Would a cruise to Alaska be fun for my 8 year old son?

Question

He has been telling me lately he really wants to go to Alaska and I thought it would be a nice father and son trip but I dont know if a kid his age would enjoy doing it on a cruise. If someone has experienced an Alaskan cruise I would appreciate your thoughts.

Answer 1

my friend did one of those and her brother was like eight, they're nature people and he loved it

Answer 2

You would be spending most of your time on the boat. So the question is not whether or not your son would like Alaska, it is whether or not your son would like to spend most of his vacation on a boat.

Where cruise ships dock in Alaska there is virtually nothing to see but tourist shops and they are virtually the same in every city.  8 year old boys can only look at the same T-shirts over and over again so many times before he's bored out of his mind.  These ports aren't the true representation of the towns they are in.  In fact now, in the off season, those entire sections of town are empty and the shops are boarded up.  The locals never go there.

If you want to take your son to Alaska find out what he wants to do, fly here, and rent an RV, and "rough it" a little (an RV is hardly roughing it, but it isn't a cruise ship either).  The time spent hiking, fishing, and camping with his dad will be far more memorable than a cruise ship full of casinos and bars he can't enjoy and T-shirt shops stuck in a Disney-esque facade of real Alaska.

I would recommend flying to Anchorage, renting an RV, and driving to/through Denali National Park.

Answer 3

it would be an experience of a life time for him.all boys his age dream of doing things like this with their dad.be it be a cruise,a car trip across country,a hike in the forrest, a camping trip,or whatever! if you can afford it ,why not  take him.you will be his "Hero".

Answer 4

i would recommend a tropical setting

Answer 5

In your research on which cruise to pick, I'd look carefully at the shore excursions or the options you have for independent adventures while in port.  If those look good, I think you'll both have a blast.

Answer 6

If you can take the time I would suggest a cruisetour. 11 days on Princess would show you both Alaska & then some. There is plenty of things to & see in each port. If you both like nature, wildlife, open land, friendly people & a trip you both will always remember then go. You will see whales from the ship, sea lions plus possible many more. The train ride from Whitter to Denali National Park is full of changes to see wild life as the train will stop at each sighting. The Dull Sheep are on just about every mountain side. In Fairbanks you will take a cruise on a real paddle boat where you will see how they train the dogs, go a native Indian Village where you will see more animals. Plus, the tour threw Denali is something you must see.

The only thing I would suggest is that you take a good camera so your son can take the pictures to school to share with others.

Answer 7

I was on a cruise to Alaska in 1999.  Since your son has expressed an interest in Alaska, then most likely he will enjoy the sightseeing.  

So what you want to do is pick a ship that is family friendly.  Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian all have good children's programs.  

By the way, a cruise ship is probably the best way to see Alaska.  Many of the ports you will visit are only accessible by ship or plane.  The advantage of a cruise ship is that you only have to unpack and pack once.  Also, you are not cooped up as you would be on a plane or bus.  While the ship is moving you can move around and enjoy all the activities and entertainment.