princess cruise north to alaska onboard program

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Princess Cruises "North to Alaska" Program Offers Guests Authentic Local Experiences & Fresh Alaska Seafood

Princess Cruises guests sailing on the upcoming partial summer 2021 Alaska season will be thoroughly immersed with authentic Alaska-themed activities offered throughout the cruise line's award-winning "North to Alaska" culinary, entertainment and shore excursions series.

Previously announced, the cruise line is slated to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle , with seven-day cruises scheduled to depart July 25 through September 26, 2021, onboard Majestic Princess - a MedallionClass™ ship.

Majestic Princess is a sister ship to Royal Princess and Regal Princess but with amenities designed originally specifically for service in China. As such, while she bears a similar look and feel to her sister ships there are some interesting Asian-insipired elements such as decore and an elevated level of Cantones cuisine, VIP casino areas, and private Kareoke rooms.

"North to Alaska" brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of The Last Frontier. From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting locals, the program allows guests to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood

Guests savor a destination-themed dinner in the main dining rooms and unique Alaska seafood menus in the specialty restaurants during their cruise, including fresh salmon, King crab and halibut. Foodie favorites including seafood chowder from Bonanza Bar and Grill in Skagway and fish tacos from The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan are offered on the top deck grill of Majestic Princess, along with other selections in Juneau.

Exclusive to Princess cruises sailing to the Great Land, Cook My Catch offers a true sea-to-seat experience. Guests have the chance to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have chefs cook it for their dinner that night.

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Meet Local Alaskans

From authors and artists to dog mushers and adventurists, "North to Alaska" cruise activities introduce guests to the unique personalities who are lucky enough to call Alaska home. Throughout the season local guests will share their unique stories of their own connection to Alaska, including:

• Susan Conrad, author of "Inside: One Woman's Journey Through the Inside Passage," shares her 1,200-mile adventure along the Alaska coast in her 18-foot kayak, forging new friendships and encountering wildlife while overcoming many challenges and living her dream.
• Nick Jans, New York Times best-selling author and renowned storyteller, comes aboard to tell his emotional story of Romeo, the wolf, and the effect he had on the people of Juneau, as told in his book, "A Wolf Called Romeo."
• Brendan Jones, prolific writer, college professor and best-selling author of the novel "The Alaskan Laundry," shares stories about his life, education, and journey from Philadelphia to Sitka, Alaska.
• Alaska Native Voices, cultural heritage guides, provide interpretive and educational lectures, storytelling, singing and personal interaction and displays of art, tools and craftsmanship of the traditional homeland Huna Tlingit, sharing the story of their connection to Glacier Bay National Park.
• Mark Kelly and Carl Johnson, award-winning photographers, have captured some of the best images the Great Land has to offer and share their Alaska photography experiences. Guests learn tips and tricks for taking their own frameable Alaska snapshots.
• Michael Modzelewski, a naturalist onboard every sailing, uncovers the history of this breathtaking state and helps guests spot native wildlife including humpback whales, bald eagles and mountain goats-- along their voyage.
• Unique Alaska Experiences

Thoughtfully curated onboard activities continue to bring the local Alaska culture to life with various experiences, including:

• Life as a Musher – guests meet a local dog musher, learn about the annual 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race and interact with a real dog.
• Midnight Sun Experience – hosted in The Sanctuary onboard Majestic Princess, guests delight in an intimate music experience with a guitar vocalist, cuddle up with blankets on lounge chairs and enjoy warm beverages or local Alaska beers.
• Klondike Festival - a celebration of the spirit of the Alaska gold rush with entertainment for the whole family, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects. In addition, a special Night at the Klondike dance party will be offered in one of the lounges.

Experience A National Treasure Glacier Bay National Park

The 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sure to impress with the magnificent blue spires of Margerie Glacier. Beyond the ice, guests see towering snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and freshwater streams. With a National Park Service Ranger onboard, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and array of wildlife that calls Glacier Bay National Park home.

Alaska Cruise Excursion Examples

Guests can experience true adventure in Alaska and feel like a local with unique shore excursions that offer a taste of true Alaska life. From fishing to dog sledding to flightseeing, some of the 2021 season offerings include:

Ketchikan – Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining; Hunting for Halibut; Zipline Adventure Park; Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure; Neets Bay Bear Cruise; Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk.

Juneau – Dog Sled Summer Camp; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Walk; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter, Guided Walk & Salmon Bake; Pilot's Choice Ice Age Exploration (with two landings); Taku Glacier Helicopter Landing & Airboat Tour; and several Whale Watching tour options.

Skagway – Glacier Discovery By Helicopter; Adventure Park & Ziplines; and White Pass Scenic Railway.

