Cruising to the Last Frontier
Best Alaska Cruise
This summer, we set sail on the Norwegian Encore for an unforgettable Alaska cruise with our kids. From breathtaking glaciers to fun onboard activities, this trip had it all! At first I was a little apprehensive to take the kids. Alaska seems to be marketed for a more mature audience, but in the end I was really glad we made this a family trip. We made memories to last a life time. After researching the best Alaska cruise for families, we found that Norwegian offered the perfect balance of adventure, entertainment, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for our family trip.
Alaska had been on my bucket list for years, and I was beginning to think it would never happen. The Alaska cruise season coincides with peak fishing season in the Florida Panhandle (May–September). With my husband running a fishing charter business, it’s pretty much impossible to take time off during the busy summer months.
But this year, we finally decided to say yes to Alaska! The only time that fit our schedule was the first week of May, which also happened to be the first sailing of the Alaska season for the Norwegian Encore.
I was a little nervous about going so early in the season after reading that the weather could be bad, but it ended up being absolutely perfect. We had no rain at all, which was a little shocking since Alaska is known for its frequent rain. There was still snow on the mountains and frozen lakes, creating a breathtaking wintery landscape. It truly felt like the Alaska I had always imagined, a snowy wonderland.
Pre Cruise
The ship embarked from Seattle, so we spent two nights here before getting on the ship. We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, which was nice and near everything downtown. We got upgraded to a huge suite due to my platinum status with Marriott so that was nice. But next time I would splurge to stay at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. Its location really can’t be beat. It is directly across from the cruise ship terminal.
We spent the day exploring Seattle’s top sights, including the first Starbucks, enjoying delicious clam chowder, and wandering through Pike Place Market. We also visited the Seattle Aquarium, which the kids absolutely loved.
Day 1: Seattle Departure
Leaving Seattle was such a beautiful sight. As we sailed away from the port, we got a great view of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle in the distance. The city slowly faded away, and we were surrounded by water with the Olympic Mountains visible in the background. It was the perfect start to our cruise as we headed to Alaska!
Day 2: A Relaxing Sea Day
Our relaxing day at sea quickly turned into a bit of a struggle for me. We hit some pretty rough waves on our way to the inside passage, and even though I’ve never been seasick before, I definitely felt it that day. Luckily no one else felt sick and I was fine the rest of the trip. The rest of the cruise was scenic and smooth sailing. Our cabin was at the very front of the ship. Our room was beautiful and I loved the view from there but it is true that midship has less movement.
Despite the rough waters, the ship was huge and had so much to do. I really loved all the dining options included with our cruise fare. We had lunch at the American diner where you got to sit in booths that look like classic cars. The kids also spent all day at the arcade and loved racing on the go-karts.
Day 3: Juneau – Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
Our first stop was Juneau, We booked our whale-watching tour with Harv & Marv, and it was absolutely phenomenal. They picked us up right at the cruise dock and made sure we had plenty of time to get back. They even made a quick stop for a photo at Mendenhall Glacier before heading out on the water.
We saw so many humpback whale moms with their calves, teaching them how to dive for food. We also spotted seals lounging nearby. Seeing all this incredible wildlife with snow-covered mountains in the background was absolutely breathtaking.
After the tour, they drove us through town with the option to get off there, but you would have to walk back to the ship. We decided not to get off and just head back to the ship for dinner. Most of the shops didn’t appear to be open for the season yet.
Norwegian cruise lines starts sailing to Alaska in April, but everything really starts to open up in May. Some tours May 1st to be exact. We were in Juneau on April 30th and other whale watching tours I contacted wouldn’t accommodate us because they didn’t open up for the season until May 1st….as in the next day! So keep in mind when sailing in shoulder season to check the tours you want are operating.
Day 4: Skagway – Scenic Ride to the White Pass & Yukon.
Skagway ended up being the favorite stop for most of our group! Instead of taking the White Pass Railway, we decided to drive the White Pass to the Yukon ourselves. I wasn’t sure how the kids would do being stuck on a train all day, and I wanted the flexibility to stop and explore. This turned out to be the perfect choice because once we got into the mountains, there was still a lot of snow, and the kids had a blast playing in it. Being from Florida, we take any chance we get to see snow!
For a rental car, we used Turo, which was the most affordable option at about $300 for the day. The host conveniently left the car right at the cruise dock, making it easy to pick up and get on our way.
We used the Murray’s Guide to the South Klondike Highway booklet as a guide. This is a great free resource with all the sights laid out on your route to Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is the turn around point for most day trippers. The lake is pretty, but this drive is more about the journey and not the destination.
The cruise port is right next to Skagway’s small town, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the starting point for the White Pass Railway. And if you visit, don’t forget to stop for a Klondike Doughboy—it’s a must-try treat!
Day 5: Glacier Bay – A Nature Show
Only a select few cruise ships are allowed to sail into Glacier Bay National Park due to strict environmental regulations designed to protect its fragile ecosystem. The National Park Service limits the number of daily vessel entries to reduce noise, water pollution, and wildlife disturbances, ensuring the preservation of this pristine environment.
I kept hearing that Glacier Bay was a must-see, which ultimately led us to choose the Norwegian Encore. It was the newest ship with the most to offer for kids, but more importantly, it also sailed into Glacier Bay National Park. The Encore is designed for Glacier Bay day, featuring a stunning observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable loungers, perfect for taking in the breathtaking scenery. They also serve hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the lounge, making the experience even more enjoyable.
This day ended up being my absolute favorite because it was both incredibly relaxing and unbelievably beautiful. We saw so much wildlife, thanks to the National Park Rangers who boarded the ship in the morning to narrate our journey through Glacier Bay. They pointed out sights along the way, and this is where we saw orcas and countless otters sliding along the floating chunks of ice.
One of the highlights was that they opened up the very front of the ship, an area usually roped off, allowing passengers to step outside for an unobstructed view of the stunning landscapes. They even had hot cocoa set up on the deck, which was the perfect touch for the chilly Alaskan air.
For families, the rangers also hosted Junior Ranger classes for the kids, where they earned pins and patches, making them feel like a special part of the day. And if you collect National Park passport stamps, don’t forget to bring your passport to get it stamped as a keepsake from this incredible experience!
Day 6: Ketchikan – Totem Poles & Lumberjack Show
Ketchikan is known for its totem poles, and we visited Saxman Native Village to see them up close. We also watched the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which was super entertaining for the kids!
Day 7: Victoria, BC – A Quick Stop in Canada
Our last stop was Victoria, where we walked around the beautiful Inner Harbour and grabbed some delicious ice cream before heading back to the ship.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Family Cruise
Our Alaska cruise on Norwegian Encore was an incredible experience. It really was the best Alaska cruise for families. The mix of adventure, wildlife, and onboard fun made it perfect for families. If you’re thinking about cruising to Alaska with kids, do it!
Join our Facebook group Best Alaska Cruise for Families: Cruising with kids to see what everyone is planning for their Alaska cruise!
Looking for the perfect Alaska cruise for your family? Let me help you plan the ultimate adventure—reach out to get started on your dream cruise today!
