Alaska Cruises with Teens: Complete Guide

Alaska cruises offer teens thrilling experiences including glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, and adventure activities like kayaking, zip-lining, and dog sledding. Most cruise lines provide dedicated teen clubs, shore excursions tailored to younger travelers, and opportunities to explore ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Peak season runs during summer months when weather is optimal for outdoor adventures.

Quick Facts: Alaska Cruises with Teens

Want to know more about planning your Alaska cruise adventure?

Why Alaska Works for the Teen Crowd

Teenagers can be tough customers on vacation. They’ve outgrown the kids’ pool but aren’t quite ready for spa days and wine tastings. Alaska hits differently because the destination itself does the heavy lifting. Giant chunks of ice calving off glaciers, bears fishing for salmon, and bald eagles perched overhead create genuine “whoa” moments that even the most jaded 15-year-old can’t dismiss.

The adventure factor matters here. Unlike Caribbean cruises where snorkeling might be the peak excitement, Alaska offers activities teens can’t do at home unless you live somewhere remarkably cool. Where else can they stand on a glacier, mush a dog sled team, or kayak past icebergs the size of houses?

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Not all Alaska cruises treat teens equally. Some lines view teenagers as overgrown children while others basically ignore them. Here’s what actually matters:

Best Teen Programs

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Entourage teen club stays open late with movies, gaming tournaments, and activities specifically designed for the 13-17 crowd. Staff actually understand teen culture.
• Royal Caribbean: Their teen lounges feature video games, pool tables, and organized activities. The rock climbing walls and FlowRider surf simulators give teens something active to do.
• Celebrity Cruises: More sophisticated vibe that older teens appreciate. The teen program feels less forced and camplike.
• Princess Cruises: Solid middle ground with dedicated spaces and activities but not as extensive as the lines above.
• Holland America: Traditionally older crowd but they’ve upgraded teen offerings. Better if your teen is more introverted and prefers quieter environments.

Small ship expedition cruises can work wonderfully for teens interested in wildlife and nature but skip the teen clubs entirely. Everyone does activities together regardless of age which some families prefer. Similar considerations apply when looking at cruising with kids of different ages or cruising with seniors in your group.

Shore Excursions That Don’t Bore Teens

The standard narrated bus tour through town will have your teen begging to go back to the ship. Choose excursions with physical activity, animals, or genuine adventure. Check out family excursions in Alaska for options that work across age groups.

Top Teen-Approved Excursions by Port

Juneau:

• Glacier kayaking or canoeing (legitimately challenging and beautiful)
• Dog sledding on Mendenhall Glacier (operates even in summer on the ice field)
• Whale watching tours (pick smaller boats for closer encounters)
• Rainforest canopy tours with zipline adventures

Ketchikan:

• Misty Fjords floatplane tour (flying over wilderness beats looking at totem poles for most teens)
• Zip lining through the Tongass National Forest
• Snorkeling in Alaska (yes really, with dry suits that keep you warm)
• Sport fishing charters if your teen enjoys fishing

Skagway:

• White Pass Railway to Fraser and back (scenic even for phone-scrollers)
• ATV or Jeep tours on backcountry trails
• Rock climbing and rappelling at Pitchfork Falls
• Bike and float combo trips

Sitka:

• Sea kayaking along the coast
• Stand-up paddleboarding tours
• Wildlife quest tours focusing on bears, whales, and otters
• Ocean rafting adventures

Icy Strait Point:

• The world’s longest zipline (seriously impressive at over a mile long)
• Bear watching at Pack Creek
• Ocean fishing excursions

Booking Strategy

Book excursions independently through local operators for better pricing and often smaller group sizes. Cruise line excursions guarantee the ship won’t leave without you but independent tours usually coordinate with cruise schedules anyway. Read reviews from families with teens specifically since what works for retirees doesn’t always translate.

Onboard Life with Teenagers

The beauty of cruising with teens versus younger children is they can roam independently. Most cruise lines give teens freedom to move around the ship without parents shadowing them which everyone appreciates.

Making the Most of Teen Programming

Encourage your teen to check out the teen club on embarkation day or the first sea day. They’re more likely to go if they scope it out early and meet other teens before cliques form. Staff organize activities like:

• Late-night deck parties and movies
• Gaming tournaments
• Sports competitions
• Karaoke and talent shows
• Group shore excursions just for teens

Some teens never set foot in the club and that’s fine too. The ship offers plenty to do independently.

Handling Connectivity

Cell service in Alaska is spotty at best when you’re at sea and expensive WiFi packages are the norm. Set expectations before boarding. Many teens find the digital detox refreshing once they adjust. Consider buying one WiFi package for the family to share for checking in rather than individual packages.

Dining Considerations

Traditional assigned dining times can feel restrictive with teens. Consider:

• Anytime dining that lets you eat when everyone’s actually hungry
• Letting teens order room service for late breakfast on sea days
• Splitting up occasionally so teens can dine with friends they’ve made
• Buffet options for picky eaters who stress about formal dining

What to Pack (That You Wouldn’t Think Of)

• Binoculars: Essential for wildlife spotting. Teens who think they won’t care absolutely will when a whale surfaces
• Motion sickness prevention: Alaska waters can get choppy. Pack wristbands, ginger chews, or medication
• Layers including waterproof jacket: Weather changes constantly. That sunny morning in Juneau can turn rainy by afternoon
• Broken-in hiking shoes: Not the time for new shoes that cause blisters during shore excursions
• Deck of cards or travel games: For sea days when teens hang in the cabin
• Reusable water bottles: Stays hydrated during excursions matter more than teens think
• Portable charger: For keeping phones alive during long excursion days
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The summer sun reflects intensely off water and glaciers

Managing Expectations and Freedom

The dynamic of families versus couples traveling shows up clearly with teens onboard. Set ground rules before sailing:

• Decide which meals are mandatory family time
• Establish check-in times when they’re exploring the ship independently
• Agree on which excursions are family activities versus optional
• Set a reasonable curfew for returning to the cabin
• Discuss onboard spending limits and how the ship card works

Most cruise lines require teens under 18 to be supervised after midnight and won’t serve alcohol to anyone under 21 regardless of international waters. That said, giving teens appropriate independence makes the vacation better for everyone.

