disney alaska cruise whale watching

Best Disney Cruise Alaska Excursions

The 49th state is home to stunning natural beauty. A Disney Cruise Port Adventure is one of the best ways to experience it firsthand.  Cruising with Disney to Alaska  offers great views from the ship, but there’s nothing like getting out and having your own adventure. It’s, therefore, both a blessing and a curse that there are so many excursion options — nearly 200 at last count. To help you decide, here are our picks for the best Disney Cruise Excursions in Alaska.

Jump directly to the best Alaska excursions in:

• Icy Strait Point
• Other Ports

Or read on to learn more about Alaska Excursions and  how to get them for free .

What are Disney Cruise Excursions?

An excursion — also known as a “Port Adventure” on Disney cruise ships — is an organized off-ship activity. You’re always free to leave a cruise ship to explore a port on your own. A Port Adventure is an optional  paid  experience that gives you greater access and additional benefits.

On a Disney Cruise to Alaska, your excursion options are especially exotic. Imagine taking a helicopter to a glacier, a rainforest family adventure, whale watching tour, or attending “summer camp” for sled dogs. They’re all possible when you visit Alaska with Disney Cruise Line.

Get Free Help Planning Your Disney Cruise and Excursions. Vacationeers are standing by!

How Much are Disney Shore Excursions in Alaska?

Prices for Alaska port excursions vary widely. On the low end, it costs about $47 to attend a  lumberjack demonstration in Ketchikan . On the high end, you can spend nearly $5,200 to  take a private sea plane to Misty Fjords National Monument.

We checked the prices of all excursions Disney Cruise Line offered in Alaska at the time we wrote this article, and here’s what we found:

• $1 – $49: 1 option
• $50 – $99: 35 options
• $100 – $199: 57 options
• $200 – $399: 67 options
• $400 and up: 26 options

Are Disney Cruise Line Alaska Excursions Worth It?

No one disputes that airfare to Vancouver and the  cost of the Disney Cruise  itself are already significant expenses. So it’s understandable that some folks hesitate to add multiple high-cost shore excursions to their trip. But for Alaska, excursions really are the key to an amazing experience that you and your family will remember for the rest of your lives.

Alaska excursions are generally pricier than  excursions in the Bahamas or Caribbean , where you can find several onshore activities for less than $25. In Alaska, you can certainly find great options for less than $100  per person  — but most of the unforgettable “bucket list” type experiences are more likely to cost about $250 – $350 per person. A $450 – $550 price tag is not out of the question for excursions that involve aircraft such as helicopters and seaplanes.

We wholeheartedly recommend splurging on at least one high-dollar excursion during your Alaska Cruise.  Our experience is that you will not regret the additional expense; you’ll remember the amazing things you saw and did for much longer than you’ll remember how much they cost.

To put it another way: you’ve already spent a lot to get yourself to Alaska — do you really want to squander that investment by staying in your  room onboard the ship  or just visiting a few gift shops within walking distance of the dock?

How to Get Free Disney Cruise Alaska Excursions

Here’s a little-known way to  cut the cost of your shore excursions  in Alaska — many travel agencies will give you a free  onboard credit  that can be used to pay for your Port Adventures.

Here’s how it works:

• You connect with an  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner  for  free help booking your cruise . There’s  no fee to use their services .
• Your agent books your cruise and helps you with all your onboard planning. Plus, you can contact them anytime for help  without having to wait on hold .
• You’ll receive a credit on your shipboard account, which can be used toward onboard purchases such as souvenirs,  alcohol ,  gratuities , or  shore excursions . The amount you receive varies depending on the cost of your cruise.

Our official travel agency partner,  The Vacationeer , offers onboard credits of  up to $1,000 . Plus, booking with  The Vacationeer  means you’ll have a  single, dedicated agent from start to finish . So you won’t have to dial into some giant call center, fuss through dozens of phone menus, and explain your situation to different people.

So why not take advantage of the  personalized service  and  free spending money  you get by booking your Disney Alaska Cruise through  The Vacationeer ?  It won’t cost a penny more than booking it yourself!

When Do You Pay for Alaskan Cruise Excursions?

Disney Alaska Cruise Port Adventures charges are applied to your shipboard account, so you won’t have to pay until you settle your account at the end of your cruise.

That means they’re a great way to use your travel agency onboard credit.

Now, on to our list.

We’ve picked some of the best Alaska cruise excursions at each port, but there are  plenty more to choose from  on the Disney Cruise Line website.

We’ve also noted the  ⭐ BEST OF THE BEST ⭐ — the most unique and splurge-worthy experiences.

Prices shown are per person unless indicated otherwise, and note that not every cruise visits every port shown here.

Icy Strait Point — Best Port Adventures

Image © Disney

Icy Strait Point  is a premier destination on Disney Alaskan Cruises. Situated alongside Hoonah, Alaska (the state’s largest Native Tlingit village), this purpose-built cruise port hosts a limited number of ships each day. It is believed by many to be the best spot in Alaska to see whales. Whales are so abundant here that most tour operators in the area offer a money-back guarantee if you fail to see one on your expedition! In our opinion, the stunning natural scenery and abundant animal sightings in Icy Strait Point are impressive enough to be  the  deciding factor when choosing between an Alaskan Cruise itinerary that visits here and one which doesn’t.

Mountain Top Forest Tram (IS36)

Ascend more than 1,500 feet to the top of Hoonah Mountain in a modern gondola offering 360⁰ views. Once you’ve reached the summit, take a six-mile open-air tram journey through an old-growth forest filled with spruce trees and wildflowers. Be on the lookout for wildlife during your journey!

Activity Level: Mild

Requirements: Open to all ages

Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hours

Cost: $99 for ages 10+ $89 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

In Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen (IS13)

A true foodie adventure! Learn about local fishing, preservation, and food preparation from an experienced chef during a fun, hands-on experience. You’ll learn how to fillet like a pro, then have an opportunity to personally grill the day’s catch. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Hoonah, along with unlimited Gondola rides, admission to a Tribal Dance Show, and discounts at waterfront restaurants and select shops.

Activity Level: Moderate

Requirements: Ages 8+

Cost: $99 for ages 10+ $89 for ages 8-9

Discovering Birds of Hoonah (IS17)

This combination of driving and walking expeditions affords multiple opportunities to see the winged residents of Alaska in their native habitats. This experience teems with creatures great and small, from bald eagles to hummingbirds. Among the fowl you might encounter are chickadees, creepers, ducks, flycatchers, gulls, jays, kinglets, sapsuckers, sparrows, swallows, swifts, thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, wrens. Once you’ve “landed” at the end of your adventure, you’ll enjoy an “all-access” pass for Hoonah that includes gondola rides and other experiences before returning to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 8+ Guests must be ambulatory.

Duration: 3.5 to 4.0 hours

Cost: $189 for ages 10+ $179 for ages 8-9

Whale and Marine Mammals Cruise (IS01) ⭐ Best of the Best ⭐

Board a spacious catamaran and sail to Point Adolphus, a premier whale-watching spot and a natural wonder in and of itself. You’re guaranteed to see at least one whale, meaning you’ll get a full refund of the cost if you don’t. Odds are you’ll see many more — and are likely to see both humpbacks and killer whales, possibly even right beside the boat. During this excursion, you’re also apt to spot sea lions, harbor seals, and even bald eagles.

Duration: 2.5 to 3.0 hours

Cost: $209 for ages 10+ $139 for ages 3-9 $139 for ages 0-2

Whale Watching and Bear Search Combo (IS10)

This Port Adventure combines the best of two different wildlife spotting expeditions, seeking out whales and bears. First, start out with a catamaran trip to Adolphus for a whale viewing experience in an area so hospitable to whales that you’ll get a refund for this part of the excursion if you don’t see one. Then, head out for a walking trip of the rainforests of Chichagof Island, home to the most bears per square mile on the planet.

Requirements: Ages 8+ Not recommended for those who have difficulty walking.

Duration: 5.5 to 6.0 hours

Cost: $329 for ages 10+ $239 for ages 8-9

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Juneau — Top Shore Excursions

Juneau is Alaska’s state capital — the only state capital which can’t be accessed by roadway (ship and planes only)! For cruisers, it’s home to one of the widest varieties of shore excursions in Alaska. Of course, you’ll find plenty of whale-watching opportunities here (though Icy Strait Point may be a better bet if your  Disney Cruise itinerary  travels there, too). But Juneau shines when it comes to unique excursions such as glaciers accessible by simply hopping on a bus, dog sledding adventures, and a wide array of air-based touring via helicopter and sea plane.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer (JU11)

Take a 25-minute motorcoach ride through downtown Juneau, passing the State Capitol building and other historical points of interest before making your way to Mendenhall Glacier. The recreation area includes wilderness trails and a waterfront view of the glacier. Plus, view Nugget Creek Falls and possibly spot Sockeye salmon if the time of year is just right.

Duration: 3.0 to 3.5 hours

Cost: $64 for ages 10+ $29 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Glacier View Sea Kayaking (JU14)

Head to North Douglas Island to board a 2-person kayak (with a friend or a friendly fellow cruiser) for an unforgettable seaborne sightseeing adventure. See wildlife up close and (weather permitting) view Mendenhall Glacier. If you’re lucky, you might also spot bald eagles, herons, shorebirds, porpoises, and even humpback whales. Before returning to your Disney cruise ship, you’ll also visit the Mendenhall Wetlands (a protected wildlife habitat) and enjoy Alaska-inspired snacks.

Activity Level: Active, Athletic

Requirements: Ages 10+. Wheelchairs are not permitted. Guests must weigh between 40 and 260 pounds. Not recommended for expectant mothers in their third trimester.

Cost: $169 for ages 10+

Dog Sledding Summer Camp (JU04)

Note: This is an older video and pricing has since changed. See below for current pricing.

Visit Sheep Creek Summer Dog Camp to meet a group of professional mushers and teams of Alaskan huskies, all in the shadow of massive mountains. You’ll visit a simulated Iditarod race checkpoint to experience what racers go through, plus you’ll learn how to care for sled dogs. A highlight is cuddling with impossibly fluffy Husky puppies, helping with their initial social training. Then, climb aboard a wheeled sled for a snow-free 1.5-mile mush through Sheep Creek Valley.

Duration: 2.0 to 2.5 hours

Cost: $199 for ages 10+ $189 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration (JU49)

Fly high above the Tongass National Forest in an authentic bush seaplane for a narrated tour of five different glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. You’ll soar like a bird past scenic waterfalls and lush rainforests. The highlight is zooming past the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East / West Twin Glaciers, and Mighty Taku glaciers. You might also spot moose, bears, and eagles before your smooth water landing.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Collapsible standard-size wheelchairs are welcome, but electric wheelchairs/scooters are not permitted. The tour operator may cancel with a refund in the event of inclement weather. Children under age 2 must lap-sit. Parties may be separated due to load-balancing requirements. Guests must not weigh more than 300 pounds to participate.

Duration: 1.0 to 1.5 hours

Cost: $319 for ages 10+ $279 for ages 2-9 $0 for ages 0-1

Helicopter Glacier Walk About (JU38)

Gear up with cold-weather gear, mountaineering boots, crampons, and trekking poles, then board a turbine helicopter for a 20-minute flight to the Juneau Icefield. En route, enjoy a unique vantage point that shows off the ocean, rainforest, and icefield at the same time.

Your chopper lands on an actual glacier, where you receive a safety briefing and set out on a one-hour guided walk on the surface of the ice. Despite the daunting description, it’s not a strenuous trek, and you don’t need any prior experience to enjoy it.

Then, re-board your helicopter for a quick flight back.

Activity Level: Active, Moderate

Requirements: Ages 8+. Wheelchairs are not permitted. Must be able to enter/exit the helicopter with minimal assistance. Parties may be separated due to load-balancing requirements. Guests weighing 250+ pounds (including all clothing and personal items) must pay a $199 “half seat” surcharge. The tour operator may cancel with a refund in the event of inclement weather.

Cost: $549 for ages 10+ $549 for ages 8-9 Additional surcharges may apply

Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter (JU30) ⭐ Best of the Best ⭐

Take a 15-minute flight over the Juneau Icefields, marveling at a landscape seemingly at odds with itself — lush forests and Alpine lakes abut jagged mountains and astonishing glaciers. Finally, your helicopter lands on the Norris Glacier, where you’ll meet your dog sled team. Learn from seasoned veterans of the legendary Alaskan Iditarod Sled Dog Race as they teach you the commands needed to zip across a pristine glacier with a team of huskies. Reluctantly say goodbye to your new furry friends and fly back to the heliport before returning to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 2+. Parties may be separated due to load-balancing requirements. Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted. Not recommended for Guests with limited mobility. Guests weighing 240+ pounds (including clothing and gear) must pay a $199 “half-seat” surcharge. Tour operators may cancel with a refund in the event of inclement weather or poor ice conditions. No purses or carry-on items.

Cost: $899 for ages 10+ $799 for ages 2-9 Additional surcharges may apply

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Ketchikan — Best Alaska Excursions

Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, thanks to the five varieties that call the nearby waters home, Ketchikan offers a unique Alaskan experience. Seafood is king here, but there’s much more to explore. Throughout town, find massive totem poles celebrating the area’s indigenous people.

Exclusive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (KE41)

The world’s top timber athletes send sawdust flying in this family-friendly competition show. Log rolling, chopping, speed chainsawing, rapid climbing, and more are all part of the Alaska family fun here — and that’s OK! The hour-long performance prepares astounding physical feats with good clean comedy to make an experience great for all ages.

Cost: $54 for ages 10+ $29 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast (KE31)

Your adventure starts with a 30-minute sightseeing motorcoach ride past canneries, waterfalls, and an old sawmill. Upon arrival at the George Inlet Lodge, board your boat for a 90-minute journey featuring the Mahoney Glacial Cirque (an abandoned gold mine site, snow-covered mountains, and 2,000-foot waterfalls). You’re also apt to spot bears, eagles, salmon, whales, sea lions, and seals in the area.

Your boat then crosses the fjord to reach the crab estuary, where you’ll have a chance to help pull in the crab pots. Inspect your new crabby friends briefly and learn a bit about them before returning them to the water. Finally, reset the pots and return to the lodge to enjoy a tempting Dungeness crab feast (featuring crabs you haven’t yet met).

Duration: 4.0 to 4.5 hours

Cost: $199 for ages 10+ $134 for ages 3-9 $79 for ages 0-2

Rain Forest Island Adventure (KE09) ⭐ Best of the Best ⭐

Take a 30-minute scenic motorcoach ride to Knudson Cove, where you’ll board a Sea Hawk rigid-inflatable boat for a half-hour wildlife and sightseeing ride. Next, you’ll make your way to Orca Beach and a remote island rainforest. Your knowledgeable guide leads you through forest trails and a few built-in steps as you learn about native plant species and their importance to the early native people of this area.

Following your hike, snack on smoked salmon by the campfire before hopping back onboard the boat for a high-speed cruise along the Clover Passage; along the way, you’re likely to spot bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, and bald eagles — and you might even glimpse a porpoise or perhaps a whale or two.

Requirements: Ages 5+. Guests must weigh no less than 40 pounds to participate. Wheelchairs are not permitted. Not recommended for expectant mothers in their third trimester.

Cost: $219 for ages 10+ $119 for ages 5-9

Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer (KE19)

Take a short walk from your Disney ship to a nearby catamaran and begin heading to your destination. Narration provided by your crew points out items of interest as you travel at speed past the rugged coastline along the Revillagigedo Channel.

Upon entering the Behm Canal, you’ve arrived at Misty Fjords (spotting an immense volcanic spire rising from the sea while en route). Next, explore Rudyerd Bay, and learn the natural history of the fjords while sailing beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. The return cruise to Ketchikan includes wildlife sightings, along with onboard commentary from a Tlingit storyteller and occasional presentations from participating artists and authors.

Be forewarned that some of the presentations could feel like they trend just a bit too close to a sales pitch. Also, note that the Misty Fjords are just that: misty. Areas of heavy fog and rain are likely to obscure portions of the views during this excursion.

Requirements: Open to all ages, but recommended for ages 10+. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; no electric wheelchairs or scooters. Strollers are welcome but may need to be folded for portions of the excursion (lightweight strollers are recommended).

Duration: 5.0 to 5.5 hours

Cost: $239 for ages 10+ $149 for ages 3-9 $149 for ages 0-2

Disney Exclusive: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour and Dinner with Crew (KE29)

Those who are fans of the Discovery Channel show  Deadliest Catch  might be surprised to know that the  Aleutian Ballad  is now a charter vessel that hosts cruise passengers. So you’ll hop onboard and settle into unique stadium-style seating for a look into what it takes to bring home this popular catch (fortunately, in a much safer environment).

Watch the skilled Bering Sea crab fishermen bait and drop long-line fishing gear in search of prized seafood. You might spot bald eagles, whales, sea lions, and seals along the way. Later, the main event is set to begin — hauling in 700-pound king crab pots just like those seen on the show. Everything caught is placed in an on-deck aquarium for closer inspection (and even hands-on selfies if you’d like). You’ll also learn about barrel pot fishing which often yields octopus and eels. Finally, see Dungeness crab, prawn, and shrimp fishing before returning to port.

That’s where the Disney-exclusive perks kick in. First, visit the wheelhouse to meet the Captain — learn about the ship’s navigation system and snap a photo while sitting in the Captain’s chair. Next, try on a survival suit and learn about seafaring safety firsthand from those who have faced the harsh and unforgiving Bering Sea. Finally, end the day with a delicious King Crab picnic on deck as the crew continues sharing their story.

Requirements: Ages 5+

Cost: $389 for ages 10+ $249 for ages 5-9

Hunting for Halibut (KE36)

If fishing in Alaska is on your bucket list, this is a great way to do it. Small groups of 5 or 6 passengers set out with an expert guide on board a custom-built 24-foot cruiser. Your destination is the well-protected Ketchikan fishing grounds for an all-day expedition. As any fisher knows, what you catch is just as much up to the fish as it is up to you, but you could find rockfish, cod, flounder, shark, skate, or halibut on the hook. If you’d like to keep what you catch, you can opt to pay a bit extra for custom processing and shipping of your halibut.

Requirements: Ages 8+ (ages 12+ recommended). Any fish caught which are not in season must be released. Not recommended for expectant mothers or guests with neck, back, or heart conditions. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; no electric wheelchairs or scooters. Must be able to board and disembark without assistance.

Duration: 4.5 to 5.0 hours

Cost: $504 for ages 10+ $419 for ages 8-9 Additional cash-in-hand surcharge of $25 per person (ages 16+) for fishing license.

Let a Free Travel Agent Pay For Your Excursions!

Skagway — Top Port Adventures

Step back in time to the Gold Rush days during your visit to this “Gateway to the Klondike.” This unique port is great for exploration, with a Wild West-like historic town center and train tracks that lead almost directly to your Disney Cruise ship. Here you can catch a saloon show or hop on the White Pass scenic railway for a journey deep into Yukon territory.

Skagway’s Original Street Car City Tour (SW19)

Board a yellow 1927 sightseeing bus for a tour led by a costumed tour guide inspired by famed storyteller Martin Itjen. You’ll explore the waterfront and travel through the National Park Historic District, travel to the scenic waterfront, and experience a lively retelling of a historic gunfight at the Gold Rush cemetery.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Guests must be able to board and disembark without assistance. These vintage vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, or large strollers. Space is limited; only small backpacks and bags can be accommodated.

Cost: $55 for ages 10+ $39 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Klondike Campfire Breakfast (SW63)

Start your day in Skagway with a hearty breakfast of steak, eggs, and blueberry sourdough pancakes, whipped up outdoors by the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp camp chef. This camp near a waterfall at the foot of the White Pass is named for those who came to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush and sent plenty of tall tales back home.

While you eat, you’ll be entertained by the music and poetry of Robert Service, the “Bard of the Yukon.” Then, it’s time to go prospecting yourself; learn how to pan for gold. Thanks to a bit of Klondike magic, you’re guaranteed to find gold in every pan!

Requirements: Open to all ages. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; no electric wheelchairs or scooters. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motorcoach without assistance and walk approximately 100 yards on uneven rocky terrain. Strollers are permitted but may need to be folded for portions of the experience.

Cost: $89 for ages 10+ $49 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience (SW36)

Discover Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake on this “only from Disney” excursion. Then, start at the Liarsville Hippodrome for a fun-filled puppet show highlighting tales of the Gold Rush era.

Next, you’ll learn how to pan for gold — but first, you’ll take part in a fun scavenger hunt around the camp to gather your equipment. Favorite Disney Characters join in as you search for gold, with everyone  guaranteed  to find gold in their pan.

Roast marshmallows around the campfire, snap selfies with Disney Pals and enjoy an all-you-can-eat outdoor feast in the forest (featuring freshly-grilled Alaskan-caught salmon).

Cost: $139 for ages 10+ $79 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

White Pass Scenic Railway — Adult Exclusive (SW66) or Children Welcome (SW09)

There are  several different excursions  that feature this breathtaking historic railway, but this one is probably the most straightforward. You’ll board a vintage rail car that has pulled up right in front of your Disney Cruise ship and embark on a fully narrated trip aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route.

Carved through some of the North’s most rugged terrain in 1898, this engineering wonder climbs nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns. Passengers on this round-trip loop remain onboard the train from start to finish without disembarkation.

Requirements: Standard version SW09 is open to all ages. Adult-Exclusive departure SW66 is open to ages 18+. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; electric wheelchairs or scooters may not be able to be accommodated. Must be able to board and disembark (including a few steps) without assistance.

Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Cost: $152 for ages 10+ $76 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Yukon Expedition (SW31) ⭐ Best of the Best ⭐

A true gem of Skagway is the Yukon Expedition, which features round-trip exploration via motorcoach and train.

Start out onboard a deluxe motorcoach headed up the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass (elevation 3,292 feet). The 75-minute drive passes scenic waterfalls and glaciers before crossing the international border into Canada (so bring your passport!). There, you’ll head into the Yukon territory, seeing not only the chain of lakes that form the headwaters of the Yukon River but also the world’s smallest desert.

Then, make a stop at Caribou Crossing (Carcross). Here, you’ll feast on a barbeque chicken lunch (with homemade donuts for dessert) and explore the Yukon’s most complete museum exhibit of local wildlife. You can also visit the Dog Musher’s Village and say hello to a few furry friends there.

After heading to Fraser, British Columbia, you’ll board the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad for an unforgettable train ride down this historic narrow gauge railroad, descending nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles. Your train ride features amazing views and narration that blends historical facts with tall tales of the Yukon. At the end of your journey, you’ll be dropped off within walking distance of your ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Passports are required for all Guests, as the tour crosses between the United States and Canada. A visa may be required for citizens of some countries; see your consulate for details. For children traveling without their parent or legal guardian, special authorization forms for the responsible adult are required. Collapsible standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; electric wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted. Must be able to embark and disembark without assistance and be able to walk on gravel terrain. Strollers are welcome but may need to be collapsed for part of the experience. Lightweight strollers are recommended.

Duration: 8.0 to 8.5 hours

Cost: $259 for ages 10+ $139 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

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Other Alaska Ports — Best Excursions

Looking for another excursion to round out your trip? Here are a few more suggestions for other Alaskan Cruise ports.

Glacier Explorer — Stikine Icecap (DG01) or Hubbard Glacier (HUB01) ⭐ Best of the Best ⭐

Possibly one of the most unique experiences on a Disney Alaska Cruise is the Glacier Explorer excursion. While everyone can see the glacier from the Disney Cruise ship (without purchasing an excursion), this tour offers an intimate, up-close view.

Your adventure starts when you board a deluxe expedition vessel  directly from your Disney Cruise Ship  — no pulling into port first! You’ll then set sail on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Travel through dramatic fjords and past foreboding rocky shorelines as you weave through a maze of beautiful icebergs. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings along the way!

The highlight of the excursion is the significant amount of time spent alongside the glaciers — as close as anyone can safely get while onboard a boat. Your vessel drifts along slowly, providing plenty of chances for photos, video, and good old-fashioned gawking. Dramatic displays of calving can occur at any time, with huge chunks of ice cleaving from the glacier with an earsplitting  CRACK ! These chunks land in the water below with a huge splash, becoming yet another iceberg to pass on your way back to the ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Guests must be ambulatory. Standard wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and scooters are not permitted. Walkers and strollers may not be used on the ship gangway. Tour operators may shorten or cancel the experience at any time — including during the excursion — due to inclement weather, sea conditions, or ice conditions. Passports are required for Stikine Icecap (DG01).

Duration: DG01 Stikine Icecap… 2.5 to 3.0 hours

HUB01 Hubbard Glacier… 2.0 to 2.5 hours

Cost: DG01 Stikine Icecap… $299 for ages 10+ $199 for ages 3-9 $199 for ages 0-2

HUB01 Hubbard Glacier… $349 for ages 10+ $229 for ages 3-9 $229 for ages 0-2

Sitka: Alaska Bears & Silver Bay Homestead Experience (SI20)

Visit Fortress of the Bear, a home for orphaned bears, where rescued cubs are nursed back to health and provided a long life full of enrichment. The onsite interpretive staff shares interesting information and the inspiring story of the couple who founded this important mission.

Next, board a boat to explore a glacier-carved fjord dotted with historic sites and lessons about the important role that natural resources play in Southeast Alaska’s economy. Head onshore at Silver Bay, where a private Alaskan homestead awaits. Here, wilderness guides pass on to you the knowledge that Southeast Alaskans have used to survive and thrive for thousands of years. Enjoy spectacular views of the bay from the beach or snuggle up at the campfire for s’mores and hot cocoa.

Climb back aboard your watercraft for a wildlife expedition in search of sea lions and brown bears. You’ll wind up at Sawmill Creek for a driving tour that ends downtown at the Sitka visitors center. You’ll have a bit of time to explore before hopping on the regularly-running free shuttles back to the cruise ship terminal.

Activity Level: Athletic

Requirements: Open to all ages. Must be ambulatory, able to walk at a steady pace up to 100 yards at a time, and capable of navigating uneven terrain, gravel, steps, and inclines. Wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and scooters are not permitted.

Cost: $269 for ages 10+ $229 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Sitka: Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest (SI03)

Board a deluxe, waterjet-powered vessel to explore the wildlife of Sitka Sound. An onboard naturalist explains this remarkable ecosystem as you watch for sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, black-tailed deer, and marine birds. Along the way, you’ll learn about the remarkable recovery of the area’s sea otters, which had been brought almost to the brink of extinction in the early 1800s. You can choose the level of adventure — either stay toasty warm in the cabin (enclosed seating and large windows) or head topside to the open-air observation deck. This expedition  guarantees  you will observe sea otters, a whale, or a bear during the excursion. If  none  of these animals appear during the experience, you’ll receive a $100 (USD) cash refund as you disembark.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; electric wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted. Guests must be able to embark and disembark without assistance.

Cost: $169 for ages 10+ $129 for ages 3-9 $129 for ages 0-2

Vancouver, Canada: Northwest Exploration & Capilano Suspension Bridge (VC01)

The excursions don’t have to end just because your cruise has. Instead, extend your Disney cruise line vacation ever so slightly by spending a few hours on a guided tour through parts of Vancouver after you disembark your Disney Cruise ship for the final time.

You’ll board air-conditioned transportation and ride approximately 75 minutes through one of North America’s largest Chinatown districts, a gorgeous park system, and downtown Vancouver. Explore the old-world charm of Gastown, including the famed Steam Clock.

Pass through Stanley Park (with a quick 15-minute photo stop) and continue to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park for a treetop adventure. This pedestrian bridge crosses a deep gorge of the Capilano River — and yes, it sways as you walk across! Once you finish the 450-foot trek, cross a series of platforms that wind their way along the primordial forest of British Columbia.

Re-board your transportation for a ride that ends at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your flight home.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Must be booked at the Port Adventures desk onboard the ship — cannot be booked online in advance. Departing flights from YVR airport should be booked no earlier than 3:00 PM. Collapsible, standard-sized wheelchairs are welcome; electric wheelchairs or scooters are not permitted. No wheelchairs of any type are permitted on the suspension bridge. Must be able to board and disembark without assistance. Strollers are welcome but may need to be folded for portions of the experience.

Cost: $99 for ages 10+ $59 for ages 3-9 $0 for ages 0-2

Get Answers To All Your Cruise Questions

Do I Have to Book Alaska Excursions through Disney?

It’s not a requirement to book your Disney Alaskan cruise excursions directly through Disney Cruise Lines, as many similar offerings can be booked directly through private tour operators. But there  are  benefits to booking through Disney that you won’t get when booking privately.

First — and most importantly — Disney will wait, if necessary, to allow official excursions to return to the ship should they run late (or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port-of-call). This courtesy is not extended to unofficial tours, which risks leaving you stranded! Your Disney excursions will also be automatically adjusted if the ship’s port schedule changes.

Payment terms are typically much more flexible for Disney excursions, whereas privately-booked excursions may require payment in full up-front and might be nonrefundable.

Finally, Disney works with tour providers to put just a bit more magic into Disney excursions. For example, many private rainforest tours include snacks around a campfire at the end — but only Disney Guests get to make s’mores.

Disney Alaska Cruise Port Adventure FAQs

Can you book alaska disney cruise excursions once you’re onboard.

Yes, excursions can be booked at the Port Adventures desk onboard the ship — but it is subject to availability.

Do Disney Alaska Cruise Tour Offerings Sell Out?

It’s common for the most popular excursions to sell out well in advance of the cruise. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. There are no wait lists.

When Can You Book Disney Shore Excursions?

If it’s your  first time cruising with Disney , you can book your Port Adventures 75 days prior to your sail date. Your cruise must be paid in full — no outstanding balance.

Repeat passengers get an early booking advantage based on the  number of times they’ve cruised  with Disney.

Are Disney Cruise Excursions in Alaska Wheelchair Accessible?

Given the outdoor nature of many of the activities, accessibility may be limited. However, as of March 2023, Disney listed 24 of its 191 Alaska Excursions as fully wheelchair accessible. An additional 61 excursions can accommodate wheelchairs for at least part of the experience, with a transfer required during the expedition. For more information, see Disney Cruise Line’s list of  accessible excursions in Alaska .

Get Free Help from a Disney Cruise Expert

There’s a lot to consider when booking a Disney Cruise to Alaska — excursions, staterooms, ground transportation, dining, and onboard activities.

It’s easy to miss something important, so why not get  completely free help  from the Disney Cruise experts at  The Vacationeer ?

They’re an  Earmarked Diamond  level  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , meaning they book thousands of Disney Vacations each year for families just like yours.

And, because you have  one dedicated agent from start to finish , you won’t get stuck on hold for hours in a giant call center.

The Vacationeer  also provides a  free onboard credit of up to $1,000  to use toward excursions, gratuities, and virtually anything else you pay for onboard the ship.

So what’re you waiting for? Your cruise  won’t cost a penny more  than if you booked it yourself. It  might  even cost less!

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10 Most Popular Alaska Excursions on a Disney Cruise

Alaska cruise season is coming up, people!  I myself somehow have two Alaska cruises booked this summer.  I’ve been a few times before, and I can tell you that excursions are a much bigger deal on an Alaskan cruise.  On a Caribbean cruise, typical excursions are beach trips and water activities of some kind.  On an Alaskan cruise, however, there are so many different things to do.  So many fun things to do!  And, I’m not going to lie, they’re often expensive!

Here are 10 of the great excursions that are offered.

1. Whale Watching – To be sure, the first excursion that comes to mind in Alaska is whale watching. Whale watching in Alaska is spectacular. There are official cruise line excursions, and outside companies in just about every Alaskan port.  None of them make promises, but it’s very rare not to have at least one whale encounter on these excursions.  I have two pieces of advice for whale watching.  First, in general, the smaller the ship, the better.  Second, do it.  Whale watching is a must do in Alaska.  Yes, you often see whales from the ship, but being up close and personal is even better.

3. Air Excursions – Speaking of helicopters, helicopter and float plane excursions are spectacular. (Also, expensive.) But wow, if you thought Alaska was beautiful from the ground, try it from the air.  Helicopters and float planes can take you places that you can’t get to by car or foot,  or at least in the time you are in port.  If you want to land on a glacier, or see several glaciers in one trip, helicopter and float plane excursions are the way to go–You won’t be disappointed.  Beware that helicopter and float plane excursions are the first to get cancelled on windy days for safety reasons, so have a backup plan if yours is cancelled.

4. Panning for Gold – Panning for gold is another quintessential Alaska experience. Children in your group, especially, will probably really enjoy it. The ultimate goal of cruise excursions is happy guests, so if you take a gold panning excursion, you will find some amount of gold.  The rivers and troughs where these excursions take place are stocked, and while you won’t get filthy rich, you will find gold.  And after you finish, the gift shops nearby will happily make your gold into some kind of jewelry or other souvenir for you to take home.

7. Kayaking – We had a great time kayaking in Ketchikan . We boarded a boat that took us to the kayaks. We started off against a current, and I was worried we were going to all wear ourselves out! But we made it, and going with the current on the way back was heavenly.  Our guides were very patient, and pointed out all kinds of wildlife on the way.  We ended the trip with smoked salmon and snacks on the boat!  We booked with Southeast Sea Kayak , and I would definitely recommend them, although there are several options through the cruise line as well.

8. Train – If you are stopping in Skagway, and most cruises do, you may want to take a trip on the Whitepass Railway! The Whitepass Railway is a beautiful trip up the Yukon Trail. Continuing the day of amazing views, many excursions take you over to the Yukon Suspension Bridge.  You can take the train back, but I’d recommend taking a different route back!  Why see the same views, when you can see new ones?  You can take a motorcoach back with stops for pictures along the way, or you could even ride bikes back!  Whichever you choose, it’s a day well spent, but you will have to bring your passport because you will end up in Canada for part of the trip (but that’s part of the reason it’s cool)!

10. Great Alaska Lumberjack Show – In Ketchikan, one popular activity is the Lumberjack show. You’ll see lots of chopping, log rolling, climbing, sawing, etc. Basically, everything you think a lumberjack would do!  It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the ship, and it is possible to book on your own, although the Disney-exclusive shows include some extra segments or character cameos that you won’t see if you go on your own.

*Bonus Bonus – Eagles!  We also love Bald Eagle watching in Alaska.  And they are everywhere!  Once you start watching for those bright white heads, you may be amazed by how many there are!  It truly is inspiring to see our national symbol all over the place!  ‘Merica!

How about you?  Do you have favorite excursions in Alaska?  Share them with us!

Tammy Whiting  is the owner of  Storybook Destinations . Did you know Storybook Destinations offers a  complimentary subscription to TouringPlans  with qualified Disney and Universal bookings? Click  here  for a no-obligation quote on your next vacation!

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

2 thoughts on “ 10 Most Popular Alaska Excursions on a Disney Cruise ”

My all time favorite Alaskan excursion – Enchanted Taku Lodge in Juneau. You’re taken by floatplane over several glaciers to a remote lodge across an inlet from a glacier where you watch the salmon and chicken grilling over an open fire. Lunch includes wonderful warm biscuits (better than Red Lobster’s!) and almost always a bear sighting as the bear comes to “clean the grill” while we’re safely inside the lodge dining. There’s time for a super easy light hike after lunch before you’re flown back to port. An absolutely amazing experience!!

Well that sounds amazing, Michelle! I’m sold!

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7 Tips for a Great DCL Alaska Cruise

Disney Cruise Line’s Alaska sailings are among their most popular, but the experience you have on this itinerary can vary widely. In this post, we’ll offer our tips for having the best DCL Alaska cruise possible, with what we think are some key recommendations. I know the Disney Cruise Line Alaska itinerary is a niche interest topic, but yesterday’s “ 7 Mistakes We Made on Our DCL Alaska Cruise ” was popular, and prompted a lot of questions.

Some of those questions I planned on answering in future posts and some I answered in the comments there (but subsequent readers have asked again since this blog’s comment display sucks). With that said, I’m going to save myself some work and jump ahead and preemptively answer some questions and provide additional tips now. I’ll try to space future Alaska posts out a bit more so as to not flood those of you who don’t care with Alaska content.

It’d be pretty easy for me to phone this in and just make this post the inverse of our ‘Alaska Mistakes’ post. I’m hardly above that sort of laziness, but I actually have some worthwhile (well, I think so) tips, so I won’t waste your time with that sort of foolishness. Just remember things from that post like booking a verandah, having a healthy budget, packing binoculars, spending a few days in Vancouver, etc. We feel all of that is adequately covered in the ‘Alaska Mistakes’ post, so we won’t rehash any of it here.

One thing we will expand upon is our comment in that post that we wish we would’ve done a couple more Port Adventures. Several of you asked about that, so we’ll start with that, detailing what we did and what we wish we did…

Do Port Adventures

For our Alaska cruise, we did the White Pass Scenic Railway at our first stop in Skagway. We were on the fence about this excursion prior to the cruise and decided to make a game-day decision based upon the weather. It was gorgeous when we arrived in Skagway, so we opted to buy tickets. You can purchase these directly from the White Pass & Yukon Route ticket agent at the train, which is maybe 100 yards from where the ship docks.

Had we not done the White Pass Scenic Railway, our plan was to hike Upper Dewey Lake Trail for the view along the route to Devil’s Punch Bowl. That would’ve taken most of the day, and we didn’t have the time when we were done with the train, so instead we did the easy 3-mile loop hike on Lower Dewey Lake Trail followed by more in-town activities.

If our budget were unlimited, I would’ve added the Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing to our itinerary, which could be done in the same day as the White Pass & Yukon Route with plenty of time to spare. I’d do this in Skagway over the Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding because I found there to be more to do in Juneau than Skagway, and also no shortage of interesting ways to experience Mendenhall Glacier.

Speaking of which, in Juneau we did the Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure . This was incredible and well-worth the money, but it’s impossible for me to say it was better than other Mendenhall Glacier experiences. My recommendation for Juneau is to do a Port Adventure that features Mendenhall Glacier in some way; whatever way that might be, you’re likely bound for a great experience.

In Juneau, we also hiked Mount Roberts Trail up , and took the Tramway down (a savvy option for frugal travelers as the tram is “free” that way). Of the three ports, Juneau was our favorite. There were another half-dozen things on my list that I wish we had time to do there.

Our final port was Ketchikan, which is the rainiest city in America, receiving over 150″ of annual rainfall (compared to Seattle’s ~38″), including a record amount last June, July, and August . Suffice to say, it poured the entire day we were in Ketchikan, which is to be expected. Not letting this spoil the experience, we did a rainforest hike through the fittingly named Rainbird Trail . This was more difficult than anticipated due to several impromptu waterfalls and washed out sections of trail. On the plus side, we only saw 2 other people during the entire hike.

We also purchased a combo ticket for the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center, both of which were excellent. In our ideal Ketchikan itinerary, the Flightseeing and Crab Feast Port Adventure –or really just any excursion involving a floatplane and the Tongass National Forest–would’ve been fun.

I’ve tried to keep this section as concise as possible; I’ll be fleshing it out with more of what we did and thought of each experience in the full cruise report. I’ve gotta hold something back to give you an excuse to read that, too! 😉

Explore Beyond the Port Areas

It’s not uncommon for there to be touristy shopping districts right around cruise ports no matter where you go. I don’t know why I expected Alaska to be any different, but I was still surprised to see Diamonds International, my arch nemesis (not really), with large storefronts in the Last Frontier. (I’m so thankful Sarah has no interest in diamonds.)

The trouble with these ports, particularly Skagway, is that much of the local economy is predicated upon tourism. Again, this is par for the course with cruising, but if you’re visiting Alaska for its undeveloped scenery, it’s still mildly surprising. With that said, if you venture beyond the port area, you’ll be rewarded. Aside from a quick stop in a store for surprisingly cheap souvenirs, we largely ignored the shopping areas at each port. We found a scattering of worthwhile museums and other ways to get a sense for authentic culture of Alaska, but this wasn’t as easy as it was in Norway.

Dress in Layers

As noted above, Ketchikan is the rainiest city in America. Weather in the other ports can likewise be dodgy, with heavy rain and sunshine in the span of an hour. One of our days at sea really underscored this, as we went from t-shirts to insulated layers and GORE-TEX within 20 minutes.

You’ll absolutely want to dress in athletic and outdoor attire (I think there was some confusion about this in our ‘Alaska Mistakes’ post–nicer clothing is for evenings on the ship, and definitely not for ports) and pack in layers. Ideally, pack a waterproof & windproof outer layer, an insulating layer, and a moisture-wicking base layer. We’d recommend packing multiple moisture-wicking shirts, as well as extra socks and waterproof hiking boots–even if you don’t plan on hiking.

We both use GORE-TEX jackets for our outer layer, and those kept us totally dry and warm. Unfortunately, GORE-TEX is expensive and might be overkill if you live somewhere dry and warm like Southern California, but it’s a good investment if you’re exposed to rain or snow regularly. We saw a lot of people wearing Disney Parks ponchos at port, which had to have been miserable. If GORE-TEX is out of the question, consider that dorky Frogg Toggs Rain Suit I recommend on our Disney Packing List Tips post. It’s definitely not as dry of a solution, but it’s cheap and far superior to ponchos.

I’d also recommend softshell hiking pants that are water-resistant (GORE-TEX is overkill) or quick-drying. These should have spandex in them; unlike the rest of my wardrobe, that’s actually not cause for concern here. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, softshell pants are a better option for the ports than jeans because you’ll end up wet all day if you just wear jeans. Good pairs of these aren’t cheap, but REI stores should have some that are under $100. If it makes the cost more palatable, these are the most comfortable pants I own, and I frequently wear them around the house on lazy Sundays.

Eat at Tracy’s King Crab Shack

Many people recommended this restaurant to us, but we were still apprehensive. It’s right along the main drag of Juneau’s downtown shopping district, and we worried it’d be like the Alaska version of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or Joe’s Crab Shack.

Thankfully, we gave it a chance and our fears were totally unfounded. It was the best crab we’ve ever had, and was an excellent experience. In hindsight, I wish we would’ve bought the Large Alaskan King Crab Bucket. Not because we needed that much food, but because I’m a total sucker for gimmicky experiences that involve overeating.

Arrive Early or Late for Characters

From a distinctly Disney perspective, one of the coolest aspects of the Alaska cruise is that the characters meet in Alaska-exclusive costumes. You know the outfits–the iconic photo of Mickey and Minnie in Tracy Arm is featured heavily in pretty much all Disney Cruise Line’s marketing materials for Alaska itinerary.

Unquestionably, the best day to meet these characters is on the Tracy Arm fjord cruise day, when they appear for a couple of sets on Deck 10, weather permitting. Minnie is by far the most popular of these characters (probably because her outfit is best), and the ideal approach for her is lining up about 10-20 minutes before her first set. Info about this in the Navigator is vague, but character attendants will start popping up where characters will be. Don’t be shy about asking them which characters will meet in each location and when. Once the characters actually come out, lines balloon and waits are significant.

If you’re unable to meet every character on the fjord cruise day (perhaps someone has a better strategy than us, but we found it to be impossible), they’ll appear inside on subsequent nights. These are far easier to do, but the backdrop is far duller, too. If you do these, the 10 p.m. meet & greets have the shortest waits…but that might not be a feasible time if you have kids (which is why the waits are so short).

In the ‘Alaska Mistakes’ post, I suggested that we overdid it with hiking. This is something of a double-edged sword: we had a blast on each of the hikes and they were unique, but doing so many was physically exhausting. Perhaps my In-N-Out Diet, patent pending, is not as healthy as everyone assumes? (Meh, it’s still better than the Tapeworm Diet .)

While 4 hikes might be too many, we’d highly recommend at least a couple. For the shorter, less strenuous ones, you don’t even have to plan in advance (aside from attire, but we’d recommend dressing for a hike no matter your plans). Each of the ports has Visitor Centers where you can get recommendations for hikes under 2 miles, and free maps. These hikes are a great way to see Alaska’s beautiful and surprisingly diverse natural scenery.

Every Season Has Pros & Cons

I spent hours upon hours researching the best time to go in order to determine whether we should go early, late, or during peak season. From prices to weather to wildlife, there are compelling reasons to go or avoid every single month of Alaska cruise season. (I got so ‘into’ it that I even spent an inordinate amount of time researching peak mosquito season.)

While we obviously only did this cruise during one particular week of the year, I’m at peace with my belief that there’s no perfect time to go, and upsides and downsides to all options. The big upside for us was price and crowds, and our ship was definitely not filled to capacity. (Although this had its own downside: there was a great last-minute deal on our sailing, meaning we overpaid…which pains me.)

In any case, do the research about what each month offers/lacks, determine your own priorities, and book accordingly. As we’ve already demonstrated, it’s easy to Monday-Morning QB your decisions, but compromise is one aspect of cruising!

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise!

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of these tips? If you’ve cruised to or visited Alaska, what tips would you add? Thoughts on any of these–or other–Port Adventures? Any questions for those taking or considering an Alaska cruise? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

I love visiting sites that offer something extra. I love Disney cruise line and your tips are making Alaska cruise quite interesting. Bookmarking your blog to visit again.

I have been examinating out many of your posts and i can state clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.

Just returned from the Alaskan cruise on the DCL on Tuesday. Our weather was perfect … No Mosquitos or bugs. Definitely recommend the helicopter dog sledding/ glacier excursion. We did Juneau. We booked ourselves through Alasakan Shore Tours. Also did the White Mountain Railroad tour in Skagway but we were suppose to do train up to Canada and bus back…there was a rock slide the night before …train was cancelled. DCL excursion was cancelled , we got there and were able to do bus both ways and were refunded difference in price. We had no problems with our experience. This was one of the best trips we have ever done. We saw bears, whales, seals , Eagles and lots of others animals. It was Amazing!

Great post Tom,

Regarding the section about Exploring Beyond the Port Areas, when my wife and I went to Alaska a few years ago on a cruise, we did just that in Skagway. We rented a car and drove to the Yukon Territory where we went to a husky dog camp, rode horses around Emerald Lake and visited the town of Carcross and got our passports stamped at the local post office. This was all a ton of fun and reasonably priced. None of this was booked through the cruiseline. Highly recommend it for all ages. We loved our trip to Alaska so I hope Tom’s post has encouraged you all to go!

That sounds really awesome–in hindsight, I sort of wish we would’ve done something like this. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I think my earlier comment got eaten. You lucked out by being too early in the season for major mosquitoes. Later they will be AWFUL. Plus biting black flies and noseeums. Also, Costco has some great quick-dry travel pants right now (or they did for women a few weeks ago) that would be my pick to wear on excursions. I would also recommend bringing a warm hat and gloves no matter when you visit, especially I you plan to be on a boat or a glacier.

Any chance you would be able to share your packing list for the Alaska cruise? We plan to do a little hiking, a little sight seeing (i.e. town walking & museums), and *maybe* a Yukon/dog musher camp excursion. No glaciers; budget doesn’t allow it. Some of the other packing lists I’ve seen have been very hiking-focused, and while we’ll do some, it won’t be our primary activity in port. So it would be nice to know how much hiking gear would truly be useful, and what would be useful for non-hiking activities.

Great info for our trip next year! Can you tell me what kind of shoes she is wearing in your picture with Minnie? They’re really cute and I’m having a hard time finding some I like. Thanks!!

I did this cruise last summer the first week of June with my husband and 15&13 year old. The best advice I read during planning was to assume it would be raining during port excursions, this proved true 2/3 days. Favorite excursion was kayaking Mendenhall glacier. We booked through Above and Beyond AK, cheaper than DCL and 10% discount by booking in Jan. (I have no affiliation, they are a local comp that gave excellent service)The price for the Whitehall Train seemed high for what it was, we rented a car, drove into Canada along the same route as the train, stopped whenever we wanted to for pictures, had a nice lunch and visited an Iditrod training camp that had puppies on site. Shipboard, download the app before sailing that allows free texting and access to the digital daily events program. Also, we prepaid for a picture package and had a blast having our pictures with the many characters on board, better quality than cell phone pix (which they gladly take for you). Lastly, I want to thank you Tom, I love your writing, and your information. After seeing your Japan info, I cancelled a European Disney cruise for June 2019, and am going to Japan instead – with a stop in Shang Hai first on an open jaw flight. It really is doable for much less than I imagined. Happy travels everyone!

This wouldn’t have been helpful for you, Tom, since you didn’t leave out of Seattle, but this is in case anyone reading here IS leaving out of Seattle. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is located in two sites: Skagway AND Seattle. We went to the one in Seattle prior to our cruise, and we were super impressed with the information and the quality we got. We then went to the Historic Park in Skagway, and it was disappointing: poorly organized, less information, etc. We were the only ones from our group of 14 to go to the one in Seattle, so we ending up being the “experts” for our group. The Seattle site is well worth seeking out (and both sites have free junior ranger programs).

What animals did you see up in Alaska?

Enjoying your Alaska posts! You have such a great style of writing about your trips. I would love to do an Alaska cruise but am paranoid about being seasick on the boat, so it’s fun to read about your experience. Looking forward to your trip report!

Purchasing GORE-TEX jacket now… This is my dream trip! Can’t wait to hear more about your Alaskan cruise!

We are going on an Alaskan cruise in August but not with DCL. We really wanted to, but my inlaws are coming and in their 70’s, and wanted a cruise with less kids. So, we booked through princess. So far, we have whale watching/mendenhall glacier excursion, as well as the railroad in Skagway. Still deciding on what to do in Ketchikan, but thinking of a rainforest/nature guided hike. So excited!

Were your excursions booked through DCL? So you’re saying everyone checked in, but the excursion failed to leave, so everyone missed it? How did you miss the Juneau whale watch? How could you almost miss it if everyone was there? How would you recommend others avoid this?

This was meant to be a reply to Charlene solonynka. Not sure why it posted separately.

Here’s another suggestion…if you’re going to try an excursion that could be canceled due to weather, do it sooner in the trip. We really wanted to try the helicopter/glacier/dog sled excursion. Yes, it’s expensive but we guessed it would be the highlight of the trip and we were not wrong. We originally booked this excursion for our 1st port day at Skagway and whale watching in Juneau on our 2nd port day. We were on a late August sailing so we knew the weather might cancel some excursions and hoped that if our Skagway excursion was canceled, we could rebook for Juneau. If we originally booked in Juneau and it was canceled, there would be no option to rebook. As luck would have it, 2 weeks before we sailed, we received an email from our Skagway dogsled adventure that it was canceled. We found a different excursion for Skagway, canceled our Juneau whale watching excursion and booked the dogsled adventure out of Juneau. Two days before we sailed we received a phone call from the excursion Company in Juneau (not through DCL) that they were cancelling due to too much snow. We were already in transit to Vancouver so we logged onto the DCL website and found a dogsled adventure available and booked the last 2 slots. This 3rd try stuck and we enjoyed this excursion immensely! The point of this lengthy diatribe is be ready with Plan B when going to Alaska and maybe even Plan C. The weather is unpredictable but with backup plans, we had a fantastic trip!

This is a brilliant suggestion.

I talked to one family on the cruise that had all three of their Port Adventures cancelled due to weather, and while they made lemonade out of lemons (and were really positive about the trip), I can imagine that would put a huge damper on the experience if you didn’t have a backup plan.

Ketchikan was our favorite port. The old red-light district had a lot of really unique souvenirs. My biggest recommendation would be to make sure your excursion leaves the Disney ship on time. We missed one (whale watching in Juneau) and almost a second (Skagway train) because even though everyone was there, they didn’t leave the ship on time. It was the major disappointment of our trip.

Were your excursions booked through DCL? So you’re saying everyone checked in, but the excursion failed to leave, so everyone missed it? How would you recommend others avoid this?

Do a whale watching excursion. Totally worth it

A DCL trip to Alaska is on our bucket list, so I really appreciate these posts.

Question though: I am mortified of mosquitoes (they apparently love my daughter and me more than life itself!). How were they on your trip? Do you know if there’s a season when they are less bad?

We didn’t see any bugs whatsoever. If my research is any indication, mosquitos are a bigger probably during summer, and primarily inland. They seem to be a minor nuisance at the port cities at worst (maybe akin to WDW?). That’s just research–not firsthand experience–though.

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Whale Watching On An Alaska Cruise: What To Know

• Activities and Interests
• Alaska Cruises
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• Outdoor Activities
• Types of Travel
• United States

Whale watching on an Alaska cruise is nothing short of spectacular, and not just because of the magnificent wildlife. The jaw-dropping scenery, fun shore excursions, and onboard luxury make for a truly unique travel experience. In fact, it’s so unique that some travelers aren’t quite sure how to prepare for it.

It’s a cruise unlike any other — one that people often describe as the trip of a lifetime. Here’s what you should know as you start dreaming and planning.

Know When To Go

July is the peak time for wildlife watching — and Alaska whale watching cruises are priced accordingly. Whales, porpoises, bears, eagles, otters, and other animals are out in abundance. In fact, you often don’t have to take a shore excursion to spot them. They’ll be hanging out around the cruise ship! But that doesn’t mean you won’t see them during other months. It’s more a case of adjusting expectations and balancing your budgetary needs.

Don’t discount the perks of traveling in the shoulder season. Trips in May and September are normally less expensive and the activities less crowded. The weather can be a bit of a gamble — it will certainly be cooler than trips in mid-summer — but the subsequent savings can be significant. And there will still be animal sightings, just in more modest quantities.

Regardless of when you travel, bring an inexpensive pair of binoculars. Wildlife can be notoriously shy and you don’t want to miss a thing!

Whales, along with many other animals, can be seen along the Alaska coastline. But there are a couple of special spots you won’t want to miss.

Where To See The Whales

Have you ever heard of “whale soup” ? Don’t be alarmed — it’s not a new menu item! It’s what locals like to call the waters around Juneau . The whales are so densely concentrated here, it’s like the water is one giant, churning soup pot, filled with nothing but whales!

This “soup” is primarily made up of humpback whales. Humpbacks have a reputation for being rather shy and they’re not as easy to see as other whales, such as minkes or belugas. The chance to see so many in one spot is not to be missed! And all that churning or bubbling water they create isn’t just a sign of the whales’ friskiness. They are actually working together to form a circle, blowing bubbles to bamboozle the fish, forming a net of sorts that traps their prey in place. Things don’t end too well for the fish after that, but the humpbacks certainly do eat well!

In the colder, northern waters of Anchorage, beluga whales rule the sea . These smaller whales, about the size of a car, have beautiful white skin that helps you to see them when they’re further offshore. It’s not uncommon for waterfront diners in downtown Anchorage to spot them in the distance. They’re noted for being especially playful, particularly the jaunty babies. Also known as canaries of the sea, belugas love to sing and lucky tourists who take a boat excursion out into their territory might just hear them.

The Bering, Beaufort, And Chukchi Seas

It’s a rare tour and a rare tourist who ventures to the remote Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi Seas. Bordering the north and northwest shores of Alaska, these frigid waters separate Alaska from Russia. The mighty gray whales call these unforgiving waters their home, but thankfully for visitors, they enjoy staying close to shore. In late spring and early summer, whale watchers might catch a glimpse of them migrating up from the Gulf of Mexico as they like to stop in the waters south of Anchorage.

Resurrection Bay

While they have stiff competition, the stately orcas with their natural black and white “tuxedos” are often the crowd favorite. Orcas love munching on the king salmon running the waters of Resurrection Bay from early May through to early June. Also known as killer whales, orcas are technically a toothed whale and member of the oceanic dolphin family.

Technicalities aside, these formidable animals are apex predators with no natural enemies, meaning they rule the ocean. They’ve even been known to attack adult whales. But for sightseers enjoying their awe-inspiring power from the safety of a boat, they’re an unmissable part of any Alaskan cruise.

Booking Your Cruise: The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Book early — really early. Alaskan whale watching cruises go on sale up to two years in advance. Unlike other forms of travel, seeing last minute super saver fares is a rarity for this kind of in-demand cruise. Booking early and putting down a deposit means you lock in the low, early bird rate (and, if you like, you can make monthly payments toward the balance for easy budgeting). Your deposit is refundable (usually up to one to two months before the sailing date) and should the price drop, you can always call and ask for an adjustment.

You’ll also want to research and book your shore excursions well in advance to guarantee your preferred activities. Be aware — you don’t have to book directly with the cruise line! More on that to come…

What To Pack For Your Alaskan Whale Watching Cruise

While the promotional photos may show gorgeous sunny blue skies, an Alaskan whale watching cruise can be a decidedly chilly affair. Be prepared for some damp and drafty days by packing clothing that’s easy to layer, such as coordinating tank tops, long sleeve shirts, lightweight sweaters, one heavier sweater, cozy scarves, and insulated raincoats. A lightweight stocking cap with a built-in visor much like a baseball cap will keep you warm and shield your face from any drizzling rain.

In the past thirty years, the level of formality has dropped significantly on cruise ships and there is no need to pack a ball gown or tuxedo. However, many ships host a night or two on which fancier attire would be appropriate. For women, a sparkly shirt and dressy pants or skirt are often sufficient, while men could bring along a sports coat and maybe a tie, depending on their own personal style. If you’re not sure about the dress code, check out the ship’s social media pages. The guest shots they post will give you an idea of what people are wearing for fancy dinners and sporty excursions.

While the lovely sunshine might mask deceptively chilly weather, the UV rays will still make their way to your skin, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen. Swimsuits are also essential for the ships’ heated pools and hot tubs. And don’t forget to pack bug spray for your shore excursions.

Motion Sickness On The High Seas

Some people swear it’s impossible to get seasick on a large, luxurious cruise ship, but there are those of us who can prove otherwise! The waters around Alaska can be choppy. A room in the middle of the ship will move less than one at the front or back, and a stash of anti-nausea medications can offer comfort and relief. You’ll be especially glad you have it with you should you take a small boat excursion to see the whales up close since smaller vessels can get jostled by the waves.

Splurging on a room with a balcony is a savvy investment for travelers prone to motion-sickness. Access to the fresh air and uninterrupted coastline view can be soothing for some travelers experiencing queasiness.

Budget Tips For Whale Watchers

You’ll be glad you booked early and locked in a low price, especially once you realize that Alaska cruise pricing is rarely 100 percent inclusive. Cruising is big business and the costs of souvenir photos, cozy sweaters, spa visits, tips, and Wi-Fi charges can add up fast.

Add in a few cocktails and lattes and you’re looking at a bill which averages $100 a day — before excursions. To mitigate the costs, consider picking up your own bottle of wine from a supermarket while on shore and packing a travel-friendly French press-style coffee thermos and gourmet grinds.

Save On Shore Excursions (And Support Local)

You can save a bundle — and support the local economy — by booking shore excursions yourself. While it may be tempting to embrace the convenience of booking a tour through the cruise line, you can easily save 20 to 50 percent by booking directly. As an added bonus, you’ll often have a much better time going through an independent provider. Sure, there are only so many ways to showcase a historic town or lead a trip to an eco-reserve, but tour providers who are independent of the cruise ships offer better prices, smaller groups, and more personalized service.

For the ultimate blend of cost savings and customizations, collaborate with folks you meet on the ship to book a semi-private tour. The price per person is economical and you’ll have plenty of chances to add your own touches to the itinerary. Want to experience a trip to a funky local coffee shop or stop for photos next to a field of gorgeous wildflowers? You can easily work in extra stops along the way.

Two potential ports of call American cruisers will want to pay special attention to are Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. First, they’re in Canada, so American guests will need their passports on hand to take advantage of shore excursions. Secondly, choosing an independent tour provider at Canadian stops can be especially advantageous as they’re priced in Canadian dollars.

