Alaska is one of those bucket list destinations that feels worlds away from the sandy beaches of Boca. But let me tell you, it’s one of the best family vacations you could ever take in the summer! And, I am so glad that we didn’t JUST do a cruise. There is so much unique, natural beauty to see in this state and it’s challenging (and really expensive) to squeeze much into a cruise port stop. We packed our 2024 Alaska land and sea cruise trip with adventure, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the great outdoors while also enjoying the family-oriented luxuries of a Royal Caribbean cruisetour, read on!
We used Michelle Allen Cruise Planners to organize the sea portion of our Alaska land and sea vacation and I highly recommend her services!
Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit Alaska
Summer is hands down the best time flor Floridians to visit Alaska. The days are long (hello, midnight sun!), the temperatures are comfortable, and wildlife sightings are at their peak. Whether you’re looking for ample time to explore glaciers, spot brown bears and moose, or experience the Klondike Gold Rush history by train, summer is ideal for families. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the South Florida heat before school starts!
What to Pack for an Alaska Land and Sea Trip as a Floridian
Packing for Alaska is a little different than packing for a traditional cruise. The weather can change in an instant, so layering is key! I must have searched through a hundred blogs regarding what to pack and I’m so glad I did! Our family had everything we needed for Alaska land and sea and I saved my packing list just for you! (contains affiliate links)
- Binoculars - to see wildlife from your cruise ship
- Tripod - for family photos
- FlyHugz® Neck Travel Pillow - it's a long flight
- Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- Leggings & Jeans
- Rain Jacket/Windbreaker
- Wool Socks
- Sleep Mask
- Belt Bag
- Pen
- Cruise Lanyard (for the kids)
- Good Hiking or Walking shoes (loved these for me!)
- Youth Hiking Shoes
- Cruise Power Strip
- Sandals with straps
- Swimsuit & Cover Up
- Puffer Vest
- Winter Hat & Gloves
- Mosquito Repellent
- Sunglasses
- Insulated Cup (Yeti recommended for cruise beverages)
- Toiletries & Sunscreen
- T-shirts & Tanks for layering
- Pajamas
- Chargers & Power Banks
- e-Reader/iPad & Headphones
- Bras & Underwear
- Formal Night Attire (minimal on an Alaskan cruise)
Anchorage: The Perfect Start to an Alaska Land and Sea Adventure
We kicked off our trip to the nation’s 49th state flying into Anchorage and grabbing a rental car, which allowed us a few loosely planned days to enjoy some experiences on land before setting sail on Royal Caribbean 3-hours away by bus in Seward. We stayed with friends in Eagle River for this part of our journey, so I don’t have a hotel to recommend. However, Downtown Anchorage is lively and beautiful, so don’t hesitate to stay somewhere in that area!
Climbing the Byron Glacier: We hiked an actual glacier—a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family. Modern Boca Dad couldn’t help but get his hair wet with glacier water. I think he may have even waded in at some point?
Summer Dogsledding: No snow? No problem! We visited a summer dogsledding camp at Girdwood’s Alyeska Resort for a thrilling “dog carting” experience. After we hopped into an open-air Pinzgauer and journeyed along the historic Iditarod Trail, where Alaska’s stunning mountain views take your breath away, we met real mushers and their incredible sled dogs!
We got to dogsled in a cart around the mountain and it was a ton of fun (and appropriate for all ages)! After the ride, we were invited to cuddle future Iditarod champions in their puppy pavilion! OMG. Probably my favorite part of our Alaska land and sea adventure…maybe. 🙂
These fluffy little racers-in-training were impossible to resist (and perfect for a photo op!). Before heading back to Girdwood for a little brewery lunch, we explored Iditarod memorabilia on display, including racing sleds, trophies, and the extreme gear mushers rely on to conquer over 1,000 miles of brutal Alaskan terrain. It’s impressive.
Glacier Discovery Train on the Alaska Railroad: This scenic journey took us past stunning landscapes, sounds, glaciers, and towering mountains. The kids loved the huge windows on the train, and we all appreciated the laid-back, comfortable ride…and hot chocolate!
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: If you want to see moose, brown bears, bison, and other native Alaskan animals up close (and safely!), this is the place to go. It was the perfect way to introduce our daughter to Alaska’s wildlife. We highly recommend walking the property versus driving.
