Family hiking to Nugget Falls near Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau Alaska
In July 2026, my family sailed a 7-night Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Traveling with my husband, our two boys, and extended family, we experienced glaciers, wildlife, incredible scenery, and four very different ports of call.
Our round-trip Seattle itinerary included Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Victoria, British Columbia, and scenic cruising through Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier. But there were also things I learned along the way, including why our balcony was worth the extra cost, which port I wish we'd spent more time exploring, and the excursion I regret not booking.
Here's our firsthand experience sailing Alaska on Anthem of the Seas, along with my recommendations for families considering a similar trip.
Our 7-Night Anthem of the Seas Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Our home for seven nights in Alaska—Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas
We sailed round trip from Seattle aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas from July 20–27, 2026.
Our itinerary included:
July 20: Seattle, Washington — Embarkation
July 21: Day at sea
July 22: Ketchikan, Alaska
July 23: Sitka, Alaska
July 24: Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier scenic cruising
July 24: Juneau, Alaska
July 25: Day at sea
July 26: Victoria, British Columbia
July 27: Seattle — Disembarkation
This itinerary offered a combination of scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, port exploration, and time aboard the ship.
Our trip was also centered around a family wedding, making it a multigenerational vacation. One of the things I appreciated most was that everyone could enjoy different activities during the day and reconnect in the evenings.
That flexibility made cruising a particularly good fit for our extended family.
Before Our Alaska Cruise: Exploring Seattle
Exploring Pike Place Market in Seattle before setting sail on our Alaska cruise
One of my biggest recommendations for anyone taking an Alaska cruise is to arrive at least one day before your sailing, especially if you're flying across the country.
We arrived in Seattle two days before our cruise, flying from the Washington, DC area with a connection in Chicago.
Flight delays, cancellations, and missed connections happen. Arriving early gave us some breathing room before embarkation and allowed us to enjoy Seattle as part of our vacation.
Our Pre-Cruise Hotel: Hilton Motif Seattle
Before sailing, we stayed at the Hilton Motif Seattle.
I really enjoyed this hotel. Our room had a water view where we could watch the ferries, the atmosphere was quiet, and we appreciated the breakfast.
The location also worked well for exploring downtown Seattle, including Pike Place Market.
We visited Pike Place early in the day, which I recommend. It became noticeably busier later, so getting there early made exploring much easier.
Another highlight was visiting Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
The park provided an interesting look at Seattle's connection to the Klondike Gold Rush, and our boys participated in the Junior Ranger program and earned badges.
It was a fun addition to our time in Seattle and an activity I'd recommend families consider.
We also had wedding-related activities before the cruise, so having those extra days worked especially well for our group.
I'll be sharing a separate article comparing our pre- and post-cruise Seattle hotels, along with more recommendations for families spending time in the city.
Is a Balcony Worth It on an Alaska Cruise?
Our balcony became one of our favorite places to watch for whales and take in the Alaska scenery
For our family, a balcony was absolutely worth it on our Alaska cruise.
I don't think every cruise requires a balcony. Depending on the itinerary, ship, and budget, an interior or oceanview stateroom can be a great choice.
But Alaska was different.
There was so much to see even when we weren't in port that our balcony became part of the experience rather than simply extra cabin space.
We repeatedly spotted whales from the ship, and my oldest son became our family's unofficial whale spotter.
Looking out at the water to see what wildlife we could find became a regular part of our days.
I also loved the quieter moments—sitting outside with coffee, watching the scenery, and taking in the landscape without needing to head to a public deck.
For our family, the balcony gave us our own space to experience Alaska.
And nowhere was that more apparent than during our scenic cruising through Endicott Arm.
Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier: One of My Favorite Cruise Memories
Taking in Dawes Glacier from our balcony during our early morning sailing through Endicott Arm
Our morning sailing through Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier was one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip.
Scenic cruising began early, so we ordered room-service breakfast, grabbed blankets, and settled onto our balcony.
We watched the landscape change as Anthem of the Seas traveled through Endicott Arm.
Being able to enjoy breakfast together, wrapped in blankets while surrounded by Alaska's scenery, was something I'll always remember.
We were even able to see glacier calving, when ice breaks away from the glacier.
Some members of our extended family chose a smaller glacier excursion boat, which allowed them to get closer to the glacier than our ship.
We stayed aboard Anthem of the Seas, so I can't compare the two experiences personally. However, hearing about their excursion reinforced how different the same destination can feel depending on how you choose to experience it.
For us, watching the glacier from our balcony was unforgettable.
Ketchikan, Alaska: Black Bears, Bald Eagles, and Fresh Smoked Salmon
Watching a black bear fishing for salmon at Herring Cove in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan was one of our most memorable wildlife experiences.
