port. Thousands of prospectors flowed through Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. That vibrant history is woven through many available shore excursions, whether it's a guided hike on the Chilkoot Trail, or a train ride up the precipitous White Pass.

On this day of scenic cruising, the route makes a slow circuit through one of Alaska's most extraordinary places: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The cruise welcomes a park ranger on board for the day to provide narration and answer questions about the park's fascinating natural history.

Hundred of years before Ketchikan was "officially" established, the site was a thriving native Alaskan fish camp. Wild salmon still run here today, making the town's nickname "Salmon Capital of Alaska," as accurate as ever. For those passengers who've dreamt of fishing in Alaska, this is the ideal place to do it.

Docking for an evening in Victoria, British Columbia, this final port of call is enjoyed for its uniqueness on the route. The elegant city is British through and through, from its tidy gardens, to its dignified capital buildings.

Returning to Seattle by the morning, the route concludes at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal.

6 best Alaska cruises for families

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Adorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, crazy lumberjacks, majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you’re looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose?

Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, one with laser tag and a go-kart race track and many with expansive play spaces for kids, waterslides and family-focused onboard activities. Look for bigger ships with plenty of amusements; smaller and older ships might not have as many kid-friendly attractions.

I’m not mentioning luxury cruise ships here because they are geared for adults, but families looking for a more upscale, smaller-ship cruise to Alaska should know that many high-end lines will put on some kid programming during summer-break cruises to Alaska with a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

If you’re ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families.

7-night Alaska Adventure cruise on Quantum of the Seas

The 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean ’s largest-in-the-world Oasis Class ships that boast zip lines, ice skating rinks and AquaTheaters. But it still offers a great mix of activities, including a skydiving simulator, high-tech theater with robotic “dancing” screens, an escape room, indoor basketball court/bumper car pavilion and dedicated spaces for both kids and adults.

Kids can gobble up hot dogs and pizza at themed eateries, while adults can enjoy date night at Wonderland with its imaginative molecular gastronomy or Jamie’s Italian, created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Seven-night Alaska cruises sail round-trip from the easily accessible port of Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska; as well as Victoria, British Columbia. One day is spent cruising through the scenic Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Sailings depart between late April and September.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

7-night Alaska cruise on Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line ‘s 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder (which can carry 2,713 guests when completely full) is the perfect size ship for a family cruise to Alaska. It’s smaller than many of the megaships catering to families in this part of the world, so guests can view glaciers and enjoy shore excursions without feeling too crowded.

The ship is full of Disney magic — photo ops with Mickey and friends and Disney princesses, restaurants themed to “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Frog” and a musical stage show of “Frozen.”

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, with plentiful bunkbeds and split bathrooms so two people can get ready for bed at once. Waiters assist with cutting up food for little cruisers or bringing pureed baby food, and the imaginative kids clubs keep little ones happily occupied when you’re not exploring in port.

Disney Wonder’s weeklong Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, so all Americans, even kids, will need passports to fly in to the departure port. The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Seasonal sailings run May to September.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

7-night Alaska cruise on Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Line ’s Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money. Families will appreciate not having to pay extra for kid-friendly eats at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican outlet, Guy Fieri’s burger joint and all-day soft serve ice cream station. Comedy shows (both family-friendly and adults-only), an onboard water park, mini-golf and kid, tween and teen clubs are also included in the fare.

Cabins are no-frills but tend to be roomier than comparable cabins on competitors’ ships. Many rooms sleep four, but connecting cabins will get you more space and an extra bathroom while still keeping the family together.

Carnival Spirit spends summers in Alaska from late April to mid-September. It sails round-trip from Seattle and visits Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

7-night Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, and Norwegian Encore is based in the region from April through October each year. This might not help the typical family, but if your kids are young, you homeschool or have atypical breaks, a shoulder-season deal might be waiting for you.

The 3,998-passenger ship is NCL’s biggest, and families will be amazed at how much there is to do on board (though be prepared to pull out your credit card for the best activities). The ship features a laser tag arena, go-kart race track, virtual reality pavilion and water park.

Norwegian is also known for its entertainment, and after a day hiking on glaciers or chowing down at salmon bakes, you can take in the spectacular “Choir of Man,” sing along to the Beatles tribute show at The Cavern Club, or laugh yourself silly at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best Alaska cruises for families, Norwegian Encore sails round-trip from Seattle, stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The standout day on this itinerary is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , which only a limited number of ships can visit each year. Save more by taking advantage of Free at Sea perks , which often include a free beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, specialty dining and — perfect for families — free third and fourth guests in each cabin.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Royal Princess

Families with a little more vacation time might want to tack a visit to the Alaskan interior before or after their cruise, either independently or with a cruisetour. For this, you’ll need a one-way cruise that begins or ends in an Alaskan port.

A top candidate for this kind of family vacation is a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises ‘ Royal Princess sailing between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and either Skagway or Sitka, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the itinerary.

It’s then up to you whether you spend you pre- or post-cruise time in the Kenai Fjord area, in Anchorage or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks or into the Arctic.

Royal Princess is known for its fan-favorite Alfredo’s pizza, Movies Under the Stars (when the Alaskan weather permits) and snacks and entertainment in the central Piazza. With its special North to Alaska activities, families can cuddle some adorable sled dogs on board the ship and meet Iditarod winners and other notable locals. Kids can become junior rangers with the help of the park rangers who come aboard the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise on Wilderness Legacy

Suppose your family isn’t into the big-ship lifestyle and wants a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s also geared toward families with kids and teens? In that case, the best family cruise to Alaska for you might be the “Kids in Nature” departures of UnCruise Adventures ’ 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on “Glaciers & Wildlife” itineraries. These seven-night cruises include hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, daytime and evening kayak and skift tours in places like Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay’s less-visited “Outback” and visits to the LeConte and Baird Glaciers.

On three departure dates in June and July 2024, the Wilderness Legacy will staff up with “Kid Wranglers” who will lead the kid-focused activities. The minimum age to sail is 8 years old, but plenty of tweens and teens join the fun as well.

Bottom line

You no longer have to wait until you’re retired to explore Alaska. Take the kids on a weeklong exploration of the 49th State, and you’ll have plenty of cruise ships and itineraries to choose from. The best Alaska cruises for families combine action-packed itineraries with vessels designed for family fun, but we’re sure your family can find a way to have a great time up north no matter which cruise ship you choose.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.