The Best Family Cruises to Alaska

The Best Family Cruises to Alaska

cruise ship in alaska image by MAXFX from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

If you are looking to explore the waterways of Alaska with your family, then a cruise can be the ideal option. With many cruise lines operating programs designed for younger members of the family and incorporating family-orientated shore excursions, you can be assured that your entire family will enjoy this high-spirited vacation.

Holland America Line

Designed with families in mind, the Holland America cruise line offers a range of facilities to ensure your trip is a memorable one. On Alaskan cruises, young children can take part in sports events, swimming parties and a variety of games as members of Club HAL, a children's club designed for kids ages 3 to 12.

For older kids, there is a deck exclusive to teens known as The Loft or The Oasis, depending on the ship. There are bars serving soft drinks, a swimming pool with a waterfall and on selected nights, social events such as a disco and karaoke.

Other family activities include a culinary arts program open to children and adults alike. There is also an onboard babysitting service available.

Holland America Line
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, Washington 98119
877-932-4259
hollandamerica.com/main

Carnival Cruise Lines

Offering a range of activities for ages 2 to 17, Carnival Cruises are guaranteed to provide your family with everything you need for a fun trip. For ages 2 to 11 there is Camp Carnival, where kids can take part in activities such as finger painting, music and movement classes, and talent shows.

For kids between 12 and 14 there is Circle "C," an interactive room with game stations, pool parties and numerous group activities to make sure they have as much fun as possible. Older kids are invited to use Club 02, where they can relax and watch movies, try out for karaoke competitions or participate in teen-only shore excursions.

With a wide range of excursions, restaurants and events for adults too, Carnival ensures the whole family will enjoy their trip.

Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami FL 33178
carnival.com

Princess Cruises

Princess designs cruises to bring families together so they can get the most out of their time on vacation. With a wide array of activities to enjoy together or apart, each cruise promises its guests the maximum amount of fun.

For kids there are a variety of things to do without their parents, including pizza parties, talent shows, Ship Olympics, karaoke and the trying out the latest in games consoles. There is also a wide range of educational programs, where kids can learn everything from building roller coasters to taking part in chemistry experiments.

Parents can be as involved with the activities as they like or they can simply use the time to relax and pamper themselves at the Lotus Spa or take part in their own organized activities.

Princess Cruises
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
800-774-6237
princess.com

Article Written By Rina Shah

Rina Shah is a law student with degrees in psychology and business administration from the University of Texas and a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. She has worked in law, nonprofits, information technology and teaching. Shah has over five years of experience writing for various purposes on the job and more than 10 years of academic writing.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword