Families visiting Southcentral Alaska can see tidewater glaciers and wildlife together in one afternoon on a Prince William Sound day cruise from Whittier. Phillips Cruises & Tours offers two family-friendly options: the 26 Glacier Cruise (about 5.25 hours) and the shorter Glacier Quest Cruise (about 3.75 hours and 10 glaciers), which suits younger children. Both include a hot meal, Captain narration and our No Seasickness Guarantee, and everyone can move freely between indoor seating and the outer decks.

Planning Your Trip: A Guide for Families Cruising to Alaska

Alaska isn’t your ordinary vacation, which means planning ahead is essential for staying comfortable. These tips can help you prepare for a memorable family cruise.

• Include the kids in the planning process. Share pictures, videos, brochures, and information with your family to build excitement around your unique and exciting vacation.
• Pack for unpredictable weather. Expect chilly temperatures, rain, and generally unpredictable weather. Pack so all family members can dress in layers and stay comfortable for all activities.
• Research cruise options. Compare different cruises to learn about how the route and proposed activities are suitable for families. For example, the calm waters of Prince William Sound help guests avoid seasickness.

Unforgettable Sights for All Ages

Imagine a family adventure where you are as awe-stricken by new sights and experiences as your children. That’s exactly what you can expect when you embark on an Alaska day cruise. A kid-friendly Alaska cruise is the perfect way for families to experience Alaska together. Small cruise ships allow guests to get a close and personal view of dramatic shorelines, pristine glaciers, ice flows, and wildlife activity.

When you want to make the most of a single day, an afternoon spent cruising Prince William Sound offers adventure, learning opportunities, and scenic views that pack some of Alaska’s best experiences into an amazing afternoon. Cruise in comfort with indoor and deck views of sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, mountain goats, black bears, and migratory birds. Get up close to massive rivers of ice where you can listen to the snap, crackle, and splashes echo against the towering mountains and see unparalleled views of shimmering waterfalls cascading against the dark rock cliffs to the sea.

Typically, you can expect to enjoy a tasty, authentic Alaska meal during the cruise and have access to snacks and drinks throughout. Professional narration is often included, sharing information about key areas of interest, history, geography, and facts about the glaciers and wildlife you see along the way.

Choosing the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Family

If you’re ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure with the whole family, book an exhilarating day cruise with Phillips Cruises & Tours to explore the waters and shorelines of Prince William Sound. Choose our 26 Glacier Cruise to spend about 5.25 hours exploring Prince William Sound and see 26 glaciers, or our Glacier Quest Cruise to see 10 glaciers in about 3.75 hours. The calm waters of Prince William Sound combined with the even glide of cruising on a high-speed catamaran eliminates worries of seasickness, and free mobility about the ship allows families to enjoy the experience in comfort.

Ready to plan your family’s day on the water? Check departure times and child fares on our Rates page, then reserve your seats on our Book Now page. Questions about traveling with kids? Call 1-907-276-8023 or email info@26glaciers.com.