If shopping is high on your priority list, you’ll get the best deals — and best finds — the further away you are from the port. The boutiques closest to the ship have high markups and are rarely stocked with a good assortment of local products.

Related Reading:

• 8 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Cruise From Boston To Bermuda
• My 6 All-Time Favorite Cruises From A Self-Proclaimed Cruise Fanatic
• The 9 Most Scenic Ferry Rides In Europe

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .

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Cruising Alaska with Disney Cruise Line: A First-Timer’s Guide

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

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If you’re like many travelers, you’ve long dreamed of taking a cruise to Alaska—and for good reason. An Alaskan ocean voyage provides an enviable almost-Arctic itinerary, opportunities for adventure at every port, and a constant supply of magnificently icy views, the likes of which probably won’t exist in 50, or even 20, years. You get all this via the comfort of an ocean liner that’s stocked with restaurants, theaters, hotel-like guest rooms, and much more.

I, too, had yearned to cruise to Alaska, so when the opportunity to hop aboard the Disney Wonder presented itself, I enlisted my husband and daughter as my travel mates. We flew to Vancouver to embark on a trip that would end up supplying us with exhilarating experiences, unforgettable nature encounters, heaping helpings of Disney fun, and, ultimately, lifetime memories.

If you’re not sure whether a Disney Alaska cruise is right for you, here’s a good idea of what you can expect based on my experiences and observations as a fellow first-timer.

Why Choose a Disney Cruise?

There are a few factors to keep in mind if Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is among the companies you’re considering for your journey to the Last Frontier.

Foremost among them: If any of the travelers in your group is a Disney fan, a Disney cruise will very much play into that enthusiasm. This may be too obvious to mention, but almost everything on a Disney cruise is Disney-themed, right down to the ketchup that’s squirted onto kids’ plates—in the shape of Mickey’s head. The characters and their stories pervade the ship, as well as some of the shore excursions.

The level of service, too, is thoroughly Disney. Everyone who works on the ship is there to make their guests’ experience magical, and it’s obvious that the hiring process is geared toward picking cheerful people who love to make other people—children, especially—happy.

“We have a fabulous, diverse team on board,” says Martin Kemp, Disney Wonder ’s hotel director. “Basically, we get to go around the globe and hire the best talent out there. And when our team members first come onboard, we go through a very, very extensive training program to introduce them to our Disney brand, our culture, and our heritage.”

In addition to providing the exemplary hospitality that the company has become known for, other Disney-specific elements that you can expect during a Disney cruise to Alaska include exclusive shore excursions that are enhanced with Disney touches, like Goofy showing up at the lumberjack show in Ketchikan, or Donald Duck panning for gold alongside your kids in Skagway. Disney hand-picked the top Alaskan tour operators, then worked directly with them to create experiences that are reserved solely for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Onboard, Disney characters wear Alaskan gear—resulting in photos that are Instagram gold—while naturalists lecture about glacier science, and nightly menus spotlight regional cuisine: buttered king crab legs one night, roasted salmon steak the next, alongside Alaska-inspired cocktails that carry the theme even further. Also exclusive to Disney’s Alaskan itineraries: a “Frozen” deck celebration featuring Anna and Elsa, plus a joyous Pixar party in the atrium.

“We truly do believe that Disney Cruise Line is a great way for families to see Alaska,” says Melanie Curtsinger, a company spokesperson. “From our themed dining spaces to the live entertainment, extensive children’s spaces, and exceptional detailed service, there truly is something for everyone in the family on these sailings.”

Disney Alaska Cruise Itinerary

Disney’s Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver for five-, seven- and nine-night summer cruises, with stops, depending on your specific itinerary, for Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Victoria, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, and Endicott Arm.

Mine was a seven-night cruise, and we spent a full pre-cruise day in Vancouver , where we rented bicycles from Club16  and took the spectacular waterfront ride around Stanley Park. (Other excellent in-Vancouver-for-the-day options include the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.) We stayed overnight at the Fairmont Vancouver Waterfront Hotel , where Canadian hospitality is on full display, and where they personalize your shampoo bottles with your last name. The hotel is conveniently across the street from the Port of Vancouver, where we boarded the Disney Wonder. (Tip: Before boarding the ship in Vancouver, try an exotic flavor, like osmanthus flower, in a black cone at Bella Gelateria .)

After a day at sea, our first port of call was Skagway, where we took a stunning helicopter ride to a glacier (more on that below), hiked to land’s end, explored the Western-style State Street full of shops and saloons, and watched the visitor center’s film about the short-lived and ill-fated Klondike gold rush.

Next up was Juneau for some satisfying whale watching and browsing the shopping strip. There’s also the Mount Roberts Tramway , an aerial gondola that transports visitors to the top of the 3,800-foot peak for a wide-spanning, eagle-studded view over Gastineau Channel. Everyone kept saying how lucky we were to be here during such gorgeous weather.

In Ketchikan, we took a morning trolley tour to see the town’s iconic totem poles at Saxman Village. The afternoon was reserved for the raucous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (more on that below). In the early evening, as a light rain started to fall, we meandered the above-water walkways past Ketchikan’s former brothels—as colorful as the local characters—that now house curated art galleries, one-of-a-kind souvenir shops, and down-to-earth places to eat and drink.

At each port, there’s souvenir shop after souvenir shop, giving you no excuse to come home empty-handed. To save money, we returned to the Wonder for lunch, but there was plenty of opportunity to sample the local restaurants, many of which seem to be mom-and-pop outfits.

We also spent three full days at sea, including one in the Endicott Arm fjord during which the captain pulled the ship in as close as possible to see the 600-foot-tall Dawes Glacier, then did very slow 360-degree turns so that every passenger could take in its full splendor. Meanwhile, smaller icebergs floated past, crackling their presence. It was poignant to be in the presence of such threatened beauty—people all around us were telling their children to remember this scene, since they might not ever be able to see it look this way again. During the glacier viewing, Disney characters, donning galoshes and parkas, were on deck for hugs and photos.

After our last night onboard, we were shuttled back to Vancouver for an early-morning disembarkation. (Tip: Pack your bags the night before to have staffers lug them off the ship for you.) During our bus transfer back to the airport, Disney trivia played on the screens overhead, though our fellow passengers mostly slept through the ride, happily exhausted from such an activity-packed journey.

The Shore Excursions

Called “Port Adventures” in DCL lingo, there’s a menu of more than 200 family-friendly things to do whenever the Wonder docks in Alaska. Make sure to reserve ahead of time for these memorable shore excursions—you can easily find independent vendors to haggle with once you’re at the destination, but you’re taking a chance with the quality of your experience. You’re much better off booking in advance through Disney, whose contracted operators are total pros.

Disney’s most popular shore excursions in Ketchikan include the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour  (a Disney exclusive that gives an inside look at the life of Alaskan crab harvesters) and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show , a down-home demonstration of manly men showing off their impressive timber-sport skills, like chainsawing and log rolling. There’s plenty of enthusiastic audience participation, and Goofy makes an appearance. Wear red-and-black plaid if you’ve got it.

In Skagway, there’s the Klondike Gold Dredge and White Pass Railway  excursion, during which you take a gorgeous train ride and pan for gold; and Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp , which includes a narrated motor coach tour of Skagway, panning for gold (you’ll find some, guaranteed), a scavenger hunt, a puppet show that’s both hilarious and educational, a Donald Duck cameo, and a salmon bake.

In Juneau, the Dog Sled Summer Camp  lets you feel what it’s like to be pulled through the Alaskan wilderness at the speed of sprinting huskies, while the Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest  on Stephen’s Passage guarantees humpback and bald eagle sightings aboard a comfortable catamaran stocked with a full bar; an expert naturalist explains everything you see.

By far the most memorable event of our Disney Alaska cruise—and that’s saying a lot—was the Glacier Discovery by Helicopter  excursion, operated by Temsco Helicopters in Skagway. After a quick safety briefing, we boarded an Airbus helicopter manned by a very capable and personable pilot who was also an expert at calming any nerves, mine included. We flew over crystal-blue lakes, above vast expanses of gleamingly white ice fields, and incredibly close to steep, lush mountainsides. When we landed, it was on the 650-foot-deep Meade Glacier, but it may as well have been another planet. Confident, reassuring guides were there to explain what we were seeing—and to stop us from walking into danger—as we took in the surreal scenery before flying back to the Disney Wonder . The word “awesome” is egregiously overused, but this was awesome.

If you’re worried that your children won’t be able to make it all the way through that excursion you’re eyeing, or you’d just prefer some grownup time ashore, don’t feel bad about dropping your little ones off at the ship’s kids’ spaces before you disembark for some adventure. Most youngsters are ecstatic to have more time in these colorful rooms, where the storytelling is epic, the games and crafts are age-appropriate, and the movies are all Disney. Attentive camp-counselor types from around the world do an excellent job of supervising. (Read on for more about the kids’ spaces.)

Life Onboard Disney Wonder

The Disney vessel that shuttles passengers to and from Alaska is the impressive Wonder, which first set sail in 1999 and is one of DCL’s fleet of four (a fifth will be added in 2021; a sixth in 2023). The 83,000-ton ship has 10 floors, 875 guest rooms, 950 employees, and room for up to 2,713 passengers, a third of which are typically children.

Every day, there’s a program so packed with entertaining activity options that it’s easy to fall prey to some initial FOMO, but once you get into the swing of life onboard a Disney cruise (which doesn’t take long), the fun really begins.

Putting together the ship’s complex entertainment and dining schedule, says Natalie Bailey, Disney Wonder ’s cruise director, “is a Tetris puzzle, truly a group effort of everyone coming together to try to create variety for our guests throughout the day, and the entire cruise. Our biggest thing when it comes to planning is truly ensuring that we do have something for everyone.”

To that end, there are live shows, deck parties, character greetings, first-run movies in the theaters, trivia games, karaoke, crafts, bingo, chef demos, and plenty more. The handy Disney Cruise Line Navigator app , which you should download before your trip, tells you what’s going on at any given time. In addition to providing the day’s full lineup, it lets you “heart” the activities you don’t want to miss, text your fellow travelers for free, book shore excursions, make spa and specialty dining reservations, link your reservation number, and check in online.

Disney is, first and foremost, an entertainment company, so yes, you will be thoroughly entertained the whole way to Alaska and back. Twice nightly in the extravagant 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, a cast of Broadway-caliber performers display their prodigious talents, with a new live production to enjoy each night, including the Alaska-appropriate “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular,” “Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic” (a production that helped launch Jennifer Hudson’s career), and the life-affirming “Golden Mickeys.” You don’t need to reserve a ticket or pay anything extra to see these shows—just show up; seats are first come, first served. (Tip: Even if the theater appears packed when you enter from the back, there are often seats available way up front.)

If you time your sailing to coincide with the release date of a new Disney movie, you’ll get to see it premiered onboard, to much fanfare—we were at sea the day Toy Story 4 came out and got to see it for free, with Green Army Men photo opps in front of the theater and a bag of popcorn as an in-room amenity.

As mentioned above, children have a whole realm of entertainment catered to them: the fifth-floor Oceaneer Youth Club. Whenever I came there to pick up my daughter, she asked to stay longer, a testament to the amount of fun she was having and the level of comfort she felt with the kind staffers.

These elaborate kids’ spaces were created to immerse youngsters in Disney stories—kids can hang out in the Wandering Oaken trading post from Frozen, Andy’s playroom from Toy Story , or the Marvel-themed Super Hero Academy, where kids train alongside their favorite superheroes. There are many enriching activities for kids to choose from, like crafting, scavenger hunts, dance parties, performing in a talent show, story times, character greetings, and so on; you can use the Navigator app to find out what’s going on in the kids’ spaces. (Tip: Once you’ve made your cruise reservation, you can have a Disney character call your child to get them excited for the trip.)

As for the guest rooms, they’re comfortable and cleverly designed, with enough space for a full family to live, sleep, bathe, and store luggage in. While we dined, our room attendant transformed the couch into a kid’s bunk, adding a guard rail for safety. He also left memorable Disney amenities on our bed, along with Ghirardelli chocolates and towels folded into amusing figures.

The themed restaurants aboard the Wonder  are extraordinarily thought-through and exist for much more than just feeding you. Take Tiana’s Place, based on The Princess and the Frog, a movie in which the title character dreams of opening a restaurant in New Orleans. Yes, the menu at Tiana’s Place includes gumbo and beignets, but the stage also features a talented quartet jazzing up favorite Disney tunes, while Tiana herself visits each table to take photos with young fans; the grand finale is a joyful parade that stars all the servers.

Over at Animator’s Palate, a screen-enhanced shrine to Disney’s drawn history, your server instructs you to draw a character on your placemat. Soon thereafter, your drawing, alongside those of your fellow diners, gets animated into a magical on-screen mashup. The food is good, too.

There’s also Triton’s, a traditional cruise restaurant, and Cabanas, a huge buffet on the ninth floor with great ocean views. Several walk-up-and-go snack counters hand out pizza, gyros, ice cream, and more. All food and beverage is included in the cost of your cruise (except alcohol; you can bring a small amount onboard), so you can order whatever you want without fretting about the tab.

The only restaurant with an upcharge is Palo, the adults-only Italian eatery atop the ship. The cuisine there is a step up, and the service is top-notch, too. If you’re interested in dining at Palo, make a reservation as far ahead of time as possible.

As you cycle through Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Triton’s each night at your set dining time (5:45 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., your choice), your dedicated team of servers follow you from restaurant to restaurant. They’re genuinely kind and accommodating, and clearly hired in part for their ability to make kids smile, laugh—and eat. They joke around, bring you whatever you want, do magic tricks and origami, and give generous hugs and high fives.

If you’d rather skip the dining room, though, or if you get hungry in the middle of the night, room service is included in the cost of your Disney Alaska cruise, and you can order as much as you want without being charged extra.

Other features worth mentioning on the Wonder include the spacious spa and top-floor fitness center, where you can run on a treadmill while watching glaciers and icebergs glide by. No matter the weather, people are always using the swimming pool and outdoor hot tubs, while Disney movies play on the huge outdoor screen above. And the “nightlife district” is a collection of three handsome bars, including a classic British pub.

Wi-Fi on the Wonder is prohibitively pricey ($89 gets you 1,000 megabytes), so it’s wise to use your cruise as an excuse to unplug from email and social media.

Whatever you’re planning to do onboard, book as much of it that’s bookable well in advance, before departing for your vacation, to make sure that you get the spots you want. This includes nursery times, spa appointments, character meet-and-greets, shore excursions, and specialty dining reservations. Then once you get onboard, you can simply relax and enjoy.

What to Pack for a Disney Alaska Cruise

Once you’re ready to get your stuff together for your Disney cruise to Alaska, check out DCL’s full list of what to pack —and what not to.

There are some pretty specific things that you’ll want to bring along for this type of cruise, including binoculars (which are available for purchase at the Port of Vancouver), rain gear, boots, layers, and waterproof jackets. Bring fancy attire for the ship’s formal and semi-formal nights, and if you plan to dine at Palo, keep in mind that the dress code there encourages dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women.

It’s fun to wear red-and-black plaid in Ketchikan, especially if you’re planning to see the lumberjack show there, and it’s also fun to bring Disney-themed door decorations—check Pinterest and Etsy for ideas. Don’t forget Disney autograph books for your little ones to get signed, princess dresses for the young princesses in your life, Disneybounding gear for you (if you’re into that), and at least two bathing suits so that you can wear the dry one while the wet one dries.

It’s also smart to fold an extra duffel bag into your suitcase—what with the merchandise available onboard and the many souvenir shops on shore, you’ll be coming home from Alaska with way more than you packed.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• What to Expect on Your First Disney Cruise
• 10 Best Disney Hotels Around the World

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point – Excursions for Your Alaskan Cruise

5/12/2023   |   Blog , Cruises , Reviews , Tips

Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point - Excursions for Your Alaskan Cruise

You've booked your Disney Cruise to Alaska! Now it's time to decide which excursions you will want to experience while you are at a port of call. If your cruise itinerary includes a visit to Icy Strait Point, don't miss the opportunity to go whale watching in Alaska.

We booked Whale and Marine Mammals Cruise (IS01) directly with Disney Cruise Line. This particular excursion caught my attention as they guaranteed seeing whales or they would refund your money. Since we had never been to Alaska before, I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to include this in our itinerary. Plus if we didn't see whales, we could try again at another port ... I wasn't prepared for the spectacular sights that awaited us!!

Passengers met in Preludes then waited in the Walt Disney Theatre for all guests on this excursion to assemble. We then made our way off the Disney Wonder and took a short walk across the pier and boarded our excursion boat. On our way out to the whale watching area, we spotted bald eagles in the trees and some smaller marine animals in the water, including Steller sea lions and harbor seals. Once we arrived in the area that our captain deemed to be an ideal location, we were allowed outside on the observation areas of the boats.

While it was a beautiful day on the water, you will want to make sure to dress in layers and have a hat for this excursion. My son brought along his own binoculars which were beneficial for some whale sightings in the distance, but were not necessary to enjoy the excursion as we saw plenty of whales just a short distance away from our boat. The goal of this excursion was to see whales and we were NOT disappointed. We witnessed multiple Humpback whales swimming and diving in the water. One humpback whale breached very near our ship! We even saw a a humpback whale and her calf playing and practicing skills. During our 2.5 hour cruise, the onboard naturalists shared their knowledge of marine wildlife, as well as knowledge of the island.

We were thrilled with our excursion at Icy Strait Point. We felt that being on a smaller boat gave us the opportunity to get up close to the whales and allowed for unique experiences that the larger boats didn't have. Experiencing "whale breath" is something none of us will soon forget!

While there are several opportunities to book whale watching excursions through Disney Cruise Line, my family highly recommends whale watching at this port of call, as the number of whales and the beautiful Alaskan scenery was far greater than anything we could have imagined.

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Disney Cruise Alaska 2024 & 2025 Guide: ESSENTIAL Tips For Your Cruise

The Alaska Disney Cruise is a once in a lifetime experience. The below cruise review and tips are based on our recent seven day Disney Cruise Line Alaska itinerary that sails from Vancouver to Alaska. This guide will continue to be updated to provide advice for the 2024 and 2025 Disney Cruise Alaska seasons.

Onboard our cruise we had family ranging in age from 20 to 80+. On the last night of our trip I got everyone together and we talked through all the Disney Cruise tips we should pass on. This guide is based on those insights.

With the below tips I hope to prepare you for your future Disney Alaska cruise and give you everything you need to know to plan. We'll cover what month to book your cruise, an overview of the Disney Wonder ship, onboard activities, premium dining, what to pack for your cruise, Alaska Disney Cruise Line excursions, and more.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

When to Take a Disney Cruise to Alaska

The Disney Cruise Line Alaskan sailings on the Disney Wonder occur throughout the summer “warm” months. The first 2024 Alaska sailing begins on May 13, 2024 and the last sailing ends on September 23, 2024 (the Disney Cruise Line 2024 dates were announced here ). We don't yet the 2025 Disney Alaska Cruise dates. The sailing stretch throughout the summer months in Alaska.

These are the key factors to consider for picking your Alaskan Disney Cruise dates:

• When are kids in school? The May and September sailings will be less expensive and may even not be fully booked because kids will still be in school. Some of the same school discounting effects can be felt for the very beginning of June and very end of September as well. If you are not confined to summer school schedules, you may want to consider a sailing at the beginning or end of the Alaskan cruising season.
• Weather? The later in the season you plan your cruise the higher the potential for rain during your trip. You can see on this Juneau, Alaska monthly climate averages that the average rainfall by month is double in September what it is in May. Even with that said, during our August trip we only had one real day of rain during our trip when we were in Ketchikan, Alaska. This port is actually one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. and receives nearly 235 days of percipitation per year . A weather note – most think of Alaska as cold. Throughout the summer months the temperatures do not get too low and during our sailing were about 60 degrees. Pretty comfortable when in pants. Some days we saw lots of sun and others we had light rain and wind. More in our packing list section.

