Looking for an Alaska family cruise with a focus on active exploration and wildlife viewing? You’re in luck. Not only do we specialize in planning small ship Alaska family cruises and custom vacations, we are parents who’ve traveled to Alaska with our own kids. Below are tips and advice from our family to yours, along with our recommended best Alaskan cruises for families.
Key Takeaways
- Small ships provide atmosphere of camaraderie, adventure & nature-focused fun versus the indoors-focused big ships.
- We suggest age 6 & older for most Alaska small family cruises.
- Book 9-12 months in advance for the best selection of itineraries, dates, ships & cabins.
- You can charter an Alaska yacht (complete with crew & guides) with as few as 4 passengers.
- Read about our 5 best recommended family cruises below, but this Wild & Wooly Alaska Cruise is a consistent bestseller.
- Every family has different needs & travel goals. A personal recommendation is best; let us match you!
ON THIS PAGE – Alaska Family Cruises:
The 5 Best Alaska Cruises for Families
What Is the Small Ship Experience Like?
How Old Should Kids Be?
Multigenerational Family Cruises
When to Plan, Book & Other Considerations
Finding Deals & the Best Value
Private Charters & Custom Trip Extensions
Alaska Family Cruise FAQs
Read Reviews from Families Like You
View All Alaska Family Cruise Itineraries
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5 Best Alaskan Cruises for Families
So what is the best Alaska cruise for families? We have compiled these five favorite family friendly Alaska small ship cruises for their consistent top marks from families. But we know that each family is unique and thus travel is very personal, so review the trips below then contact our experts to be matched with the best Alaska family cruise for you.
1) Active Adventure for the Entire Family
This trip is a family bestseller for a reason. Select “Kids in Nature” departures of the Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise are designed specifically for families, with no minimum age limit.
Enjoy kid-focused guides and activities on this exciting and educational cruise aboard 86-guest Wilderness Legacy. Every day offers a new opportunity for adventure with hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and skiff rides. A variety of activity levels from easy to challenging appeal to all generations of travelers from kids to grandparents.
This cruise travels round-trip from Juneau over 8 days, featuring glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys, whales, Tlingit culture and Alaska’s backcountry. Plus, children ages 8-17 save $500 per child on all departures except holidays.
2) Kids Can Live an Issue of National Geographic
National Geographic Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard one of the 100-guest National Geographic sister ships—Quest or Venture—is one of the top expedition cruises in Alaska, and thus a natural fit for our list of best Alaskan cruises for families. Naturalists and expedition leaders from National Geographic are professional experts in their field offering an unparalleled educational and intellectual Alaska program.
This comfortable 8-day cruise combines wilderness cruising with occasional off-vessel activities such as kayaking, skiff rides and shore walks. Families are welcome on any departure, all summer long, with kids programs always available.
Special programming for kids on all departures includes photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and child-friendly menu options. Travelers under the age of 18 at the time of travel save $500, at double occupancy.
3) A Compact & Action-Packed Alaska Family Cruise
The compact 6-day Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau aboard 62-guest Nat Geo Sea Bird or Sea Lion will keep active kids (& adults) engaged. Hike temperate rainforest, and kayak and stand-up paddle among glaciers.
This is perhaps the best Alaskan cruise for families with busy schedules, as the itinerary packs all the action into the span of one week. Plus, a bonus is that kids under the age of 18 at the time of their Alaska family cruise save $500, at double occupancy.
4) Authentic Alaska with Kids
The Glacier Bay & Island Adventure cruise offers an authentic Alaska experience through the lens of local Alaskans. The 8-day itinerary sailing aboard the 40-guest Alaskan Dream moves at a slower pace with more time to explore the nature and culture of Alaska. Highlights include visits to Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau and Kake with a special focus on Alaskan culture and Native American history.
We recommend this cruise for all ages, but it is perhaps the best Alaska cruise for families with younger school-age children. Due to their interest in a mix of wilderness, Native culture, port visits and soft adventure activities, they will be able to interact with locals and be active. Children ages 4-15 receive 15% off the double occupancy rate; younger sail free.
5) A Hands-On Alaska Family Cruise
The 6-day Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure spends most of its itinerary in Glacier Bay National Park, maximizing time among famous glaciers and magnificent shoreline. Families explore Alaska’s outdoor classroom from the platform of the Alaskan-owned-and-operated, historic 12-guest M/V Sea Wolf.
