Alaska Family Cruise: Exploring the Last Frontier with a Six-Year-Old

When people ask me about our recent Alaska cruise, my answer is simple:

Alaska was one of the most beautiful destinations we've ever visited.

The glaciers, wildlife, mountains, and ports exceeded every expectation we had. Our seven-day sailing aboard the new Star Princess in May 2026 gave us unforgettable memories as a family.

But if you're traveling with younger children, there's one thing I'd pass along to first-time cruisers to Alaska, particularly, if you are planning to travel with children:

Not every cruise line approaches family travel the same way.

Why We Chose Star Princess

Part of the excitement was the ship itself. We sailed aboard the brand-new Star Princess on just its second Alaska sailing after launching in 2026. As a travel enthusiast, it was exciting to experience one of the newest ships at sea while exploring one of the world's most spectacular destinations.

And from a design perspective, Star Princess is stunning.

The ship feels elegant, modern, and spacious. Public spaces are beautiful, the dining experiences are excellent, and the overall atmosphere feels polished and upscale.

For many travelers, that's exactly what they're looking for.

The Alaska Itinerary Was Perfect

Our ports of call included Ketchikan, Endicott Passage, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. Each port offered something unique, and Alaska truly delivers for families who enjoy nature, wildlife, history, and outdoor adventures.

Unlike some destinations where transportation or safety concerns require extra planning, Alaska's cruise ports felt comfortable and easy to navigate as a family.

Alaska Doesn't Feel Like a Typical Family Cruise

When most people think of cruising, they picture:

• Caribbean beaches

• Pool decks

• Tropical drinks

• Warm weather

  
  

Alaska is completely different.

Every morning felt like waking up inside a nature documentary. Instead of rushing to the pool, we found ourselves grabbing coffee and heading outside to watch mountains, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife pass by. For our family, Alaska felt more immersive than any cruise we've ever taken.

Alaska Excursions Are Where Family Memories Are Made

If you're traveling with children, my biggest recommendation is simple:

Book the excursions.

Many families focus heavily on the ship itself, but Alaska's real magic happens ashore. Some family-friendly activities include:

Dog sledding experiences

Gold panning adventures

Wildlife tours

Accessible hiking excursions

Glacier experiences

Cultural and historical tours

Another benefit many families don't realize is that parents don't always have to book the same excursion together. If one parent wants a more physically demanding activity while the other prefers a slower-paced day with the kids, Alaska's ports generally make that easy to coordinate. The ports felt safe, organized, and very approachable for independent exploration.

What Didn't Work for Our Family

This is where ship selection becomes important. Our son was six years old during the cruise. While Star Princess offered a kids' club, we quickly realized that the onboard experience wasn't really designed around younger children.

When we visited the kids club, most of the children in his age range were significantly younger. There wasn't much programming that appealed to him, and many of the onboard activities naturally catered to adults.

There was:

No arcade

No Family Harbor-style family area

Limited family-focused spaces

Fewer activities geared toward elementary-age children

As a result, our son became bored during sea days.

To be clear, this isn't a criticism of Princess.

Princess delivered exactly the experience many travelers are looking for.

The lesson for me, as both a traveler and travel advisor, is that choosing a cruise line based on your family's needs is more important than choosing a cruise line based on popularity or online recommendations.

Who Star Princess Is Perfect For

After sailing the ship myself, I would enthusiastically recommend Star Princess to:

Couples

Solo travelers

Empty nesters

Multi-generational groups with older children

Travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere

Adults who prioritize dining, scenery, and enrichment experiences

The ship excels at those experiences.

What I Would Recommend for Families with Younger Children

If you're traveling to Alaska with children under 12, I would encourage you to consider cruise lines that invest heavily in family programming.

My top recommendations would be:

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival often gets overlooked for Alaska, but families shouldn't dismiss it.

Features that younger kids tend to love include:

Water attractions

Arcades

Family-focused activities

Kids clubs with strong participation

More casual family entertainment

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is another excellent option for Alaska families.

Depending on the ship, you'll often find:

Surf simulators

Rock climbing walls

Adventure-focused activities

Extensive youth programming

More opportunities for children to stay engaged during sea days

Final Thoughts on Alaska Family Cruises

Would I cruise Alaska again? Absolutely.

Would I sail Star Princess again?

Yes, but probably as a couple's trip, a solo trip, or with older family members.

For our family, the destination was extraordinary. Alaska remains one of the best family travel experiences we've ever had. The biggest lesson we learned was that when planning a family cruise, the itinerary and the ship matter equally.

Choose the destination for the memories you'll make ashore.

Choose the cruise line for the experience you'll have on board.

When those two things align, that's when the magic happens.

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