You can view the currently available dates for Summer 2024 on the Disney Cruise Line website (Summer 2024 dates just released). After viewing the dates be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise . For a limited time Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

As you'll see in the listings of available sailings, there are a range of length options for your trip…

Best Disney Cruise to Alaska – Which Length to Pick

Disney Cruise Line offers multiple Alaska itineraries that range from five to nine nights. Our recent Disney Cruise to Alaska was a seven night itinerary. The seven night Disney Alaska cruise is offered the most of any of the lengths of sailings.

The seven night cruise includes stops at Dawes Glacier; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Here's some more context on each of the destinations listed for the various lengths of cruise:

• Juneau, Alaska is the state's capital and the largest town that the ship stops in during the Alaskan cruise. The town has some noteworthy food options (see below for excursions) and was the closest that we got to any glacier.
• Skagway, Alaska was the access point for the last gold rush. This old gold rush town is the jumping off point for excursions into the Yukon. Excursion options include a historic railway line with stunning vista views, helicopter tours, and tours of the old town.
• Ketchikan, Alaska is the rainiest place in the world and features an old town built on stilts above a creek, salmon runs, Native American totem polls, and a lumberjack show. This port is the closest to Vancouver in Alaska and all Disney Alaskan Cruises stop here.
• Dawes Glacier, Alaska is not a port but is a location that the boat pulls into for one day of all Alaska sailings. The boat enters the cove near the glacier and then rotates slow so that all sides of the boat get an angle of the glacier. There is an option for an excursion here to go out on a smaller boat that goes closer to the glacier. Though Dawes was scheduled as part of our itinerary, we actually didn't stop here. Scroll down and read what happened in our Disney Cruise to Alaska tips section.
• Sitka, Alaska was not a port that we visited during our seven night Disney Cruise sailing to Alaska but we heard the highlights revolve around the Russian history of the city (this was the capital of the territory when Alaska belonged to Russia) and the outdoor excursions which are similar to the excursions offered in the other ports.

Choosing Your Alaska Stateroom – Do you need a Verandah room for your Alaskan cruise?

While we do outline each of the various stateroom options for all of the Disney Cruise Line ships in our general guide to the Disney Wonder , there is special reason to consider your room option carefully for the Disney Cruise to Alaska.

For many cruises you could take the same approach that we take for hotels near Disneyland – why pay for the room if you are going to be out of the room the entire trip exploring and having fun? You may want to reconsider this for an Alaskan cruise as the itineraries are longer and the outdoor spaces are colder due to the Alaskan weather. With our group's age range for this trip (from 20 years old to 80+ years old), there was almost always someone in the room who wasn't keen to be out exploring. We were very happy to have a Verandah room during our Alaskan Disney Cruise and enjoyed waking up to views and having the option to check out the view without having to get warmer clothes on and go up on deck.

There is plenty to do throughout the ship and plenty of spaces for lounging outside of your room but the Verandah was truly a highlight for our days at sea. Even for the days when we were coming into port, it was delightful to watch our approach from the comfort of our own balcony.

The room shown in the photos here is a Deluxe Verandah room. There is a queen bed and the couch the converts into twin sleeper.

How much does a 2024 Alaskan Disney Cruise Cost?

The prices for the cruise vary dramatically by room type and date of sailing. We asked our travel partner to pull some sample pricing for cruises so that we could include them here for your reference.

For the seven night sailing that leaves May 22, 2023 for two people an interior room costs  $3,574.94 and an exterior deluxe verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size costs $8,012.94 .

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 17, 2023 in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs  $4,708.94 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5C category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size $11,148.94 .

The seven-night sailing that leaves on May 13, 2024 for two people in an interior room starts at $3,490 and an exterior verandah room starts at $6,347 . The exact prices are not available yet as booking details are not yet open.

Compare this to the seven night sailing that leaves on July 8, 2024, in the heart of the summer. For two people an interior room costs $4,635 while an exterior Deluxe Verandah 5c category room with an unobstructed view and regular balcony size is $11,495.2. As you can see, the more popular summer months when kids are out of school are more expensive.

Again, as you are considering your Disney Cruise to Alaska, be sure to request a FREE Disney Cruise line vacation quote from our travel partner . When you book with our partner you'll receive up to a $400 onboard credit .

Onboard Disney Cruise Line Programming

There are a variety of onboard Disney Cruise Line offerings to fill your days at sea and evenings. From lavish entertainment (see Disney Cruise Line entertainment section below) to educational programs to fitness offerings, there really are tons of ways to stay busy during the days at sea. Your Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator app has information on all times for all activities onboard the ship. Make sure everyone in your party has downloaded the app before your departure.

Though we were onboard a unique Alaskan Disney Cruise (our trip was part of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise ) we did still experience quite a bit of the normal programming that is offered by the Disney Cruise Line on a standard Alaskan cruise.

One of the highlights on the onboard programming was the educational nature presentations . All of the adults in our group attended all three of the talks given by the naturalist that was onboard. His three presentations were on the fjords and waterways, whales and water ways, and Alaskan bears and salmon. Each of the presentations was educational and added to our excursion experience by providing context on our trip on land. The programming was well put together and could be interesting to all ages. If you have a nature curious preteen and up, I would recommend bringing them along to the presentation. Other topics sometimes presented by the naturalist include information on the Klondike Gold Rush and Vancouver Life.

Some of the other offerings on the Alaska Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder include:

• The Art of the Theme Tour is a tour of the ship that focuses on the details and history built into the ship. You'll find fun features in the carpet and hear stories on design details. I also always like to take the opportunity to connect with another Cast Member.
• There is trivia with varying themes offered throughout the trip. Some themes include movie quotes trivia, Disney theme park trivia, sports trivia, and PIXAR trivia.
• In the Buena Vista Theater (the smaller of the two theaters onboard the ship) there are a variety of the latest movies from Disney playing . During our 2022 sailing we saw Togo (story about an Alaskan sled dog), Thor: Love and Thunder, and Encanto. The list is always updated with the latest Disney movies that were released but there is usually a film that ties into the Alaskan cruise theme like Togo or Brother Bear that is always offered.
• There is evening live music and entertainment available in the lounges. These offerings vary by cruise but we saw a lounge singer during our sailing. The songs are ones that you'll know and performances have specific themes.
• For an additional charge, you can join an alcohol tasting class or mixology class . These experiences do fill up so you should book them when they open for booking. See dates the varying dates that excursions and activities open to guests below.
• Throughout your stay you'll get to experience super fun folded towels and napkins. Each night when you return to your stateroom you'll find a folded towel animal on the bed waiting for you. There is a class where you can learn how to fold your own napkin and towel animal .
• For the musically excited, a night time karaoke and silent disco are offered.
• Throughout the trip you'll have lots of opportunity to join in playing BINGO . Be sure to check when there is presale of BINGO cards so that you don't end up waiting in the queue when you arrive to play.
• There is a very popular Match Your Mate game show where you and your significant other are challenged to see how well you know each other with trivia questions. This is a fan favorite!
• There are activities for every interest onboard the Disney Cruise to Alaska – you'll also find a cooking class demonstration and animation class .

The dates that guests can book onboard experiences (tastings, spa, nursery, Royal Court Tea), Alaskan excursions, and adult dining at Palo (details below) vary by sailing history with Disney Cruise Line . Once you have paid for your cruise in full, first time Disney Cruise Line guests can book 75 days before sail date, Silver Castaway Club members can book 90 days before sail date, Gold Castaway Club Members can book 105 days before, and Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members can book 120 days before your sail date.

Alaska Disney Cruise Character Meet and Greets

Throughout our Disney Cruise there were characters everywhere. The Disney meet and greet limitations for the Disney Cruise Line had been recently lifted and we experienced a completely normal character meet and greet experience onboard our cruise. Many times throughout our trip I would be walking from one activity to the next and bump into a character just wandering. Multiple times I saw Thor wandering the hallways looking for someone to engage with.

All character meeting times are listed in the app. Our favorite character meet and greets were with the Disney fab five in their Alaskan outfits. For anyone excited about rare Disney meet and greets, these photos are super exciting. The best opportunity to take these photos comes on the Dawes Glacier day. On this day the characters will be up on the top deck outdoors so you can get an iconic Alaskan view in the background. I recommend arriving about fifteen minutes before the scheduled photo time to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse up here. We started with Mickey Mouse and then jumped over to the line for Minnie Mouse. There were other times we saw opportunities to wait in line for characters (on the formal night the fab five is out in tuxedos) but were happy just to have these outdoor photos.

Don't be afraid of a short line for a memorable photo with your favorite character.

Fitness Offerings Onboard the Disney Wonder

The fitness center and spa offers a number of scheduled workout classes. During our sailing there were complimentary offerings that included a mile walk around the ship and a morning yoga class . I opted to try one of the premium experiences and purchased the personal training experience . You could opt for a two pack or four pack of classes. There was a discount if you went with the four pack. I decided just do purchase the two pack as I wanted to workout some on my own during the trip as well. The cruise really flies by. I was glad that I only purchased the two day experience.

The gym is at the very front of the Disney Wonder and has a wide array of fitness machines. I typically like to start my workout with a run. I did this everyday except for one when the boat was moving a little too much for the treadmill and I opted for the stationary bicycle instead. The fitness center also has a nice locker room. I actually ended up showering in the locker everyday of our trip after our workout instead of using the shower in our stateroom.

In Skagway I went for a run off the ship. When facing the town from the port I ran to the left and found a foot bridge. Over the bridge there was a dirt trail with work out stations (pull up bars, sit up bench, etc) all along it. This was a great way to get off the ship and get a workout in outside before our excursion for the day. I ran about 3.5 miles here.

Disney Cruise Line Sense Spa and Salon Offerings

The Disney Wonder has a full spa offering onboard with a suite of services. The spa rooms have massive windows with sweeping views from the top of the ship.

Some of the offerings at the spa include a Rainforest aromatherapy room, steam room, and sauna. There are also comfortable locker rooms for changing before and after the treatment. As I mentioned above, I used the locker rooms throughout our cruise after the weight room even when not getting a treatment.

The spa is available for guests 18 and older and reservations can be made online or after 1 pm in person at the spa on the first day of your cruise. An 18% gratuity will be applied to all spa and fitness services.

If you are interested in a manicure or a pedicure, consider booking your time slot for the first day of your trip for stunning views of Vancouver as you sail away. There is also a rainforest room which features a steam room and relaxation area. You can pay for a day pass or pass for your entire trip.

Disney Wonder Cruise Kids Activities

There are kids clubs and activities for kids of all ages. There are five different areas on the ship designed to service kids from toddlers to teens.

There are five different lounge options: the “it’s a Small World” nursery, Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, and Vibe. You can view all the various kid activities in the Disney Cruise Line app.

All of the kids clubs except the “it's a Small World” nursery are included with the price of the cruise. The nursery is an additional fee and requires reservations.

On embarkation you and your child can tour the kids clubs together to calm any nerves. This is also when you'll register your child for the club. You can also pre-register your child before the cruise here .

Keep in mind that kids are not fed by the kids clubs so even though your child will likely want to stay in the club all day you will have to grab them for meals. This is also something to keep in mind when booking any Palo reservation that may conflict with your child's eating timing.

Disney Wonder Entertainment Available On Alaskan Cruise

During the cruise to Alaska there are a number of Broadway-caliber shows that are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. The shows vary by sailing length. On nights when one of the Disney shows are not taking place in the theater, there will be some sort of variety show act performed.

The shows on the Disney Wonder are:

• “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” is a full retelling of the Frozen story with huge musical acts that runs just over an hour. The production value is incredible, the musicians are very impressive, and Olaf was hilarious.
• “The Golden Mickeys” is a musical medley show that features songs from Disney films of past and present. A story is also woven in between the musical acts that a stage manager is suddenly pushed into the spotlight when she has to host the show at the last minute. By the end of the show, the host realizes that anything is possible.
• “Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic” is a musical medley show that pulls in classic Disney musical numbers when a young girl who is losing her belief in magic is visited in her dreams by characters from Disney classics and is helped along the way by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Shows are typically performed twice nightly so that they are opposite your dinner seating. If you have a late dinner you'll watch the earlier show and if you have an early dinner seating you'll watch the later show.

There are also two deck shows that occur during the cruise:

• The “Mickey's Sail-A-Wave” party is a send off deck party with all of your favorite Disney characters that occurs right as the ship is pulling out of Vancouver. This show takes place in the mid-afternoon.
• The “Freeze the Night Away” deck party is a Frozen themed deck party with your favorite songs and characters from Frozen. Snow comes down at the end of this show. The night of our deck party is truly was freezing and we were bundled up enjoying the entertainment on deck. This show takes place after both dinner seatings have been completed.

Choosing Your Disney Cruise Line Alaskan Excursions

There are a wide array of excursions for Disney Cruises to Alaska. Guests can opt for the most extravagant helicopter ride to dog sledding or just enjoy a leisurely walk around town. CAUTION – You will likely have sticker shock. Some excursions are hundreds of dollars per person. Remember that you are in Alaska for a once in a lifetime Disney Cruise. Be sure to budget for these excursions as you plan for your trip.

Disney Cruise Line sells excursions directly. For research sake I compared prices between the offering from Disney Cruise Line and booking some experiences on our own. The pricing was often the same or only slightly more when purchasing from Disney when I could find it. For many of the more upscale experiences, there was no clear way to find the offering directly online to comparison shop as the experience was curated specifically for the cruise line. There are always vendors just off the ship selling other excursion offerings but be warned that if you take a third party excursion and do not get back to the ship before the official departure time the ship will leave you behind. This warning and a very real story of passengers being left behind in Juneau, Alaska after their seaplane couldn't fly back from the glacier due to lack of visibility scared us enough not to consider outside excursions.

When you purchase an excursion from Disney you'll check in for the excursion in D-Lounge and then be escorted to the correct transportation by a Cast Member.

Here were our trip reports for each Alaskan port we experienced:

Skagway – The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway was about a three hour train loop up the trail to the Yukon gold rush. The experience was well put together though after about 2 hrs we wished that we were back at the base. You'll follow the same route up and then back down. The train picks up directly at the ship.

We heard others who opted for a long hike, to rent a car and drive up into the Yukon (Skagway is the only port that we visited that is actually connected to the rest of the country by road), and taking an old town shuttle tour around the town itself. I would have loved to go on a long hike but due to others in our group with less mobility we opted to spend time together on the railway experience. This was a great way to see the sights and spend time together.

After our railway tour we still had a chance to walk around the town. We stopped at a Christmas shop and enjoyed chatting with the owners who turned out to spend winter in San Diego, California. We also enjoyed fried dough from the Klondike Doughboy . This is a must stop for your day in Skagway that you'll find on one of the side streets. Finally, we watched a National Parks historical film on the “last gold rush” that lead to the original establishment of Skagway as the gateway for gold seekers to sail to before a treacherous journey over the mountain to the site where gold was discovered. I enjoyed the context that the film provided. The film can be found in the National Parks building at the end of the street closest to the cruise ship slips.

This is a screenshot of the video I captured of the whales coming right up near our boat. The photo doesn't do the experience justice.

Juneau – At Juneau we participated in a whale watching and trip to the Mendenhall glacier . We were picked up by bus from the ship and then taken to a boat for the whale watching tour. We had whales get very close up to the ship and flip their tale. Just like the Pacific Life commercials ! This was an excellent experience getting into nature.

After our long morning on the boat we got back on the bus and headed to the Mendenhall Glacier. All along the ride we had very fun narration from our bus driver who shared a look into what it is like living in Alaska. She was witty and provided a look into the actual life rather than just giving facts and figures. A real highlight! At the Mendenhall Glacier we walked out to the waterfall. They claim this walk is an hour roundtrip but it only took us 45 minutes and that includes at least 10 minutes talking photos at the waterfall. Our bus then dropped us off in the heart of Juneau and we walked through some of the shops and found lunch.

We opted to enjoy the fish tacos at Deckhand Dave's . We debated going to Tracy's Crab Shack but decided we didn't want another large sit down meal for lunch. We were very happy with our pick to enjoy the tacos. After lunch we also found GREAT fudge from the Alaskan Fudge Company . Both great options!

Ketchikan – As I shared above, Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the United States so it was raining during our day here. It rained on and off throughout the day and the sky was gray all day. The ship docks right in town. In the morning we walked through the various shops in town and I took a longer walk up the river beyond Creek Street. The amount of salmon floating peacefully in the river was astounding. There were hundreds just hanging out in the shallows. In the afternoon we enjoyed the Lumberjack Show . This is an activity you could easily purchase tickets directly from the venue if you wanted to.

There isn't much of a savings for the headache of booking through an outside payment system but the option is there. The show was lots of fun. In the format of a US vs Canada competition, professional lumberjacks completed impressive stunts with their saws. The show also pulls in audience participation. We saw kids of the friends also on the trip get pulled in and have a great time participating. This experience is tons of fun for the entire family.

Fun Disneyland Fact – Did you know that in the summers of 1987 and 1988 there was a “State Fair” event that included a Log Rolling and Lumberjack Show? The show was found along the Rivers of America area.

When you get back on the ship there's always a Cast Member with hot chocolate and cookies ready to greet you.

For 2 of the 3 days in port we opted to return to the ship for lunch rather than sitting down at any of the restaurant in town. We enjoyed eating at Triton's restaurant on the ship and appreciated the sit down service. After lunch we easily returned back into town for more exploring and some of our group opted to stay on the ship.

WiFi During Your Disney Cruise Line Alaska Trip

I can't say this more overtly. The WiFi onboard the ship worked well for messaging and looking things but do not rely on it for downloads. Save any digital material that you want to have available. If you need a book downloaded for your Kindle or podcast downloaded for the gym, do everything you can to download these before leaving for your trip.

While there is WiFi onboard the Disney Wonder, it is expensive and runs out quickly. Even when you are on the WiFi there were certain apps that did not work at all.

In our experience iMessages came through over the WiFi even when we didn't have our WiFi package turned on. For messaging between people in your party onboard, there is a messaging option within the Disney Cruise Line app. This worked fine.

In each port I was able to get on my normal Verizon phone plan with no difficulties. I even used it as a hotspot from my computer to send email. Be sure to check on your phone plan for use in Canada for your days coming into Vancouver.

Disney Cruise Line App Review

At first the Disney Cruise Line app was difficult to use. The interface is not intuitive to begin with but once you figure out how to locate activities it works well.

When you first get onboard, go through the activities listed and select the various onboard activities that sound interesting to you. To get the activities, click on the “Explore” section and click the day you want to view. There is also an option to filter by activity type – filtering by movie for instance. This schedule that you create will then cause the app to send you push notifications. The “Add Plans” button in the app doesn't work as expected and just suggests paid activities to you. Make sure to click the “Explore” section for details on everything happening onboard.

Disney Wonder Pools

The pools and water slide are open throughout the cruise to Alaska. We opted to quickly ride the waterslide the first day that we were onboard to check that box as we knew that our departure day from Vancouver would be the warmest day to enjoy the pools on the cruise. I recommend getting on the slide that first day to enjoy it while it is still sunnier outside. There were plenty of people enjoying the waterslide throughout the voyage but we were glad to have ridden it the first day.

Entering the pool area could be jarring at times. I would walk out on to the deck and be greeted with icy winds in the morning but also the upbeat tunes of “La Bamba”.

I actually used the pool almost everyday of the trip. In the early evening before our show I would try and get up to the adult pool area and hot tub. This area was a little more peaceful than the others and it was nice to meet other guests in the hot tub to swap stories on their experience.

How Food Works Onboard Disney Cruise to Alaska

For Dinner:

Onboard the Disney Wonder there are three different restaurants that you will rotate through for dinners during your voyage. Each night you'll go to your assigned restaurant and your same waiter and assistant waiter will be there ready for you. Throughout your trip you'll get to know the wait staff and they'll get to know your preferences. In our group one member took her water without ice and by the second night she was already receiving her water with no ice without asking.

The menus shift each night of the cruise and are somewhat reflective of the theme of the restaurant.