The small size of the ship plus her knowledgeable Alaskan crew create a flexible cruise that optimizes wildlife viewing and adventure opportunities. With the Sea Wolf donating time to local school groups every season, her crew of expert naturalists knows how to engage kids of all ages, helping spread the wonder and awe. This top naturalist program makes it a personal favorite of our company founder’s out of all these best Alaskan cruises for families.
VIEW ALL ALASKA FAMILY CRUISES
See the full list of our family-friendly options,
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Alaska Family Cruises: What It’s Like
Imagine kayaking in front of a tidewater glacier or watching whales at water level from small skiff boat tours… If done right, an Alaska family cruise can be a transformative adventure where you share wondrous experiences. But in Alaska, there’s a big difference between big ship and small ship Alaska cruises for families.
Simply put, small ships offer the best Alaskan cruise for families. The primary purpose of a small Alaska family cruise is to experience authentic Alaska together. So instead of passing Alaska by from a big ship’s deck, your family will benefit from:
- more time exploring off the ship with professional expedition leaders
- a variety of activities included in the cruise fare, such as hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding & skiff rides
- visiting remote Alaskan towns inaccessible to larger ships
- kid-friendly dining options
- onboard naturalist-led programs designed to entertain AND inform
- more up-close opportunities to view bears, whales & bald eagles
It’s an atmosphere of camaraderie, adventure and nature-focused fun versus the indoors-focused big ships. Aboard small ship Alaska cruises for families, screens and videos take a backseat to once-in-a-lifetime encounters and experiences, like whale watching and viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis).
Read more about the differences in our Alaska cruise ship size comparison of big vs. small, or hear it from families like you in our trip testimonials.
If you are an adventurous family interested in spending quality time together experiencing Alaska up close, then we highly recommend an Alaska family small ship cruise. Don’t just visit Alaska, explore it.
How Old Should Kids be for an Alaska Family Small Ship Cruise?
When considering an Alaska family small ship cruise, we suggest age 6 and older. Some ships will allow children as young as 2 years old or even babies. Most small Alaskan cruise lines do not provide babysitting services, video games or kids clubs that separate families. Instead, they provide off-vessel activities and onboard programs designed to bring families together. If your child chooses not to participate in an activity, then an adult will need to stay on board with them, so it is important to choose an Alaska family cruise that is suitable to your interests and ability levels and appropriate to the age level of your children.
VIEW ALL ALASKA FAMILY CRUISES
See the full list of our family-friendly options.
Flexibility for Multigenerational Families
We are often asked if it is appropriate to cruise with three generations: kids, parents and grandparents. We emphatically answer yes! The best Alaska cruise for families is one where everyone can come along. Small Alaska cruise itineraries offer a lot of flexibility with activities suitable for travelers of all ages, mobility and ability levels.
Imagine spending the morning on an easy walk together. The group splits up so avid hikers can enjoy a more challenging trail while others are picked up in the Zodiac for a wildlife excursion. In the afternoon, active kayakers paddle among icebergs while a Zodiac cruises nearby with grandparents taking photos of family members while they paddle. Choose as much or as little activity as your multigenerational family wishes.
When to Plan & Book
The Alaska cruising season is short, beginning in March/April and ending in September/October. Most Alaska family cruises operate when kids are out of school in June, July and August. Not sure when to go? Consult our month-by-month guide for the best time to visit Alaska.
Because of a short season and a small number of dedicated small ship Alaska cruises for families scheduled each summer, we encourage families to plan and book early. For the best selection of itinerary, date, ship and cabin, we advise booking a Alaska family small ship cruise 9-12 months in advance.
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Considerations for Choosing Your Cabin
Another planning tip for researching the best Alaskan cruise for families comes in your choice among the many ships and their cabins. Depending on the size of your family and the ages of everyone, you might want to look for Alaska cruises with:
- family suites
- triple or quad occupancy (Chichagof Dream is a standout)
- interconnecting cabins
- single cabins or single supplement deals if an odd number in your group
How to Get a Deal & the Best Value on an Alaska Family Cruise
You can often find a bargain for the family in Alaska. While Alaska family small ship cruise prices may not look as initially low as you’ll find aboard the big ships, you’ll find that the additional inclusions (no high-added-cost shore excursions) and an authentic, intimate experience more than make up for any difference.
Learn more about small ship vs big ship cruises & see a side-by-side comparison. But think more intimate encounters with nature and wildlife and less casinos, waterslides and midnight buffets.
To find added value for kids, browse our Alaska small ship cruise deals. You can also look to the Families & Children section of each AdventureSmith trip itinerary’s Inclusions, Terms & Notes details for family deals that never expire. This section also explains if any special kid-friendly programming is offered aboard.