We took a trolley to Herring Cove, where we saw salmon swimming upstream, a harbor seal, numerous bald eagles, and a black bear.
Watching the bear fishing was an incredible experience.
One of the things I loved about Alaska was how many wildlife encounters happened while simply exploring.
We didn't need an elaborate adventure to have a memorable day in Ketchikan.
And then there was the food.
We had fresh smoked salmon, which ended up being one of my favorite food experiences of the entire trip.
Between the wildlife and the salmon, Ketchikan delivered exactly the kind of Alaska experience I had hoped for.
Sitka, Alaska: Totem Poles, History, and Wildlife
Exploring the rainforest trails at Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka offered a completely different experience from Ketchikan.
We visited Sitka National Historical Park, where we explored the totem poles, and also spent time at the Alaska Raptor Center.
At the Raptor Center, we saw several birds, including a peregrine falcon and a snowy owl.
The snowy owl was a particular favorite.
I appreciated how our Sitka day combined Alaska Native history, scenery, walking, and wildlife education.
Rather than feeling like a repeat of Ketchikan, Sitka gave us another perspective on Alaska.
We also experienced a brief rain shower during our visit.
Overall, we had very good weather throughout much of our cruise, but that shower was a reminder that a rain jacket belongs on an Alaska packing list—even when the forecast looks promising.
Juneau, Alaska: My Favorite Port of the Cruise
Nugget Falls was one of my favorite stops during our visit to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
Juneau was my favorite port on our Alaska cruise.
We visited Mendenhall Glacier, stopped at Photo Point, and hiked to Nugget Falls.
The Nugget Falls hike was manageable for our family, and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to explore the area rather than simply stopping for a quick glacier photograph.
Being able to walk through the landscape and see the glacier from different perspectives made the experience especially memorable.
If I could change one thing about our Juneau day, it would be to give ourselves more time.
I would have loved to explore additional trails around Mendenhall Glacier.
That's something I now pay closer attention to when reviewing Alaska cruise itineraries for clients.
Two cruises might visit the same ports, but the amount of time you spend in each port can make a significant difference in what you're able to experience.
The Juneau Excursion I Wish We Had Booked
There's one experience I wish we'd added to our Juneau day: a dedicated whale-watching excursion.
We did not book whale watching in Juneau.
We had already enjoyed spotting whales from Anthem of the Seas, but we consistently heard excellent reports from people who had taken whale-watching excursions.
Considering how much our family enjoyed looking for whales throughout the cruise, I left wishing we'd made time for that experience.
If I were planning this itinerary again, whale watching would be high on my list of activities to consider.
Victoria, British Columbia: Poutine and an Unexpected Orca Sighting
We couldn't visit Canada without stopping for some poutine during our evening in Victoria!
Our final port was Victoria, British Columbia, during a shorter evening visit.
We explored downtown and enjoyed some poutine while we were there.
But one of the biggest highlights happened before we even reached port.
As Anthem of the Seas approached Victoria, we spotted orcas from the ship.
It was another reminder that wildlife viewing wasn't limited to Alaska ports or scheduled excursions.
Some of our best sightings happened simply because we kept watching the water.
Is Anthem of the Seas a Good Alaska Cruise Ship for Kids?
Anthem of the Seas worked very well for our family, especially because there was plenty for our boys to do between port visits.
When choosing an Alaska cruise with children, I think it's important to look beyond the itinerary.
We had two sea days, along with time aboard the ship before and after exploring ports.
Our boys enjoyed several onboard activities, including:
Adventure Ocean
Laser tag
iFLY
North Star
Swimming pools
Plenty of ice cream!
Having those options made our time aboard the ship enjoyable rather than simply waiting for the next port.
The ship also worked well for our multigenerational group.
Different family members could choose activities based on their interests, and we'd reconnect in the evenings to spend time together and hear about everyone's day.
We didn't have to do everything together to enjoy traveling together.
That's one of the reasons I think cruising can be such a good option for extended-family vacations.
What Wildlife Did We See on Our Alaska Cruise?
Wildlife was one of the biggest highlights of our entire Alaska cruise.
During our sailing and port visits, we personally saw:
Whales repeatedly from Anthem of the Seas and our balcony
Orcas while approaching Victoria
A black bear fishing at Herring Cove
A harbor seal
Salmon swimming upstream
Numerous bald eagles
A peregrine falcon
A snowy owl
One of my favorite family memories was watching my oldest son become so interested in spotting whales from the ship.
It reminded me that some of the best vacation memories aren't always the activities you plan in advance.
Sometimes they're the moments that happen when you're simply paying attention to what's around you.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Our experience was especially memorable because we were fortunate to see so much.
What Should You Pack for an Alaska Cruise?
Based on our experience, there are five things I'd particularly recommend bringing on an Alaska cruise:
1. Layers
Conditions can feel very different depending on whether you're exploring a port, spending time on deck, or watching the scenery from your balcony.
