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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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Disney Alaska Cruise Planning and Tips

Taking a Disney Wonder Alaska cruise is a great way to experience nature with all the comforts and fun of a Disney vacation. Use our Disney Alaska cruise planning timeline and tips to make the most out of this expensive, but incredible vacation.

• 12 months or more before Alaska cruise
• 10 months or more before cruise
• 4 to 6 months before cruise
• 2 to 4 months before cruise
• 1 month before cruise
• Embarkation Day
• Our Favorite Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise Excursions

Disney Alaska Cruise Vacation Tips

12 to 15 months before your alaska cruise, book your disney alaska cruise.

Disney Alaskan cruises are extremely popular bucket-list vacations. Many people reserve their Alaska sailings as soon as the booking window opens for the best prices and room locations.

Pricing first increases not long after the Disney Alaska cruise itineraries are released and usually continue to climb. Guests booking their first Disney cruise should reserve a cabin when the dates open.

The best way to save on a pricey Disney Alaska cruise for experienced Disney cruisers is booking early and using a placeholder reservation. 

Placeholder reservations are only available to those who have previously cruised with Disney. Pay a $250 deposit while still on a Disney cruise and you’ll get a “placeholder”. Once this placeholder is reserved you have 24 months to use it. 

Placeholder deposits are applied to your next reservation and also provide a 10% discount on the Disney cruise. This discount saves a lot of money on expensive cruises like Alaska and Europe.

We used our placeholder discount for a Disney Wonder verandah room. These rooms have private outdoor balconies perfect for gorgeous inside passage views, but these are more expensive cabins.

Guests saving money with inside staterooms can head to Disney Wonder’s top deck for stunning wildlife views.

Alaskan Disney Cruise itineraries vary slightly by sail date. We were locked into specific dates so our ports of call were Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

In the end I was grateful our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise stopped in Skagway instead of Icy Point Straight. The White Pass Railway in Skagway was incredible versus what I think are less interesting Icy Strait Point excursion options.

10 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Book your hotel.

Hotels near Canada Place are in-demand with all Alaska cruise lines guests.  Easy access to Canada Place on embarkation day and a limited number of hotels within walking distance make prices soar and availability plummet much earlier than you’d expect. 

We opted for Pan Pacific Fairmont which is directly above Canada Place. Although the price was shockingly high for a mediocre room, embarkation was a breeze. 

Pan Pacific bell services has a convenient, tip-only service that brings your marked bags down to your ship straight from your room. This means no lugging heavy suitcases through the terminal.

If you opt for a hotel further away, budget for extra travel time. Heavy traffic and large crowds make arriving, dropping bags, and embarking take longer than you’d expect. 

6 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Check Your Passports

Everyone flying into Canada must have a valid passport to enter. Passports are routinely checked throughout the cruise since guests often cross the US and Canada border on excursions, too.

Last year US passport applications had a significant processing time with expected waits of 10 to 13 weeks plus mailing time. Thankfully 2024 US Passport application and renewal times have significantly decreased. Expect new passports to take 6 to 8 weeks or 2 to 3 weeks for renewals plus mailing time.

To avoid last minute drama, I still recommend applying for all new passports and renewals at least 6 months in advance. This ensures passports are in your possession well before Disney Alaska cruise check-in.

5 Months Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Research Excursions and On Board Activities

Excursion and on board activity reservations open as early as 120 days before the cruise so it’s wise to research options ahead of time. 

Each port has a range of potential excursions from simple sightseeing to ziplining, helicopter rides, and other active options. Excursion descriptions on Disney’s website have an overview of what to expect, mobility or age restrictions, and prices.

There are many excursion options at each port, but some fill up more quickly than others. For example, a tender boat excursion where guests take a ramp off the Disney Cruise Line ship onto a waiting boat for close up glacier viewing is one that routinely sells out. 

Glacier dog sledding via a helicopter is another excursion that sells out quickly despite the high price and risk of same-day cancellation due to weather. 

Disney Alaska cruises also have several sea days where guests can book special on board activities. The most popular on board options are alcohol tastings, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers , and Palo brunch or dinner reservations.

75 to 120 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Book Excursions and On Board Activities

On board and excursion booking windows vary by Castaway Cay Club status with higher status and concierge guests booking further ahead of time. 

Disney Cruise Line Booking Windows:

• Concierge – 130 days prior to departure
• Pearl ( After completing 25 DCL sailings ) – 123 days prior to departure
• Platinum ( After completing 10 DCL sailings ) – 120 days prior to departure
• Gold ( After completing 5 DCL sailings ) – 105 days prior to departure
• Silver ( After completing 1 DCL sailing ) – 90 days prior to departure
• First Time Disney Cruisers – 75 days prior to departure

Narrow down preferred Disney Alaska cruise excursions and then have one or two back up options in case your first choice is unavailable. This is especially important for guests who have later booking windows.

If you don’t get your preferred reservations, keep checking back. Sometimes availability is added closer to the sail date or as other guests cancel. 

We loved all of our Disney Alaska Cruise excursions and felt like they were the right choice for our family and friends. There’s tons of options, but here’s a quick overview of what we did.

Glacier Viewing (Stikine Icecap), Alaska

Glacier Explorer is the only Disney Wonder excursion on glacier viewing day. Your excursion begins by checking in and waiting for instructions in a holding area. 

From here the group walks down to a lower deck where a ramp leads from Disney Wonder directly onto a smaller glacier viewing boat. This tender boat gets incredibly close to glaciers where we were able to see both glacier calving and baby seals along the shore with our binoculars. 

This port adventure is expensive, but we enjoyed the experience and gorgeous pictures of Disney Wonder in icy surroundings. However, on our sailing Disney Wonder was able to get pretty close, making the excursion less crucial.

The picture above shows our view from the tender ship and the picture below shows the glacier view from our stateroom.

Skagway, Alaska

Steeped in Gold Rush history, Skagway is a small town with shops and cool National Park Service museums . We explored these on our own before taking our port adventure. 

We booked the Yukon Suspension Bridge, City and White Pass Railway excursion. This port adventure began with a bus ride back into Canada where we explored a small Yukon suspension bridge. From here we took the bus back to Fraser and climbed aboard the White Pass Railway.

