The Ultimate Guide for Planning a Group Cruise to Alaska
For our 30th wedding anniversary, my husband and I knew we wanted to do something special to celebrate. After tossing around several ideas, we agreed on planning a group cruise with friends and family.
You may not be celebrating a milestone anniversary, but you may dream of an unforgettable adventure with your closest friends or family. Look no further than planning a group cruise to Alaska!
From breathtaking glaciers to majestic wildlife encounters, Alaska offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe. In this planning guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect group cruise to Alaska, ensuring a memorable journey for everyone involved.
It’s not as simple as picking and booking a date, but planning can be easier with these tips. So, don’t wait! Round up your friends and family and start planning your cruise today.
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Why Choose Alaska for Your Group Cruise?
An Alaska cruise is ideal for travelers of all ages due to its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife encounters, and educational opportunities.
So many exciting adventures await, such as whale-watching tours in Juneau, hikes in Sitka, and helicopter rides to the glaciers. Alaska cruises cater to those seeking relaxation as well.
Families will appreciate the family-friendly entertainment options onboard. In addition, educational programs and guided excursions appeal to curious minds of all ages.
Moreover, the cruise offers multi-generational bonding opportunities amidst Alaska’s stunning landscapes.
Whether witnessing breaching whales or soaking in a hot tub with glacier views, an Alaska cruise is an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.
Tips for Planning a Group Cruise
1. Pick a Cruise Itinerary
The first step in planning your group cruise to Alaska is selecting the right itinerary.
Did you know over twenty-five ships with different itineraries sail daily into Alaska during the Alaska cruising season? Cruises leave Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver from late April into early September.
With ships sailing to Alaska, the cruise itineraries are pretty similar with just a few variations.
When sailing to Alaska, you must consider which port you will depart from and which month you will cruise. You may find that cruises and hotels in Seattle are more expensive than traveling a bit further and sailing from Vancouver.
Other factors to consider include the cruise duration, ports of call, onboard amenities, and activities offered. Of course, as a large group leader, it will be impossible to please everyone, but most cruise lines offer some activity for every age group.
After considering ports and destination options, we ultimately decided on a Holland America cruise from Seattle to Alaska for our first group cruise.
My ports of call guides for Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria BC can help you learn more about the experiences offered in Alaska port cities.
I highly recommend an Alaskan itinerary that includes the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay.
The Inside Passage is the route from Puget Sound by Seattle up through the Gulf of Alaska. It includes spectacular scenery, calmer waters, calving glaciers, and peaceful floating icebergs. All of which you will definitely enjoy seeing.
Again, your cruise choice will depend on what is important to you.
Choose the Best Month to Cruise to Alaska
There are a few things to consider when picking a month to cruise in Alaska, whose season is fairly short, from late April through September. I have cruised in Alaska both in June and July.
I prefer July because of the better weather. Believe it or not, fewer kids were also on our July trip, and we saw more whales from the cruise ship.
Of course, personal circumstances like time off from work will influence your choice.
2. Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Line
Choosing the perfect cruise line depends on what you want from your cruise vacation and what cruise price fits your budget. What works for some may not work for others.
Several factors must be considered when choosing the best cruise line for your Alaska adventure.
Look for cruise lines offering diverse activities and amenities to cater to your group’s interests. Sometimes, when booking for groups, you may be able to secure group rates or score a free cabin. How you decide who gets it will be up to you.
Some popular cruise lines that offer Alaska itineraries include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International.
Below are some highlights for most of the major cruise lines sailing to Alaska.
Alaska Cruise with Kids
Disney has recently joined the fleet of cruise lines sailing to Alaska.
The Disney Cruise Line, part of the Disney group, includes character experiences and is a fabulous option when traveling with families. Children love the kids’ club, fireworks at sea, and Disney movies. There are nightclubs and adult-exclusive dining options for those over 18. Be prepared for many kids on the Disney ships.
Unlike other cruise lines, casinos are unavailable on a Disney cruise, and these cruises tend to be pricier.
Alaska Cruise for Multi-Generational Groups
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival Cruise Lines offer mega-ships. These fleets carry many thousands of people each sailing. These cruise lines are great options if you travel with multi-generational groups and crowds don’t bother you.
The ships have something to cater to everyone.
For kids, there are kids’ clubs, multiple pools with giant water slides, and activities like mini-golf and bumper cars, to name just a few.
There are adult-only pools, English pubs, bars, and exquisite dining options for adults.
