Top 6 Family-Friendly Alaska Cruises

From adorable sled dog puppies and graceful whales to intriguing totem poles, energetic lumberjacks, and breathtaking glaciers, Alaska offers a wealth of experiences for families of all ages. But when it comes to choosing the ideal Alaska cruise for children, which ship is the best fit?

Families have fantastic options when cruising north, including a vessel filled with Disney characters, one featuring laser tag and a go-kart track, as well as numerous ships with expansive play areas, waterslides, and family-oriented onboard activities. Opt for larger ships that boast a variety of entertainment; smaller or older vessels may lack sufficient kid-friendly attractions.

I won’t be discussing luxury cruise ships here, as they are primarily designed for adults. However, families seeking a more upscale experience on a smaller ship should know that many premium lines offer kid-friendly programming during summer break cruises to Alaska, accommodating a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

If you're eager to tick Alaska off your bucket list, here are our top picks for the best family cruises in Alaska.

Embark on a 7-night adventure through Alaska aboard the Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas, accommodating 4,180 guests, may not rank among Royal Caribbean's largest Oasis Class vessels, known for their zip lines, ice rinks, and AquaTheaters. However, it boasts a fantastic range of activities, featuring a skydiving simulator, a cutting-edge theater with robotic 'dancing' screens, an escape room, and a versatile indoor space for basketball and bumper cars, along with dedicated areas for children and adults.

Kids can indulge in hot dogs and pizza at themed restaurants, while adults can experience a romantic evening at Wonderland with its innovative molecular gastronomy or savor a meal at Jamie's Italian, crafted by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Experience a seven-night round-trip cruise from the convenient port of Seattle, exploring Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau in Alaska, along with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. One day is dedicated to sailing through the breathtaking Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Departures are available from May to August.

7-night Alaskan voyage aboard Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder, with a capacity for 1,754 passengers (up to 2,713 when fully booked), is the ideal ship for a family getaway to Alaska. Its smaller size compared to many family-oriented megaships allows guests to appreciate glaciers and partake in shore excursions without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

The ship is infused with Disney enchantment — featuring photo opportunities with Mickey and friends, Disney princesses, themed dining inspired by 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Princess and the Frog,' along with a musical performance of 'Frozen.'

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, featuring ample bunk beds and split bathrooms that allow two guests to prepare for bed simultaneously. Attentive waitstaff assist with cutting food for little diners or provide pureed baby food, while engaging kids' clubs keep young ones entertained during your port explorations.

Disney Wonder's weeklong cruises to Alaska embark round-trip from Vancouver, meaning all Americans, including children, must have passports to fly to the departure port. The itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with a chance to view the stunning Stikine Icecap glacier. Seasonal sailings are available from May to September.

7-night Alaskan voyage aboard Carnival Spirit

While Carnival Cruise Line's Alaskan cruises on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit may not be the most budget-friendly option, they offer exceptional value. Families will appreciate that kid-friendly meals at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican restaurant, Guy Fieri's burger joint, and an all-day soft-serve ice cream station are included. The fare also covers comedy shows (both family and adults-only), a water park, mini-golf, and clubs for kids, tweens, and teens.

The cabins may be basic, but they often provide more space compared to similar options on other cruise lines. Many rooms accommodate four guests, and choosing connecting cabins can offer additional room and an extra bathroom while keeping the family close.

Carnival Spirit sails to Alaska from late April to mid-September. The round-trip journey begins in Seattle and includes stops at Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord.

7-night Glacier Bay voyage aboard Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line provides one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, with Norwegian Encore operating in the area from April to October each year. While this may not align with the typical family schedule, families with younger children, homeschooling, or non-traditional break times might find advantageous shoulder-season deals available.

The 3,998-passenger vessel is NCL's largest, and families will be thrilled by the abundance of activities available on board (though be ready to swipe your credit card for the top attractions). Onboard features include a laser tag arena, a go-kart track, a virtual reality pavilion, and a water park.

Norwegian is renowned for its entertainment options. After a day of glacier hiking or enjoying salmon bakes, you can catch the stunning 'Choir of Man,' sing along at The Cavern Club's Beatles tribute show, or have a good laugh at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best family-friendly Alaskan cruises, Norwegian Encore embarks on a round-trip journey from Seattle, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. A highlight of this itinerary is the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a destination accessible to only a limited number of ships each year. You can also save more by utilizing the Free at Sea perks, which typically include a complimentary beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits, specialty dining, and — great for families — free accommodation for the third and fourth guests in each cabin.

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise aboard Sapphire Princess

Families with a bit more vacation time may consider exploring the Alaskan interior either before or after their cruise, either on their own or through a cruisetour. For this option, you'll need a one-way cruise that either starts or ends at an Alaskan port.

A prime choice for this type of family getaway is a seven-night journey aboard Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess, which sails between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The itinerary includes stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and either Skagway or Sitka, along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the route.

It's up to you to decide whether to spend your time before or after the cruise in the Kenai Fjords region, Anchorage, or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks, or even into the Arctic.

Sapphire Princess is famous for its beloved Alfredo's pizza, Movies Under the Stars (weather permitting), and the lively atmosphere in the central Piazza. With special North to Alaska activities, families can interact with adorable sled dogs on board and meet Iditarod champions and other notable locals. Kids have the chance to become junior rangers with the guidance of park rangers who board the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise aboard Wilderness Legacy

If your family prefers a more intimate cruising experience rather than the large-ship atmosphere, and seeks a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path adventure suitable for kids and teens, then the "Kids in Nature" departures on UnCruise Adventures' 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might be the perfect fit.

The ship operates round-trip from Juneau on the "Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay" itineraries. These seven-night cruises feature activities like hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, kayaking and skiff tours during the day and evening in areas such as Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay's lesser-known "Outback," and visits to the LeConte and Baird glaciers.

During selected departure dates from late April through August 2025, Wilderness Legacy will have "Kid Wranglers" on board to lead kid-centric activities. The minimum sailing age is 8 years, but many tweens and teens often join in on the excitement as well.

In summary

You don’t have to wait until retirement to discover Alaska. Bring the kids along for a weeklong adventure in the 49th state, where you'll find a variety of fantastic cruise ships and itineraries. The best Alaskan cruises for families feature action-packed schedules and vessels designed for fun, but no matter which cruise you choose, your family is sure to have an unforgettable experience up north.