Alaska? With a Toddler? You Bet!
Take in the sights from your balcony and let the adventure come to you!
When I think about taking a cruise, images of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and palm trees mostly come to mind. To me, cruises equal sun, surf, and sand. I mean, what’s the point of going on a cruise if you can’t bask in the sun’s golden rays?
Turns out, I am literally missing the boat when it comes to some of the coolest cruises around.
I just spent the last half-hour reading Deborah Abrams Kaplan’s first-hand account of Cruising Alaska with a Toddler and man, does it have me anxious to embark on my own Alaskan adventure!
Here is how Kaplan’s account kicks off:
“While sitting on the balcony drinking wine and floating past glaciers, I realized my parents were right. It is possible to have an adventurous and somewhat relaxing trip with a toddler in tow.”
Kaplan and her husband took their 15-month old daughter on an eight day cruise from Vancouver, B.C. to Seward, Alaska and it seems like the toddler in tow didn’t slow them down a bit. From taking sea planes over national monuments and zipping over glaciers in a helicopter tour to canoeing around icebergs and taking a trip on the Yukon railroad, the couple managed to do it all with seemingly little hassle.
The wonderful thing about an Alaskan cruise is that you don’t have to leave the boat, or even your cabin to admire the surroundings. From the dining room we watched porpoises swimming in the boat’s wake. Dori napped in the sling while we were on deck, watching the Hubbard Glacier calve. From the deck we also spotted bald eagles, whales, brown bears and harbor seals. We observed sea otters in front of the College Fjord, while Dori crawled around the cabin and we stood on our balcony.
Of course, vacationing with a toddler isn’t all fun and games. Kaplan says mealtimes were a disaster, but what parent of a toddler is surprised by this news? All in all Kaplan reports that the Alaskan cruise was a great way to combine family, sights and excursions.
If adventure and family time is what you’re after, maybe an Alaska Cruise is right up your alley.
A big thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line for sponsoring this campaign. Click here to see more of the discussion.
Image: AlaskaWildland.com
I haven’t been on an Alaskan cruise yet, but I hear wonderful things! I’ve often wondered if it’s more for couples or good for families. Well, this article has definitely piqued my interest…I’ll have to look into it further.
My in-laws went on an Alaskan cruise last year and LOVED it. They came back and told me it was great for kids, due to whale watching and all the built-in science lessons on glaciers, the wilderness, etc. I’m hoping to save up and take my family on one.
i’ve heard SUCH great things about Alaska, but didn’t think we could do it anytime soon with young kids. will definitely have to look into the cruise option though—sounds doable!
I’ve definitely seen some overheated (and subsequently cranky!) vacationing toddlers. Maybe an Alaskan cruise is the perfect solution!
Woah, I’ve been missing the Alaskan cruise boat right along with you, but this sounds amazing! 15 months does seem awfully young for such an adventurous trip, but if there’s anywhere to do it, it’s a cruise ship (thank god for the on-site babysitting!)
An Alaskan cruise is definitely on my mommy wish list these days. I love the beach and warm weather but I so want to explore the Alaskan wilderness!
Beware of the rain. It rains alot there.
It rains alot where? In Alaska? Depends on when you go. Summertime is GORGEOUS and no rain (or barely any). Atleast not down in Anchorage.
That sounds perfect. An adventure with all the luxuries (like hello-childcare) of a cruise. Sign me up.
Alaska sounds like a great destination. I don’t know if my 4 year old twins are up for it but you make it sound downright doable. Are you a gremlin?