Money Matters

Teens can charge items to the ship card linked to your account which sounds dangerous but most lines let you set spending limits. Discuss what’s covered (included dining, most activities) versus what costs extra (specialty restaurants, arcade games, spa services, photos, souvenirs).

In ports, bring cash for teens to have spending money for snacks or small souvenirs. Many Alaska port shops accept cards but cash works everywhere and helps teens budget.

Special Situations

Traveling with diverse family needs? Consider researching accessible cruises if mobility is a factor, solo travel options if a single parent is cruising with teens, or honeymoon cruises if you’re blending families.

Bonus Tips Nobody Tells You

• Book glacier view rooms on the starboard side for northbound cruises: You’ll be closer to glaciers and coastal scenery going north
• Download offline entertainment before sailing: Netflix and Spotify allow downloading content that teens can watch without WiFi
• The best wildlife viewing happens early morning: Yes, this means dragging teens out of bed but whales and bears are most active at dawn
• Formal night is optional: Nobody forces you to dress up. Plenty of casual dining venues stay open
• Bring a highlighter for the daily schedule: Mark activities each person wants to do so you can plan around each other
• The library stocks games and books for free: Most ships have surprisingly good selections teens might actually use
• Ask about teen-only excursions: Some ships offer supervised shore excursions specifically for the 13-17 crowd that parents don’t attend
• Scenic cruising days are underrated: Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord days when the ship slows down produce incredible photo opportunities
• Pack playing cards or UNO: Sea days and evening downtime go better with simple entertainment that doesn’t require WiFi
• The teen club often has the best snacks: Staff want teens to hang out so they stock better food than you’d expect

Common Questions and FAQ

Will my teen actually meet other teenagers on an Alaska cruise?

Summer Alaska cruises attract families so yes, there will be other teens. Larger ships during peak season (late June through early August) have the most teen passengers. The first few days are crucial for meeting people so encourage your teen to attend teen club activities early in the cruise.

Can teenagers get off the ship without parents in port?

Policies vary by cruise line but most require teens under 18 to be accompanied by someone 21 or older when going ashore. Some lines allow 16-17 year olds off independently with signed parental permission. Check your specific cruise line’s policy.

What if my teen gets seasick?

Alaska’s Inside Passage is generally calmer than open ocean but rough patches happen. Book a midship cabin on a lower deck where motion is less noticeable. Bring multiple seasickness remedies since what works varies by person. Fresh air on deck often helps more than staying in the cabin.

Are Alaska excursions physically demanding for less athletic teens?

Excursions are rated by activity level. Plenty of moderate options exist like wildlife cruises, scenic railways, and easy nature walks. That said, the most memorable experiences do involve some physical activity. Teens in average shape handle glacier treks and kayaking fine with proper pacing.

Should we book a balcony cabin with teens?

Balconies are wonderful for Alaska’s scenery but teens will spend minimal time in the cabin. Consider an inside or ocean view cabin and spend the savings on better excursions. Exception: if your teen is introverted and values private outdoor space for downtime.

What about food for picky eaters?

Cruise ships offer extensive menus with options for selective eaters. Buffets provide the most choice. Most ships have pizza, burgers, and pasta available constantly. If your teen has specific dietary needs or restrictions, notify the cruise line in advance and they’ll accommodate.

How much spending money should teens have for souvenirs and extras?

Budget $100-200 for the week depending on shopping enthusiasm and whether you’re covering extras like specialty dining or arcade games. Alaska souvenirs aren’t cheap but teens often spend less than expected since they’re busy with activities.

Will teens be bored on sea days?

Alaska cruises typically have only one or two full sea days and those are often scenic cruising days through Glacier Bay or similar areas where there’s plenty to watch. Modern cruise ships offer enough activities (pools, sports courts, movies, teen club events) that boredom is rarely an issue.

Personal Experience

Taking our teenagers on an Alaska cruise last summer turned out way better than expected, mostly because we picked Norwegian Cruise Line – they have this awesome teen center where kids can actually hang out without parents hovering. Our 14 and 16-year-old were skeptical at first, but once they discovered the late-night movies and other teens their age, they were sold. The key was balancing structured family time with giving them freedom to do their own thing on the ship. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity also get high marks from other parents we met, but we found Norwegian hit that sweet spot of activities without feeling too kiddie or too formal.

For excursions, skip the standard bus tours if you want to keep teens engaged. We did a glacier kayaking trip in Juneau that had them paddling near icebergs and spotting seals, and honestly, they talked about it for days. The dog sledding experience on a glacier was another winner – something different enough that they couldn’t compare it to anything back home. In Ketchikan, we booked a wildlife boat tour instead of the salmon hatchery, and watching humpback whales breach just feet from our boat kept even our phone-obsessed teen completely present. The trick is choosing excursions with an element of adventure or animals, not just sightseeing. And here’s a practical tip: let them sleep in on sea days. Fighting them to make the breakfast buffet isn’t worth the mood it creates for the rest of the day.