The White Pass Railway runs along the same tracks used during the Gold Rush with incredible views of the Alaskan wilderness. Guests can sit inside the train car and watch through the large windows or stand on outside train platforms for an even more exciting experience.

I absolutely recommend riding the White Pass Railway. This train ride was unlike anything we’d done before and an iconic part of the Skagway area.

Some of our group did the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake Featuring Exclusive Disney Character Experience instead. Although the characters were cute and food decent, they didn’t love the overall experience and regretted forgetting bug repellant.

Juneau, Alaska

We booked the Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sled port adventure despite my nervousness about the helicopter ride to the top of Mendenhall Glacier. The flight provided stunning views of the glacier and riding a dog sled across the snowpack felt surreal.

Our group was lucky to experience a Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sled excursion. Groups before, and after, us had their port adventures canceled due to weather conditions right before leaving.

Want a dog sled experience without the risk of cancellation or the high price tag? We also considered the Dog Sledding Summer Camp port adventure which lets you play with puppies and ride on a cart through a forest.

Ketchikan, Alaska

We mostly explored Ketchikan on our own, visiting Creek Street, museums, and Salmon Ladder. However, we did opt for one super touristy excursion in Ketchikan, The Exclusive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

The lumberjack show was a hit with all ages in our group which encompassed a future Kindergartener, tween, teens, and adults. The riotous show demonstrated incredible lumberjack skills with most of the lumberjacks having serious competition credentials. 

We opted for the Disney Wonder Exclusive Lumberjack Show since some of the storytelling was modified to be more family friendly.

30 to 40 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Complete Online Check-in

Castaway Club status determines when online check-in is available for guests. Online check-in is an important step for anyone sailing on Disney Cruise Line since this is when guests choose a port arrival time.

Have family member pictures on a plain background, think passport style photos, taken on your phone before check-in.

Also have everyone’s passport information and pictures of the documents ready which are required to complete online check-in. Once all the essential documents and photos are uploaded you can book your port arrival time. 

Early port arrival times are ideal since you have early access to the ship to explore, swim, and eat even though staterooms are not available until later in the afternoon. 

Disney Cruise Line Online Check-in Windows:

• Concierge/Pearl – 40 days prior to departure
• Platinum – 38 days prior to departure
• Gold – 35 days prior to departure
• Silver – 33 days prior to departure
• First Time Disney Cruisers – 30 days prior to departure

Book Royal Gathering

Royal Gathering is a popular Disney Alaska cruise princess meet and greet.

Book a reservation time and then stand in one short line to meet several Disney princesses. On our Disney Alaska Cruise we met Tiana, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella in just a few minutes.

Reservations for Royal Gathering open 30 days before the sail date for all guests, regardless of Castaway Club status. Book this popular onboard activity right at 30 days for the best chance of reservations.

Find out more about Disney Cruise line character experiences in this article.

14 to 30 Days Before Disney Alaska Cruise

Start packing.

Alaska cruise packing is not for the faint of heart. Active outdoor excursions, formal nights, daytime clothes, and an unbelievably wide range of weather means you really need to pack for every option. 

I purchased so many things I wasn’t sure I’d use, like waterproof boots and pants, but ended up needing almost everything at least once. 

Packing early meant that as I thought of missing items I still had time to order them. Avoid the stress I felt by using my free, printable Disney Alaska Cruise packing list to keep track of everything you’ll need.

Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise Day Of Embarkation

Complete online questionnaire.

Every guest embarking Disney Wonder on an Alaska cruise must complete a health questionnaire before boarding. This form is easily done online and only takes a minute. 

Disney Wonder Embarkat ion

When completing online check-in you signed up for a port arrival time. This port arrival time window is when you complete the in-person check-in and then wait to board the ship. Earlier groups access the ship sooner. 

Wear a comfortable outfit you’d like for pictures. There are a couple photo ops before boarding Disney Wonder and it’s best to be camera ready.

Pack important items like medications, all documents like passports and IDs, and any other essential items in your day pack. Luggage arrives at the staterooms late. 

For example, on our Alaska cruise our luggage was the last to arrive of anyone we knew. It came so late we didn’t even have time to change for dinner the first night.

Start Your Epic Adventure

Have some lunch, explore the ship, and even take a dip or ride the water slide once you’ve embarked. Since the weather looked cool on embarkation day we didn’t wear our suits on, but I did pack them in our day pack.

The water was plenty warm and crowds were low so Elizabeth and her friends changed into suits and had a good time using the pool and slide before the Sail-A-Wave party.

The Sail-A-Wave party occurs on embarkation day and is usually timed to coincide with departing from the dock. The party features Disney friends in an energetic pool deck stage show and gets everyone excited for the trip to begin.

Book Wildlife Viewing Tours For (Almost) Guaranteed Experiences

We read a lot of reviews that wildlife viewing was easy on Disney Wonder Alaska cruises. While we did see some wildlife, it was few and far between. I regret we didn’t do a whale watching tour excursion or take one in Vancouver.

Most wildlife excursions don’t guarantee sightings, but reputable companies work hard to ensure the best chances to see wildlife.

Spend Time In Vancouver Before Your Cruise

We always recommend arriving in a port city at least one day before embarkation just in case there are flight delays or cancellations.

Vancouver is such a lovely destination we easily filled two whole touring days exploring this beautiful city. Our three night pre-cruise stay seemed perfect.

Pack Waterproof Gear

I read everywhere that I needed to pack waterproof gear, but I was skeptical we would actually use it. However, everywhere we went locals told us that we were in a temperate rainforest.

We used our waterproof gear on the ship, in Ketchikan, and in Juneau. I was so glad I bought and packed our waterproof boots, pants, and rain jackets. 

Have A Plan For Alaska Port Days

Alaska port towns are generally small and touristy with lots of shops. Although it is nice to walk around the towns it doesn’t provide the Alaska experience most of us picture when planning. 

Booking excursions lets you explore outside the port and experience more of what Alaska has to offer. I recommend booking excursions ahead of time, especially through Disney Cruise Line, for a generally seamless experience.

Walking off the ship you’ll find lots of booths hawking excursions, but often these tours are expensive and underwhelming. 

If you opt out of excursions, make a plan of what you’d like to do. For example, tour the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center in Skagway to learn about the area’s Gold Rush history.