Alaska Cruises for Adults
Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celebrity, and Holland America are smaller ships. The onboard activities tend to be geared more toward adults, even though kids are welcome on board. Some even have partnerships with the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the BBC, Food & Wine, and the Lincoln Center for entertainment.
The dining options on these ships tend to cater to those with a more developed palate. Dishes include veal saltimbocca alla romano, filet mignon oscar with snow crab bearnaise sauce, and Alaskan black cod filet.
We chose Holland America because it was right for our group of adults.
First, we knew we didn’t want a lot of kids. Secondly, we wanted a smaller ship with fewer people. Third, we wanted to enjoy foodie experiences. Finally, we wanted a more relaxed vacation versus a party-type adventure.
People often ask if cruises are boring. They aren’t when you choose a cruise line and the ship with the experiences you want when you are out at sea.
The main point here is to find what ship works best for you!
Visit Cruise Critic for everything you need to plan your next cruise. Find reviews, expert advice, and great deals.
3. Pick the Perfect Cabins
When planning a group cruise, you have several cabin choices: inside staterooms, ocean-view staterooms, balcony staterooms, and suites.
To pick the perfect cabin, ask yourself a few questions to decide what you want from your cruise.
- Do you plan on only using the cabin as a simple hotel room for sleeping and bathing?
- How often will you be in your room?
- Do you want a space to relax and enjoy the view away from the crowds?
Once you know the answers to these questions, look at the cabin options.
Inside Staterooms: For the best budget-friendly option, choose inside staterooms. These cabins are the least expensive on the ship but are the tiniest and have basic amenities.
Oceanview Stateroom: These cabins are a step up in price from the indoor staterooms. They have a window with an ocean view.
Balcony Stateroom: These cabins are the most popular on Alaska cruises because of the multiple sea days. Many cruisers enjoy having easy access to the outdoors and a front-row seat to Alaska’s beautiful scenery and possible animal sightings.
Suites: These rooms are the biggest on the ship and are usually located in prime locations. They come at the highest price tag and have the best amenities too.
When planning a group cruise, request cabins close together to enjoy the option of opening balcony doors and creating a larger shared exterior space.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your cruise cabin is equally as crucial as the cabin itself.
The ship is split into three main sections, the aft (the back of the ship), the midship, and the forward deck.
If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s best to choose a cabin in the middle of the ship as there is less rocking motion there.
Selecting the right cabin on a cruise ship can greatly impact your overall experience.
One aspect to consider is the distance from your cabin to the elevators. Cruise ships are immense, and if you have difficulty walking long distances, it’s important to choose a cabin that is situated closer to the elevators. Doing so can make it easier for you to navigate the ship and enjoy its amenities without feeling fatigued or frustrated.
Which Side of the Ship is Better for an Alaskan Cruise?
Choosing the best side of the ship is crucial for getting breathtaking views on an Alaska cruise.
I recommend selecting cabins on the starboard (right) side for northbound cruises and the port (left) side for southbound cruises. These cabin choices will maximize your chances of witnessing stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Personally, I prefer not to choose a side and opt for the aft cabins. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, aft balcony cabins usually have a more extended deck than others. Secondly, the wake behind the ship is a highlight for those with a balcony stateroom. To me, the sound of the wake is calming.
Finally, I love watching ports disappear in the distance as the ship sails away after lasting memories.
Visit Cruise Critic for everything you need to plan your next cruise. Find reviews, expert advice, and great deals.
4. Gather Necessary Documentation
Before setting sail on your Alaskan adventure, it’s essential to ensure that all group members have the necessary documentation. This includes valid passports for international travel and any required visas depending on nationality.
Be sure to check with the cruise line regarding any specific documentation requirements and deadlines for submission.
5. Research Alaska Excursion Options
One of the highlights of any Alaska cruise is the opportunity to participate in exciting shore excursions at the cruise ports. From whale watching and glacier hiking to dog sledding and zodiac wilderness tours and Alaskan feasts, there’s no shortage of activities to choose from.
During our family trip to Alaska, we decided to undertake one shore excursion together, while on the other ports we were free to choose our own activities. This approach allowed everyone to pursue their interests, making for lively dinner conversations as we shared our experiences from the day.
Research and book your excursions in advance to secure your spot and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see experiences.
6. Coordinate Group Dining
Dining arrangements are among the most important considerations when planning a group cruise. Coordinating with the cruise line to ensure that everyone in your group can sit together for meals is crucial for making your trip enjoyable and memorable.