Our waiters encouraged us to order anything on the menu that looked interesting. Each night I started with one of the soups of the day and some other appetizer before my main course. We sometimes also ordered an additional main course if we all wanted to try it.

Some of the food highlights that stuck with us – the Beef Wellington, the Banoffee pie (a chocolate, banana, whipped cream dessert), and the carmel ice cream that we enjoyed one evening (we ordered that ice cream every night afterwards too!). Another lesson. Always ask for the food that you want even if it isn't on the menu. My grandmother wanted a blue cheese wedge salad because the other salads on the menu were not something she was interested in. Amazingly our server had a wedge salad based on her specifications at the table 5 minutes later. My aunt was craving asparagus and they also delivered. Overall we were very impressed with the kitchen's ability to accommodate requests.

These were some of our drawings during the fun Animator's Palate show.

The three main restaurants are: Triton's, Tiana's Place, and Animator's Palate. Be sure not to miss the second night at Animator's Palate as there is a very cute show where everyone in the group draws a character and then that character comes to life on screens around the restaurant.

There are two dinner seatings – an early seating at 5:45 pm and a later seating at 8:15 pm. We had the later dinner seating which meant that we would be eating much later than we were used to at home. This also led us to snack much more going into the evening because we weren't going to eat until so much later. You have the opportunity to switch seating times in the app if you have a preference.

Palo For Upscale Dinner and Brunch:

There is an upscale adults only restaurant onboard called Palo that is an additional charge. We opted to enjoy both brunch and dinner here. The restaurant does book up so be sure to book your Palo experience when it becomes available for your Disney Cruise. Though I have a full review coming soon, I will share that we far preferred the variety that came with brunch at the restaurant.

For Breakfast and Lunch:

Throughout the day there are a variety of food options constantly available. The Cabanas restaurant is open with a buffet for breakfast and lunch. For a sit down breakfast or lunch, the central sit down restaurant, Triton's, is also available. We started the cruise having our breakfast at Cabanas and then shifted over to eating breakfast at Triton's after we realized that our evening waiter was often there and we could have the same great table service as we did at dinner. The quality of breakfast food was also better at Triton's. I had very similar omelette orders at both locations and the Triton's omelette was far superior.

There are also quick service restaurants on the upper deck that serve sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken tenders (super good!), pizza, Asian style bowls, and of course soft serve. There is never a bad time to order soft serve on the cruise! Make sure you get in the habit of grabbing one otherwise the cruise will slip by. It is never too cold for Disney Cruise Line soft serve ice cream!

Additional Charge Food

There are a couple of food locations that are an additional charge. There are concession stands outside the theaters selling popcorn, soda, and candy. There are also a number of lounges with additional cost alcoholic beverages. On the top deck there is also a bar / coffee place that is for adults only. This Cove Bar feels a lot like a comfortable Starbucks.

The regular dinner restaurants also have extra charge alcohol as an option.

On Your First Day Onboard:

When you first board the Disney Wonder in Vancouver each restaurant will be open for you to enjoy lunch. On our first day we had lunch at Tiana's Place and enjoyed the sit down service. We could also have opted for the quick service options or buffet at Cabanas.

In addition to the above there is included 24/7 room service onboard. Let's just say, you really aren't going to go hungry. It is much more important to think about what you aren't going to eat than to worry about what you are.

There is also a water and soda station on the Deck 9 pool deck. We brought reusable water bottles and popped up here to refill them throughout the trip. There are a couple of water bottle fill stations on the upper deck by the pool and in the gym.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver, Canada Boarding Process

To board the Disney Wonder in Canada we went through a number of different checks including US customs.

For your arrival, you'll want to pack a carry on bag with anything you need throughout your first afternoon. You'll keep this bag with you and your other baggage will be sent to your room.

If anyone in your group has trouble walking long distances you may want to get a wheelchair for the walk through the check in process. There is lots of winding back and forth through the Disney Cruise Line security, customs, passport control, and then boarding the ship.

After you check in, you'll be directed to the ship where your room key will be waiting for you outside your door.

Disney Cruise Line Vancouver to Alaska COVID Testing

For our COVID test we used OnPoint testing . This was a virtual service where a proctor would watch you take your own approved at home COVID test and then sign off on the result.

For only $14.99 per person we were able to easily test from our own home. Three of us tested during the same 10 minute Zoom call. This was much simpler, less expensive, and easier than attempting to test when we got to Vancouver or using the official Disney Cruise Line vendor.

What to See in Vancouver Before Your Disney Cruise

I definitely recommend arriving to Vancouver at least one day before your Disney Cruise. Our flight arrived around 3 pm into Vancouver which gave us some time to enjoy the city before leaving to check in with Disney for our cruise the next morning. You'll also want to arrive the night before so that you aren't anxious about any flight delay that might cause you to miss the departure. The city feels far larger than it's official population (650,000 people) with innovative architecture and stunning views that blend the ocean, mountains, and city to one. In Vancouver, the spirit of adventure only grows as you lean into your anticipation for your Disney Cruise to Alaska – “the final frontier”.

Here were our highlights of Vancouver, Canada before the cruise:

First, we enjoyed Granville Island. This market place of food and artisans is absolutely a tourist trap but is one for good reason. On our clear skies day the market was crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the sun, food and entertainment. The market has the same feeling of active marketplace as Pike's Place Market in Seattle and Redding Terminal Market in Philadelphia but seems to have more food stalls. During the summer months when you'll be here before your Disney Alaska Cruise, expect a very warm afternoon.

At the market we had great fish and chips from Celine's Fish and Chips, pad thai, and a german sausage plate. The fish and chips were the absolute highlight and we returned for another order.

To get to Granville Island you'll want to use Uber or Lyft from Downtown Vancouver (read my guide to Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World for discount codes if you've never used the rideshare services before). If you are all mobile, be careful not to call your rideshare directly to Granville Island as your car will end up in a massive lineup while trying to drop you off and the price for the ride will be more expensive. Instead, put in “Blue Hat Bistro” for your drop off location. Return here after your time at the market to avoid headache as well.

After Granville Island we walked around in Gastown which is right near the cruise terminal that our ship was leaving from the following day. We enjoyed seeing the cobblestone streets here and then walked out along the seawall near the cruise terminal. We ogled the massive cruise ships thinking about the Disney Wonder that we would board the following day. It was a lot of fun to walk along the sea wall from here. We watched as sea plane after sea plane followed the same landing pattern swooping in from the clear blue sky that was just turning to dusk.

The next morning I went out for a run along the seawall and through Downtown Vancouver. The views along the seawall were stunning. I made a quick stop for a last minute electronics need at an Apple Store and then it was time to get onboard the Disney Wonder for our cruise.

Packing for Disney Alaskan Cruise

You can also see our Disney Cruise Line Packing List for a full perspective on what you need to bring with you.

A couple packing list notes:

• There is a formal night onboard the ship but you do not have to participate if you don't want to. During our sailing about 40% of the passengers we saw were dressed up, but plenty did not.
• There are slippers and a robe in your stateroom for your use throughout the trip.
• For those using a cane, walking sticks were a nice option that my grandmother utilized instead of a cane during this trip.
• We did not plan on doing any laundry during our Alaska cruise but we ended up using the laundry machine after our rainy day in Ketchikan to dry out our clothes. The machines can be operated by tapping your room key and charging the laundry to your room.
• Make sure to bring your binoculars and consider getting a camera extension for your iPhone to increase your zoom strength.
• Each guest 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened champagne or wine or 6 beers on to the ship at the beginning of the voyage and at each port. The beverages must be carried onboard in your carry-on luggage.

General Disney Cruise to Alaska Tips

• The stars in the carpet design in the main hallways all point towards the front of the ship.
• Watch the morning show with the cruise director. We really enjoyed the witty humor from our cruise director, Stephen. We bought in and had a lot of fun watching the show.
• Be ready for anything! During our sailing there was a tugboat strike in Vancouver that was completely outside of Disney's control. The strike led us to leave Vancouver eight hours late which meant that we had to skip Dawes Glacier to make up for lost travel time. This was obviously disappointing (Disney added a state room credit for all guests even though the situation was beyond their control), but we still had a great day weather wise and all the characters were still out with the same celebration.
• There are free charms and a free charm bracelet that are available for guests everyday at a specific time. My aunt and grandmother enjoyed picking up a charm each day. By the end of the trip they had a complete bracelet. The charms are meant to get you in to the store looking at jewelry but they are still a cute keepsake.
• You can tip the Cast Members that work on the cruise at the beginning or end of your sailing. There's a good tip calculator here to think about amounts.
• As with anything Disney, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion while onboard. There are always magic makers looking to help!
• Get outside! The views throughout your cruise are just incredible. Bring enough layers so you are always comfortable stepping out to your own verandah or the general decks so you can take in the majesty of the inside passage.

Take a look at a nice promo video from Disney here that captures many of these views:

We were hosted on this cruise to Alaska by Disney Vacation Club so that we could provide coverage of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise and witness some of the highlights from Disney Plus day. All opinions expressed here are our own.

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2 comments add your comment

All the tips in the above article are super helpful. Thank you

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback. Have a great cruise!

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The Best Disney Alaska Cruise Excursions for the Whole Family

A cruise to Alaska for many is a once in a lifetime experience. Picking the right excursions for your family is an important decision that requires plenty of research and planning. Check out our family picks for outstanding excursions from Skagsway, Juneau and Ketichikan that are family friendly for even your littlest cruiser!

Alaska is one of those places that once you visit, it changes you. When it comes to picking the right Disney Alaska Cruise excursions it can be a tough decision. After all there are a lot of excursions to pick from. Since we were traveling with a toddler and a teenager on our Alaska Cruise , it was important that we had excursions that the entire family could enjoy together. We set out on adventure, saw things I only saw in magazine and experienced things I never thought possible. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.

I was hosted as a guest of Disney Cruise Line onboard the Disney Wonder to Alaska. All opinions of this magical trip are my own.  

There’s nothing that compares to the excitement you feel on embarkation day. As the ship pulls out of the Port of Vancouver, the excitement really begins. It’s just the beginning of some of the magic you’ll experience in Alaska . There is never a shortage of things to do on the ship , it’s when you get off the adventure begins.

ICY STRAIGHT POINT

Our first stop was in Icy Straight Point. Our all ashore time wasn’t until 12:30 p.m.  so we had a delicious breakfast in Palo before getting ready for our first excursion, whale watching!

We did the Whale and Marine Mammals Cruise at 1:45 p.m. and just hoped that we’d see at least one whale on the cruise. I’ve been on a few here in New Jersey and they’re always underwhelming and we never really seen any whales. This is Alaska so I was  really hoping we saw at least one.

We boarded our boat and it was a great size. It didn’t feel crowded even though it was at capacity which was great for staking out a spot to observe the whales.

Evie fell asleep right after we boarded. Not even the beauty of Alaska and the excitement of seeing whales could keep her awake!  Rest assured that if your toddler is due for a nap, the seats are comfy enough for it!

While asleep, she missed the first group of whales we saw at a distance and some of the small animals.

She woke up just in time to see the humpback whales breach. They were actually so close at this point and it w as breathtaking.

Seeing the humpback whales up close like this was awe-inspiring. I’ve seen plenty of photos and even video online but nothing, and I mean nothing, can prepare you for the moment you see these magnificent creatures right in front of your eyes.

After our whale watching excursion, we had a little time to spend in Icy Point Straight, shop for some souvenirs and head back to the ship.

SKAGWAY 

Our second excursion took us to the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail and Salmon Bake with Disney characters.

After a short bus ride to the town of Liarsville our day started with a little show that kept the kids entertained and laughing.

After the show, we headed to another area of the campsite to pan for gold. You could pick either real gold (gold flakes) and fool’s gold (a gold painted rock).

Chip ‘n Dale make their way around and really take time to interact with the kids. Chip came over to Evie and helped her look for gold.

Donald was there too and happily posed for photos with everyone.

After everyone had their fill of characters, gold and what life was life in a gold rush town, it. was time for lunch.

Across the street at another part of camp was the Salmon Bake. It was a delicious way to wrap up our morning in Liairsville. When lunch was over, we boarded the bus back to town and had a few hours to spend before dinner so we walked around Skagway taking in the sites.

Today was a short day in port, the all ashore time was 6:00 a.m. and an all aboard at 12:30 so we could spend the afternoon cruising through Tracy Arm. Since there was no way I was getting my kids up happily at 6 am, we slept in until it was time fro our excursion, the Enchanted Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery .

I’m not the biggest fan of flying in general so when I saw that we were flying on a little seaplane, I nearly fainted. Seriously.

I tried not to think about it much until the day of the flight. I was a nervous wreck,  I put on a brave face since I didn’t want the kids to see  mom was scared.

This was one of the  most incredible moments of my life . I don’t think I can even put into words how amazing this was so I’ll let the photos do the talking. I cannot recommend this excursion enough.

Even if you’re afraid of flying like I was, what you will see and experience will literally change your life.

Everyone had a window seat on the flight so we all could experience the beauty of the Juneau Icefield, the snow-capped mountains and forests below. Headphones are provided so we could hear the narration during the flight that explained what we were seeing.

After our flight above the Juneau Icefield, we spent the morning at the most enchanting place – Taku Lodge. The lodge was built in 1923 directly across from the Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in Alaska.

During our lunch of we enjoyed wild Alaskan king salmon, (chicken and kids meals are available) and REAL glacier ice in our drinks! Our ice was literally thousands of years old!

After our meal, we headed back outside to wander around the forest for a nature walk.

While we didn’t see any bears on our trip (they are common on 70% of the visits) we did see some bear foot prints and and fresh droppings which means we might have just missed one.

As our journey concluded, the rain moved in and impacted our travel plans back to Juneau and the ship. We had to divert to the Juneau airport about another 30 minutes from the ship meaning we would be back late. Later than the all aboard time.

It was good for us since we would be getting a view of the Mendenhall Glacier on the way back now. Since our excursion was booked directly with Disney and not an outside company, our cruise director was notified of issue and the ship waited for us to get back.  Crisis averted.

Our last day in port had us visiting Ketchikan, the Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

We started the day with a bus ride to the Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast. The 30 minute ride drove us through the Alaskan coast past canneries and even totem poles.

Once we arrived at the George Inlet Lodge we boarded a boat and headed out to the crab fishing grounds.  The ride was about 7 miles long which gave us ample opportunity for seeing the wildlife. We even saw orcas who make their home here.

Once we arrived at the crabbing grounds, the host pulled in a crab trap so we could get an up close look at the crabs as we learned about their anatomy and life cycle.

After our crab exploration was over we headed back to the lodge for a yummy Dungeness crab feast. You can even order crab to ship home while you are here!

After lunch, we headed back into town for the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show . At first, I wasn’t sure about the show and thought maybe the kids wouldn’t be too interested.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, we all loved it!  The action-packed performance showcased some of the world’s top timber sport athletes. These are the same guys you’ve seen competing on ESPN and The Outdoor Channel as they compete in fun chopping, sawing and chainsaw events.

Afterwards we had a chance to meet the lumberjacks for photos and autographs before we headed back to the ship. It was a fun way to end our Alaska explorations.

Overall, every Port Adventure we went on was perfect for everyone in our family. I hope you enjoyed this peek into our Alaska cruise and hope these Port Adventures inspired you to book some of them for yourself!

Which Port Adventure on our Disney Alaska Cruise would be your favorite?

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Disney Cruise Ports – Juneau Alaska Whale Watching

The center also offers excellent glacier viewing areas.  The excursion schedule allowed plenty of time for touring the visitor center and walking outside to see and photograph the glacier.  If we had been there longer, there was a very interesting looking nature trail available for hiking that we would have loved to try.    

We returned to the pier around 2:00 pm.   This left us time for exploring Juneau and allowed us to take advantage of the great souvenir shopping Alaska offers.  We could not believe the selection of tee-shirts, jackets, and other items at extremely reasonable prices!  The shirts we bought are still being worn regularly and still look great!   

Related posts:

• Disney Cruise Ports – Zip-lining in Skagway, Alaska
• Disney Cruise Line – 10 Amazing Things I’ve Seen
• Disney Cruise Ports – The Beauty of Key West
• 10 Reasons to Visit Alaska Aboard Disney Cruise Line

Disney Alaska Cruise 2021

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Are you thinking of booking a Disney Alaska Cruise? Sailing on a Disney cruise ship is one of the most magical ways to see Alaska.

The Disney Wonder cruise ship sails from Vancouver on her Alaskan adventures from May until September each year. Here we will answer the questions that you have about a Disney Alaskan cruise.

Photo Credit Modified

What Are the Disney Alaska Cruise Sailing Dates and Itineraries?

The Disney Alaska Cruise 2021 dates are now available to book. They generally follow the same itineraries for each year.

Photo Credit

The Alaskan cruises are very popular. The earlier you book, the better chance that you get a lower rate. It is very rare that there are any late availability discounts on any Disney Alaska Cruises.

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Disney Cruise Alaska 2021

There are no dates scheduled for 2020 as all were canceled due to coronavirus.

Disney Alaska 7 Day Cruises

• Monday             Vancouver Canada
• Tuesday. At Sea
• Wednesday. Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm, Alaska
• Thursday. Skagway, Alaska
• Friday. Juneau, Alaska
• Saturday. Ketchikan, Alaska
• Sunday. At Sea
• Monday              Vancouver, Canada 

The Scheduled Dates for 2021 are May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, September 6.

Disney Alaska 9 Day Cruise

• Wednesday. Ketchikan, Alaska
• Thursday. Icy Strait Point, Alaska
• Saturday. Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
• Sunday. Sitka, Alaska
• Monday              At Sea
• Tuesday. Victoria
• Wednesday. Vancouver, Canada

This is scheduled to sail on June 26, 2021.

Disney Alaska 5 Night Cruise

• Thursday. At Sea
• Friday. Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm
• Monday. Vancouver

This is scheduled to sail on July 7, 2021.

Why Choose a Disney Alaska Cruise Instead of a Rival Cruise Line?

We will talk later about the various port stops and excursions that are available, but first, we want to take some time discussing what makes the Disney Wonder such a special ship.

There are many other cruise lines that sail to Alaska and many of them go to exactly the same places.

We think that the Disney Wonder is by far the best ship to choose to sail on an Alaskan cruise. This is particularly true if you have children (although there is plenty to offer adults as well).

We know that Disney cruises are more expensive than many other cruise lines sailing to Alaska. However, we think that the extra money is worth it.

The Disney Wonder is a beautiful ship. The Disney difference is something that is difficult to explain.

However, we think it comes down to very simply offering a superior cruise experience. The quality of service, entertainment, staterooms, and dining is very high.

Disney Wonder offers things that others simply don’t. Let’s look at the things which set Disney cruise lines apart:

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The Disney Wonder is Stunning

There are four ships in the Disney Cruise line fleet and we have to say that the Disney Wonder is our favorite. She is one of the “classic” original ships. The design is simply beautiful, with so much attention to detail.

We recommend that you take the Art of the Ship Tour which is usually offered a couple of times a week.

This will give you an insight into all the smaller details which you may not notice. The Disney Wonder and Magic are the smaller ships in the Disney fleet.

They are 964 feet long and can take a maximum of 2,713 passengers, with a crew of 950. For cruise ships these days this qualifies as one of the smaller ships!

It has the advantage that it doesn’t feel huge and it is easy to navigate around. You won’t get lost, but there is still plenty to see and explore.

Disney Cruise Staterooms

Not only are Disney Cruise Staterooms around 25% larger than most other comparable cruise line staterooms, but they are also beautifully appointed.

The Disney theme is subtle, but the quality of the furnishings and amenities is very high. The room layouts are sensibly thought out and include the famous split bathroom in most staterooms.

The split bathroom means that there is one room with a toilet and sink and another with a shower and another sink. This makes sharing one bathroom with the family a whole lot easier.

Disney Cruise lines are also one of the very few cruise lines which offer staterooms that will accommodate 5 guests. This means that larger families do not have to be split into two staterooms.

A Disney Alaska Cruise is a great cruise for families.

