Which cruise line to Alaska is best with kids?

ftreloar · June 2, 2004

My family is planning an Alaskan cruise next summer (sister wants to get married on the ship). We have a 9 & 12 year old. Do the cruises to Alaska have kids activities (we were on the Disney cruise ship a few years ago - WOW)!!

Suggestion on a good cruise line plus how to research all the different options, i.e. we want to stay with friends after the cruise for 3 to 4 days. Would that be an option? I guess maybe I should use a travel agent????

thanks

KeithnRita · June 3, 2004

ftreloar,

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Our one and only Alaska cruise was on the Holland America Statendam. They do have a kids program--Club HAL, however, we can't tell you anything about it. Although our cruise was in late July/early August, there were not many kids aboard.

We did stay over a couple extra days after the cruise and visited friends in Anchorage. We booked our air thru HAL as well and had them add two extra days before our return flight. That was not a problem. We used a TA that took care of all the details. The only thing we changed was instead of a bus from Seward to Anchorage we took the Alaska railroad. It was well worth the extra fare. :wink: :wink:

Dan · June 3, 2004

I have consistenly heard that Princess and HAL own Alaska. I don't think Alaskan itineraries attract as many families as, say Caribbean, so taking kids on HAL might leave them wanting a bit. Princess, though, has very large ships in Alaska, and they have more extensive kids programs. Plus, since there will be 3000 or so people on the ship (as opposed to the 1400-1600 on HAL), there is more likelihood of more kids. Plus, with Princess being a little more affordable, more families would pick Princess.

Where are the friends you want to stay with after the cruise? Are they in Alaska? You can have the cruise line delay your return air (for a fee of course LOL) by a few days. If you are doing a round trip cruise out of Seattle or Vancouver, you can likely book your own air for a lot less than through the cruise line, and make your own schedule. One way trips either to or from Alaska are usually pretty expensive for air, so that way would probably be better to book the air through the cruise line. Either way, a decent travel agent will be able to advise you

sailingrose · June 3, 2004

RCI or Princess for sure. I've done RCI (twice)and Princess to Alaska with kids. RCI won hands down for their kids program with my children. That said they had a wonderful time on Princess too just felt the RCI had more to offer.

That said we'd do Princess again as we enjoyed it. Either would be good. If you go RCI try to get on the Radiance or Serenade. Lots of glass so amazing views of Alaska.

ftreloar · June 3, 2004

Which is RCI - the only one I know is Royal Caribbean - do they go to Alaska?

PEB · June 3, 2004

Even though Princess and HAL have been in Alaska longer than the other cruise lines and both do a great job in Alaska, I would suggest either Royal Caribbean or Carnival for an Alaskan cruise with kids. I prefer Princess in Alaska but would not recommend it as the line to use in Alaska if you are taking younger kids. I have never seen very many kids on Princess when I have been in Alaska.

Carnival has a great kids program and Royal Caribbean would also have more activities for the kids and younger people.

Keep in mind Alaska generally draws a little older crowd regardless of the cruise line and most are interested in seeing the sights and wildlife. Also keep in mind if you go to Alaska on Carnival, or Royal Caribbean if the ports are full of ships you may be tendering into the port. Princess and HAl will dock at the piers regardless of how busy the ports are.