Thinking about taking your toddler on a cruise to Alaska? Some people may think you are crazy, but in fact there are ways and means to make your sailing experience not only easy, but enjoyable as well.
Alaska is a top cruise destination in the world that is best visited by a cruise even though it involves a long journey. With a toddler, this has to be the easiest way to visit the state.
The biggest factor that will determine how much you can enjoy Alaska with a toddler is the cruise line you select.
There are some which welcome children of all ages and have a reputation of being family-friendly and have ships that sail to Alaska with facilities for toddlers such as babysitters and kids clubs.
How to pick the best itinerary
All cruise itineraries are good, but there are some which are far better than the others when thinking about cruising with a toddler.
Picking the right one can make all the difference, so you will need to explore different cruise itineraries to find one that is family-friendly and crafted to capture the beauty of Alaska in a way everyone can enjoy.
Research ports before booking to ensure you get the right mix, whether it is seeing glaciers, whale watching or a train ride for the toddler on the Skagway White Pass Railway.
On embarkation day
Remember, you won’t see your checked-in bags for a couple of hours after setting sail, so it is crucial to carry items in your hand bag like baby food, diapers and toys.
Pack as light as possible, because with a stroller, carry-on and the toddler, lugging through security can get a bit overwhelming.
Choosing the right cabin for your Alaska cruise
When traveling with a toddler, it is always a dilemma choosing the right type of cabin, and more so when cruising with a toddler to a destination such as Alaska.
Some things to consider when booking your Alaska cruise cabin are:
- Safety, especially if you have a balcony to enjoy the scenic landscapes on sea days and between ports
- Brightness can be a factor if you are cruising in mid-summer as the daylight hours are long and the toddler can struggle sleeping with the sunlight coming from the porthole or balcony
Packing tips for toddlers on an Alaskan cruise
Alaska can get very cold, even during summer, especially for a toddler sitting in a stroller. Layers are important, both on the ship and in dining areas where the air conditioning can get cold.
More importantly, as you will be spending a lot of time on the deck, when next to a glacier the temperature drops abruptly, so you will need coats, gloves and fleeces to stay warm. So layers are a must for both sea and port days.
If your toddler is old enough to walk, it is recommended to pack a hiking boot in case you plan to go hiking or step on a glacier.
Pack some toys that can be used outside the cabin such as jigsaws or coloring sticker books in order to keep your toddler occupied during dinner etc without having to make use of irritating electronics.
Surfaces during shore excursions may not be even at all times, so consider packing both a stroller and a compact carrier, depending on the activities you want to partake in.
Toddler essentials are difficult to get in Alaskan towns so carry enough diapers and formula to last you the entire cruise, plus some extras for emergencies.
(Note: Cruise ships retail these items, but they come at a premium and you can’t guarantee brands or sizes)
Marissa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom who loves sharing her tips, tricks, and ideas for navigating motherhood. Her days are filled starting tickle wars and dance parties with three energetic toddlers and wondering how long she can leave the house a mess until her husband notices. When she doesn’t have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music. In addition to blogging about all things motherhood, she sells printables on Etsy and has another website, teachinglittles.com, for kid’s activity ideas.