2. A rain jacket
Even though we had excellent weather for much of our cruise, we still experienced rain in Sitka.
3. Binoculars
These were especially valuable for spotting wildlife from the ship. With so many opportunities to look for whales and other animals, I wouldn't want to cruise Alaska without them.
4. Comfortable walking shoes
We spent time exploring ports and walking to places like Nugget Falls.
5. A backpack or day bag
Having a convenient way to carry layers and other essentials made port days easier.
You don't need to pack for every possible outdoor adventure, but you do want to be prepared for changing conditions.
Should You Spend Time in Seattle After an Alaska Cruise?
Spending an extra night in Seattle gave us time to enjoy the waterfront before heading home
We returned to Seattle on July 27, but instead of flying home immediately after disembarkation, we stayed another night.
I'm glad we did.
It meant we weren't trying to coordinate getting off the ship with an immediate flight, and we had a more relaxed end to our vacation.
Our Post-Cruise Hotel: Seattle Marriott Waterfront
After our cruise, we stayed at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront.
The waterfront location was excellent, and it was convenient for exploring the area around Pike Place Market.
We enjoyed the hotel restaurant, and having access to the M Club/M Lounge was helpful for snacks.
The hotel did feel noticeably busier than the Hilton Motif, especially around the lobby.
The Norwegian Cruise Line terminal is directly across the street, which makes the location convenient for cruise passengers but also contributes to the activity around the hotel.
Another consideration is Seattle's terrain.
Even when attractions appear close together on a map, hills and stairs can affect how walkable an area feels, especially for families with young children or travelers with mobility considerations.
Both hotels worked well for different reasons.
I appreciated the quieter atmosphere at Hilton Motif before our cruise, while the Marriott Waterfront offered a convenient waterfront location afterward.
I'll share a more detailed comparison in a separate Seattle pre- and post-cruise hotel article.
What I Learned From Our Family Alaska Cruise
Looking back, a few lessons stand out.
An Alaska cruise is about more than the ports. Some of our favorite memories happened while sailing, including watching whales from our balcony and experiencing Dawes Glacier.
A balcony can add real value to an Alaska itinerary. For our family, it became a place to enjoy the destination rather than simply another part of our stateroom.
Port time matters. Juneau was our favorite stop, and I would have loved additional time around Mendenhall Glacier.
Choose excursions around your family's interests. We loved our wildlife encounters, and I wish we'd made time for whale watching in Juneau.
Cruising works well for multigenerational travel. Our extended family could enjoy different activities and still spend time together throughout the vacation.
Don't overlook your departure city. Spending time in Seattle before and after the cruise made our overall vacation more enjoyable and gave us extra flexibility around flights.
Would I Recommend an Alaska Cruise for Families?
Absolutely.
Our Alaska cruise offered a combination of wildlife, glaciers, outdoor experiences, history, and activities aboard the ship.
It also gave us the opportunity to travel with extended family without requiring everyone to follow exactly the same schedule.
For our family, it was a memorable combination.
That doesn't mean the same ship, cabin, or itinerary is automatically the best choice for everyone.
Some families may prefer a smaller ship, different ports, a different cruise line, or an itinerary with more time in specific destinations.
That's why I think choosing the right Alaska cruise involves more than comparing the initial price.
You want to consider the ports, time in port, ship activities, cabin options, travel logistics, and the kinds of experiences that matter most to your family.
Having experienced an Alaska cruise with my own children and extended family, I can bring that firsthand perspective into the recommendations I make for my clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Cruises With Kids
Is an Alaska cruise worth it for families with kids?
Based on our experience, yes. Our boys enjoyed wildlife viewing, exploring ports, and activities aboard Anthem of the Seas. The combination of outdoor experiences and onboard entertainment made it a good fit for our family.
Is a balcony worth it for an Alaska cruise?
No, but it was worth it for us. We used our balcony for whale watching, enjoying the scenery, and our early morning experience at Dawes Glacier. Whether it's worth the additional cost depends on your budget and how you plan to spend your time.
How early should you arrive in Seattle before an Alaska cruise?
I recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation, especially if you're flying. We arrived two days early, which gave us time to explore Seattle and reduced the risk of flight disruptions affecting our cruise.
Planning Your Own Alaska Cruise?
If Alaska is on your travel list, I'd love to help you sort through the cruise lines, ships, itineraries, cabins, port experiences, and pre- and post-cruise plans to find the combination that makes sense for your family.
As a travel advisor with Marvelous Mouse Travels, I combine personalized planning with firsthand travel experience to help families make informed decisions about their vacations.
My travel planning services are complimentary when you book your vacation with me through Marvelous Mouse Travels.
