13 Alaskan Cruise Tips 2025: What I Wish Every Family Knew
Planning an Alaskan cruise with kids is thrilling—and a little intimidating. After sailing on the Disney Wonder roundtrip from Vancouver, I pulled together the practical tips I wish every family had before they set sail. Use these insights to time your meals with the midnight sun, pack like a pro, spot more wildlife, and glide through check-in like a seasoned cruiser.
1) Before You Book: Dates, Daylight, and Expectation Setting
Summer in Southeast Alaska brings long days and calmer channels. Around late June, Juneau enjoys extremely long daylight, with sunsets near 11 p.m. That extra light changes everything about your rhythm onboard—more deck time, more glacier watching, and later dinners that still feel like “day.”
Planner tip: If seeing whales is a priority, June–August is prime. You’ll commonly spot humpbacks and sometimes orcas in the Inside Passage. Bring binoculars the entire family can use – you won’t regret it!
2) Book EARLY – Save BIG
Disney Cruise Line features dynamic pricing, which means as staterooms book up, pricing increases. We’ve seen cruises jump anywhere from $1500-2500 more than what they would have been if booked sooner!
Alaskan sailings naturally come with a higher price point so booking well in advance is crucial to ensuring you lock in the absolute best price. And even better, our interest-free payment plans help you pay it off over time!
Not only do you lock in the best price, you also secure the more preferred staterooms which is crucial for viewings.
3) Arrive the Night Before—No Exceptions
Fly into Vancouver a day early and sleep near the cruise port for convenience. (We stayed at the Fairmont and loved it! Impeccable accommodations and steps from the cruise port!) The terminal is efficient, but flights can slip. Arriving the night prior protects your vacation from delays and lost luggage stress. Your body will also thank you: Southeast Alaska sits a few time zones away for many families, and a full night’s rest helps everyone hit the ground smiling on embarkation day.
4) Alaskan Cruise Tips 2025: What to Pack (and Why)
- Layers rule: moisture-wicking base, warm mid (fleece/wool), windproof/waterproof shell.
- Shoes: waterproof hikers or sturdy sneakers; pack warm socks; toss in lightweight deck shoes for the ship.
- Accessories: thin hat, gloves, scarf, sunglasses, and sleep masks (it’s bright late).
- Wildlife kit: compact binoculars and a phone lanyard; optional small monocular for kids.
- Day bag: light backpack, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a zip pouch for tickets.
Want the full Alaskan Cruise Packing List? See my detailed guide: Disney Cruise Packing Essentials.
5) Late vs. Early Dining with the Midnight Sun
Both work—but you know your family best so choose a dining time accordinly. Early seating at 5:45pm helps younger kids who feel the time change. We chose late seating (8:15pm) and loved the long golden light on deck before dinner. It allowed us to maximize our days at port and then leisurely get ready for dinner each evening. Either way, request a window table when possible (or better yet, we’ll request it for you!). On Disney Cruise Line, rotational dining means your servers stay with you each night, no matter where you’re dining so they’ll remember preferences and keep meals easy for the kids no matter the dining time.
6) The Reality of Weather: Flexible Plans Win
Alaska’s weather can switch quickly. When skies turn blue, head outside for glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. When drizzle rolls in, enjoy theaters, crafts, and the kids clubs. Build a “Plan A” and “Plan B” for each day, and don’t sweat switching between them. Embrace the beauty of an Alaskan cruise and being one with Mother Nature!
7) Wildlife Watching 101 for Families
- Humpbacks: look for “blows,” tail flukes, and bubble-net feeding circles
- Orcas: tall black dorsal fins; scan along rocky points and channel edges
- Sea otters & sea lions: kelp beds near shore or buoys in harbor approaches
- Bald eagles: tree snags, rooftops, and channel markers—bring longer zoom for great shots
Pro move: keep binoculars by the verandah door and near your day bag. The best sightings often happen during sail-ins and sail-outs and you’ll want to have them close by.
8) Pools, Laundry, and Little Quality-of-Life Wins
- Pools are heated when it’s cool out, so brave swimmers can still splash. Keep dry robes, towels or hoodies ready for the chilly deck air.
