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.
One of a Kind Experiences in Alaska with Kids
Visiting Alaska is almost like visiting a different world entirely.
Alaska’s glaciers, a sight you won’t be able to find anywhere else, are reason enough to jump aboard a cruise ship to Alaska with kids. As the glaciers are melting and breaking away, they won’t be around forever.
Taking the kids to experience the glaciers before they’re gone completely is a big reason why Alaskan cruises are on many people’s bucket list.
In addition to the glaciers, Alaska has unique wildlife and nature that you don’t even need to get off the boat to experience. From the comfort of your own cabin or the cruise deck, you can view some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife around.
When your cruise ship docks, you can get up close and personal with nature through numerous Alaskan activities – like dog sledding, crab catching, deep sea fishing or even ice trekking.
DIY Port Excursions and Tours
Unlike other cruises, Alaskan cruise ports are easy to explore on your own and prepackaged tours or excursions aren’t necessary. You can easily walk around most Alaskan cruise ports or rent a car to go for a scenic drive.
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Exceptional Seafood for Foodies
Any seafood lover (or fans of TV shows like the Deadliest Catch) should experience the food that Alaska offers. From wild-caught salmon to impeccable shellfish, seafood in Alaska is on a different level compared to the other 49 states.
One of the biggest benefits of seafood in Alaska is that it is matured naturally and in the wild. With a 34,000-mile coastline, the waters surrounding Alaska are full of fish and shellfish with unrivaled flavors and textures.
Visit Multiple Cities and Towns in the U.S. and Canada
As the largest state in the US, Alaska is beautifully diverse. Each city and port is unique and cruising through Alaska gives you a feel for what it’s like to live in each of those very different areas.
But if you fly into Alaska, it can be difficult and expensive to get a taste of the different areas. Cruising also allows you to appreciate the scenes in between cities – something you would not get to experience on an airplane or road trip.
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The departure cities for an Alaskan cruise can also allow you to experience different parts of North America. Most Alaskan cruises begin in a north-western city like Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco to get on the ship.
Some ports are also close enough to the US/Canadian border that you can easily explore both countries. For example, Skagway port excursions and tours often include a stop in the Yukon – a unique province in Canada.
An Alaskan cruise gives the entire family an opportunity to see and experience different landscapes, cities, cultures and traditions.
Have you cruised to Alaska with kids? Did you enjoy it? Would you recommend it to other families who love to cruise? We’d love to hear what you think below!
