Disney Cruises to Alaska: Top Reasons to Give Your Alaskan Adventure a Magical Touch!

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When you think of Disney destinations, it’s easy to think of palm trees, warm weather, beaches, and tropical breezes. But there’s so much more to Disney than the California and Florida theme parks! Disney cruises sail all over the world, including Europe, Australia, and throughout North America. If you’ve done Caribbean cruises and are looking to explore a new kind of destination, you'll want to consider a Disney cruise to Alaska! These cruises offer everything you know and love about the Disney brand with the adventures of exploring the Last Frontier. With family-friendly accommodations, excursions that help you discover the vastness of the region’s beauty, and Disney touches throughout the sailing, these cruises are the perfect choice for families looking for a bucket-list trip they will remember forever. Below, we share why Disney cruises are different from other cruise lines and offer insights from our agency owner Aileen’s recent sailing aboard the Disney Wonder.

Family-Friendly Alaskan Cruises

One of the biggest benefits to booking a Disney cruise to Alaska is that it is completely family-oriented. Many cruise lines sailing to Alaska tend to cater their itineraries toward a more adult crowd, with traditional sailing experiences like elongated nightly dinners, formal nights, and wine tastings. On a Disney cruise, however, the amenities and activities are created with families in mind, so you won’t feel like you’re dragging your preteen to yet another hiking tour. The best part? When you take a Disney cruise, your kids aren’t just tolerated; they're embraced and included! Cast Members go out of their way to make families comfortable and ensure your cruise is stress-free. Alaskan cruises are especially great for tweens and teens who can appreciate the majesty of their natural surroundings while enjoying the theming and activities on board a Disney cruise. Oh, and the pools are heated if your kids are feeling adventurous enough to take a dip.

Disney-Meets-Alaska Touches Throughout Your Sailing

If you’re looking for a bucket list trip that allows you to see some of Alaska’s most famous sites and wildlife with a cruise brand you know and trust, this is for you. Where else can you take pictures of Minnie in a parka and Mickey in fishing gear? Disney cruises to Alaska incorporate the vibe of the sights you see and offer exclusive experiences that add Disney magic to your journey. Here are a few of the Disney touches you'll experience on board your Alaskan sailing:

Glacier Day
Every Disney cruise to Alaska passes through a glacier viewing location in the Stikine Icecap area. While other cruise lines allow you to take in the scenery, Disney turns it into a celebration called “Glacier Day.” On this day, guests head up to the upper decks to take in the glacier views and view wildlife like whales, seals, and birds. The ship passes by the glacier for a few hours, spinning 360° so that everyone on the upper decks gets a great view. During this time, Mickey and friends have outdoor photo ops so you can get pictures of glacial views with the characters in their cold-weather gear. While you wait, you can soak in the majestic views while sipping on hot cocoa and coffee to help keep you warm. All the while, a naturalist narrates what you're viewing through the ship's broadcast system, so you can hear it wherever you are on the ship.

Frozen Fjord Celebration
The celebration continues that same evening with the Frozen Fjord Celebration, an icy adventure featuring Elsa, Anna, and other Frozen friends. During this celebration, the ship is transformed into a frozen wonderland with a special Frozen sing-along deck show, a themed scavenger hunt, and a traditional maypole experience. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Nordic menu at dinner.

Themed Fun During Sailing
Alaskan touches are featured throughout the cruise. Regional specialties like salmon, lobster tail, and Baked Alaska are offered at several restaurants and lounges. There is also a wide range of Alaskan-themed merchandise, like those adorable fuzzy Minnie ears, spirit jerseys, hoodies, and plush Disney characters in their snow gear. Fellow cruisers get into the spirit, too, and you’ll find many people wearing themed outfits.

Supreme Service and Amenities

One of the best things about sailing with Disney is the exceptional service and personalized attention the brand is known for. You get all the standard experiences you’d expect from a Disney vacation, like themed entertainment, character interactions, and family-oriented activities. There are also the Disney Cruise Line staples, like the drop-off kids clubs (Oceaneer Club, Vibe, and Edge), complimentary room service, rotational dining, twice-daily housekeeping services, and world-class entertainment. Your services travel with you through rotational dining, so they get to know your family's preferences throughout your sailing. Staterooms feature the standard split-bathroom floor plan, which allows two people to get ready at the same time. We're constantly astounded by the level of service and care we receive on Disney sailings!

A Magical Home Base for Your Adventures

While so much of cruising Alaska is about the destination itself, having a home base that’s familiar and welcoming is especially important if it's your first time sailing to this destination. If you're a seasoned Disney traveler, you'll feel right at home aboard a Disney cruise to Alaska. You know what to expect in terms of service and amenities, and you can rest assured that your days at sea will be filled with activities so there's never a dull moment. The intimate size of these ships also provides a cozy resting place after a long day of hiking and exploring. Everything you need is close by, and the ship is easy to navigate. Plus, twice-daily housekeeping ensures your room is always ready to help you unwind from your excursions and explorations.

Story-Centered Ports and Excursions

When you choose a Disney cruise to Alaska, that storytelling is infused into every element, and each excursion has been vetted by Disney for quality. Every port you visit highlights a unique part of the state’s history and culture, from gold panning to sled dog rides. There are tons of excursions to choose from, such as wildlife expeditions, biking, dogsledding,  and walking tours. Here are some of our favorite Alaska cruise excursions:

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
We highly recommend this excursion for your port day in Ketchikan! This show features top-ranking lumberjacks as they compete in challenges that test their strength and skill. Audience members are assigned to cheer on a particular contestant, and there are a few surprises along the way. Just know that it includes live-use saws and axes, so it can get really loud! If you book this excursion through Disney, the show is longer and features more audience participation, with a special appearance by Goofy.

Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
This is an excursion that can be booked through Disney or with the help of our vetted travel partners and your go-to Just Add Magic Travel® agent. This hiking trip takes you on a two-mile hike to the Mendenhall Glacier area and a stunning 377-foot waterfall, which spills into Mendenhall Lake. It was such a peaceful, life-affirming experience!

White Pass Railway
This scenic, three-hour round-trip train ride to the Canadian border features amazing views along the countryside. There are outdoor viewing platforms so you can get panoramic views. You see so much of Alaska; this will instantly be the highlight of your trip!

Book Your Disney Cruise to Alaska with Just Add Magic Travel!

Disney cruises to Alaska are an excellent choice if you want to explore the region as a family while enjoying Disney-themed on-board amenities and entertainment. If you’re thinking about sailing to The Last Frontier, there’s never been a better time to book. We can help you navigate the best itineraries, stateroom selections, dining requests, and excursion reservations. Ready to get started? Get a quote to begin planning your Alaskan adventure with Just Add Magic Travel!
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