Alaska Family Cruise
Our family’s Alaskan cruise was a whirlwind of breathtaking experiences that brought us closer to the raw beauty of the Last Frontier. In fact, the boys chose our vacation destination after months of watching wildlife documentaries. Stepping aboard the Princess cruise, we knew Alaska would be wilder and far more vast than anything we’d experienced before.
And it didn’t take long to feel it.
Skagway: Glaciers on Helicopter & Dogsledding
The helicopter lifted gently at first, almost deceptively calm, carrying us high above the mountains of Alaska.
Through our headsets, we could hear the steady rhythm of the blades as Skagway slowly shrank beneath us. The boys leaned toward the windows, eyes wide, narrating what they saw: forest giving way to jagged rock, waterfalls threading down mountainsides, and then suddenly… ice.
From above, the glacier didn’t look flat or simple. It was textured. Layered. Veined with deep, impossible blue. The kind of blue that doesn’t look real until you’re hovering over it.
I felt exhilarated and at the same time, deeply grateful to be witnessing something so vast.
When we touched down, the shift was immediate. The engine quieted. The air felt sharper. Cleaner. We stepped out onto the glacier, boots pressing into packed snow, surrounded by nothing but white and sky.
Blue crevasses cut through the surface like living veins. The scale of it made us feel small in the best way, like guests in something surreal.
Not long after, our musher introduced us to the sled team waiting nearby. He showed the boys how to call commands and explained how the dogs worked together. The pride on their faces when they got to shout “Mush!” and feel the team surge forward was unforgettable.
The ride across the glacier was pure exhilaration — wind against our faces, snow kicking up behind us — but what stayed with me most was watching the boys realize they weren’t just observing Alaska.
They were part of it.
If we had to name one highlight from the trip, this was it.
But Alaska wasn’t just that one moment.
Juneau: Whales & Waterfalls
Our whale watching adventure was nothing short of magical! As our boat glided through the misty Alaskan waters, we held our breath in anticipation. The marine life seemed to dance around us, playful and wild. Each splash and fin brought new excitement as the kids pointed and shouted every time we spotted a whale. No binoculars needed! haha. In between wildlife encounters, I was enthralled with the crisp sea air and the gentle rocking of the boat. So relaxing! And before long, we we were surrounded by magnificent humpback whales. Their massive forms would rise and fall, punctuating the silence with powerful bursts from their blowholes – dramatic plumes of water shooting high into the air!
Later, we went hiking and “chased” waterfalls. The boys raced ahead every time they heard rushing water. The trails were lush and damp, the kind where your shoes come back slightly muddy and your lungs feel clearer and you forget how steep the stairs you climbed. 😛
Ketchikan: Salmon Capital of the World
Ketchikan was our first stop, and it carried small harbor-town charm from the moment we arrived. Colorful buildings lined the water. Fishing boats rocked gently in the mist.
We joined a tour to learn more about Alaska Native culture, which gave the boys context for the land they had been so eager to explore. Looking back, each port felt culturally distinct, with its own rhythm and flavor. There’s community, history, and people deeply connected to the land.
Ketchikan is also known as the Salmon Capital of the World, so of course we had salmon tacos. And truly, they were the freshest we’ve ever tasted. There’s something about seafood that was caught so close to where you’re eating it. Simple. Clean. Unforgettable.
Anchorage: Wildlife Up Close
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was a true gem. We got up close with incredible Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitats. Khai was particularly thrilled to see musk oxen and moose, while a close encounter with a black bear left us in awe of these magnificent creatures. Definitely recommend extending your Anchorage stay for this experience!
Onboard Experiences
The Princess cruise itself was a delight. Between magic shows, concerts, and a well-stocked library, there was plenty to keep everyone engaged. I managed to finish two books during our sea days, while the boys explored the ship’s kid-friendly options, such as participating in a Dr. Seuss parade!
We also sailed through Glacier Bay and College Fjord during our scenic cruising days. Massive glaciers lined the water, and it was impressive to see them up close from the deck. We spent time at the railing, appreciating the different formations. It wasn’t as adrenaline-filled as our excursions, but it gave us a quieter window into Alaska’s scale.
Our Takeaways
Somewhere along the trip, Khai and Khang developed a new metric for measuring their love for a vacation spot. They ponder whether it’s a place they would want to return to with their own kids someday. Alaska, with its awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, received a heartfelt ‘Yes!’. Next time, we’d fly directly to Anchorage and visit Denali National Park.
Our souvenirs? Not the usual trinkets, but books – each port offering its own unique story through local literature. These tales and nonfictions will surely help to reignite memories of this unforgettable journey in the years to come.