What's New On Board

Introducing new onboard innovations and experiences to captivate you and make the most out of your cruise.

The Princess MedallionClass® Experience

An effortless, personalized vacation is yours with the Princess MedallionClass experience, now on all ships. It starts with a quarter-sized device you wear that “talks” to readers throughout the ship, helping us better serve you. Have food, drinks and more delivered wherever you are, and easily reserve dining and activities. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi as well as touchless embarkation and payment. Do your vacation your way.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass

Dine When, How and Where You Like

With Dine My Way℠, you now have full control and flexibility when it comes to eating on board. Fit in a formal dinner before a show. Explore the possibilities of our casual eateries whenever works for you. Use OceanNow® to order a burger and beer that finds you while watching Movies Under the Stars®. Make reservations so you can make the most of mealtime with more options to enjoy and less waiting.

Learn more about Dine My Way℠

5 New Ships in 6 Years

Princess® has spent 50 years sharing a world of exploration with our guests — and we look forward to continuing our journey. With three new Royal Class ships currently under construction and two next generation, dual-fuel LNG powered ships on order, Princess is the fastest growing premium cruise line in the industry. Each new Royal Class ship will include the best features of its sister ships, plus innovative upgrades to onboard dining, entertainment and relaxation. Come experience our next generation ships designed to further enhance our already world-class fleet.

Discover Sky Princess Explore Enchanted Princess

Sky Suites — The Largest Balconies at Sea

Now you can sail above it all. With our biggest space, our most breathtaking views and our most premium appointments yet. Available on Sky Princess℠ and Enchanted Princess℠, each Sky Suite features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dining area with a skylight to the stars. At over 1,000 square feet, the largest balconies at sea offer guests a 270-degree view from the top of the ship, plus a private view of Movies Under the Stars®. Host your own party or catered event with unparalleled service in the ultimate suite in the Princess fleet.

Take an inside look at Sky Suites

Get Swept Away in the Lively Spirit of the Caribbean

Princess celebrates the excitement of the tropics with enticing island cuisine, signature cocktails, exhilarating entertainment and authentic regional experiences. Dance beneath the stars to vibrant Caribbean rhythms at exclusive parties; and immerse yourself in one-of-a-kind cultural activities – from concerts and crafts to enthralling presentations from local guests such as shark experts, treasure hunters, and more!

Learn more about Rhythm of the Caribbean

Bistro Sur La Mer From a 3-Michelin Star Chef

Alongside the lively atrium guests can savor casual French bistro-style dining with a modern twist at Bistro Sur La Mer, created with Chef Emmanuel Renaut, whose Flocons de Sel restaurant has received three Michelin stars. He also holds the prestigious title of "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" (Best Craftsmen of France) and Chef of the Year by Le Chef. Chef Renaut has created a tantalizing menu, exclusively for Princess, showcasing authentic French dishes crafted with the Chef’s signature flair. Available on Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess.

Learn more about Bistro Sur La Mer

Princess Brings More of Alaska On Board

Voted the Best Cruise Line in Alaska 15 years running by the readers of Travel Weekly, Princess is making the #1 cruise vacation experience in Alaska even better. Our North to Alaska program, Gold Award winner in Travel Weekly’s prestigious Magellan Awards, brings local personalities, culture and cuisine onboard and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska.

Learn more about North to Alaska Onboard

Camp Discovery

Together with Discovery Communications, we’ve developed engaging new experiences and wonder-filled centers specially designed for kids and teens ages 3-17. At Camp Discovery, immersive environments transport intrepid explorers to a whimsical forest or a rustic lodge. And teens can kick back in a relaxed, beach house retreat.

Learn more about Camp Discovery

New Vintage Partnerships + an Award-Winning Wine Selection

Two iconic Napa Valley wineries have come aboard: Silverado Vineyards and Caymus Vineyards. Through this partnership, we offer chef-designed, multicourse meals paired with just the right wine (of course) for a unique dining experience. We really are all about the wine, which is why our onboard dining room received the prestigious Wine Spectator's 2023 Award of Excellence!

Learn more about our wine programs

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Award-Winning "North to Alaska" Program Offers Princess Guests Authentic Local Experiences & Fresh Alaska Seafood for 2021 Summer Season

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. , July 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises guests sailing on the upcoming partial summer 2021 Alaska season will be thoroughly immersed with authentic Alaska -themed activities offered throughout the cruise line's award-winning "North to Alaska " culinary, entertainment and shore excursions series.

Previously announced, the cruise line is slated to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings roundtrip from Seattle , with seven-day cruises scheduled to depart July 25 through September 26, 2021, onboard Majestic Princess - a MedallionClass™ ship.

