Planning a multigenerational vacation that everyone actually enjoys is no small feat. However, a travel style as stress-free and relaxing as cruising and a place as spectacular as Alaska make it easy. The best Alaska cruises for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, blend wildlife, adventure, and total relaxation. Think glacier hikes, hot tubs with a view, and an inclusive dining service. Unforgettable, lifetime experiences for every generation! We’ve narrowed down the best options to suit every style of family cruise vacation.
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Best Alaska Cruises for a Multigenerational Vacation
1. Uncruise Alaska Adventure
- Cruise ship size: Small ships
- Alaska cruise season: Late April–September
- Departure ports: Sitka, Juneau, Seattle
- Family travel style: Active, adventure-first families who love action-packed thrills like kayaking and up-close wildlife encounters.
This is the perfect cruise for true intrepid families who love hiking and exploring in small, intimate groups. Cabins on Uncruise Alaska are cozy, particularly the 145‑square‑foot “Commander” rooms with private showers and drawers to keep gear stored. All meals are included, featuring local dishes like cider‑brined pork loin and blackened sockeye salmon.
On the “Alaska’s Fjords & Glaciers” cruise, you’ll wander through a small town like Haines or Wrangell and visit extremely remote areas. Educational sessions onboard include lectures on tidewater glaciers, the Tongass National Forest, and local Tlingit indigenous cultures.
Small, rigid-inflatable boats called zodiacs (also referred to as skiffs) sail past Hubbard Glacier, where you can spot whales, bald eagles, and sea otters. This active itinerary is the best way to combine adventure and relaxation. Add a land tour along the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park for a complete Inside Passage itinerary.
2. Princess Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Larger ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Traditional multigenerational Alaska cruises that cater to elderly relatives and toddlers alike.
Whatever you’re imagining when you think of quintessential Alaska cruises, that’s what Princess delivers. Dining ranges from casual buffets to white‑tablecloth steakhouses, featuring local Alaskan halibut. They offer many options, from a 7-night Inside Passage itinerary to an extensive one-way cruise from Vancouver to Whittier.
Their “North to Alaska” lecture series covers the Klondike gold rush and American history, allowing guests to learn while taking in the stunning scenery. The good news keeps coming: toddlers and grandparents alike can enjoy crafts, lounges, and storytelling onboard.
Shore excursions include whale watching, hiking trails, and dog sledding demos. In the port of Skagway, ride the White Pass Scenic Railroad’s historic rail cars.
The best time to book this tour is usually in early June departures. You can often spot bald eagles, black bears, and grizzly bears at this time of year. Princess is a good place for families seeking comfortable rooms as well as wildlife adventures.
3. Royal Caribbean
- Cruise ship size: Big ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seward, Seattle, Vancouver, Prince Rupert (British Columbia)
- Family travel style: Best cruise line for fun-loving, active families who want waterslides and nonstop onboard fun.
Royal Caribbean blends family thrills with the best of Alaska showcase. On the Ovation of the Seas ship, ride North Star for 360-degree panoramic views of glacial fjords. It is one of the tallest viewing decks on a cruise ship!
Onboard, enjoy Broadway-style shows and trivia nights. Teens get simulation rides; toddlers enjoy splash pads. Kids love the FlowRider surf simulator, zip lines, and bumper cars. Adults enjoy spas, specialty dining, and cocktail lounges.
Sample the 7-night Inside Passage or Hubbard Glacier sailings. Stops include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Shore excursions feature whale watching to spot humpback whales, guided hikes, and glacier walks. Add a land tour for Denali National Park to see North America’s tallest peak.
This itinerary is the best way to combine adventure and luxury, making it one of the best Alaska cruises for active, cruise-loving families.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
- Cruise ship size: Large ships
- Alaska cruise season: April–October
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seward, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Families who want great value dining options and varied, unique onboard entertainment for all ages.
Norwegian provides flexible dining and entertainment for families of all ages. Choose a round trip or a one-way cruise—Seattle to Whittier or Vancouver to Seward.
On Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, options include Garden Café buffets, sushi bars, and steakhouses serving Alaskan king crab legs and halibut tacos. Onboard entertainment ranges from game shows to comedy nights and live music. Toddlers have splash zones, teens have hangouts, and adults can enjoy quiet deck time.
Shore excursions include glacier walks, rides with sled dogs, and hikes on the Kenai Peninsula. For a full experience, combine the cruise with a two-night Denali land tour via train and see the epic views through the windows of a railcar. This itinerary offers the best way to see Alaska’s interior as well as the rugged coasts.
5. Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic)
- Cruise ship size: Smaller vessels
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Juneau, Sitka, Anchorage, Nome, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles
- Family travel style: Curious, nature-first families seeking an intrepid, hands-on expedition with expert adventure guides.
For curious, nature-first families, Lindblad’s small ships are perfect. These are National Geographic-led adventures, so you know your family will have a special experience!
Itineraries cover Southeast Alaska, kayaking past tidewater glaciers, and hiking in Tongass National Forest. In Glacier Bay National Park, small zodiac boats ferry you close to calving glaciers, and guides lead field-notebook sessions where kids log sightings of orcas, bald eagles, and sea otters. Visit native villages to learn the true story of indigenous cultures and accounts of regional geology.
Post-voyage, head inland via the Alaska Railroad for Denali National Park. Many itineraries are one-way for flexible travel. Exploring remote areas offers families spectacular sights and wildlife encounters rarely seen on larger ships. This is the best way to combine a hands-on expedition with luxury.
6. Disney Cruise Line
- Cruise ship size: Large ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Major U.S. hubs like Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, plus Vancouver, BC
- Family travel style: Families chasing Disney magic on every vacation with kid-focused entertainment on and offboard.
Disney delivers sparkle for families who love the characters and want to be entertained 24/7. Their Alaska sailings feature large staterooms, providing extra space to spread out.
Dining rotates between themed venues, so no two dinners are the same! Adults can enjoy fine dining while kids devour Mickey waffles and churro sundaes (although there are no rules to stop parents ordering waffles too …). Onboard entertainment includes “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular”, interactive Disney shows, and splash zones for toddlers. Teens can enjoy the hangout spaces with video games and midnight deck parties.
Try the 7‑night “Alaska Glacier & Wilderness” cruise or “Inside Passage Discovery” sailings. Shore excursions might include a floatplane ride over Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching off Juneau, or visiting a bald eagle sanctuary. You get the best of every type of family vacation rolled into one on this cruise!
7. Holland America Line
- Cruise ship size: Smaller ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Anchorage, Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Long-standing Alaska cruise tour for families seeking grand staterooms and a classic experience
Holland America Line has offered Alaska cruises since 1947, before Alaska was a state. They know what they’re doing, and the Alaska Up Close program has a fantastic reputation! Ships have a comfortable, elegant design with modern touches. Evenings offer signature dining options with local dishes like reindeer sausage. On board, expect live orchestras, quiz nights, lounges for grandparents, children’s clubs for toddlers, and teen social zones.
The “Denali Explorer Cruisetour” blends sea and land. After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, enjoy a three‑night lodge stay where guided hikes and riverboat wildlife viewing reveal Alaska’s interior. Ports like Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Juneau allow families to try ziplining, dog sledding, or discover the White Pass Railroad history.
One of the best seasonal travel tips is to visit as soon as the kids are out of school for summer break. June in Alaska shows off with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and active wildlife.
8. Regent Seven Seas
- Cruise ship size: Small ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Anchorage, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Luxury, all-inclusive experience with spas, spacious suites, and a fuss-free experience.
Regent Seven Seas brings families luxury without compromise. All‑inclusive and worry‑free, with gourmet meals, drinks, and gratuities included. No credit card required! Elegant suites, plush robes, and 24/7 room service set the bar high. It’s ideal for multigenerational families with older children.
Try their “Spectacular Fjords & Glaciers” or “Voyage of Discovery Alaska & Inside Passage” itineraries. On shore, you’ll explore Tracy Arm’s tidewater glaciers, or join glacier helicopter tours from Juneau for aerial views. Ports of call often include Ketchikan for native culture shows, Sitka’s Russian heritage, and Sawyer Glacier for paddleboarding among ice floes.
Onboard lectures cover topics like Alaska’s marine biology and the history of Dutch Harbor on the Aleutian Islands. Evenings are usually formal nights with fine wine and live music. There’s even an Observatory lounge where you might spot Northern Lights near the end of the season, if you’re lucky!
9. Silversea Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Small ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Upscale, intimate, and ultra-luxurious sailings with high-end expedition add-ons.
Silversea seamlessly mixes expedition thrills with ultra‑luxury. It is ideal for families wanting personalized service and amazing adventures. All-suite staterooms include butler service, with fresh king crab and Champagne included in gourmet dinners.
