Most Recommended Alaska Cruise Excursions

An Alaskan cruise is on many people’s bucket lists, so we won’t spend time telling you how amazing it is. There are a few different cruise lines to choose from based on the type of group you’re going with, and your budget. You also have a variety of options for excursions during your cruise. We went through suggestions from our contributors to bring you the most highly recommended activities to take advantage of, off the cruise ship. 

READ MORE: Best Cruise Lines For Families With Kids Of all Ages

Skagway:

Skagway cruise excursion
  • Discover the glaciers by helicopter for an experience you’ll never forget. Once there, you can do a walking tour or add on dog sledding. You will meet professional mushers and friendly dogs and even get to participate by standing on the sled to mush, or just staying seated in the sled. 
  • Take advantage of the railroad tour options that are great for all ages. You can take a train up to the summit of the White Pass and travel through the mountains (great photo ops!) 
  • If you want to make your own adventure, rent a car in Skagway and use the Murray Guide to drive out to Emerald Lake. Don’t forget to stop for photos along the way!
  • If you want to take it easy at this port, you can walk to the Rangers station and participate in the Junior Rangers program for free. You can also go for a walk around town and visit the cute shops, or head out for some kid-friendly hiking.

Ketchikan:

Ketchikan
  • If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The show is located just 1 block from the cruise ship docks and is very child-friendly. Sit upfront for a chance to be part of the action. 
  • Visit a Totem Pole Park to view incredible Native American Totem Poles. You will also see many while walking through downtown Ketchikan. 
  • Take a flightseeing tour to the Misty Fjords National Monument via flightplane. You will get an unparalleled view of the mountains, forests and wildlife from high in the sky. 
  • Our contributors highly recommend the bear watching tour while you are at this port. You have a few tour options to choose from. But regardless of your choice, you will have an amazing experience, with the photos to prove it.

Juneau:

Juneau cruise excursion
  • The most recommended excursion in Juneau is a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. You can travel there by bus, car, or via a tour. Once you get there, you can walk for a mile to the glacier. Many say this is the best option to visit a glacier if you have people in your group who cannot go on a helicopter tour. If you go via a tour, you can even canoe out to the glacier. 
  • Whale watching is a great excursion that can be enjoyed by most ages, and a relaxing way to enjoy your time at Juneau. This can also be combined with other excursions. 
  • Get up in the air with a glacier dog sledding and helicopter tour. This is similar to the excursion from Skagway.

Alaska’s beauty is unrivaled. By doing a land-sea combo (cruise with excursions), you really get to explore its beauty from all directions. Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Tell us about it below!

If you’d like to be part of the Families Who Love To Travel community and have your voice heard, please join our Facebook group.

Popular Reads
A small boy sits above the text "I Have a Dream" etched in marble.
Travel From Home: Washington D.C.

From wonderful history to iconic monuments to vibrant culture, Washington D. C. is sure to be a hit with your Read more

Child hiking trail through Yellowstone National park.
How to Plan a Yellowstone National Park Family Vacation

Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks around Old Faithful and taking Read more

A family of three stands together enjoying a view of Sedona's iconic red rock formations on a sunny day.
Exciting 5-Day Sedona Itinerary For Families

Planning a Sedona itinerary for families is a great way to ensure that everyone enjoys their time in this beautiful Read more

A young girl looks through an exhibit window into an aquarium at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
A Day At The Bay: Visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium With Kids

From frolicking sea otters to their picturesque oceanfront location, there is something truly marvelous about visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium Read more

Thanks for reading!

Love our content?

Stay in the know by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

Immerse yourself in a world of limitless exploration by joining us on Instagram at families.love.travel.

Join our vibrant Facebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel," (where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!).

Plus, you can read our latest articles by following our Facebook page.

Shop for Family Travel Memorabilia on Shop Families Love Travel.

Latest Articles

Child hiking trail through Yellowstone National park.

How to Plan a Yellowstone National Park Family Vacation

Everyone knows that Yellowstone National Park makes for a classic family vacation. Strolling the boardwalks...

Read More...
A family of five stands on a sandy beach on a sunny day in Turks and Caicos.

Best Beaches® Turks and Caicos Review By A UK Family

Beaches Turks and Caicos may not seem like a typical vacation destination for a UK...

Read More...
Three children swimming in blue water in Cayman Islands.

All About the Cayman Islands With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands with kids, there’s some important information you need...

Read More...

Travel Gift Ideas

National Park With Kids

Family Travel Tips

A mom holds her infant son on an airplane.

Use These 10 Tips For Your Baby’s First Flight

Families Who Love To Travel contributor Meghan Oaks provides her 10 best tips for your...

Read More...
A young boy plays with legos on his airplane tray table during a flight.

18 Exciting Travel Toys For Young Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained The Whole Trip

When you're planning a family vacation, it's important to pack travel toys that will keep...

Read More...
crusing with baby

Tips for Cruising with a Baby

Cruising is a great option for families with babies who want to relax and not...

Read More...
Posted in ,

Families Love Travel Team

The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.