"North to Alaska " brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of The Last Frontier. From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting locals, the program allows guests to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land.

Alaska Seafood Guests savor a destination-themed dinner in the main dining rooms and unique Alaska seafood menus in the specialty restaurants during their cruise, including fresh salmon, King crab and halibut. Foodie favorites including seafood chowder from Bonanza Bar and Grill in Skagway and fish tacos from The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan are offered on the top deck grill of Majestic Princess, along with other selections in Juneau .

Exclusive to Princess cruises sailing to the Great Land, Cook My Catch offers a true sea-to-seat experience. Guests have the chance to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have chefs cook it for their dinner that night.

Meet Local Alaskans From authors and artists to dog mushers and adventurists, "North to Alaska " cruise activities introduce guests to the unique personalities who are lucky enough to call Alaska home. Throughout the season local guests will share their unique stories of their own connection to Alaska , including:

• Susan Conrad , author of "Inside: One Woman's Journey Through the Inside Passage," shares her 1,200-mile adventure along the Alaska coast in her 18-foot kayak, forging new friendships and encountering wildlife while overcoming many challenges and living her dream.
• Nick Jans , New York Times best-selling author and renowned storyteller, comes aboard to tell his emotional story of Romeo, the wolf, and the effect he had on the people of Juneau , as told in his book, "A Wolf Called Romeo."
• Brendan Jones , prolific writer, college professor and best-selling author of the novel "The Alaskan Laundry," shares stories about his life, education, and journey from Philadelphia to Sitka, Alaska .
• Alaska Native Voices , cultural heritage guides, provide interpretive and educational lectures, storytelling, singing and personal interaction and displays of art, tools and craftsmanship of the traditional homeland Huna Tlingit, sharing the story of their connection to Glacier Bay National Park.
• Mark Kelly and Carl Johnson , award-winning photographers, have captured some of the best images the Great Land has to offer and share their Alaska photography experiences. Guests learn tips and tricks for taking their own frameable Alaska snapshots.
• Michael Modzelewski , a naturalist onboard every sailing, uncovers the history of this breathtaking state and helps guests spot native wildlife including humpback whales, bald eagles and mountain goats-- along their voyage.

Unique Alaska Experiences Thoughtfully curated onboard activities continue to bring the local Alaska culture to life with various experiences, including:

• Life as a Musher – guests meet a local dog musher, learn about the annual 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race and interact with a real dog.
• Midnight Sun Experience – hosted in The Sanctuary onboard Majestic Princess, guests delight in an intimate music experience with a guitar vocalist, cuddle up with blankets on lounge chairs and enjoy warm beverages or local Alaska beers.
• Klondike Festival - a celebration of the spirit of the Alaska gold rush with entertainment for the whole family, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects. In addition, a special Night at the Klondike dance party will be offered in one of the lounges.

Experience A National Treasure - Glacier Bay National Park The 3.3 million-acre Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sure to impress with the magnificent blue spires of Margerie Glacier. Beyond the ice, guests see towering snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and freshwater streams. With a National Park Service Ranger onboard, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and array of wildlife that calls Glacier Bay National Park home.

Alaska Cruise Excursions Guests can experience true adventure in Alaska and feel like a local with unique shore excursions that offer a taste of true Alaska life. From fishing to dog sledding to flightseeing, some of the 2021 season offerings include:

• Ketchikan – Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining; Hunting for Halibut; Zipline Adventure Park; Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure; Neets Bay Bear Cruise; Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk.
• Juneau – Dog Sled Summer Camp; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Guided Walk; Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter, Guided Walk & Salmon Bake; Pilot's Choice Ice Age Exploration (with two landings); Taku Glacier Helicopter Landing & Airboat Tour; and several Whale Watching tour options.
• Skagway – Glacier Discovery By Helicopter; Adventure Park & Ziplines; and White Pass Scenic Railway.

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE The 2021 Princess Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

As of now and subject to change as CDC guidance, medical, and public health guidance evolves, the line's  Cruise Health  program provides steps to enhance public health. Please check regularly, as there will be updates as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.

Updates to the cruise line's  Cruise with Confidence  program are also being implemented, providing peace of mind for booked guests who may encounter an unexpected trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19. Guests can cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure and receive a Future Cruise Credit for any cancellation fees and a refund of additional funds received to the original payment method. As an enhanced benefit, guests may cancel and receive the same Future Cruise Credit and refund within 30 days all the way to sailing day if they test positive for COVID-19. Full details can be found  here . 

PRINCESS MEDALLIONCLASS VACATION Majestic Princess offers TrulyTouchless™ experiences with more ways to support physical distancing and personalization that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service supporting new health protocols. 