Bring Binoculars

What wildlife we saw from Disney Wonder on our Alaska cruise generally needed binoculars. Views of Bald Eagles, a couple whales, and seals were all better with our binoculars.

Arrive Early For Broadway-Style Shows Like Frozen

There are three big productions on Disney Wonder: The Golden Mickeys, Disney Dreams, and Frozen. Both Disney Dreams and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, are incredible shows.

Arrive when the doors open for the best seats since the theater fills up quickly for performances.

Book Palo Brunch On Sea Days

Palo is an adult-only restaurant on Disney Wonder. The food, service, and atmosphere provide an elevated dining experience perfect for a day at sea. We enjoyed a long, multi-course brunch on our sea days without missing out on port adventures.

Buy The Disney Cruise Line Unlimited Photo Package

Although the unlimited downloads photo package is expensive, we loved having good quality photo ops where we are all in the picture.

Take advantage of photo opportunities at character meet and greets, dinner, and cool backgrounds in the lobby available before dinner on most nights. 

On our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise I pre-booked the Unlimited Digital Package which was $295.95 when reserved ahead of time. Once on the cruise the same package would have cost $349.95.

Check The Prohibited Items List

I knew our formal clothes would likely be wrinkled upon arrival. Irons are only available on-board in the laundry rooms for safety reasons. I packed a travel steamer so we could avoid the laundry room which gets very busy.

Fortunately the night before embarking I double checked the prohibited item list and discovered that steamers are not allowed.

I sadly had to leave a great steamer in our hotel room, but if I had left it in our bag it would have been confiscated and also delayed our luggage.

For Extra Fun Participate In Fish Extender Activities

We had never participated in a Fish Extender before our Alaska cruise. One family in our group surprised us with an extender (a hanging pouch placed outside your stateroom) and the other families delighted us each day with fun trinkets. 

We couldn’t wait to see what was waiting in the pouches when we went back to the room. If you aren’t traveling with a large group you can find Disney Alaska cruise fish extender Facebook groups for your sail date.

Understand Disney Cruise Line Rotational Dining

There are three Disney Wonder dining rooms: Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Triton’s. Guests experience the restaurants more than once over the course of a Disney Wonder Alaska cruise.

The dining rotation and tables are assigned to guests.  Upon embarkation you can see which restaurant you’ll dine at each night. 

We enjoyed our experiences at each of the restaurants. Tiana’s Place atmosphere is super fun with live music during dinner, but conversation is difficult on these nights. 

Another incredible dinner experience was on our third night at Animator’s Palate.

Everyone is encouraged to sketch a character on a special paper when they arrive for dinner. Through Disney magic these characters are animated and come to life on the screens surrounding the restaurant during dinner.

Final Thoughts On Disney Alaska Cruise Planning Timeline and Tips 

Our Disney Wonder Alaska cruise was a bucket list item and I did tons of planning for this once in a lifetime trip. I loved each of our excursions, the incredible scenery, and wonderful Disney vacation experiences.

Follow our Disney Alaska Cruise planning timeline and tips to make the most of this unique and expensive Disney vacation.

About The Author

Disney Cruise Alaska Guide

Everything you need to know, the alaska disney cruise is a once in a lifetime experience our disney cruise alaska guide has all the essential tips you need for the best cruise experience. swipe up or keep reading for all the best tips and everything you need to know to plan your alaska disney cruise.

The May and September sailings will be less expensive and may even not be fully booked because kids will still be in school. You should also consider that the later in the season you plan your cruise the higher the potential for rain during your trip. Swipe up for more info on pricing and deals!

When is the Best Time to Book Your Cruise?

There is a formal night onboard the ship, so bring a nicer outfit if you want to participate! Also, make sure to bring your binoculars and consider getting a camera extension for your iPhone to increase your zoom strength! Swipe up to see all of our packing list notes!

What to Pack

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. You don't want to miss the incredible views! Swipe up to see all of our Disney Alaska Cruise Tips!

Disney Cruise Alaska Tip: Get outside!

There are free charms and a free charm bracelet that are available for guests everyday at a specific time. The charms are meant to get you in to the store looking at jewelry but they are still a cute keepsake. Swipe up to see all of our Disney Alaska Cruise Tips!

Disney Cruise Alaska Tip: Grab a charm bracelet! 

Swipe up to read our full disney cruise alaska guide.

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Cruise Parking in Vancouver – Long Term Lots and Rates 

Downtown Cruise Parking in Vancouver

Going on a Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska!

Looking for a place to park your car in Vancouver for your Alaska cruise? Here is some current information about parking your car near the cruise ship terminals in Vancouver. We have also included information on Vancouver hotels with parking.

1. Alaska Cruise Parking at Canada Place

There is a 2-level parkade at Canada Place for both short term and long term cruise parking. The rates are:

Advantages:

Very convenient, Secure, No reservations needed – just drive up! You can walk to the Canada Place cruise ship terminal – no taxi/shuttle van required!

Please Note:This parking lot is for Alaska cruise departing from Canada Place only.

The lot is operated by WestPark 604-669-7275 

2. Vancouver Hotels with Cruise Parking

There are many Vancouver hotels with cruise parking for before / after Alaska cruise packages that include parking and transfer by shuttle or taxi to the cruise ship terminal.

Pan Pacific Hotel – Parking services available for guests visiting Canada Place.

They have Valet parking with in & out privileges for Hotel Guests ($ 35.01 per night, including taxes) Hourly, short term and long term, cruise ship long term parking is also available. Parking Charges you each time your vehicle exits the parking garage.(no in/out privileges)

Daytime: $ 3.75 per 1/2 hour to a max. of $ 23.00 from 6am- 6pm Evening: $ 3.75 per 1/2 hour to a max. of $ 8.00 up to 6 am 24 Hour: $ 30.00 max.for a 24 hour period

Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport **Special Promo**

This package includes 14 days of complimentary parking. Extra overnight parking is $10+tax per nite but only applicable when booking the Stop Over Rate - You must fly out or board cruise ship the next day to qualify for rate.

Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites - **Special pre or post cruise packages**

One night accommodations, $25 food and beverage credit for each day of stay for Room Service or The Brasserie Restaurant. Limo transportation to the cruise ship port (Pre-Cruise Package). Taxi transportation from your port to the hotel if a (Post-Cruise Package). Parking for the duration of your stay and cruise.

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10 Do’s and Don’ts for your Disney Alaska Cruise

It’s almost time for Disney Cruise Line’s yearly Alaska sailings!  In fact, it’s almost time for Disney to release their 2020 Alaska sailings, and I’m guessing several of you are thinking about booking.  I’ve done Disney cruises all over the world, and Alaska will always be one of my favorites.  It’s amazing.  It is, however, a very different experience than a typical Caribbean cruise.  Here are some tips that will help you prepare!

2. Don’t Count on an Upgrade in Port – You’ve heard me say before that there are often great upgrades at steep discounts available in port. In Alaska, they are fewer and farther between. It’s all about that view.  Everyone wants one, and they are gone by boarding day.  I’m not saying it’s impossible, so get to the port early and try!  What I am saying, is book a room you will be happy with.  If you aren’t going to be happy in an inside room, don’t book it, hoping for an upgrade.  Book what you will be happy with.  If there are upgrades available – woohoo!  Bonus!

6. Do Be Prepared to Enter Canada – An interesting law that you may need to be aware of is a Canadian law that will not allow anyone with a felony to cross their border, no matter how long ago it occurred. Under Canadian law, a DUI is a felony. If you do not clear some legal hurdles beforehand , you can and will be denied entry.  Also, for anyone wondering what kind of proof of citizenship is needed for an Alaskan cruise, Disney spells it all out right here for you.  Easiest answer – get a passport.

8. Don’t be Frightened off by Expensive Flights to Vancouver – There are more options to get to Vancouver than you think! Some of you may live close enough to drive, but most will probably fly. My family tends to avoid using airline miles for overseas flights because it takes so gosh darn many of them.  The good news about Canada, is that with many airlines, it takes the same amount of miles to fly there as it does to fly domestically within the US.  You can also consider flying into Seattle.  It’s possible to rent a car and drive to Vancouver from there, but the train is a fun option as well.  Look at all your options before making your decision!

Bonus – Don’t Worry About Missing Glacier Bay.  Disney gets a bad rap for not visiting Glacier Bay on its itineraries.  I’ve been there, and Glacier Bay is stunning, amazing.  The good news is – so is Endicott Arm.  Or Tracey Arm, or whatever arm Disney will sail through.  You can’t see all the glaciers in Alaska on any single itinerary, but you’ll see plenty with Disney.  And you will be amazed by the beauty.  I’m already excited for you!

Do any other Alaska cruisers have tips?  Or questions?

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].

9 thoughts on “ 10 Do’s and Don’ts for your Disney Alaska Cruise ”

Disney’s website mentions pools on the ship for the Alaska sailings. Given how you describe the weather here, it doesn’t seem like I should plan on any swimming. What is Disney talking about?

Actually, I think you should absolutely pack swimsuits! The pools are heated to a great temperature, and there are always hot tubs. We definitely swim in Alaska. 🙂

Good to know!!

Any water slides?

Just the Twist & Spout for kids. That one would probably be too cold for me (too much of your body is out of the water), but kids may!

My kids are anti-cold splashing too 🙂

I second all of these suggestions! Truly the most amazingly beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen. I booked most of our excursions directly, which saved a lot of $$$. Most of the time, the Disney Excursion group actually joined us on the very same outing.

It is beautiful, isn’t it? And you are right! Disney often uses the same tour operators that you can book directly with!

Would you recommend the seven day with Icy Strait Points or without?

My philosophy on ports is – the more the better. If you ever decide you don’t want to get off, you can always make that your own “sea day”. But I’d recommend getting off everywhere for at least an hour or two! 🙂

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Alaska Cruise Packing Help!

• Thread starter DisneyGirlSB
• Start date May 29, 2016

DisneyGirlSB

Earning my ears.

• May 29, 2016

Hi, we are taking our first Alaskan cruise in July. I would love some tips for what to bring clothing and packing wise. I feel like the weather can be so unpredictable up there! What were some things you brought that you really needed, or what were things you didn't really need?  

Obsessive and Compulsive

On our first Alaskan cruise, we way overpacked - I brought everything I thought I *might* need, and then some. I had long underwear & multiple sweaters which were never used. The second time we went back, we did better, but still took too much. The key really is in clothes that you can layer and take on/off as needed depending on the day. Jeans/pants + a t-shirt is my base outfit, with a fleece jacket as my first outer layer, then a waterproof shell to add if necessary. I also bring one "indoor" sweater to use in the dining rooms or theatres because I find them cold. Gloves/hat were only needed on Tracy Arm day, but definitely appreciated and didn't take too much space in luggage. I only bring 2 pairs of shoes - the ones I wear most of the time (just sneakers) and a pair of dressy sandals for dinners. Remember that you can do laundry on the ship, so don't bring too many doubles of any of the big bulky stuff - plus, since you don't sweat as much in a colder climate like Alaska, you can wear clothes more than once before they need to be washed. Don't forget your binoculars and camera! Aby  

Aby said: On our first Alaskan cruise, we way overpacked - I brought everything I thought I *might* need, and then some. I had long underwear & multiple sweaters which were never used. The second time we went back, we did better, but still took too much. The key really is in clothes that you can layer and take on/off as needed depending on the day. Jeans/pants + a t-shirt is my base outfit, with a fleece jacket as my first outer layer, then a waterproof shell to add if necessary. I also bring one "indoor" sweater to use in the dining rooms or theatres because I find them cold. Gloves/hat were only needed on Tracy Arm day, but definitely appreciated and didn't take too much space in luggage. I only bring 2 pairs of shoes - the ones I wear most of the time (just sneakers) and a pair of dressy sandals for dinners. Remember that you can do laundry on the ship, so don't bring too many doubles of any of the big bulky stuff - plus, since you don't sweat as much in a colder climate like Alaska, you can wear clothes more than once before they need to be washed. Don't forget your binoculars and camera! Aby Click to expand...

aroundtheriverbend

Dis veteran.

