When I told friends and family we'd be experiencing SE Alaska on a cruise ship, the image that came to everyone's mind included a huge ocean liner, busy ports of call, fancy restaurants, kids clubs, and maybe a climbing wall. After all, kids don't go on those intimate small ship cruises you read about, right? Wrong! (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) Small ship cruise options are more … [Read more...]
Five reasons to book Alaska small ship cruises
February 9, 2015 By
A year ago, we wrote extensively about our small ship cruise experience with Alaskan Dream Cruises. If you liked what you read (and saw in our small ship cruise review video), now is the perfect time of year to book your summer cruise. However, I realize Alaska small ship cruises are a serious vacation investment. If hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing and shore excurions are on your list, you'll … [Read more...]
Why we picked a small ship cruise: Small ship cruise Alaska booking tips for families
October 2, 2013 By
Yes, families can and should book a small ship cruise Alaska! The day we disembarked from our Alaskan Dream Cruises small ship cruise, we toured a museum of SE Alaska in Ketchikan. It took my kids about 15 minutes to view the entire facility, so I stopped them at the exit to ask why they'd spent so little time inside. My oldest replied, "We already saw everything in this museum in 'real life' … [Read more...]
What to do in Ketchikan Alaska with kids
September 11, 2013 By
There's plenty to do in Ketchikan Alaska with kids! Whether in Ketchikan a day or two before or after a cruise or in the city for an extended time, there are a few must-sees. SE Alaska Discovery Center One of the best museums we viewed in Alaska, the SE Alaska Discovery Center is located in the heart of downtown Ketchikan, in easy walking distance of the cruise ship terminals. Start by … [Read more...]
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Alaska
September 9, 2013 By
Part of the Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers. Located just outside Juneau Alaska, Mendenhall can be driven to by tour bus or private vehicle, or can be explored from above via float plane or helicopter. While some helo tours do include a landing on the glacier, visitors arriving by car or bus will have access only to view Mendenhall and … [Read more...]
Best Juneau day excursion: Sled Dog Discovery and Mushers’ Camp
September 4, 2013 By
If given the opportunity to visit the Sled Dog Discovery and Mushers' Camp in Juneau Alaska, take it! It may well be the best Juneau day excursion for kids. This scenic camp deep in the Tongass National Rain Forest is a 30 minute bus ride from the Juneau cruise terminal (a camp driver will pick you up), and once there, visitors are treated to dog heaven. (Note: you should probably like dogs to … [Read more...]
Sitka day trips: Allen Marine Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest
August 30, 2013 By
Sitka Alaska has many attractions for families, but if time is tight and you only have one day to experience one of many Sitka day trips, spend it on the water of Sitka Sound with Allen Marine. Allen Marine has been running their wildlife tours for over 40 years, making them an authority on Sitka and wildlife and marine life viewing. Alaskan Native owned and operated, the company guarantees … [Read more...]
Sitka Alaska hotel review: Totem Square Hotel and Marina
August 28, 2013 By
Wondering where to stay in Sitka Alaska? Read on for our Sitka Alaska hotel review. The Totem Square Hotel and Marina is ideally located right on the harbor, with beautiful views of Sitka Sound and within walking distance of everything in town. The amenities at the Totem Square are average at best--expect the most standard of motel rooms, but the location and the on-site restaurant more than … [Read more...]
Things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids: three not-to-miss attractions
August 26, 2013 By
Whether you're embarking upon an Alaska cruise from Sitka or charting a fishing excursion, there are multiple things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids. The town is rich in Russian and Tlingit (Alaska Native) history, and is a bustling fishing port to this day. Be sure to schedule at least one extra day in town to explore the natural, historical, and cultural sights. Sitka boasts 8,500 residents, but … [Read more...]