MBMom Tip: In order to get to AWCC, you do need a car, so I took the Glacier Discovery Train with my daughter and some friends while Modern Boca Dad met up with us at the Portage depot stop in our rental car. There are no Ubers in this part of Alaska- FYI. There are tons of scenic areas on the drive to stop at for photo ops, so leave yourself some extra time on this part of your Alaska land and sea trip.
Journeying From Downtown Anchorage to Seward: The Scenic Route
After soaking in Anchorage’s adventure scene for 5 days, we hopped on a comfortable bus with huge viewing windows to take in the stunning drive to Seward. This stretch of the Alaska land and sea journey felt like a national park on wheels—glaciers, waterfalls, and maybe even a bald eagle or two!
Once we arrived (directly at the port I might add), it was time to board our Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Radiance of the Seas.
MBMom Tip: If you’re a wine drinker like me, be sure to stop by one of Anchorage’s many Costco stores to pick up a few bottles for the ship! Each adult can bring 2 bottles on for personal consumption- FYI.
The Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetour Experience
The Radiance of the Seas was the perfect home base for our week-long cruise adventure offering incredible glacier views (the Hubbard Glacier was spectacular!), wildlife sightings (killer whales! Bald eagles!), and fun port excursions.
Onboard, you can cozy up with a rented blanket while reading or watching glaciers from your extended balcony (which I did often!), enjoy world-class dining, and take advantage of family-friendly activities, from rock climbing to live entertainment and multiple kids clubs.
The ship had ample time at each port, allowing us to experience parts of Alaska that are quite inaccessible unless you arrive by boat, plane…or birth canal (as one tour guide joked). However, I am still so grateful that we had several days on land first.
Port Highlights from Our Royal Caribbean Cruise on Radiance of the Seas
Juneau: We went white water rafting on the Mendenhall River, floating past icebergs with breathtaking water views (on your way out, you’ll even see the famous one that’s featured all over Alaska land and sea tourism campaigns!). This was so much fun, but definitely not for kids under 7. Prepare to be wet…and cold–wear a warm hat and rash guard if you can. They will provide waders and wellies as well as a life jacket. I especially enjoyed the delicious Alaskan beers (for purchase) after we got off the water!
Skagway: A must-do is the Gold Rush Train Ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway. Settle into a cozy vintage rail car as you chug past towering evergreens and stunning snow-capped peaks. Along the way, your guide will bring history to life with fascinating stories of the Klondike Gold Rush and the daring construction of this 19th-century narrow-gauge railroad.
Haines: A cute little town with a fantastic craft distillery, we had a little walkable date night off ship with cocktails, totem poles and a stroll to Fort William H. Seward. We visited Haines and Seward on the same day, so it was a quick stop.
Icy Strait Point: It was pouring rain on the day we visited, so I wouldn’t say it was my favorite stop on our Alaska land and sea trip. It’s more of a Royal Caribbean-designed tourist destination, so I would skip it and hang out on ship if I visited again. However, we did see a few killer whales through our binoculars on the way out. Take note!
Ketchikan: My favorite port besides Juneau, we spent a warm and sunny day learning all about the huge totems at Potlatch Park. Did you know Ketchikan has more totem poles than anywhere in the world? We also saw an exciting and energetic Lumberjack Show (which is so fun for kids! And moms if you know what I mean…).
There are TONS of jewelry stores in downtown Ketchikan that want your business, which can get annoying after awhile, so make sure to avoid that area if you don’t want your kids dragging you into each store to get a free charm or trinket.
Every day on board (and off) felt like a mix of adventure and relaxation, whether we were enjoying the ship’s incredible dining, watching wildlife from our balcony, or soaking up the incredible scenery.
Cruising Through the Inside Passage to Our Final Stop: Vancouver
Sailing through the Inside Passage was one of the most memorable parts of our Alaska cruisetour. The scenery was absolutely unreal—towering cliffs, misty fjords, and even some surprise whale sightings! Finally, we arrived in Vancouver, where we wrapped up our trip with a long weekend city adventure before flying back home to South Florida.
Why Every Florida Family Should Take an Alaska Land and Sea Trip
If you’ve been on the fence about an Alaska land and sea cruise trip, let me just say—DO IT. This trip had something for all of us: adventure, wildlife, history, and luxurious relaxation aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. It was a great way to bond as a family while experiencing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
