Is exploring America’s Last Frontier at the top of your family vacation ideas list? I’ve enjoyed family cruises all over the world, but there’s something unique and special about Alaska cruises. In my opinion, cruising in Alaska is an unforgettable way to experience the state’s magnificent scenery and wildlife that can’t be replicated on any other kind of vacation.
Imagine savoring panoramic views of glacier-dotted shores and snow-caped mountains as you glimpse humpback whales at play from your ship’s deck. Now picture your family disembarking to experience it all up close in a different port each day. On the best Alaska cruises for families, the shore excursions allow you to dive into the state’s unique culture and beauty, including in active ways like kayaking, dog sledding, and whale watching that fully engage kids of all ages.
With a variety of cruise lines sailing to Alaska, though, how can you decide which is the best fit for your family? Large, mid-size, and smaller ships offer very different experiences, so I’ve broken it down for you by ship size and cruise line to help you choose—with the one unifying factor being Alaska cruises with special perks for families.
From a mega ship that feels like a floating resort to a small vessel on which fellow passengers and crew come to feel more like family, there’s an Alaska cruise to suit every age and interest. Fuel your wanderlust with our top seven picks, below.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Alaska cruise tips: When to go, what to pack, how to choose, and more
1. Princess Cruises
Best large-ship Alaska cruises for families who love nature
With eight ships sailing Alaska, Princess leads the industry—meaning you have a wealth of options and itineraries from which to choose. The line also has cultivated years of experience and local connections throughout the region.
On my most recent Alaska cruise with Princess, the onboard naturalist went above and beyond his scheduled lectures and presentations, making nightly appearances on Deck 16 for hours of casual conversation with enthusiastic guests like my family.
Amenities on Princess Cruises in Alaska: Live entertainment, swimming pools, multiple hot tubs, and Movies Under the Stars are a few of the many bells and whistles. Children’s programming includes supervised clubs with ice-cream parties and DJ booths, as well as a teen club with video game tournaments and mocktails. The cruise line’s Junior Park Ranger program and Wild Alaska Festival family theme night are a big hit with little kids.
For a window into Alaskan culture, Princess’s North to Alaska program brings resident experts onboard, from mountain climbers who have scaled Denali to lumberjacks and a retired dog musher. Princess offers an array of shore excursions, including tours that are crafted with families in mind.
Best perk on Princess Cruises in Alaska: I cannot say enough about the self-service laundromat. We washed and dried our dirty clothes for only a few dollars per load, avoiding the high per-item fee that the ship’s laundry service charges.
2. Royal Caribbean
Best large-ship Alaska cruises for energetic families
Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska add an element of sprightly fun that balance out the slower pace of scenic sailing. Kids of all ages love the cruise line’s adrenaline-pumping top decks and elaborate youth club spaces and programming.
Amenities on Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises: Royal Caribbean is a match for active kids. In between exploring Alaska, they can enjoy pulse-pounding fun on the Flowrider surf simulator, water slides on warmer days, ziplining (depending on the ship) and more. Outdoor pools double as front-row seats to see the spectacular surroundings, while live entertainment productions are both original and first-rate.
Best perk: Reaching the top of the rock-climbing wall with the Midnight Sun as your backdrop? Talk about a core memory.
QUICK GUIDE: What’s the best cruise line for your family?
3. Holland America
Best mid-size Alaska cruises for families seeking a traditional cruise experience
If your family is looking for high-octane, shipboard action like zip lines and go-karts, Holland America is probably not a fit. Holland America has been cruising to Alaska for more than 75 years, and on its Alaska cruises, family bonds are strengthened via throwback activities such as ping-pong, board games, jigsaw puzzles, shuffleboard, and family-friendly movies screened under the stars with blankets and popcorn. My kids love the cruise line’s Old World vibe and hilariously started to speak in faux British accents each time we ventured into the dining room.