It’s also important to discuss any dietary restrictions or preferences with the cruise line in advance. This will help the cruise line plan ahead to accommodate your group’s needs. Whether it’s a gluten-free diet, vegetarian or vegan options, or any other dietary restrictions, the cruise line will do its best to ensure everyone in your group can enjoy their meals comfortably.
By communicating your group’s dining preferences and dietary needs to the cruise line in advance, you can avoid any misunderstandings or issues during your trip.
This is especially important when traveling with a large group, as making last-minute changes or arrangements can be difficult. So, make sure to plan ahead and coordinate with the cruise line to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
You should also make reservations for any specialty dining experiences before departing. Make sure to let the cruise line know in advance if you are celebrating anything special during your voyage.
7. Purchase Travel Insurance
While no one likes to think about the possibility of unexpected events, it’s essential to be prepared by purchasing travel insurance.
Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your Alaska cruise adventure.
8. Dress the Part
Planning a group cruise can be exciting, and one enjoyable activity is dressing up in matching group cruise shirts.
You can visit Etsy.com to have custom cruise t-shirts made for your group. It’s always fun to spot all the groups wearing matching shirts as you board the ship on the first day.
9. Stay Informed
Stay informed about any updates or changes to your cruise itinerary, including port closures, weather-related issues, or other disruptions.
Monitor communication from the cruise line and follow their guidelines accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone onboard.
10. Pack Essentials for Your Alaska Cruise
I recommend several cruise accessories for all cruises. However, packing for a cruise to Alaska requires careful consideration of the weather and activities you’ll be participating in.
Be sure to pack clothing suitable for the Alaskan climate, including layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes for exploring onshore. Use my printable packing list so you don’t forget a thing.
Don’t forget essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
11. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, relax and enjoy cruising through Alaska’s majestic landscapes with your friends and family. Take plenty of photos, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
One way to truly relax is to let someone else handle the details.
Work with a Cruise Expert
The best advice I can give you for planning a group cruise is to work with a cruise expert. Some cruise lines will call them cruise planners or cruise consultants. No matter what they call them, they are a valuable free resource.
Once you show any interest in a cruise line, either by visiting the cruise line’s website or by calling directly, you will begin to receive welcome emails. These emails will come from the cruise consultant assigned to help you.
The complimentary cruise consultants can help you book group cabins, arrange dining times, and book excursions.
My Cruise Expert
I have no affiliation with this person, and I do not get a referral, but I want to share my Holland America cruise expert with you because she is such a huge help.
Hilery is a fantastic resource and knows her stuff!
She listens to your wants, guides you in finding the best staterooms, and steers you away from cabins that aren’t in the best location.
She books your dining experiences and explains things like drink packages, wi-fi plans, and excursion options.
She even tells you about things you may have never even considered.
For example, did you know for one low price, you can have your laundry cleaned for the entire trip? You literally put your dirty clothes in a bag, and the following day, they are returned to you, laundered and folded. The service will spoil you.
If you plan to book a Holland America cruise, call Hilery at 1-800-355-3017 Ext. 29846 to help you plan your trip. Tell her I referred you.
12. Arrive at Your Port City Early
Finally, the last tip for planning a perfect group cruise is to plan to arrive at your port city at least one day before your ship leaves. This way, you will have a buffer in case your flight gets delayed, which could cause you to miss your ship’s departure.
You definitely don’t want to experience the disappointment of watching your ship sail away without you.
Arriving at your port city one day early gives you enough time to explore the city, rest well, and enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding your cruise ship. With ample time to reach the correct pier, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise.
RELATED POST: For an affordable way to book a hotel for your port city, read my post, How I Hotwire Amazing Hotels for the Best Deals.
Summary of Tips for Planning a Group Cruise
- Pick an itinerary
- Choose a cruise ship – consider ship size, amenities, food, and excursions
- Pick a cabin – consider location on the ship and stateroom type
- Gather all documentation
- Research/book excursions
- Coordinate group dining
- Consider travel insurance
- Order group t-shirts
- Stay up-to-date with cruise announcements
- Print packing list for group
- Check in with a cruise coordinator
- Plan to arrive at your departure port the day before departure to help with smooth embarkation.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, planning a group cruise to Alaska is an exciting and rewarding experience.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your Alaska cruise adventure is a smooth journey from start to finish. You’ll also want to check out my social media, where I share videos of cruise cabins and shore excursions.
Finally, gather your group, pack your bags, and sit back and relax as the ship sails away and you enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled trip.