The cruise line's award-winning OceanMedallion wearable device replaces the traditional cruise card and pairs with embedded IoT ("Internet of things") - driven innovative technology to significantly expand touch-free options and personalization on board Majestic Princess. The cruise line just announced CrewCall TM  service on demand is available on stateroom TVs as well as the MedallionClass app and leverages the innovative OceanMedallion wearable to guide a crew member to a guest's exact location to be of service to the guest. Additional features include:

• Touchless embarkation and disembarkation
• Keyless stateroom entry
• Completely contactless commerce
• Simplified safety training
• On-demand food, beverages and retail items delivered anywhere on board
• Guest service requests via mobile device chat
• Location-based gaming and wagering
• Entertainment content via smart devices

Majestic Princess offers the best Wi-Fi at sea, MedallionNet™, so guests can stay connected to the things and people they love and share vacation memories with ease. 

Alaska 2021 cruises start at $799 per person for Princess Savers and $1 ,079 for Princess Plus fare that includes drinks, Wi-Fi and crew incentive.

Cruises can be booked through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at  www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises :    One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 14 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries."  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).    

In line with the latest advice from health officials about COVID-19, Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from medical experts and government bodies and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated on   current  Cruise Updates  and  Health & Safety protocols .   

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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Princess Cruises has announced their 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours program offering something for everyone to explore this destination, including the top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary, award-winning “North to Alaska” enrichment program and the ultimate experience of combining a cruise with a land tour including scenic rail travel and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

The 2023 Alaska cruises and cruisetours season, on sale Aug. 18, features six MedallionClass ships, including the cruise line’s newest Discovery Princess, returning to Alaska for a second season. With 145 departures, 14 unique itineraries, five glacier viewing experiences and departing from four convenient departure ports, cruise offerings include:

• Voyage of the Glaciers   from Vancouver, B.C. or Anchorage (Whittier):  Majestic Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess sail the top-rated, seven-day itinerary that features two glacier viewing experiences including Glacier Bay National Park.
• Inside Passage from Seattle : Discovery Princess, the newest ship in the fleet, and Crown Princess, return to the Emerald City with seven-day Inside Passage voyages.
• Inside Passage from San Francisco : Ruby Princess sails this 10-day cruise , roundtrip from the City by the Bay, with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Combined with a Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, guests can experience Alaska’s top-two attractions – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park – by choosing from 24 cruisetour itineraries, ranging from three to 10 nights on land, before or after the cruise.

Here are the top-10 reasons to see the very best of Alaska with Princess:

• Princess is #1 in Alaska!
• Every cruise features at least one  glacier-viewing experience  – Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Tracy Arm Fjord.
• Princess takes more guests to  Glacier Bay National Park  than any other cruise line. With 84 calls to Glacier Bay in 2023, 74 percent of the cruise line’s itineraries to Alaska feature this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cruises feature the marquee ports of  Juneau ,  Ketchikan  and  Skagway  with a “More Ashore” late-night call in Juneau on all northbound Voyage of the Glaciers and seven-day Inside Passage voyages.
• Onboard and ashore, the award-winning “ North to Alaska   enrichment program  brings together local personalities, culture and Alaska seafood to immerse guests in the history and traditions of The Last Frontier. From savoring fresh Alaska seafood to meeting locals, the program allows guests to see, feel and taste the best of the Great Land.
• A significant part of the guest services experience includes the cruise line’s effortless and personalized  Princess MedallionClass  vacation. All six cruise ships sailing to Alaska in 2023 offers personalization that simplifies the guest experience and delivers next-level service.
• Shore excursions  abound. From a lumberjack show, dog sledding on a glacier, the historic White Pass Scenic Railway, flightseeing adventures and plenty of tours with wildlife viewing – whales, bears and more – guests can choose from more than 150 tours. Exclusive to Princess, Cook My Catch offers a true sea-to-seat experience. Guests have the chance to reel in a fish during a fishing excursion and have chefs cook it for their dinner that night.
• Only Princess offers custom-built,  exclusive wilderness lodges  on the doorsteps of legendary national parks. Back by popular demand, the 17-night Princess Connoisseur Cruisetour features 10 nights on land that includes two nights at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges and visits five national parks.
• Princess offers exclusive  Direct-to-the Wilderness rail service  that takes guests from the ship through the heart of Alaska with breathtaking scenery to the Denali-based wilderness lodges for more time to explore the interior of this vast state.
• Every cruisetour itinerary includes  Denali National Park , a picturesque six million acres, home to North America’s tallest peak.

For more information about the multitude of offerings to explore Alaska with Princess in 2023, visit  www.princess.com/alaska .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at  http://www.princess.com/  .

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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
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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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.