Disney Cruise Ship Entertainment

This is a key element of why Disney ships are very different from any other that you will experience. Disney knows how to put on a show and you will be amazed at their Broadway-quality entertainment. There really isn’t anything to compare in the cruise industry.

There are plenty of opportunities for meeting with the Disney characters on the ship.

There are numerous character greetings every day and you will often see the characters simply walking around the ship on the way to their destinations. It is a lot of fun to see Mickey Mouse or Cinderella walking through the ship.

Disney Cruise Dining

Disney has a unique concept which is known as rotational dining . There are three main dining rooms on the Disney Wonder. Guests will move to a different dining room each night, but their servers will come with them. This means that you really get to know your wait staff and they will be much better able to provide you with individualized service.

This really is part of the Disney difference. The servers are usually outstanding. They actually seem to enjoy their job and want their guests to get the most out of their dining experience. The Disney Wonder restaurants are amazing. Each has its own theme and ambiance.

Animator’s Palate is the most people’s favorite with an amazing dinner show which will make you wonder how they make all of those effects work.

Triton’s is themed around The Little Mermaid – the decor is beautiful. The newly enhanced Disney Wonder has Tiana’s Place which is themed around the movie Princess and the Frog.

Tiana’s Place features live music and lots of fabulous food. In addition to the main dining rooms, there is an adults-only restaurant Palo. For a very reasonable extra charge you can enjoy brunch or dinner at this excellent restaurant. We particularly enjoy brunch on the Disney Alaskan cruises in Palo as you can watch the scenery if you get a window table.

Disney Alaska Cruise Activities

You could be busy from morning until night if you really wanted to be. Or you can simply sit down, relax, and watch the amazing Alaskan landscape pass by.

A Disney Alaska Cruise is a place to relax or join in. You choose. Every day your Personal Navigator will be delivered to your stateroom.

This will detail the organized activities around the ship each day. These include art and cooking classes, wine tasting, educational talks, movies, shows, character greetings and trivia games.

Most of these activities are included in the price of your Disney cruise (wine tasting has an extra fee). Of course, there are some great swimming pools on the Disney Wonder.

You will probably not use these as often as you would on your Alaskan cruise as you would in the Caribbean, but you can always give it a try! It is wonderful to relax in a hot tun while you watch the beautiful scenery go by.

Disney Cruise For Kids

Disney cruise lines are just the very best for kids. There are kids clubs for all ages from 3 to 17. There is even a nursery for the little ones under 3 (for an extra charge). Your children will probably love the kid’s clubs so much that they will not want to leave them.

The new enhanced Disney Wonder has more character appearances in the kid’s clubs – do not be surprised to see Spider-Man or some of the other Marvel characters as well as some of the more traditional Disney characters.

Disney Alaskan Cruise For Adults

The Disney Wonder has plenty to keep the adults happy too. Disney wanted to make sure that there were plenty of kid-free spaces for the grown-ups to enjoy.

Adults have their very own pool deck space and spa which is only open to the over 18s. There you will find the Quiet Cove Pool which is exclusively for adults.

The kid-free zone also has a bar, cafe, and a full-service spa. There is also an entertainment area on Deck 3 which is adults only and is known as After Hours.

This has three differently themed bars: Azure, the British pub themed Crown and Fin, and the Cadillac Lounge.

What Are The Disney Alaskan Cruise Port Stops Like?

A Disney cruise has port stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. It also has a day exploring Tracy Arm. Each of these experiences has something different to offer.

Disney Cruise Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm

This isn’t a port – it is an experience sailing around the Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm. This is an amazing experience and is often the highlight of a Disney Alaskan cruise. To be able to get up close and see the amazing scenery is an experience not to be missed.

Many people say that you must have a Verandah stateroom on an Alaska cruise. It is a fabulous option as you have your own private space to simply sit and admire the landscape.

The glacier experience from your own balcony is one not to be missed. However, not everyone has room in their budget for a Verandah stateroom.

These staterooms are always sold at a higher price than inside and outside staterooms, and the price gap is even more pronounced on an Alaska cruise.

If you don’t have a Verandah stateroom there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery. The best views are of course from either the front or the back of the ship from Deck 9. This is also where everyone else goes.

What you may not realize at the start of the day is that you spend a long time in Endicott Arm so there is plenty of opportunities to take in the views.

Everyone tends to crowd into the best viewing spaces at the start of the day, so just wait for a little, and the crowds will lessen and you will get a better view.

Deck 4 is also a great place to be although the view is from the side of the ship. Sitting in a hot tub is also a pretty good way to enjoy the view! The Endicott Arm experience will last around 5 hours, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the experience from different viewpoints.

Remember to dress in layers and bring those binoculars with you! Don’t forget the hot chocolate and cookies which are available on Deck 9. You will need to think about packing for your Disney Alaska Cruise.

Even though this is a stay on the ship day, there is an excursion that you can book if you want to get even closer to the glacier.

The Glacier Explorer Disney excursion will take you by catamaran to get you even closer to the glacier. The cost of this is $264 for adults and $185 for children.

This is a once in a lifetime experience as it does take you to places where the Disney Wonder can’t reach, but the view on the ship is pretty fabulous too. Personally we wouldn’t book this excursion but would save our money for another day and splurge on something else.

The experience on the Disney Alaska Cruise ship is priceless.

Disney Cruise Alaska Skagway Port and Excursions

The small town of Skagway is your next port of call on your Disney Alaskan Cruise. You dock right in the middle of the town and the shops are within walking distance. This is how you imagine stepping back in time would feel like.

Skagway is a tiny town. It has one main street which isn’t very long. It is well worth the short walk into town though if only to imagine what it must have been like to live in one of the Gold Rush towns.

There are some tourist stores, a couple of bars and a museum which is worth checking out. However, you will most likely want to combine your visit to Skagway with some Disney cruise excursions to make the most of your time there. What many people are interested in is the White Pass Scenic Railway.

The station is right where the Disney Wonder docks in the town. We recommend that if you are interested in this excursion you book it as soon as you can, as it does sell out. The cost is $134 for adults and $65 for children aged 3 to 9. This vintage train takes you on a spectacular journey on a track that was built in 1898. This is another one of those once in a lifetime experiences which we highly recommend.

One of the most sought after Disney Cruise Alaska excursions is a dog sledding adventure. There are plenty of opportunities to book an Alaskan port adventure where you can enjoy this amazing experience.

Here is a complete guide as to the Disney excursions which include dog sledding. Disney Cruise Alaska Dog Sledding Port Adventures

There are many other options of excursions in Skagway. One of the least pricey is the Skagway’s Original Street Car City Tour which is $49 for adults and $32 for children.

On this excursion, you board an original 1927 sightseeing bus and are taken on a historical journey around the town.

It is a good way to see more of the breathtaking scenery surrounding the town and to get an overview of the history of the area. Other excursions include Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure, Dog Sledding, and Glacier Flightseeing, Evening Wildlife Expedition, Klondike Bicycle Tour, Ocean Raft Nature Adventure, Sunset Horseback Adventure, and the Yukon Expedition.

Disney Cruise Alaska Juneau Port and Excursions

Your next port of call will be Juneau, the state capital of Alaska. This is the only state capital in the US that is landlocked – in other words, there are no roads going in and out of the town.

The only way to get to Juneau is by air or sea. The Disney Wonder docks right in the center of town so you can just walk off the ship and explore the shops and restaurants.

It is, of course, a town which caters to tourists, so you will find a lot of souvenir shops which start to look the same as each other very quickly. The Mount Roberts Tramway is a very popular attraction in Juneau. The aerial tramway takes guests 1,800 feet into the mountains for a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery.

The entrance is a short walk from the ship. You can do this on your own, but there is also an excursion available. The lines can be long and if the weather is bad (as it often is) you may not see much of a view. We would say to wait until you arrive and see what the weather is like before deciding if it is worth standing in line

There are so many activities that you can do in Juneau you will find yourself struggling about which to choose. Juneau is particularly well known for the Mendenhall Glacier. This breathtaking natural feature is the only glacier in Alaska which you can get to by road.

There are many Disney port adventures which give guests the chance to visit the glacier. These range from a trip to view the glacier from the ground to plenty of options from a boat or kayak. The Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure gives you an opportunity to explore the glacier up close.

Alaska is of course known for its abundant wildlife. You will likely see whales from your ship, but if you want to increase your odds of seeing one of these beautiful creatures there are plenty of Whale Watching Adventures to choose from. The Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest is $179 for adults and $109 for children.

Guests will board a catamaran and sail on a whale watching adventure.

Disney Alaska Cruise Ketchikan Port and Excursions

The final port on your Disney Cruise is the town of Ketchikan. The Disney Wonder docks right in the town so you can just step off the ship and explore. Once again the town is full of tourist shops.

It is worth taking a short time to browse around, but you will probably want to take an excursion to explore much more than the town itself.

Ketchikan is most famous for its colorful totem poles which you can see around the town. The Classic Misty Fjords Flightseeing is a very popular excursion.

This 2-hour adventure will have you flying over spectacular scenery and enjoying a view of the surrounding fjords, waterfalls, and lakes.

Photo Credit Ketchikan is also famous for its lumberjack show, which is a short walk from the cruise ship. You can book the Exclusive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show at $46 for adults and $26 for children. It is a 90-minute show and the kids will probably love it

There are lots of Disney Alaska Cruise Port Adventures to get you out in the amazing Alaskan scenery. These include an Alaskan Bear Adventure, Zipline Adventures, Hunting for Halibut, Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Rainforest Family Adventure, and a Wilderness Exploration and Crab Fest.

There is something for everyone and you really should take the opportunity to explore this amazing place.

Is a Disney Alaska Cruise Worth It?

Photo Credit We know that there are many choices of cruise line to sail with to Alaska. However, for us, Disney offers the very best experience.

This is particularly true if you have children. Many of the other cruise lines have an older client base for the Alaskan cruises and children may be in the minority. A Disney Alaska Cruise is something that you will remember for a lifetime. And you will no doubt want to book another one!

If you are thinking of sailing on a cruise on the Disney Alaska Cruise we always suggest contacting a Disney Authorized Travel Agent. We recommend Destinations in Florida – Get a Quote Now! . Their services are free and you may even get a discount!

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Whale Watching Cruise in Alaska

by The Cruise Web Team April 2, 2024

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Embark on a breathtaking adventure with a Whale Watching Cruise in Alaska, where the icy waters teem with majestic marine life. Join us as we explore the wonders of Alaska’s pristine wilderness, offering expert tips and insights for an unforgettable cruise experience. Discover the thrill of witnessing magnificent whales in their natural habitat, set against the backdrop of stunning glaciers and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first cruise, our guide will help you make the most of your Alaskan adventure.

Why Choose Alaska for Whale Watching Adventures?  

Alaska’s vast and unspoiled wilderness offers a unique and immersive whale watching experience. Its nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of whale species, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glaciers adds to the allure of whale watching in Alaska, creating a truly unforgettable experience.      

Experience the allure of Alaska’s stunning wilderness and witness a variety of whale species in their natural habitat. Call The Cruise Web at 1-800-377-9383 or email [email protected] to complete your whale watching adventure today!

What Species of Whales Can You Spot on an Alaskan Cruise?  

Alaska’s waters are home to several species of whales, each with its own unique characteristics and seasonal presence.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are commonly spotted in Alaska from May to September. These months coincide with their feeding season, as humpback whales migrate to Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters to feed on krill and small fish. During this time, travelers on an Alaskan cruise have a good chance of spotting humpback whales breaching, tail slapping, or engaging in other behaviors that make for memorable wildlife sightings.

Orcas or Killer Whales

Orcas, or killer whales, can be seen in Alaska’s waters throughout the year, but they are most sighted from May to September. These apex predators roam the waters in search of fish, seals, and other prey. During the summer months, orcas can often be spotted hunting in groups, making for dramatic sightings for cruise passengers.

Gray whales are usually present in Alaskan waters from April to November. They migrate along the west coast of North America, with some individuals reaching as far north as Alaska’s Arctic waters. The best time to spot gray whales in Alaska is during their migration periods, which occur in the spring as they head north to their feeding grounds, and in the fall as they return south to their breeding grounds.

Minke Whale

Minke whales can be found in Alaska’s waters throughout the year, but they are most seen from May to September. These smaller whales are known for their curious and playful behavior, often approaching boats to investigate. Travelers on an Alaskan cruise may spot minke whales surfacing to breathe or diving gracefully beneath the surface.

Overall, the summer months of May to September offer the best opportunities for whale watching in Alaska, as this is when many whale species are most active in the region’s waters.    

What are the Best Ports for Whale Watching in Alaska?  

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is one of the best ports for whale watching in the state. Situated along the Inside Passage, Juneau offers easy access to prime whale watching areas, such as Auke Bay, where humpback whales are often spotted. Sitka, another popular port for whale watching, offers a rich cultural history along with excellent whale watching opportunities. Ketchikan, known for its rich Native American heritage, also offers fantastic whale watching tours that allow visitors to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.  

Which Cruise Lines Offer the Best Whale Watching Tours?  

Several of our partnered cruise lines offer exceptional whale-watching tours in Alaska, providing guests with unforgettable experiences. Among these are:

View Alaska Cruises

When Is the Best Time to Go on a Whale Watching Cruise in Alaska?  

The best time to go whale watching in Alaska is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, whales migrate to Alaska’s waters to feed, providing ample opportunities for sightings. The peak season for whale watching in Alaska is typically in July and August, when the weather is mild, and the waters are calm, making it an ideal time to spot whales.  

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How to Prepare for an Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience in Alaska?      

To prepare for a whale watching cruise in Alaska, be sure to pack essentials such as binoculars, a camera, and warm clothing, as temperatures can be cool, especially out on the water. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Booking your whale watching tour in advance is recommended, as these tours can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season.  

For more tips on planning an unforgettable Alaska cruise, check out our blog post, “Navigating the Last Frontier: Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Alaska Cruise!”  

Navigating the Last Frontier: Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Alaska Cruise

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Icy Strait Point – Whale Watching

Author by Amanda Davis on June 14, 2018 Updated on July 22, 2018

If you are considering an Alaskan cruise and one of your stops will be Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, I highly recommend going on a whale watching excursion! The wildlife that can be seen from your guide boat is truly magnificent and worth the trip. This post and trip was sponsored by Princess Cruises but all opinions about this excursion are 100% my own.

Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska

In May I spent an amazing week with Princess Cruise Lines aboard the Island Princess. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer.

Before we even disembarked (that’s cruise speak for exiting the ship) we were watching two Orcas bouncing around in the water in the distance! Exciting!

Choosing the excursion

Prior to the cruise we were able to go through all the available excursions that Icy Point Strait had to offer. I actually didn’t realize how much I appreciated this option until I was onboard and saw the line of people waiting to sign up for excursions! I highly recommend taking the time to go through the excursion listings before your trip. If you’re traveling with Princess, you can do this easily from their website. If you change your mind, you can always edit your choices later.

I chose the Whale Watching & Seafood Feast excursion, a 3.5 hour tour that guaranteed I would for sure see a whale. In fact, they boast that they haven’t had to issue a refund since 2004… well they definitely delivered!

Whale Watching

My good friend Jackie (a fellow blogger from Happy Hooligans ) came with me on this Alaskan adventure. While I was busy manning the video option on my phone, Jackie was capturing some memorable moments with her camera, like these humpback whale photos!

What to bring on your Alaskan whale watching excursion:

• Depending on the time of year, layers, rain jacket and hat
• Binoculars  – Due to obvious reasons the boat can’t get too close to the animals, so having binoculars will really give you a spectacular view.
• Camera or your fully charged phone
• Mobile charger  – I was so glad to have mine along because shooting video drains the battery so quickly!
• Closed-toe shoes
• Backpack or fanny pack

After heading out on a special boat equipped with flip-up viewing windows, our captain told us about the sea life found in those waters and what we might have a chance to see. We were lucky enough to see several Humpback whales, so many porpoises, lots of otters and even some bald eagles during our boat trip. You definitely want to have your camera ready at all times so you can catch a whale when they come up. It happens so much faster than you think!

According to the tour guides, whales have a breathing cycle that typically lasts four to six minutes; they surface several times in quick succession to recharge their oxygen supply, then show their massive tail flukes before disappearing into the depths to feed on krill and small schooling fish. We definitely saw that in action that day!

I spent most of the trip shooting video with my phone instead of actually taking pictures. So I’ve put together a short video compilation below that includes whales, otters (and an otter baby!) and a bald eagle.

Seafood Feast

I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of seafood. I like some types of fish and love shrimp, but anything that tastes really fishy… I’m out. I’ve tried crab legs a couple of times but was not impressed either time. This seafood feast changed everything for me.

I am certain that the freshness factor plays a huge part, but wow, whatever they soaked these in or flavored them with was amazing! Thank goodness they gave us piles of food because we couldn’t get enough and it was truly delicious. Now I really do understand why an old friend of mine used to say there’s nothing like seafood from the coast.

I love this photo so much. It totally tells a story of good friends enjoying a meal together and making memories of a great day. Our seafood feast included King crab legs, shrimp, corn on the cob, boiled potatoes, mushrooms, andouille sausage and home brewed beers.

Shopping and Browsing Icy Strait Point

After lunch we had plenty of time before we had to be back on the ship, so we checked out the different shops as well as the scenic views. Inside the red “Hoonah Packing Company” building you will find plenty of souvenir shops selling everything from edibles to outerwear.

Some interesting finds include salmon jerky, flavored Alaskan sea salt, and homemade Alaskan jam. Definitely a tourist’s dream with plenty of different trinkets and fun items to take back home.

Fun things to eat

Lil’ Gen’s Mini Donuts – How fun are these little tiny donuts? When I think of mini donuts my mind immediately goes to donut holes. But these were truly miniature donuts that you could watch them make right through the window. Flavors included apple cider, birthday cake, butterscotch and pistachio, among others!

Crab Station – While we didn’t get a chance to eat from this place, the aromas coming from inside were wonderful! So no worries if you don’t actually do the excursion that includes the seafood feast, you can still have one of your own.

Scenic opportunities

The views in Alaska are nothing short of spectacular and Hoonah is no exception. Icy Strait Point offers all sorts of excursions, including scenic tours, but you can find plenty of photo-worthy shots just along their walking path. Walk or sit along the shoreline and take in the fresh air, take a picture near the old boats or go for a long afternoon stroll (or jog!) on the paved path. There are lots of lovely views to be had before getting back on the ship and completing your fabulous day.

At the end of the day we bid farewell to Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska and climbed back aboard the Island Princess to talk about our adventure and go through footage and photos. It’s actually really nice not to worry about driving a long way back to your hotel and worrying about fighting traffic. Just head back on board the ship and head to the Wheelhouse Bar for a Key Lime Pie Martini ! The perfect end to a perfect day.

Want to see what happened next? Check out my Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour in Juneau, Alaska and my Davidson Glacier Canoe Tour in Skagway, Alaska!

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Reader Interactions

July 27, 2018 at 12:40 pm

Such an amazing experience! And those donuts are to DIE for, nom nom nom.

Rachael Yerkes says

July 18, 2018 at 7:17 pm

Alaska is one of my favorite places I’ve been and I definitely need to go back for one of these excursions after seeing that video. Plus that seafood looked delicious, and who can pass up Alaskan crab legs?

Amanda Formaro says

July 19, 2018 at 7:43 am

The crab legs were insanely delicious and the excursions were a blast!

July 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm

I’m so jealous! This looks like an AMAZING trip! Wow!

Beth K says

July 18, 2018 at 12:17 pm

I’ve been on three whale watching cruises but have not yet seen a whale. It looks like I need to head to Icy Strait in order to make that a reality. It looks like you truly had a trip of a lifetime!

Emily Thompson says

July 18, 2018 at 9:03 am

we did an Alaskan cruise for our honeymoon many years ago and I would love to go back. These photos bring back so many great memories and make me hungry too ;o)

July 18, 2018 at 8:45 am

This looks Amazing!!! I’ve never gone to Alaska before, but I’d love to!

