Last August, my husband, our 8-month-old son, and I joined my parents, sisters, and their families on a week-long roundtrip cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. We chose the Inside Passage itinerary that included Glacier Bay National Park—we’re all National Park enthusiasts, so this was a must-see!
One of the biggest challenges in planning this trip was finding excursions that suited everyone. With ages ranging from 8 months to mid-sixties, a mix of adventure levels, and a wide array of interests, it wasn’t easy. But in the end, we managed to select activities that satisfied everyone—from the littles (ages 11, 6, 4, and our baby) to the adults. Every single person said they’d gladly do the excursions again!
Juneau, AK
We booked a salmon fishing charter with Rum Runner Charters—and they did not disappoint. Capt. Luke and his mate, also named Luke, were amazing hosts. We caught a variety of salmon and rockfish, spotted multiple whales, and saw several bald eagles!
Rum Runner has been operating in Alaska for over 30 years and specializes in fishing charters, whale watching, and photo tours. You can choose from full- or half-day adventures.
Six of us (all adults and my 11-year-old nephew) went on this excursion. The crew did a great job teaching us how to fish, getting everyone involved, and sharing stories about life in Juneau. They even helped arrange to ship our catch back to Massachusetts!
If you’re looking for a private fishing or whale-watching experience in Juneau, check out Rum Runner Charters. A major highlight was watching Capt. Luke feed an eagle right from the dock—head to my Instagram @castles.cruises.churros to see the video!
Skagway, AK
In Skagway, we booked the Step Into the Yukon with Sled Dog Tour through Alaska Shore Excursions. This was a perfect choice for our whole group, as it was open to all ages.
A big factor for us was the small group size—just 24 people max—and the tour included a stop at a sled dog camp for a summer sled ride. Everyone needs a valid passport for this excursion since it crosses into Canada. We had a near miss when a few family members forgot theirs, but my speedy brother-in-law ran back to get them—hero of the day!
The tour took place in a comfortable 24-passenger van, with our guide providing excellent commentary. We made stops at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and the iconic “Welcome to the Yukon” sign.
The highlight, especially for the kids, was the dog sled camp. We met the puppies and dogs in training, listened to a dog sledding talk, and rode on a wheeled sled pulled by the dogs. It was an unforgettable experience and a core memory for all of us. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for an interactive, family-friendly adventure.
Glacier Bay National Park
While you don’t disembark in Glacier Bay, National Park rangers board the ship to offer lectures and educational programs as you cruise through the bay. These are available both in-person and via your stateroom TV, and I highly recommend tuning in.
There was even a ranger assigned to the kids’ clubs—my nieces had a blast learning about the park through age-appropriate activities. Princess Cruises does an excellent job with their children’s programming, especially on Alaskan itineraries.
Ketchikan, AK
In Ketchikan, we opted to explore the town on foot instead of booking an excursion. We strolled along the harbor, wandered down Creek Street, and did some relaxed shopping.
A few excursions we considered were The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and the Ketchikan Duck Boat Tour—both come highly recommended for families. But in the end, we chose to take it easy and enjoy the town at our own pace, which turned out to be perfect.
I hope this review helps if you’re planning an Alaskan cruise! Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need help planning your next adventure!
– Beth
bethcrowell@fantasticalvacations.com
Castles.Cruises.Churros 