- Laundry: All Disney ships offer self-service laundry rooms and a paid send-out option. I like a quick wash late in the cruise so we pack lighter and come home with fewer dirty clothes.
- Shopping hours: ship stores open only while at sea and close in port and remember, Alaska merchandise sells out fast. Pop in early to grab favorites.
9) Navigator App Hacks for Alaska
- At home: use the app to complete check-in and book activities.
- Onboard: connect to free DCL Guest Wi-Fi to see schedules, mark favorites, and use the built-in chat to keep in touch without a paid internet plan.
- Alerts: “favorite” an activity and you’ll get a nudge before it starts—perfect for character meets and glacier timing.
10) Verandah vs. Oceanview: Is the Splurge Worth It?
If it fits your budget, I recommend a verandah for this itinerary. We used ours at dawn with coffee, during sail-ins, and for quiet wildlife moments while kids rested. It’s not required to have an unforgettable trip—but on a seven-night cruise, the extra space and fresh air feel special.
11) Embarkation Day Flow (Vancouver)
- Arrive the day before; sleep close to the cruise port.
- Tag checked bags; keep meds/IDs/valuables in your carry-on.
- Arrive at your assigned Port Arrival Time (from online check-in).
- Board, explore Deck 9 for lunch, and let kids peek at the clubs early.
- Settle in, unpack, and enjoy Sail Away.
12) When to Book Port Adventures
Reserve popular tours as early as your booking window allows. This service is included in our concierge level of planning for all clients! Whale-watching, glacier adventures, and fishing charters often sell out—especially in June and July. I also like to leave one port lighter so kids can recharge onboard between big days.
13) Unique Things That Surprised Us
- It’s cold—but not that cold in June. Smart layers were enough most days.
- Yes, people swim on Alaskan cruises. Pack swimsuits!
- Despite time changes and long daylight, we slept like babies.
- Over-planning and over-packing paid off.
- We loved this itinerary just as much as (or even more than) our Caribbean sailings.
- Channels were calm—so calm; no one ever felt remotely close to being motion/sea sick.
- Glacier Day was our favorite day of the entire cruise!
14) Booking Windows and Online Check-In (Move Fast!)
When your online check-in window opens, complete it immediately to secure an earlier Port Arrival Time. First-time Disney cruisers can check in 30 days before sailing; returning guests may see 33–40 days before, depending on Castaway Club level. Have passport photos, payment method, and emergency contacts ready so you can breeze through. Then select the earliest Port Arrival Time you can reasonably make.
FAQ: Planning a Disney Alaska Cruise
What’s special about Alaska on Disney Cruise Line?
Rotational dining across three themed restaurants, Broadway-style shows, first-run movies, and a Frozen deck party—layered with glacier viewing, wildlife, and long summer light. It’s Disney magic with jaw-dropping scenery that the entire family truly enjoys!
Is June a good time for Alaska with kids?
Yes. Expect long daylight, calmer channels, and plenty of outdoor time. Heated pools help, too. We loved our mid-June sailing and lucked out with absolutely perfectly, sunny weather every day!
Should we book a verandah?
We loved ours for wildlife moments and quiet mornings. It’s not required, but it’s a treat on this route and adds space on a longer sailing. As a Disney Cruise Line expert, I only recommend verandah staterooms for Alaskan cruises.
How do the kids clubs work?
Register on day one, use Oceaneer Bands for secure check-in/out, and let kids roam between Club and Lab during secured programming. The Navigator app posts hours and highlights so you can see which activities are when. And when the kids are ready to be picked up? The kid’s club will ping you in the app so you can swing by and grab them.
Late or early dining?
We enjoyed late seating with the extra daylight. It almost felt as if our days were extended with the later dining time of 8:15pm. If your family struggles with the time change, the first seating at 5:45pm can be a better fit, especially for little ones.
Plan With a Concierge Touch
I’m Stephanie Howard—a luxury travel advisor. Since founding Traveling Ears Vacations in 2017, I’ve planned 5,000+ trips across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. I’ll map your Alaska sailing—staterooms, port days, and dining—so you can simply show up and enjoy.
Ready to plan? Request a Quote and follow along for daily inspiration: @travelingearsvacations.