Amenities on Holland America cruises in Alaska: Holland America’s trademark style includes lots of polished brass and dark wood details. The look may be classic, but ships are equipped with the modern technology, from interactive televisions in each cabin to video game arcades to state-of-the-art fitness equipment.
Club HAL is staffed with childcare professionals trained to work with a variety of ages and learning styles. Kids can try their hand at arts and crafts, video game competitions, and scavenger hunts. Supervised evening programs free parents to enjoy live musical performances at the Music Walk.
Best perk on Holland America’s Alaska cruises: All Holland America ships have pickleball courts, the fastest growing sport in America. My family and I watched the tutorial videos on our stateroom TV before we headed to the court.
4. Disney Cruise Line
Best mid-size Alaska cruises for families who love Disney’s entertainment brands
As you might expect, families are at the heart of the Disney Cruise Line Alaska experience. Disney cruises naturally attract Disney fans, but anyone who appreciates family-friendly entertainment and top-notch service will be impressed with the quality of its Alaska cruises.
Amenities on Disney cruises in Alaska: Disney’s mid-size cruise ships are known for their immersive entertainment options, from Broadway-caliber musicals to animation classes. Meet-and-greets with your favorite Disney characters are frequent, but while Disney characters are a fixture, Alaska is the co-star of the show. Presentations on wildlife and nature are given by experts who welcome questions from curious kids.
Best perk on Disney cruises in Alaska: Alaska-centric details include Disney characters wearing special outfits to highlight sense of place, so don’t be surprised to see Goofy dressed like a lumberjack.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: How to board a cruise ship like a pro
5. Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic
Best small-ship Alaska cruises for active and eco-conscious families
Adventurous travelers who crave an intimate and immersive Alaskan family cruise will love cruising with Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic. The brand has a fleet of 17 small ships, four of which sail to Alaska. Families looking to inspire the next generation of naturalists, climate protectors, and conservationists will feel right at home engaging in active adventures that are purpose-driven.
Amenities on Lindblad Expeditions’s Alaska cruises: An emphasis on responsible cruising and planetary stewardship is a welcome departure from the waste found on some cruise ships. Kids and teens may listen to a spokesperson from the Alaska Whale Foundation discuss the local whale population, discover marine life with an onboard undersea specialist, and develop observational skills as they record wildlife sightings in their field notebook.
Best perk: The attentive staff individually caters to your needs, while onboard programming is enriched by Indigenous naturalists, cultural guides, and guest speakers. Children under 18 also save $500 off the adult price.
6. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best luxury ship for families who want to splurge on a more pampering experience
If luxury hotels are your thing on land, you’ll feel right at home on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Heck, the cruise line even lets you earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. And while luxury lines aren’t known to cater to families, this one stands out with dedicated (albeit limited) offerings for kids.
Amenities on The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Alaska cruises: While children as young as six months old are welcome onboard, the Ritz Kids club is designed for ages four to 12. Encompassing its own stylish space, the club is stocked with games and crafts and offers hands-on activities (think art and science experiments) inspired by Alaska’s wildlife and culture. Pre-designed and custom private shore excursions give families a chance to create the perfect experience for their needs.
Best perk: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ship’s small size allows it to reach more remote ports that big ships can’t access—and you can enjoy it all on foot or from your own private terrace.
7. UnCruise Adventures
Best family cruises in Alaska for anyone who thinks they don’t like cruising
Carrying anywhere from 22 to 86 passengers, depending on the ship you choose, UnCruise Adventures is committed to small-ship cruising. The personalized attention should please even those who think they are cruise averse.
Amenities on UnCruise Alaska sailings: Onboard naturalists provides hands-on experiences and engaging presentations on wildlife, ecology, and local culture. A high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention. An emphasis on sustainability is a big part of the brand’s ethos.
Best perk: Children ages eight to 17 receive a $500 discount off the adult price. Activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and skiff excursions, are suited to a range of skill levels, ensuring that nearly everyone can participate.
Gina Kramer also contributed to this piece.