We are so excited, leaving home this Saturday for the 6/6 Alaska departure. I think I've read enough about the layers to be convinced to leave the parkas at home and just pack extra layers (saves a lot of room). Also, lots of advice on bringing bug sprays, as saw quite a few mentions of mosquitos being the "Alaskan State Bird"! Wouldn't have thought of that, as we would assume it would be too cold..... Does anyone have a perspective, are the dinners a little less dressy given the general nature of the Alaska cruise? Jeans take up a lot more room than shorts, so trying to pack as light as possible (not suggesting jeans for dinner). Thanks!  

Dinner dress was fairly casual on my Alaskan cruises. People were dressed cleanly, but most people were in simple casual clothes - jeans/casual pants were quite common on cruise casual nights, and there was quite a range on the semi and formal nights, from basic dress pants and a nice shirt, all the way up to tuxes and ballgowns with most people falling somewhere in the middle. On long port days, many people came to dinner in whatever they wore ashore but it was no big deal - everyone was very relaxed and comfortable!  

ScottNicholls

• Jan 2, 2018

One of the best ways to save time when you are packing just find the right list. For example, when I was packing on my first cruise, I found the http://www.cruisepackinglists.com/breaking-cold-alaska-cruise-packing-list/ website. It was very helpful because there are billions of things I hadn’t know about that kind of trip. So if you have the same problem just click the link. The service has very detailed information.  

Have earned one ear!

We did this cruise last June and found we did not need bug spray, but did need sunscreen. The sun came out our last "at sea" day and the decks by the pools were near 80 degrees...awesome. We got rain three of the days, so rain gear is needed. Camera and binoculars are a must. It will be an adventure to remember and repeat.  

I have been on 2 different Alaskan cruises. On the first it was unseasonably warm (near 80 most days). On the second, it was in the 50s and 60s most days. As others have said, bring layers. You'll want some short sleeve and some long sleeve items, a jacket, hat and gloves. (No need for a coat). There are laundry rooms on the ship, so no need to get carried away with packing tons of each item. You can always wash things if it turns out that you are getting way more very warm or very cold days. We did bring and wear formal wear. As other's said, we just wore jeans to dinner when it wasn't formal night. We brought waterproof hiking boots with us and we were happy to have them. It only rained one day for us, but the boots were good for muddy trails. (Whether you will get use out of them depends on what you plan in each port). We brought and used rain jackets too. But DCL supplies ponchos if you forget yours. And binoculars are a must.  

Best advice we got before our Alaskan cruise- bring good insulated travel mugs. We used them often for hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, mulled wine). It made it very comfy sitting on our balcony under blankets, even on Tracy Arm day. We used umbrellas a fair bit on excursions, in addition to our rain gear- and layers were essential as mentioned above. We're Canadian, so we didn't bring our main winter gear - just our in-between stuff, plus rain gear, which added insulation on the one day it was really cold. Backpacks for all were used often. But really- the most essential bit of packing? Good binoculars. They were amazing to have. And our good camera was totally worth packing (proper Canon Rebel).  

I wore a lot of capris in June when we went, was 80 degrees 2 of our port days.  

• Jan 3, 2018

Which July sailing? I can suggest some seasonal Vancouver opportunities (eg fireworks)  

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6 best Alaska cruises for families

A dorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, lively lumberjacks and majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you're looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose?

Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, one with laser tag and a go-kart race track, and many with expansive play spaces for kids, waterslides and family-focused onboard activities. Look for bigger ships with plenty of amusements; smaller and older ships might not have as many kid-friendly attractions.

I'm not mentioning luxury cruise ships here because they are geared for adults, but families looking for a more upscale, smaller-ship cruise to Alaska should know that many high-end lines will put on some kid programming during summer-break cruises to Alaska with a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

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

If you're ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families.

7-night Alaska Adventure cruise on Quantum of the Seas

The 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean 's largest-in-the-world Oasis Class ships, which boast zip lines, ice skating rinks and AquaTheaters. But it still offers a great mix of activities, including a skydiving simulator, a high-tech theater with robotic "dancing" screens, an escape room, an indoor basketball court/bumper car pavilion, and dedicated spaces for both kids and adults.

Kids can gobble up hot dogs and pizza at themed eateries, while adults can enjoy date night at Wonderland with its imaginative molecular gastronomy or Jamie's Italian, created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Seven-night Alaska cruises sail round-trip from the easily accessible port of Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. One day is spent cruising through the scenic Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Sailings depart between May and August.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

7-night Alaska cruise on Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line 's 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder (which can carry 2,713 guests when completely full) is the perfect-size ship for a family cruise to Alaska. It's smaller than many of the megaships catering to families in this part of the world, so guests can view glaciers and enjoy shore excursions without feeling too crowded.

The ship is full of Disney magic — photo ops with Mickey and friends and Disney princesses, restaurants themed to "The Little Mermaid" and "The Princess and the Frog," and a musical stage show of "Frozen."

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, with plentiful bunk beds and split bathrooms so two people can get ready for bed at once. Waiters assist with cutting up food for little cruisers or bringing pureed baby food, and the imaginative kids clubs keep little ones happily occupied when you're not exploring in port.

Disney Wonder's weeklong Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, so all Americans, even kids, will need passports to fly in to the departure port. The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Seasonal sailings run from May to September.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

7-night Alaska cruise on Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Line 's Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money. Families will appreciate not having to pay extra for kid-friendly eats at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican outlet, Guy Fieri's burger joint and all-day soft-serve ice cream station. Comedy shows (both family-friendly and adults-only), an onboard water park, minigolf, and kid, tween and teen clubs are also included in the fare.

Cabins are no-frills but tend to be roomier than comparable cabins on competitors' ships. Many rooms sleep four, but connecting cabins will get you more space and an extra bathroom while still keeping the family together.

Carnival Spirit spends summers in Alaska from late April to mid-September. It sails round-trip from Seattle and visits Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

7-night Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, and Norwegian Encore is based in the region from April through October each year. This might not help the typical family, but if your kids are young, you homeschool or have atypical breaks, a shoulder-season deal might be waiting for you.

The 3,998-passenger ship is NCL's biggest , and families will be amazed at how much there is to do on board (though be prepared to pull out your credit card for the best activities). The ship features a laser tag arena, go-kart race track, virtual reality pavilion and water park.

