In August 2024, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation: an Alaskan Cruise. Our journey lasted 7 days aboard Princess Cruises‘ Grand Princess ship. We departed from Vancouver, Canada, making stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway before reaching the town of Whittier. It was my first cruise and my first visit to Alaska. Traveling with our two kids (ages 4 and 9), their grandmother, and their great-grandfather, this cruise became the perfect family-friendly Alaska adventure, spanning four generations.
The beauty of Alaska took our breath away. As we sailed past towering glaciers, vast forests, and rugged mountains, the stunning landscapes felt almost surreal. The natural beauty left a lasting impression on our entire family, making the experience truly unforgettable. Here, I’ll share our Alaska family cruise experience, including what to expect when traveling with kids and how to prepare for an unforgettable trip.
1. What to expect on an Alaska Cruise with kids
Once aboard the Princess Cruise, we were pleasantly surprised by the range of family-friendly amenities. The ship felt like a luxurious floating resort, thoughtfully designed to accommodate both adults and children. Princess Cruises is renowned for its family-friendly Alaska cruises, and this was evident from the wide range of activities available.
Despite only about 150 kids among 2,600 passengers, we never felt the Alaska cruise lacked family appeal. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The kids’ club quickly became a favorite, offering new activities each day that kept our children eager to return. The ship also had several heated swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, where our kids loved to splash and play. The staff were incredibly kind to the kids, making the whole experience much more enjoyable for our family.
Every guest, including kids, received a personal “medallion” on a lanyard during the Alaska cruise. This device served as a room key, payment method, and GPS tracker. We used the Princess app to track our family and its chat service instead of paying for the WiFi package.
Family-friendly cabin rooms on a Princess Cruise
We were really glad we decided to pay extra for cabins with balconies. On scenic days, our private balcony offered a huge advantage, providing views with less wind than the open decks. For families with young children, the balcony is ideal; while the kids nap inside, you relax outside. Spotting wildlife like whales or bears is easy from the balcony, provided you’re on the right side of the ship.
Alaska Cruise kids’ clubs
The kids’ club on our Alaska cruise was a hit, featuring a range of activities from arts and crafts to scavenger hunts. It provided our children the opportunity to explore and make new friends while we enjoyed some much-needed relaxation. The club was free to use, with optional late-night babysitting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for $5 per child.
The Camp Discovery kids’ club is divided into three age-specific areas. We received a leaflet in our cabin detailing the daily activities for each area for the duration of our trip. On scenic cruising days, the club was open from 9 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm, and 7 pm to 10 pm. On port days, it ran from 9 am to 5 pm and again from 7 pm to 10 pm. We arranged for our kids to have lunch onboard while we went on shore excursions. This was useful as I felt some Alaskan excursions weren’t suitable for young children. It allowed us to enjoy evening shows, or a gym visit, knowing the kids were happily entertained.
Activities at the kids’ club:
- Tree House (ages 3 – 7): T-shirt decorating, bucket hat and water bottle coloring, face painting, treasure hunts, bracelet making, pajama parties, Wii and Mario Kart games
- The Lodge (ages 8-12): PS4 games, Mario Kart, card and board games, arts and crafts (including stained glass keychains and dream catchers), and dance parties
- Beach House (Teens): video games challenges, karaoke, foosball and ping-pong games, and movie nights.
On our scenic viewing day through Glacier Bay National Park, park rangers came onboard to give educational talks about local wildlife and conservation. On other days, the kids’ club even took the children to dinner at the buffet, giving parents a chance to enjoy an evening together.
Kid-friendly activities aboard the Princess Cruise
Apart from a kids’ club, there are plenty of other things to do on a Princess Cruise to Alaska with kids. With heated indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, swimming was a popular activity each day. While we enjoyed sunny weather and outdoor swims for the first two days, the temperature dropped as we sailed further north, making the indoor pool a welcome option.
We spent hours in the Leaves Lounge, playing a huge selection of board games. We enjoyed daily live music performances, from solo acoustic acts to bands playing popular songs. During our port call in Skagway, we had the chance to meet real Alaskan sled dog puppies and their handlers. Our kids also enjoyed a fun culinary demo and a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s kitchens. In the afternoons, the giant outdoor movie screen showed family-friendly films. When the weather turned cold, the ship provided blankets for cozy movie nights. For physical activity, kids could play mini-golf, ping-pong, and basketball.
Most evening shows started at 7.30 pm, and we chose not to bring our kids to these. However, having attended a few, I think they’d be suitable for older children who could stay up later. With the range of shore excursions, onboard activities, kids’ camp, and board games, we were never bored.