Ultimately, contact us to speak with our crew who can personalize recommendations for you so that you can have the best kid friendly Alaskan cruise at the lowest price.
ALASKA FAMILY CRUISE DEALS
See the full list of available discounts.
Private Small Ship Alaska Cruises for Families
Any of our small ships and yachts are available for charter (a private Alaskan family cruise just for your group). Blocking off the whole ship is a great option for family vacations, family reunions and multigenerational family groups. A private ship charter offers your family exclusivity, flexibility and savings, equating into truly the best Alaskan cruise for families.
Smaller charter yachts in Alaska accommodate between 4 and 36 guests. For more information, read our comprehensive guide to Alaska yacht charters. These private sailings offer a more intimate experience and additional flexibility to craft the meals, itinerary and activities to suit your family’s interest and abilities. When considering charter, plan at least 9-12 months or more in advance.
Customizing the Alaska with Kids Experience
Pair your cruise with an Alaska land tour for the ultimate Alaska family vacation package. Or extend your Alaska family small ship cruise with a private tour to Denali National Park, Katmai National Park or Kenai Fjords National Park. We offer a number of kid friendly Alaskan cruise and land tour combos with special youth and child rates.
We can add on unique activities such as a wildlife safari in Denali National Park, riding the Alaska Railroad, canoeing, wild berry picking, fishing, mountain biking, river rafting, gold panning and flightseeing. The opportunities for adventure are endless. Our experts will work with you to plan the best Alaskan family cruise package for a seamless vacation tailored to your preferences and budget.
Alaska Family Cruises FAQ
Our Alaska experts answer your most common questions about cruising with kids and family members in Alaska. Have more questions? Ask us in the comments below.
Small ship cruises are perfect for families because they offer immersive, active adventures in nature rather than indoor amenities like casinos or arcades. Activities such as kayaking, hiking amid glaciers and wildlife viewing are shared family experiences, fostering bonding and discovery together.
Big ships often focus on onboard entertainment and rigid itineraries, whereas small ships prioritize immersion into Alaska with flexible routes and off-vessel adventures included in the rate. They explore remote coves and fjords inaccessible to larger vessels—offering families a more personalized, nature-rich experience. Read more in Alaska Big Ship vs. Small Ship.
Yes, many of AdventureSmith’s cruises are designed with families in mind. Their experts, many of whom have personal experience traveling with kids, match you with trips tailored to your family’s interests, needs and budgets.
The Wild & Woolly Alaska Cruise is perhaps our most common answer among our top 5 small family cruises. It consistently is a bestseller for families due to its active, all-ages appeal and special dates for kids. But personal needs & preferences might align differently for you, so talk to us to discuss the best option for you one on one.
AdventureSmith typically works with small ships averaging around 45 guests in Alaska, with some carrying as few as 4 guests.
Plan to arrive at least one day prior to your cruise embarkation. Arriving two days early will give you more time to relax, acclimatize and enjoy the port. Many flights to Alaska are routed through Seattle and an overnight may be required for return flights to the East Coast. Our Alaska family cruise experts will help you plan pre-cruise or post-cruise overnights or full Alaska family cruise packages that include some time at wilderness lodges.
Packing light yet versatile is key. Layered clothing, weatherproof outerwear, hats (caps and beanies) and scarves or buffs are highly recommended. No formal attire is needed aboard small ships, and all your gear for activities is carried aboard, making packing simpler.
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MORE ALASKA FOR KIDS RESOURCES:
Alaska Small Ship Cruises
Alaska Yacht Charters
Luxury Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruise Guide
Alaska Cruise Deals
Small Ship Alaska Cruise Reviews
Small Alaskan Cruise Lines
Glacier Bay Cruises
Alaska Inside Passage Cruises
Alaska Whale Watching Cruises
Alaska Trips
Alaska Tours
Visiting Denali National Park
Alaska National Park Tours
Best Time to Visit Alaska
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Todd Smith
• Founder & President of AdventureSmith Explorations
• Alaska guide, naturalist & program manager
• Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist
• Alaska travel expert since 1995
• Father of two sons, whom he’s taken to Alaska multiples times
View All Alaska Family Cruise Itineraries
Now that you’ve read about the many ways to plan your Alaska family cruise, start your trip search below. Our top five small ship Alaska cruises for families are detailed above, but your ideal Alaska family cruise may revolve around interests offered in another of our below options. Use the filters to narrow down your search, or contact us for a personalized recommendation on the best Alaskan cruise for families centered around your needs.
