Advice for Taking Kids on Cruise to Alaska

A group just went and took 11 kids on Disney Alaska. They all had fun.
It would be ideal if you had a teenage niece or college girl in the family you could pay to stay in the cabin with the kids after they went to bed. Then you and hubby could enjoy the night life.

My wife and I love cruising. When we went to Alaska, we went on Princess. They have a fanststic kids program. Our kids could hardly wait for breakfast to be over so they could go to the kids program and didn't want to leave when it was time for dinner. They had a wonderful time. My kids were 11 and 14. When we went cruising with my son and DIL and their two kids, 3 & 5, it was the same way and that was on Carnival. Carnival and Holland America are owned by the same corporation.

Cruise lines are very sensitive to the needs of families with children. Their personnel handling the kids program are often either college educated in dealing with kids or have some college and vocational training in that area.

I would not be concerned about the kids liking the kids program.

My wife and I had an inside cabin. When it was time to go to sleep, we just turned off the light. Instant darkness.

I hope you have a wonderful time. We love cruising. Good luck to you and yours.

We've done the Alaskan cruise twice but on another cruise line. The first time was all adults, the second was with our teens. So I can't really help with your questions with little ones.
But I will tell you that it does stay light outside for like 20 out of the 24 hours depending on when you go. So if you are already worried about naps during the day, you better make sure your cabin has room darkening drapes. *We had balcony rooms so we had direct sunlight.

I hope with little ones you do get to enjoy yourself. It is truly breathtaking beautiful!

I didn't do it with kids, but I did an Alaska cruise with Holland America. It is a very nice cruise line and they do have activities for kids, and I think they have a camp for the 5 year old and possibly the 2 year old. The waters were a little rough, so if your 2 year old likes to be rocked to sleep, it will help with nap time. Most of the kids I saw on the cruise didn't seem affected by the time change. I think their excitement helped them through. When I went to California and had a 2 hour time difference, my 2 year old did fine. A little cranky the first day, but she was fine after that and we didn't nap for 4 days. Most excursions are either in the morning or in the afternoon, so you maybe able to work in a nap. Is your 2 year old that bad without a nap? When we travel, we try to get my daughter a nap, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen and she's usually fine. Also, eventhough it's Alaska, they keep the top closed so the pools are still open and heated, so pack bathing suits. I would also pack a DVD player since tv shows are limited and without a lot of their own toys, they may get antsy.

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First of all, go to the Holland America website and read their information on the childrens' programs offered. (click on "On Board Our Ships", scroll down and click on "Activities", then scroll down and click "Youth Activities".

I would also, as someone else mentioned, advise you to take a stroller. Even navigating around the ship can involve a lot of walking, plus the shore excursions, etc.

Every time I've been to Alaska, the weather has been gloriously cool (daytime in the 60's) and usually overcast and often as not, misty or drizzly. Not enough to really get wet, just damp! So be sure to take jackets and dress in layers.

Don't worry about the time change...the kids will probably adapt better than you! Just relax and have a good time! You will love, love, love Alaska! It is the most spectacular, breathtaking place I've ever seen! Enjoy!

Went to AK on Holland in '08 and there is not too many kids on the ships. For some reason HA is mostly older adults but it was tons of fun. If you don't have to take them I wouldn't, they may get bored and keep you from doing things you want to do. Seattle is 2 hour time change but AK is more than that and it really never gets pitch dark outside either. Take your stroller for shore excursions but depending on what you plan to do it could be alot of walking. Might want to talk to your dr before you go and see if the kids could get a seasick patch to wear, it might help. For us Glacier Bay was the coldest so be prepared with the kids but the rest of the stops were nice and cool though Victoria BC was unseasonably cold but beautiful. Kids may enjoy whale and sea lion watching we did. Enjoy your trip!!!

We went to Alaska last summer. I am a Travel Agent but also a Mom of 7 and Grandmother of almost 13. Alaska can be a little harder because of the weather. You did not say when you are going but I assume it is later in July or August when it is warmer. I would take layers of clothes and some good hiking boots. The time change should not be a problem. If it becomes to hard for the little one just hire a babysitter or leave them in the kids club.Everyone on the ship is a professional and HA will take great care of your children. Some things may be too hard for a 5 year old too so make the best of what HA offers in the way of child care. A 2 year old will remember very little about this vacation but if they are horrible you will remember it forever. Holland America is a great line for Alaska. You will have a great time. Just relax and take advantage of the opportunity. Call your travel agent that booked the cruise. They are your best resource. I will also be happy to answer any more questions you have.
N. Cox
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