Dining options for families on an Alaska Cruise
The ship offered a wide variety of dining options around the clock, including all-you-can-eat buffets, à la carte restaurants, pizza and burger bars, as well as coffee and dessert stands. Feeding the kids was easy and convenient at any time of day. We typically had breakfast at the buffet and enjoyed Italian cuisine for dinner, with a great selection of food for both kids and adults. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, which featured both local Alaskan specialties and international dishes. The scenery from the dining room windows was amazing and it was so enjoyable to watch the nature go past as we ate.
2. Sightseeing during Alaska Cruise
We wanted the entire family to fully experience Alaska, so we planned our excursions with both the kids’ and grandparents’ needs in mind. The only activity we decided wasn’t suitable for the kids was a kayaking excursion in Juneau, so they enjoyed their time at the kids’ club on the ship instead.
With a wide range of family-friendly activities to choose from, we selected excursions based on factors like price, activity level, and interests. To ensure we’d return to the ship in time, we booked our excursions directly through the cruise ship app a few weeks before our departure.
Exploring Ketchikan with kids
Ketchikan was our first port of call as we cruised north along Alaska’s Inside Passage. Before our Alaska cruise, we pre-booked the Saxman Native Village and Totem Park excursion, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice for exploring Ketchikan with kids. Read “Ketchikan, Alaska with Kids in 1 Day” for more about this town and family-friendly activities on offer.
Saxman Native Village, Totem Park and Creek Street
Our adventure began at Saxman Native Village, a living cultural site where we visited the Beaver Clan tribal house, reputedly the largest in the world. Local clan members warmly greeted us and shared interesting stories about their traditions and history. We learned that individuals belong to either the Beaver or Eagle clan and that marriages can only occur between different clans. The highlight of the visit was a traditional dance performance, where we even got to join in at the end.
Next, we explored Totem Bight State Historical Park where our guide told us about the meanings of all the different symbols and shared stories behind the 14 totem poles that grace the park. We also had the opportunity to visit a nearby workshop to see how these magnificent totems are crafted. It was fascinating to witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in carving a totem pole and to learn about the meticulous process of creating and shipping these remarkable works of art around the world.
Wanting to see more of the town, we hopped on the free shuttle at the port (which runs every 20-25 minutes) and headed to Creek Street. There, we spent time browsing through souvenir shops and admiring the beautiful, historic houses. If you only have a short time to explore Ketchikan, Creek Street is definitely the place to go. It’s the most picturesque part of town, with its cute shops and galleries.
Exploring Juneau with kids
Downtown Juneau sits perfectly wedged between the towering, snow capped mountains of Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau, surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. Lively and beautiful, the place is definitely worth exploring. The Mendenhall Glacier is the star attraction in Juneau. There are various excursions to experience it, such as walking on it, flying over it, dog sledding, hiking, or getting close by boat. Read “Juneau, Alaska with Kids in 1 Day” for more about this town and family-friendly activities on offer.
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
We opted for a kayaking tour, but a more kid-friendly alternative would be visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. You can get close to the iceberg and save on transfers by taking a local bus instead of booking a tour. Unsure of how the waters would be, we decided to leave the children in the kids’ club as the grown-ups departed for our kayaking excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier. A shuttle bus picked us up at the port for a 20-minute drive, during which the driver shared some interesting fun facts about the glacier and the local area. At the lake, our guide provided gear and a safety briefing before we set out on the water.
As we set out onto Mendenhall Lake, the air was crisp, and the scenery was breathtaking, with the glacier’s immense ice face dominating the horizon. We were lucky with the weather, and the waters were calm, making for a smooth 90-minute paddle. Along the way, we spotted bald eagles and salmon, and our guide provided lots of interesting facts while taking photos of the group.
Goldbelt Tramway
After lunch, we picked up the kids from the club and took a five-minute walk from the port to the Goldbelt Tramway. The tram swiftly carried us 1,800 feet up to the top of Mount Roberts in just six minutes, offering us breathtaking panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, and the surrounding mountains as we ascended.
At the summit, there’s plenty to do, so I’d recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience. We hiked the popular Alpine Loop Trail, a 45-minute walk that offers stunning views. The trail is a mix of steps and gravel with minimal climbing, making it easy for our kids, who were 4 and 9 at the time. We even saw other families with younger children, proving it’s suitable for all ages. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle for the hike.
Inside the visitor center at the top, you can watch a short film about the Tlingit people and their history and browse a gift shop selling local crafts and souvenirs. Tickets for the tramway are available on-site at the ticket office and, while a bit pricey at $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 3-12, they offer unlimited rides for the day. We were fortunate to receive three free tickets from another group who had extras, which made the experience even sweeter. The views from the top were truly worth it, and we really enjoyed the hiking.
