Why Families Will Love an Alaska Cruise and Land Tour
If you’re a family looking for the perfect adventure vacation, why not consider an Alaska cruise and land tour? It has all of the benefits of cruising, plus the ability to get up close with Alaska’s natural beauty. On top of this, it’s the perfect way to accommodate the needs of all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone has a fabulous vacation.
The most common pain points families face when planning a trip to Alaska can be solved through Alaska’s cruise and land tour combination. Parents won’t struggle through the exhausting research required to find age-appropriate activities, and they won’t have to worry about restaurant reservations, transportation, or weather contingency plans. These are all benefits I’m sure any parent will appreciate.
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An Alaskan Cruise and Land Tour is the Best of Both Worlds
What We Love About Cruise Ships
We’ve traveled the world on ships of all shapes and sizes, and one of the biggest perks of a cruise is only having to unpack your suitcase once. Most cruise lines offer a variety of activities, so no one will ever say they’re bored.
Today’s cruise ships transform family travel challenges into seamless experiences. They are so much more than a mode of transportation, they are essentially floating resorts with activities for everyone. On top of this, meals are included so you won’t spend hours wandering aimlessly trying to find something everyone will enjoy.
Family friendly ships feature spacious accommodations, dining venues that can cater to various tastes and dietary restrictions, and entertainment programs for every age group. Typically there are scientists or scholars onboard these vessels who provide educational opportunities. They make the entire cruise an immersive learning experience.
One of my favorite benefits of cruising through Alaska is the unique perspective of native wildlife. You can use binoculars for a close up and know that you’re safely viewing from a distance. It’s sure to happen throughout your cruise and we promise you will never tire of seeing seals, bears, and whales in their natural habitat.
The Land Experience in Alaska
Alaska is unlike anywhere we’ve ever visited, and the opportunity to explore the untamed wilderness is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only do ships take families deep into Alaska’s interior, they also stop at some of the more popular ports, creating a well-rounded glimpse into life in the 49th state.
Depending on the cruise you choose, the land tour component can offer access to spectacular destinations. You might choose one of the National Parks – Denali or Glacier Bay – each one offers a unique opportunity. In Denali, families might spot moose, grizzlies, caribou, and eagles. Whereas in Glacier Bay, visitors will be astounded by the pristine scenery featuring massive glaciers and fjords.
Other things to consider will be the other stops along your itinerary. Maybe it’s the Native Alaskan Cultural Center in Anchorage or the Tlingit Community on Chichagof Island for a view of the state’s rich cultural history.
Or perhaps your kids want to see the Northern Lights, cross into the Arctic Circle, or take a ride on the Alaska Railroad. Whatever they want to do, there are many itineraries available that will make this the trip of a lifetime.
Still Considering? Here are 5 Reasons to Take An Alaska Cruise and Land Tour
1. Age-Appropriate Activities That Keep Everyone Engaged
The genius of traveling on a cruise is the ability to choose the right activities for each age. Maybe mom and dad want to go off exploring while the kids stay on board the ship with the grandparents. You can do this! It’s magical when everyone reunites at the end of the day and shares their highlights.
2. Wildlife Education That Doesn’t Feel Like School
As a former teacher, I can easily say Alaska is one of the most engaging outdoor classrooms. Kids will learn about geological concepts while bushwhacking, marine biology lessons happen in tidepools, and culture comes alive through Alaska Native demonstrations.
Children will find themselves asking questions about anything and everything, and tour guides and crew are happy to provide answers. These interactions will provide children with new perspectives they wouldn’t find in a traditional school setting.
3. Convenience that Eliminates Vacation Stress
Alaska cruise and land tour packages coordinate everything so parents don’t have to. This can be anything from finding connecting staterooms to allergy accommodations to expertly planned itineraries. The financial transparency of a cruise ensures families won’t go over their budget due to unexpected expenses.
4. Wildlife Encounters from a Variety of Perspectives
While on our Alaska cruise we saw everything from seals and sea lions playing on the rocks to mountain goats climbing the most treacherous rock formations.
On land, we saw an endless variety of birds (including eagles) and seastars in abundance. Whether you’re standing on the deck or on land, everyone is sure to be awestruck by the abundance of wildlife.
5. These are Not Your Typical Vacation Memories
We’re pretty confident that an Alaska trip will make quite the impression on young minds, fostering a deep appreciation for nature and broadening cultural understanding. Beyond this individual growth, sharing these Alaska discoveries are sure to inspire years worth of fascinating conversations for your family.
An Alaskan cruise and land tour offers families the ultimate adventure vacation, combining wildlife encounters and natural wonders with comfort and convenience. This type of vacation provides education, adventure, and relaxation that appeals to every family member, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