Norwegian is also known for its entertainment, and after a day hiking on glaciers or chowing down at salmon bakes, you can take in the spectacular "Choir of Man," sing along to the Beatles tribute show at The Cavern Club or laugh yourself silly at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best Alaska cruises for families, Norwegian Encore sails round-trip from Seattle, stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The standout day on this itinerary is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , which only a limited number of ships can visit each year. Save more by taking advantage of Free at Sea perks , which often include a free beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, specialty dining and — perfect for families — free third and fourth guests in each cabin.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Sapphire Princess

Families with a little more vacation time might want to tack a visit to the Alaskan interior before or after their cruise, either independently or with a cruisetour. For this, you'll need a one-way cruise that begins or ends in an Alaskan port.

A top candidate for this kind of family vacation is a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises ' Sapphire Princess, sailing between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and either Skagway or Sitka, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the itinerary.

It's then up to you whether you spend your pre- or post-cruise time in the Kenai Fjords area, in Anchorage or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks or into the Arctic.

Sapphire Princess is known for its fan-favorite Alfredo's pizza, Movies Under the Stars (when the Alaskan weather permits), and snacks and entertainment in the central Piazza. With its special North to Alaska activities, families can cuddle some adorable sled dogs on board the ship and meet Iditarod winners and other notable locals. Kids can become junior rangers with the help of the park rangers who come aboard the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise on Wilderness Legacy

Suppose your family isn't into the big-ship lifestyle and wants a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path experience that's also geared toward families with kids and teens. In that case, the best family cruise to Alaska for you might be the "Kids in Nature" departures of UnCruise Adventures ' 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on "Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay" itineraries. These seven-night cruises include hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, daytime and evening kayak and skift tours in places like Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay's less-visited "Outback," and visits to the LeConte and Baird glaciers.

On several departure dates from late April through August 2025, Wilderness Legacy will staff up with "Kid Wranglers" who will lead the kid-focused activities. The minimum age to sail is 8 years old, but plenty of tweens and teens join the fun as well.

Bottom line

You no longer have to wait until you're retired to explore Alaska. Take the kids on a weeklong exploration of the 49th state, and you'll have plenty of great choices for cruise ships and itineraries. The best Alaska cruises for families combine action-packed itineraries with vessels designed for family fun, but we're sure your family can find a way to have a great time up north no matter which cruise ship you select.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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.

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

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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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Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Parking Updated 2024 – Which is the Best Option?

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Did you know that the Port Canaveral cruise port parking facility is ranked as one of the world’s busiest ports for leisure cruises? 

Port Canaveral serves Disney, Carnival, NCL, MSC, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. All use the same on-site and offsite Port Canaveral parking options.

Whether you’re setting sail on the Disney Treasure or the Disney Fantasy, knowing the ideal parking options will ensure that you have a seamless embarkation. 

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Disney Cruise parking at Port Canaveral by going through the following:

• Overview of Disney Cruise Port Canaveral parking
• Disney Cruise Port Canaveral parking schedule
• Disney Cruise Port Canaveral parking rates
• Off-site Disney Cruise Port Canaveral parking options

Let’s begin!

Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Parking

The first thing you need to know is that the Disney cruise terminal is Terminal 8 at Port Canaveral.

The Disney Cruise Port Canaveral address is 9155 Charles M Rowland Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920.

However, there are a number of options for Port Canaveral Cruise Parking if you are sailing on a Disney cruise.

This also applies to all the other cruise lines which sail out of Port Canaveral.

When we sail on a Disney cruise we are always looking for the most convenient parking option even though this may cost a few extra dollars.

Join my Disney Cruise Group for Tips and Free Giveaways!

Parking Schedule Days

Note that most of the Port Canaveral parking options will charge you for the day that you arrive and the day that you leave.

This means that if you arrive on a Saturday morning and leave on a Saturday morning you will be charged for a total of 8 days.

A lot of guests don’t realize this and they are surprised by the calculation of the number of days they are charged for parking.

Even if you only spend a partial day in the parking lot, you will be charged for a complete day.

Related article: Which is the Best Airport to Fly to for Port Canaveral?

Parking Rates

These rates are for the official onsite Port Canaveral Parking which is within walking distance of all the cruise ports.

You do not need to take a shuttle with this cruise parking option; you simply walk to your cruise ship terminal.

The prices for parking directly at the Port Canaveral Port for a Disney Cruise are:

These prices reflect the fact that you pay for one extra day as explained above.

So for example, $136 will be your total Port Canaveral parking cost if you sail on a 7-night cruise.

All major credit cards are accepted – but cash is not .

Essential Guide to Disney Cruises

We have sailed out of many destinations, and the Port Canaveral cruise port is one of the easiest and most efficient.

As soon as you arrive at the Disney Cape Canaveral cruise port, you know that you are already on vacation!

There is also a preferred parking option at Disney’s Port Canaveral. However, it is not necessarily the best parking at Port Canaveral Disney Cruise.

But it is worth considering. You add $20 to the total rate for premium parking at Port Canaveral.

This does get you closer to the Disney ship, but really, the premium is rather too much for the benefit it actually gives.

There are only 113 spaces available. It is closer to the terminal but really for the benefit you do have to think carefully about whether this is a good option for you.

It’s less walking to the terminal – but is it worth $20?

Probably not.

We know it is only $20 extra, but you have to balance out if it is worth it.

That would pay for quite a few drinks of the day onboard a Disney ship!

Remember that if you park at the Disney terminal parking lot you can drop off your luggage curbside before you park. This means that you don’t have to deal with carrying your luggage from the parking lot.

There will be plenty of porters to help you and take your bags. The porters at Cape Canaveral are easily recognizable by their bright orange vests.

Tip your porter $1 to $2 per bag.

Also, remember to have your Disney cruise luggage tags attached.

If you haven’t got any luggage tags then the porters will write you one out. You just have to tell them your stateroom number.

You pay on your way into the parking lot. If you have a prepaid voucher this is where you show it.

The most convenient level of the parking lot is Level 3. This is because you are on the same level as the covered walkway direct to the Disney cruise terminal.

If you arrive too early at the cruise terminal they will not be letting people in yet.

There is a great view of the ship from the covered walkway from the parking lot.

It all helps to build the excitement and anticipation of sailing on your Disney cruise!