Skagway adventures with kids
We started our morning with an unforgettable ride on the “White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad,” a must-do in Skagway. This historic narrow-gauge railroad clings to the steep sides of White Pass, crossing bridges and winding through tunnels. It connects Skagway with the Yukon in Canada, offering a 41-mile round trip to the summit of White Pass. The summit stands nearly 3,000 feet above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the valleys below. The train climbs from sea level to the summit, with grades up to 3.9% and 16-degree cliff-hanging turns. You ride in authentic vintage railcars, passing through two tunnels and crossing numerous bridges and trestles. It’s a truly historic experience.
As for Skagway itself, it’s a small town in a stunning fjord, home to about 850 year-round residents. The town’s history is deeply tied to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. Broadway, the heart of Skagway, is lined with restored Gold Rush-era buildings now housing shops, restaurants, and museums. A stroll down Broadway reveals colorful facades and a few key historic sites.
You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the town on a self-guided walking tour. Start your visit at the National Park Visitor Center at Broadway and 2nd Avenue. Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to dive into the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. The center offers free activities, including hourly historic film showings, ranger presentations on various topics, and special evening events. Read “Skagway, Alaska with Kids in 1 Day” for more about this town and family-friendly activities on offer.
Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
Although we stayed on the ship all day, cruising through Glacier Bay was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its towering snow-capped mountains, pristine emerald waters, and vast ice fields. The park’s star attraction, Margerie Glacier, captivated us with its dramatic calving events. Massive ice chunks would break off and plunge into the sea with a thunderous roar.
We enjoyed expansive views from the main deck but soon retreated to the peaceful solitude of our private balcony. From there, the scenery was just as breathtaking, offering a quiet, intimate space to fully appreciate the grandeur of nature. As our ship neared the glacier, the immense scale of the ice formations and the power of calving were awe-inspiring. The reflection of the mountains and glaciers on the calm waters created a mirror-like effect, amplifying the sense of wonder.
College Fjord Scenic Cruising
Cruising through College Fjord was another unforgettable experience on our Alaskan journey. Located in the northern sector of Prince William Sound, College Fjord is home to an impressive array of 16 tidewater glaciers, each named after prestigious Ivy League colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Amherst. We spent time on the main deck, marvelling at the sheer size and beauty of these glaciers. The fjord is also rich in wildlife; we spotted seals resting on floating icebergs and watched seabirds soaring above.
3. What to pack for a cruise to Alaska
Packing for an Alaskan cruise requires a bit of preparation to ensure you’re ready for the diverse weather and activities you’ll encounter. While there’s no baggage limit on a Princess cruise ship, it’s best to pack light. Cabin space is limited, and wardrobes have minimal storage. Bringing only what you need will help keep the cabin organized and avoid blocking access with suitcases.
While the ship’s interior was always warm, the deck was often chilly. Some days I wore jeans and a short-sleeved T-shirt, while other days I needed my merino wool top and waterproof jacket due to wind. Layering is key. Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm middle layer (like a fleece or sweater), and a waterproof outer layer. This way, you can adjust your clothing based on the temperature and activity level.
Here’s a handy list (with some Amazon examples) to help you pack smartly and stay comfortable during a summer cruise to Alaska. You will need to pack warmer clothes if you’re going at any other time of the year.
- A few short and long sleeved tops
- A thermal base layer
- Fleece or a a zip-up hoodie
- Jeans and quick drying pants
- Warm hat and gloves
- Warm socks
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket with a hood
- Swimwear for the pools onboard the cruise ship
- Gym wear if you plan to work out
- One or two nice casual tops or shirts for evening dining
Be sure to pack sunglasses. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring tablets just in case. We only experienced one night of significant rocking during the entire week. The captain informed us beforehand that it’s common to encounter rough seas when passing through that particular area. While I don’t typically get motion sickness, I did feel a bit uneasy moving around the ship that day.
Finally, don’t forget your medications, toiletries, and any other personal essentials you’ll need. Also, pack a small daypack or bag for carrying items during shore excursions.
Final remarks
As first-time cruisers, we didn’t really know what to expect, but we were blown away by the whole experience. From the incredible ship to the stunning Alaskan landscapes, we couldn’t have been happier with our decision to take this multi-generational trip. If you’re considering a cruise to Alaska with kids, take the plunge—it’s a family trip like no other! I’d love to hear about your own Alaskan adventures or answer any questions you might have, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you enjoyed reading about our experience, don’t forget to share this post with fellow travelers!
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