Alaska Cruise + Land Tour: Our Full Family Itinerary
- Vanessa Tripp
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
2 days in Vancouver, 8 days on the Norwegian Jade cruising the inside passage, 4 days in Seward and Anchorage—here's exactly how we did it
Our family just wrapped a two-week Alaska trip: 8 days sailing Vancouver to Whittier aboard Norwegian Jade, then 4 more days on land in Seward and Anchorage. If you're planning an Alaska cruise and land tour, here's the real itinerary—every port, every excursion, and the one day that topped them all.
Why This Trip Works for Families
Alaska delivers for every generation at once—watching glaciers from the deck, snorkeling with sea otters, cuddling sled dog puppies. Nobody compromises, and adding land days after the cruise means you get Alaska's wildlife and wilderness, not just its coastline.
Vancouver: Before You Sail
We flew in two days early and stayed at The Douglas, Autograph Collection—clean, beautiful, and an easy walk to everything downtown. The on-site restaurant was excellent, and the rooftop bar was a trip highlight on its own: gorgeous skyline views, a large soaking hot tub, loungers, small bites, and a fully stocked bar. As a Fora Reserve property, we enjoyed a complimentary room upgrade, a welcome beverage and food & beverage credits.
We took the tram to the top of Grouse Mountain and spent several hours exploring. We watched a lumber jack show, peeked at a sleeping bear and rode the mountain coaster. Enjoyed an amazing lunch with an amazing view. The next morning before heading to the ship, we biked the seawall and visited the Vancouver Aquarium.
The Ship: Norwegian Jade
Jade is a mid-size ship with a great dining lineup—Cagney's Steakhouse and Teppanyaki were our standouts, and Teppanyaki around one table for all 11 of us is a memory on its own. The pool deck, spa, and evening shows kept everyone entertained during our two sea days. We added the Thermal Spa day pass for peaceful, floor to ceiling views of the coastline and glaciers.
The Cruise: Port by Port
Ketchikan — Snorkeling: For adventure seekers, this is a must. Alaska Snorkeling outfitted us so well we were comfortable and never cold, and the colorful sea life just off the rocky beach exceeded expectations.
Juneau — Salmon Bake: A tram ride for channel views, then the Gold Creek Salmon Bake—salmon buffet, live music, and round-trip transport from the dock.
Walking around Juneau, we came upon a festival and were treated to song and dance performed by locals.
Skagway — Mush Camp: The crowd favorite. A journey through the mountains into Yukon Canada was worth it alone - traveling through three different climates with a stop at the Welcome to Alaska sign. At the camp, our kids spent hours cuddling puppies, and the working sled dogs there for summer training—pulled us by four-wheeler through the backcountry. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did: the views, the dogs, the whole vibe.
Icy Strait Point — Drone & Whale Watching: Watching humpbacks bubble-net feed is fascinating—nature in action gives you the kind of perspective reset we all need. The drone footage from this excursion exceeded every expectation and is one of my favorite souvenirs from any trip, ever.
The Drive: Whittier to Seward
Disembarking in Whittier, we picked up our rental car right off the ship and headed towards Seward, and it might be the most beautiful two hours of the entire trip. We took our time, pulling off repeatedly just to take in the mountains and the glacier-fed water—a color you don't see anywhere else.
Seward: 2 Nights
We stayed at The Hotel Seward and booked a 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park cruise—hands down the single best day of the entire trip. In one outing we saw orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, otters, seals, coastal bears, mountain goats, puffins, sea lions, eagles, and a glacier calving in real time. Our deck crew scooped up an iceberg and we enjoyed glacial margaritas, with 1000 year old ice. If you do nothing else, do this.
While visiting Seward be sure to stop by Primrose Provisions. The best avocado toast and burrata I've ever had!
Seward to Anchorage: The Drive
Leaving Seward, we first stopped to hike up to Exit Glacier. The only portion of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by land for stunning views on a clear day.
As we made the 2 hour drive to Anchorage, there was plenty of sightseeing along the way—catching the incoming tide at Turnagain Arm and stopping at Beluga Point. Check the bore tide schedule to see if you can catch this unique phenomenon.
Anchorage: 2 Nights
We rented a house for two nights to begin winding down and preparing for the trip home. For our last day we booked a Flytographer session atop Flattop Mountain on the Glen Alps trail for family photos with an unbeatable backdrop. The difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one? Professional photos that capture the FEELING, not just the place. We were very pleased with how easy it was to schedule and our photographer was amazing!!
For our last meal in Alaska, our photographer recommended 49th State Brewing and it was excellent—great food, great beer, great atmosphere and terrific service. We ended the trip on a grassy hill near the airport watching planes come in low over the water and keeping our eye out for Moose.
What Made It Perfect
The trip length was exactly enough to feel like a real adventure and a chance to unplug without anyone hitting a wall—active mornings balanced by slower afternoons at sea, and enough variety in the excursions that every one in our group had at least one day that was entirely theirs.
Who This Trip Is For
This itinerary works beautifully for:
Multi-generational families: Activities that flex from adrenaline to leisurely
Active families: Snorkeling, sled dogs, and hiking give you a real taste of the Alaskan wilderness, not just a drive-by view
First-time Alaska cruisers: A well-paced route that hits the classic ports without feeling rushed
Booking Timeline
Alaska sailings and top excursions—sled dog camps, whale watching, Kenai Fjords cruises—sell out fast, especially for larger groups. I'd recommend locking in your cabin category 9–12 months out and booking excursions as early as possible.
Why Book This Trip Through a Travel Advisor
Exclusive pre-cruise hotel perks through Virtuoso and Fora Reserve
Excursions and specialty dining confirmed well ahead of sailing
One point of contact coordinating the cruise, hotels, and land tour
A land-and-sea itinerary designed around the experiences worth extending your trip for
All details organized in a single app for a smooth travel experience
Contact me to start planning your Alaska adventure!
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