You will reach the cruise terminal and there you have to go through X-ray machines. The process is easy and it is nowhere near as stressful as doing this in the airport.

CLICK HERE To Join My Disney Cruise Group With Exclusive Tips and Giveaways!

How to Pack Like a Cruise Travel Expert

Off-site Parking Options

There are also offsite car parking choices at Cape Canaveral for Disney cruise parking which may save you a few bucks.

However, it will cost you more in time, as the shuttle bus has to get you to the cruise port.

There are a number of offsite Port Canaveral Parking options:

Cruisetime Parking and Shuttle

This parking lot has very reasonable rates and is located about 15 minutes drive from Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal.

The rate is $10 per day, but you are charged for your arrival and your departure day.

This means you will pay for 8 days if you are on a 7-day cruise. So the total will be $80 which really is very reasonable for cruise parking.

However, all cruises 5 days or less are charged at a $50 flat rate.

Note that these rates are for 4 people in the vehicle. Extra people are charged at $5 per person.

Also, be sure to book ahead. Same-day reservations have an additional $10 per day fee – meaning you may as well park at the terminal.

Cruisetime no longer have a shuttle service to the Disney Cruise port – if you park here you will have to take an Uber to and back from the port.

You can see more details at book online at Cruisetime Parking and Shuttle.

Park Port Canaveral

This is another very good choice for Port Canaveral Cruise parking. It is located 3 miles from the terminal so the shuttle takes around 5 minutes.

The basic rate is $12.95 per day.

However, like many other parking lots at Port Canaveral, you are charged for your day of arrival and departure.

There is also another fee which is labeled as a Port Canaveral Entry Fee which is an additional $7.50 per vehicle.

Parking is also available for oversized vehicles at the rate of $20.95 per day.

You can see more details and book online at Park Port Canaveral .

Go Port Canaveral

Updated December 2022 – Some of our readers have reported very long delays with the shuttle to the port for this company so our present advice is to use caution if you are thinking about using this option. We now understand that shuttle service may no longer be offered so check directly before you book.

This is a parking spot that has a slightly unusual rate system.

They charge you not for the number of nights, but for the number of people in your vehicle.

This system has you paying a per-person rate for shuttle transfers, rather than paying per night for your car.

This would be particularly good value if you were going on a longer cruise with just 2 people in your car.

The parking lot itself is pretty small – so if you intend on parking here you really must reserve in advance.

Packages start at $60 for one traveler. For each additional person in your vehicle, there is a $10 extra fee.

Therefore 7-night parking will cost you $70 if you have 2 people in your car. If you have 5 people it will be $85.

Not a bad rate for 7 nights.

However, it will be the same rate for 3 nights. So this is not going to be a good deal for most people on a shorter cruise.

You can see more details at Go Port Canaveral .

Stay at the Airport Before Your Cruise – Is This The Best Solution?

Cruise and Hotel Stay Parking Options

Another great option is to combine a hotel stay with parking at Port Canaveral. This is a good choice if you are driving from some distance away and want to have a relaxing stay before your Disney Cruise.

We have used this option before joining a cruise and it is our preferred option. It cuts down on any stress that you may have about arriving at the cruise port late.

You can have a relaxing morning before joining your Disney Cruise. It also gives you an extra night of vacation time!

Often if you book a cruise and stay package you will get free parking for up to 7 nights. You will need to check on the individual hotel websites to see prices and current deals.

However, it can be a very cost-effective way of parking and having the combined benefit of a stay at a hotel the night before your Disney Cruise.

One hotel with park and stay is Radisson Cape Canaveral. You can book a cruise and stay package.

Check the link below on the website for details of prices. This is an older hotel and it does get mixed reviews. There is a free shuttle to the Disney Cruise port.

Click To See Latest Prices

The Country Inn Suites also offers Port Canaveral Cruise Packages. There is a free breakfast and free Wi-Fi included in the package price.

A free shuttle is also available to the Disney Cruise port.

There is a free breakfast and free Wi-Fi included in the package price.

There is a free shuttle to the Disney cruise port.

Have you ever parked at Port Canaveral for a Disney cruise?

We would love to hear your feedback on your experiences of Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Parking.

Have you found a better deal for Disney cruise parking?

Final Words

When it comes to Disney Cruises, there are plenty of parking options at Port Canaveral. You can always opt for on-site parking that is reasonably priced or go for off-site parking spaces that offer different advantages. 

Choosing the best parking spot for your Disney Cruise at Port Canaveral will ultimately depend on your circumstances. You can always refer to our detailed and updated article above to help make your Disney Cruise planning process more convenient. 

You may also like:

Drinking Wine On Board A Disney Cruise

How To Pack For A Disney Cruise

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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.

Martha C. Ewell

Thursday 25th of January 2024

apparently Disney no longer allows off-site parking shuttles to come to their terminal. I have emailed all and they all replied we do not service Disney because of the restrictions they put on them. MONOPOLY!!!

Friday 26th of January 2024

Thank you for pointing this out. I called the offsite parking and have amended the article to reflect the fact that shuttles are not offered

Safe Cruise

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

This article highlights the importance of researching parking options in advance. I'll definitely keep these tips in mind for my next cruise."

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Good article, very complete. Now there is a new shuttle service between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals starting in 2022

Shirley varner

Saturday 19th of June 2021

I have two grandchildren under the age of 5 and have to be in car seats can you tell me if the shuttle has car seats for the kids or do we need to park at the port?

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

@Shirley varner, @Shirley varner, I checked and they do not. They also told me the shuttles are bench like and have NO seat belts either. Guess lots of people are ok with that. Problem for my grandchild who is 3; no way would his parents (my son) would allow him without seatbelt.

Saturday 10th of July 2021

You would have to check direct but it is highly unlikely that a shuttle will have a car seat - usually, you have to take your own.

Friday 2nd of October 2020

After our Disney Cruise we have reservations at Contemporary Resort at Disney World. we see that from ORL. to Port Canaveral Magic express has RT fare of $78. However when we get off of ship we want magic express to take us right to Disney World Resort hotel. Is this available, and would it be included in $78 RT ticket cost? Or do we have to make other arrangements

Yes, you can get the Disney Transportation back from Port Canaveral after your cruise. The price is the same for a trip to/from the airport as it is to/from a Disney Resort Hotel. So although you do have to make it clear on your booking that you want to be picked up at the airport and returned to an hotel, the price will be the same of $39 each way, $78 return. Enjoy your trip!