Jennifer Fishkind says

July 18, 2018 at 7:35 am

Alaska is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen! Such wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing!

June 18, 2018 at 12:41 pm

Alaska was amazing, and Icy Strait Point was such a great stop! I need to do this excursion and the seafood feast! I am totally with you, crab in Alaska totally changed me too!

June 20, 2018 at 8:05 am

Right? So good!!

Holly N @Spend With Pennies says

June 15, 2018 at 9:31 am

This was truly one of the most amazing experiences! I think everyone needs to experience this cruise at least once…. it’s definitely a bucket list item!

I agree, the king crab on that trip was like no other I’ve ever had!

June 15, 2018 at 3:19 pm

It was so good right?? YUM!

Lynne | 365 Days of Baking & More says

June 14, 2018 at 10:30 pm

Oh, Amanda, I LOVE that video!!! I’m bummed I didn’t get to see the otters on our excursion, but the whale sightings were wonderful. I’m also bummed I never found those donuts!! Oh well, next time…because I’d definitely love to go again. Icy Strait Point was definitely one of my favorite stops. The weather was gorgeous that day, but the scenery was spectacular!

June 15, 2018 at 3:20 pm

Oh the weather was AMAZING! And yes the donuts!! We have to go again for sure!

Jackie says

June 14, 2018 at 3:53 pm

What a beautiful re-cap of our day in Icy Strait, Amanda. Looking at the photos brings back so many wonderful memories. That excursion was absolutely incredible. So many whales! And wasn’t that feast unbelievable?! Memories to last a life-time, my friend.

For sure!! I was so blessed to be able to make these amazing memories with such good friends! <3

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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Alaska whale watching & wildlife.

Feel the freedom when you cruise to Alaska whale watching.

You don't have to look hard to find wild, untamed beauty in Alaska. Even the sky dances when the Northern Lights come out to play, and each of the glaciers have their own personality. Witness the wonders of breaching whales at Kenai Fjords National Park, or play with brightly colored puffins as you explore the harmony of the Alaskan ecosystem. From the mighty caribou that meander on land at Denali National Park to the seals that own the ocean in Kuskokwim Bay, the web of life is a delicate balance here, and it plays out in front of your eyes. Cheer on your favorite dog sledding team, or take the family on a crabbing expedition in Ketchikan. No matter your choice of adventure, you'll be amazed by all that Alaska has to offer.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Alaska wildlife and whale watching experiences onboard our best cruise ships

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WONDERS OF THE WILDERNESS

Wonders of the Wilderness Alaska's rugged landscape is rich with wildlife, and viewing opportunities abound for anyone willing to seek them out. Whether you go on a vigorous hike or float peacefully, your breath will be taken away with your vacation to enjoy the best of Alaska whale watching and wildlife experiences.

ORCA-STRATED BEAUTY

A breaching humpback hurls it's 66,000-pound body out of the water, only to crash back down again in a mighty splash. Spyhopping orcas stand vertically in the water, checking out the view above the surface. Whale-watching excursions from Kenai Fjords National Park, a quick five-minute car ride from the port at Seward, allow you to view these gentle giants against a glacial backdrop as they graze past your boat.  

YOU'LL BE ENRAPTOR-ED

Often spotted hunting, circling high in the sky or perched in a tall evergreen, keeping watch over the area, the majestic bald eagle owns the Alaskan skies. Near the port of call at Sitka, tour the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other raptors such as owls, hawks and falcons are rehabilitated. After watching raptors regain strength and practice survival skills in their Flight Training Center, you'll leave in awe of the wondrous wingspan and incredible intensity of these flyers.

SEAL OF APPROVAL

As you approach the  massive glaciers , watch the distant icebergs for small dark specks. Seals haul out on the ice to rest, often leaving their young unattended on the frozen surface. Head to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward for an up-close view of these adorable, agile creatures.

Best Alaska Wildlife

A cruise to Alaska is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Alaska wildlife and whale watching onboard the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

Sail inside the calm waterway between sheltering islands and the mainland of Alaska and  Canada  known as the Inside Passage. Stunning wilderness and abundant wildlife combine with an occasional whale splash for an unforgettable adventure.

ALL ABOARD THE WILDERNESS EXPRESS

Combine the Alaska cruise with a train adventure aboard the Wilderness Express, Royal Caribbean's luxurious, domed-topped rail car designed for optimal viewing of the breathtaking scenery. Be on the lookout for Denali, North America's tallest peak that rises from Denali National Park. This mountain, Alaska's crown jewel, is studded with beautiful wildflowers, lakes, rivers, peaks and majestic wildlife that you don't want to miss.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

In Alaska, where moose graze next to massive mountains, there's no shortage of wild adventure. The Tongass National Forest is the nation's largest forest, and its flora and fauna come alive amongst the glaciers, fjords and Coast Mountain peaks that it encompasses. Caribou and brown bears peek through veils of mist under the towering canopy of trees, and eagles fly through the treetops. Whether you reach the forest by trail, boat or floatplane, be sure to trek along the many hiking paths that wind throughout the area.

In early summer, the midnight sun illuminates the landscape throughout the night. The Northern Lights are less predictable, ribbons of color dancing across the sky to their own rhythm. If you arrive in Alaska at the right time of year, don't miss this spellbinding display.

Bring your camera, because there are sure to be some priceless moments during your animal encounter, but try to live in the moment as well. This is especially true for any primate encounters — mischievous monkeys have been known to steal easily accessible belongings from their human cousins.

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Mosquitoes are common in Alaska, so pack bug repellent, and be sure to keep it handy on shore excursions.

Prepare to dress in layers, including a hat and rain jacket, because the temperatures in Alaska can change quickly throughout the day.

Tours will involve walking over many different types of terrain, so bring good walking shoes that provide adequate support.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Wherever you step on, will be the best wildlife experience of your life.

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15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

F or many, an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You don't want to screw it up because you might not get the chance for a do-over. Unfortunately, it's easier than you think to make Alaska cruise mistakes that can ruin a trip or prevent you from experiencing Alaska to the fullest.

While cruises to the Last Frontier are not polar-cruise-level adventures, they require more careful planning than for a Mexico or Caribbean sailing. You need to get all the details right, from booking the cruise and packing your bags to what to do and see during your cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a list of things you should never do on an Alaska cruise. Avoid these Alaska cruise mistakes, and you'll be on your way to a smooth sailing.

Alaska cruise planning mistakes to avoid

No matter how many times you've cruised before, you might be shocked at how much planning you need to do for an Alaska sailing. Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience.

Assume all Alaska cruises are the same

This is an easy mistake to make on your first Alaska cruise. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip.

Are you looking for a full day of glacier time? Try a midseason sailing that visits Glacier Bay National Park . Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes.

Want to see whales? A round-trip Alaska cruise in June is ideal. Do you want to fish for salmon? You'll want to book at the peak of the salmon fishing season, from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few don't, so make sure it's on the itinerary if you wish to fish.

Are you taking kids on your Alaska cruise? Big ships often have more for kids to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship.

Wait to book excursions

You don't have to worry about booking tours in advance in some cruise destinations. Alaska cruises are not like that.

Alaska shore excursions fill up fast. It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book. The only solution is to sign up for tours as early as possible.

Does this mean you shouldn't take advantage of last-minute Alaska cruise deals if you find them? Of course not. Snap those babies up — just come prepared with a list of second and third choices of excursions, just in case.

Related: Tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Overlook independent excursions

You don't have to stick with ship-sponsored shore excursions in every port in Alaska. On my last Alaska cruise, we booked kayaking independently for our stop in Ketchikan. It was one of the best experiences of the entire cruise. The company picked us up and dropped us off at the cruise ship. We were guaranteed an on-time return to the ship and paid far less than for the ship's kayaking excursions.

If you want to check out independent tours , you can find several Alaska excursion aggregators online or deal directly with independent businesses. Make sure you inquire about tour timing and leave a buffer so you won't miss your ship even if there's traffic or a delay.

Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home

You don't want to find yourself stuck in an airport because of a flight delay when you should be boarding your cruise. To avoid this problem, book your flights to arrive the day before your cruise departs rather than the same day.

If you think it can't happen to you, listen to my most recent flight horror story. I was on not one but two flights on the same day, where minor mechanical problems caused deplaning and two-hour delays. I should have landed at my destination at 11:30 a.m. but didn't arrive until after 5 p.m. Had that been embarkation day, my ship would have sailed without me.

Similarly, it's always best to book departing flights home for the afternoon in case the ship is delayed returning to port or is not cleared by authorities on time. If you're flying in or out of Anchorage, know that all transportation options include several hours of travel from the ports of Seward and Whittier; you might consider overnighting in Anchorage either pre- or post-cruise to play it safe.

Skip the travel insurance

Airline issues aside, Alaska can be a wee bit hazardous. You will encounter slippery slopes and rocky roads — and that's just walking through Alaska port towns. You might be participating in more daring activities than normal, such as flying in helicopters, hiking across glaciers, kayaking icy waters or zip lining through forests. It's easy for something to go wrong.

On my last Alaska cruise, I heard about two passenger emergencies. A kid broke an arm on the ship and needed surgery, so a family of five disembarked in Ketchikan — not exactly a cheap end to their vacation, I'm guessing. Later in the sailing, a sick passenger was airlifted directly off the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we made it to Victoria.

If you live in the U.S., your health insurance is most likely valid in Alaska. You'll be covered for medical expenses but not the other expenses associated with any injury that interrupts your cruise. Travel insurance is the way to go unless you want to pay for flight changes and medical evacuation out of pocket.

Related: The best cruise travel insurance plans

Alaska cruise packing mistakes to avoid

Packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. The region's unpredictable weather means it can be rainy and 50 degrees one day, then sunny and 85 degrees the next. Mix in boat rides and glacier watching from the ship at 6 a.m., and you have a complicated packing job ahead of you. Don't make these Alaska cruise packing mistakes.

Forget your rain gear

Rule No. 1 on Alaska cruises: Pack rain gear. It might not rain one drop on your cruise, but chances are good that the weather will be wet at some point on your trip. When it does, you'll want the right gear to stay dry and not be drippy and miserable.

Waterproof shoes or boots are a must. For extra protection, spray them with a water-repellant sealer before you pack. You can stow lightweight raincoats or ponchos and pull-on rain pants in your backpack during excursions when you don't need them.

Skimp on layers

Layers are the only way to dress on an Alaska cruise. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

I especially like puffy vests and jackets for Alaska. You can shed the jacket as temperatures allow, then lose the vest if it gets even warmer. Top everything with caps, knit hats, earmuffs and gloves. Those things might be excessive for a stroll through town but important in the wind on a whale watching boat.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Overpack on eveningwear

The dress code on most Alaska cruises is more relaxed than in other cruise destinations. Days are long and outdoorsy, leaving people less enthusiastic about rushing back to the ship to put on fancy clothes and dress shoes.

Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. Jazz up casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with jackets or scarves. You can leave the formalwear and high heels at home.

Cheap out on insect repellant

Mosquitoes in Alaska aren't always a nuisance, but they can be horrendous. Pack insect repellant and full-coverage clothing as though you were planning to visit a rainforest ... because you are.

If you don't plan on checking a bag, pick up bug spray in your departure city or first port of call.

Leave the binoculars and cameras at home

One question I get asked often is whether you can see whales and other wildlife from the ship. The answer is a resounding yes. Unfortunately, much of what you will see is from a distance.

You can solve that problem with a pair of lightweight binoculars. They're also useful for getting a close-up view of glaciers or spotting eagles in port. Consider bringing a pair for everyone in your group because you don't want to fight over one pair when a pod of whales comes into view.

As for cameras, I recommend that everyone in your travel group has a water-resistant camera or a waterproof smartphone case or pouch. I lean toward cameras rather than phones for two reasons. One, most cameras dropped into the depths of an Alaskan bay pose a less traumatic loss than most smartphones. My second reason is in the next section.

Related: Can you use your cellphone on a cruise?

Mistakes to avoid during your Alaska cruise

Once you're on board your ship, it's time to put all the stress of planning and packing behind you. You've made it, and you don't want to let anything get in the way of enjoying your cruise.

Stare at your phone too much

An Alaska cruise is the ideal time to hit pause on your digital life. Sure, you want to capture the amazing scenery, but you know what? Few of the pictures you take will accurately portray the scale of the beauty of Alaska.

The photos you'll enjoy most when you look back next year are the ones of your travel partners enjoying the trip. Take those, then spend your time soaking up the enchantment of this place. The news, the email correspondence and your Instagram followers can take a back seat until you're back home.

Assume the seas will be smooth

Don't be surprised if you feel seasick in Alaska's waters, even if no other cruise has made you feel that way. Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.

Ships also do a lot of maneuvering, including turning complete circles designed to give everyone on board access to the amazing views. Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people.

Prepare by packing motion sickness relief bands you place on pressure points on your wrists, prescription scopolamine transdermal patches, ginger candies, over-the-counter seasickness medications and herbal motion sickness patches. I've used these for years, with only one failure on a rather small ship.

You can also treat the woozies with seasickness tablets, which are often available free at the medical center or guest services, green apples from the buffet and ginger ale from your ship's friendly bartenders.

Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise

Spend all your time indoors

You packed all those clothing layers — now's the time to use them. The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Don't wimp out in an observation lounge. Bundle up and head outside to fully take in the view. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck.

The best souvenir advice I've received is to buy a cozy throw or blanket at your first port stop. It won't cost a fortune and will serve a purpose for the rest of the cruise. Picture yourself cozy and warm in your fuzzy Alaska souvenir blanket, sipping hot chocolate while watching glaciers calving. Once home, you'll remember your epic vacation every time you snuggle up on the couch.

Sleep through your vacation

This is not a cruise you want to sleep through — and even if that's your plan, you may have difficulty accomplishing it. Long hours of daylight, excursions and glacier viewings that start early and even your own fear of missing out can have you out of bed early and staying up later than you might on any other cruise.

Sleep apps and eye masks may help with the daylight situation. I also find that Alaska cruises are ideal for ordering room service meals. It definitely saves time before morning excursions and can provide a bit of downtime in your cabin for lunch or dinner on occasion.

Fail to try something new

Your Alaska cruise offers many opportunities to try things you might never have the chance to do again. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the frigid Alaska waters or play with sled dog puppies. Or, how about riding in a sled pulled by sled dogs? We already mentioned salmon fishing, which is surprisingly fun, even if you'd never go fishing at home.

The array of things to try in Alaska can be as tame or as adventurous as you want — it's the joy of discovery that's key. I once kayaked in Ketchikan with a woman on her first solo cruise in Alaska. She'd never kayaked before. When our marine biologist guide pulled a sea cucumber from the crystal-clear waters to show us, she squealed with delight when he offered to let her hold it. That's the kind of joy you cruise to Alaska to experience.

Bottom line

You can avoid the most common Alaska cruise mistakes with a little extra planning.

The goal is to have the Alaska cruise experience you and your travel companions long for. Achieve that by choosing an itinerary that gets you to the things you want to see and do, shopping early for excursions (especially the ones you have your heart set on) and packing gear and clothes that will keep you comfy during your Alaska adventure.

Everything else is about stepping outside, breathing in the shockingly clean air and enjoying the cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start with these stories:

• Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Alaska with points and miles
• The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
• 6 best Alaska cruises for families
• 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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 Port Adventures Alaska

Exciting shore excursions specially selected by Disney Cruise Line

•  Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska
•  Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
•  Icy Strait Point, Alaska
•  Juneau, Alaska
•  Ketchikan, Alaska
•  Sitka, Alaska
•  Skagway, Alaska
•  Tracy Arm, Alaska
•  Vancouver, Canada
•  Victoria (British Columbia), Canada
• Clear Filters
•  Sightseeing
•  Private Adventures
•  Signature Collection
•  Beach and Water Adventures
•  Culinary Adventures
•  Port Adventures by Accessible Travel Solutions
•  Wheelchair Transfer Required
•  Wheelchair Accessible
•  Less than $50
•  $50 to $99
•  $100 to $199
•  $200 to $399
•  $400 to $799
•  $800 and Above

 Ports of Call

 experience type,  activity level,  accessibility,  price range, alpine zipline adventure (ju42).

• Active, Nature
• $269.00* (ages 10 and up)
• Juneau, Alaska

5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration (JU49)

• $369.00* (ages 10 and up), $329.00* (ages 2 to 9)

Adventure Kart Expedition (KE15)

• $369.00* (ages 10 and up), $249.00* (ages 8 to 9)
• Ketchikan, Alaska

Adventure Park and Ropes Course (IS28)

• $74.00* (ages 10 and up), $54.00* (ages 5 to 9)
• Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Adventure Park and Zip Lines (SW01)

• $189.00* (ages 10 and up), $144.00* (ages 8 to 9)
• Skagway, Alaska

Aerial Zip and Rappel Adventure (KE14)

• $299.00* (ages 10 and up)

Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens (VT15)

• Sightseeing
• $299.00* (ages 10 and up), $199.00* (ages 8 to 9)
• Victoria (British Columbia), Canada

Alaska Bears & Silver Bay Homestead Experience (SI20)

• Nature, Sightseeing
• $274.00* (ages 10 and up), $234.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
• Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Bigfoot Adventures (KE70)

• $169.00* (ages 10 and up), $139.00* (ages 6 to 9)

Alaska Coastal Expedition (KE30)

• Active, Nature, Beach and Water Adventures
• $199.00* (ages 10 and up), $189.00* (ages 7 to 9)

Alaska Family Fun and Exclusive Lumberjack Show (KE62)

• $189.00* (ages 10 and up), $99.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Alaska Hummer Adventure (KE21)

• Nature, Sightseeing, Private Adventures
• $799.00* (All Ages)

Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition (SW38)

• $269.00* (ages 10 and up), $194.00* (ages 5 to 9)

Alaska Raptor Center and Nature Walk (SI01)

• Sightseeing, Cultural
• $104.00* (ages 10 and up), $84.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Alaska Salmon Bake, Glacier and Hatchery (JU07)

• $144.00* (ages 10 and up), $99.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Alaska Whales & Rainforest Trails (JU34)

• $259.00* (ages 10 and up), $159.00* (ages 5 to 9)

Alaska Whales & Science Adventure (JU33)

• $259.00* (ages 10 and up), $159.00* (ages 3 to 9), $159.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Alaska Zodiac Adventure and Fin Island Lodge (SI16)

• Nature, Beach and Water Adventures
• $249.00* (ages 10 and up), $179.00* (ages 8 to 9)

Alaska's Whales & Glaciers Photo Safari (JU57)

• $269.00* (ages 10 and up), $169.00* (ages 5 to 9)

Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land and Sea (KE17)

• $459.00* (ages 10 and up), $349.00* (ages 5 to 9)

Alaskan Fish Camp & Wilderness Dining (KE35)

• $499.00* (ages 10 and up), $399.00* (ages 5 to 9)

Alaskan Lodge Adventures and Seafeast (KE64)

• Nature, Signature Collection
• $199.00* (ages 10 and up), $139.00* (ages 3 to 9), $139.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Alpine Lake Canoe Adventure (SW61)

• $199.00* (ages 10 and up)

Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure By Segway (JU80)

• $229.00* (ages 14 to 65)

Alpine Zipline and Mendenhall Glacier (JU24)

• $369.00* (ages 10 and up)

Annette Island Cultural Celebration with Exclusive Family Activity (KE51)

• Nature, Signature Collection, Cultural
• $259.00* (ages 10 and up), $169.00* (ages 3 to 9), $169.00* (ages 0 to 2)

Artist Walk – Hot Italian Glass Experience (SI11)

• $89.00* (ages 12 and up)

ATV Expedition (IS03)

• Active, Nature, Sightseeing
• $269.00* (ages 10 and up), $239.00* (ages 6 to 9)

Authentic Alaska Fishing (KE36)

• $559.00* (ages 10 and up), $469.00* (ages 8 to 9)

Back Country Jeep Adventure (IS18)

• $209.00* (ages 10 and up), $179.00* (ages 3 to 9), $0.00* (ages 0 to 2)
• * All prices subject to change without notice.