Enjoy a spa, a library, formal dinners, and naturalist lectures about tidewater glaciers and the changing climate. Teens will appreciate the observation lounge; toddlers can enjoy crafts and splash pools.
Sample their “Alaskan Odyssey” voyage or shorter Inside Passage sailings. Excursions might feature glacier trekking at Dawes Glacier, zodiac wildlife tours among sea otters, or visits to the best places to learn about indigenous cultures. Opt for one‑way itineraries offered by Silversea if you want to see as much as possible on your much-anticipated family trip.
10. Windstar Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Small yachts
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Good option for yacht-style scenic cruising with flexible, expedition-style shore excursions.
Windstar’s small yachts are tailor‑made for families who love elegance and flexibility. Staterooms are all suites, many with private verandas, fine linens, and gourmet touches.
Dining includes James Beard‑inspired cuisine—think cedar‑smoked salmon or halibut ceviche—served al fresco or in gourmet salons. Expert botanists and glaciologists lead scientific classes that the whole family can join. Or, spend your hours at sea relaxing on deck, enjoying the views.
In Windstar’s Signature Expeditions program, you’ll kayak in Kenai Fjords and ride zodiacs through misty fjords. Hike in Wrangell and float among tidewater glaciers in Tracy Arm. Ports like Sitka and Juneau provide wildlife spotting and shore walks with local guides. This ship is perfect for families who want scenic immersion with fewer guests onboard.
11. Celebrity Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Large ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Comfort-seeking families traveling with teens who want modern ships and adventurous, active experiences.
Celebrity leans contemporary and rich in experiences for teens and adults while still assuring the grandparents are comfortable. Staterooms include Infinite Verandas, so fresh air is just a slide away. Suite guests can enjoy Luminae, an exclusive fine‑dining venue.
The spa, modern fitness centres, abundant bars, and specialty restaurants ensure there is something for everyone. Nightlife includes live bands and futuristic sky lounges. Upgrade your package to include alcoholic beverages to make the most of Celebrity’s party vibe.
Sample the “Dawes Glacier” or “Hubbard Glacier” cruises. Watching massive ice walls shatter into the sea is unlike anything you’ll have watched before! In Juneau, enjoy whale watching tours and buy souvenirs at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. In Talkeetna, try ziplining or a relaxing river float.
12. Seabourn Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Small ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–September
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Luxury-seeking families with older kids who want a small-ship experience for the best deal.
Seabourn is top‑tier luxury on small ships, ideal for families with older kids or anyone wanting elegance and comfort. Every meal is included, and you can enjoy inventive dishes like truffle‑buttered lobster bisque and salmon sashimi. Formal nights add to the fun, but there are also casual options, like pizza and salads for younger kids.
Observation bars are standard, but suites have spacious verandas. With Alaska’s long daylight hours during the summer months, you’re sure to make the most of your room with a view!
Try Seabourn’s “Utmost Wilderness Expedition”. Excursions include glacier helicopter landings, wildlife photography at Anan Creek, and floatplane tours over remote peaks.
13. Crystal Cruises
- Cruise ship size: Mid-size ships
- Alaska cruise season: May–August
- Departure ports: Whittier, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver
- Family travel style: Luxurious and curated shorter sailings for families with a limited amount of time.
Crystal offers polished, curated voyages for families with limited time but large expectations. Cabins are elegantly decorated, many with a balcony or veranda. Dining includes exceptional options like seafood towers and prime rib. These chef‑curated international dishes are served in an elegant dining room.
Onboard entertainment includes classical music nights, theatre productions, and even astronomy talks under the night sky.
Sample their 6‑ or 7‑night “Hubbard Glacier” round‑trip or Inside Passage cruises. Ports of call might include Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and scenic cruising in Prince William Sound. Off‑shore excursions include flights over glacier fields (flightseeing, as Crystal calls it), visiting Mendenhall Glacier by floatplane, or dog sledding in snowfields near Skagway.
It’s a well‑paced cruise that lets all generations enjoy Alaska’s beauty alongside crowd-pleasing meals.
Choose an Alaskan Cruise for an Epic Family Vacation
No matter your family’s travel style, the best Alaska cruises promise memories everyone will treasure for years. You might spend one day kayaking past glaciers, and the next sipping cocoa on deck as eagles soar overhead. With stunning scenery, fun excursions, and cozy onboard comforts, family travel in Alaska is something truly special. Grab your camera and make some memories worth saving!