Parking In Vancouver For DCL Alaska Cruise...

By meskamooska , May 2, 2010 in Alaska

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meskamooska

My hubby and I will be cruising to Alaska next year on the Disney Cruise line and we are both so excited about it we can barely see straight. The ship will depart from Vancouver (I don't know which port exactly yet, if anyone else does please enlighten me :-) and we are planning to drive ourselves from California to Vancouver.

My question is this, does anyone have a recommendation for a good, safe place to park our car for the week we will be on the cruise? Oh, and I could also use a recommendation for a hotel nearby that is not a bazillion dollars (I would rather spend the money on the cruise and shore excursions than on a place to lay my head the night before departure).

Also, for anyone who has driven into Canada recently, anything we need to be aware of before we cross the border, any items we can't bring with us (like fruit, food, etc.)? How long does/did it take to cross and do we need to be prepared to go through customs. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, take care, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

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Welcome to CC,

Like entering any foreign country no produce or meats etc.

The border crossing is highly variable, plan for 2 hours, expect anything from 15- 45 would be my rule of thumb. Must have passport, its a drive thru where you hand them to the border agent. Depending on some unknown critieria just like at the airport ask you a few questions and let you go or pull you over for a car search. I've been doing that crossing for 6 years 2-3 times a a year and still can't figure out when is the best time to go for fastest crossing. Makes sense to drive if you are living in the NW, not sure if it is worth not flying directly into vancover if you are flying into seattle unless making it a multiple city precruise stop before sailing.

IMHO I'd study the schedule very carefully, as much as I liked Disney sailing unless you spend a lot of time on the ship I often don't find the mouse premium worth it unless the kids in you or your kids just must have the mouse. Their European cruise a few years ago was tempting to me but that was until I saw their port lineup of course YMMV as my tastes in ports/time will be different.

As to parking, try googling vancouver port parking, here is what I found

http://www.cruisesfrom.com/vancouver/

Hi All,   My hubby and I will be cruising to Alaska next year on the Disney Cruise line and we are both so excited about it we can barely see straight. The ship will depart from Vancouver (I don't know which port exactly yet, if anyone else does please enlighten me :-) and we are planning to drive ourselves from California to Vancouver.   My question is this, does anyone have a recommendation for a good, safe place to park our car for the week we will be on the cruise? Oh, and I could also use a recommendation for a hotel nearby that is not a bazillion dollars (I would rather spend the money on the cruise and shore excursions than on a place to lay my head the night before departure).   Also, for anyone who has driven into Canada recently, anything we need to be aware of before we cross the border, any items we can't bring with us (like fruit, food, etc.)? How long does/did it take to cross and do we need to be prepared to go through customs. Any help would be appreciated.   Thanks in advance, take care, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

Crossing the border is not a big deal, you don't need a passport to enter Canada just photo ID and a birth cirtificate, or Enhanced DL's, however you will need a passport to re-enter the US, Passport Card or the EDL...so passport makes it much easier all round. No fruit, some meats are ok, 24 bottles of beer each or 1.14 litres of alcohol, or 1.5 lites of wine per adult, 200 cigarettes per adult are permitted in. So are things like sodas and water.

If you can the border before 9 am your crossing time should be a matter of minutes, by late morning and into the afternoon the crossing can take 2 hrs and sometimes 3 hrs plus southbound on a holiday summer weekend.

Docking assignments for 2011 probably won't be published until Feb 2011 but as I believe DCL is going to operate on Tuesdays, the popular belief is that they will use Canada Place as there is very little other useage of the facility on Tuesdays.

Parking will cost you $18 per day at the cruise terminal (current rates). Hotels that offer stay, park and cruise packages include are limited with one closing this year. So try Accent Inns who operate two suburban properties, one near the airport and the other in Burnaby, the cloest to the pier would be Best Western - Downtown, and that is about it, otherwise hotel parking downtown runs north of $18pn.

http://www.accentinns.com/

http://www.bestwesterndowntown.com/

You could park at the Long Term parking at YVR airport and take the rapid transit Canada Line in to the Canada Place Pier which is where all the ships are leaving from this year. It lets you off right in the area.

There are lots hotels near the airport or in Richmond, minutes away, you can get a free shuttle from the long term parking lot, to the airport and a shuttle to your hotel from there.

The Canada Line leaves from the area of the hotel shuttle pick up

and drop off area. It goes directly to Waterfront Station which is at Canada Place and the cruise ship pier.

There is a coupon on the web site with a discount for parking at YVR.

http://www.vancouver-travel-tips.com/parking-at-vancouver-airport.html

Canada Line web site.

http://www.translink.ca/en/Rider-Info/Canada-Line.aspx

The Canada/US Border can be very busy, so allow lots of time.:eek:

We always drive the 1500+ miles from home to the port. Vancouver is very easy.

We reserve a spot at CruisePark which is between the cruise docks. They take us to the ship and fetch us at the end of the cruise. Great service and close to each dock. (Google them for specific information.)

Oops! I just remembered. Do check the CruisePark web site. Our last visit was just before the city was torn up for the Olympics.

We have stayed in Burnaby and places south but prefer Holiday Inn Express in North Vancouver. Pretty neighborhood, very nice hotel, restaurant on site, and best of all - close to the ports . It's near the north end of the Second Narrows Bridge (Highway 1).

Staying in North Vancouver puts you closer to the sights of Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon Park, West Vancouver, Stanley Park and downtown.. all those places you want to see when you have your own car. We like to eat at a place near the ferry dock out west beyond West Vancouver. If you have time, drive on up to Whistler - or at least to the big waterfall.

Make time to enjoy British Columbia, it is a beautiful place.

We have friends who used longterm parking at the Vancouver airport for a cruise tour. While they were gone, their pick-up went out and robbed a bank. Fortunately the Vancouver police recovered it without any damage, called them and told them where to find it after their cruise.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Alaskan Cruise Ports of Call

15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

For 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. When you don't need them, you can stow lightweight raincoats or ponchos and pull-on rain pants in your backpack during excursions.

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