Travel
Why Alaska Might Be the Perfect First Cruise Destination
When people think of their first cruise, the Caribbean often comes to mind: sunny beaches, palm trees, and turquoise water. But if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable introduction to cruising, Alaska may actually be the perfect first trip.
1. The Scenery Is Unlike Anywhere Else
From towering snow-capped mountains to massive glaciers that calve into the sea, Alaska delivers a level of natural beauty you can’t get in the Caribbean. First-time cruisers often say they spent entire days on their balcony or deck, just soaking in the views.
2. Adventure Beyond the Ship
In Alaska, the excursions are part of the magic. Think:
Dog sledding on a glacier
Whale watching in Juneau
Hiking through rainforests in Ketchikan
Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route railway in Skagway
Instead of just lounging on beaches, you’re stepping into once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
3. The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Wilderness
For first-time cruisers, Alaska strikes the ideal balance:
Onboard, you have the comfort of modern cruise ships with world-class dining and entertainment.
Onshore, you’re immersed in wild landscapes and wildlife — eagles, bears, and humpback whales.
It’s adventure with a safety net.
4. Cooler Weather (No Sweltering Seasickness)
Caribbean cruises can feel overwhelming for new travelers — crowded beaches, humid weather, and sometimes rough seas. Alaska’s summer climate is mild (50s–70s), and sailings are typically smooth, making it easier on first-time cruisers.
5. A Teachable Moment: Mendenhall Glacier Flooding
Recently, Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau has made headlines for flooding events caused by melting ice. While this highlights the very real impact of climate change, it also makes visiting Alaska now more meaningful. You’re not just sightseeing — you’re witnessing a landscape in transition.
Cruise lines and local tour operators have adapted excursions to keep travelers safe, and visiting responsibly helps support the Alaskan communities facing these changes. For many, seeing these glaciers up close is a powerful reminder of why travel matters: it connects us to the world while there’s still time to experience it.
FrugaLee Takeaway
If you want your first cruise to be more than a vacation — if you want it to be an adventure, a classroom, and a lifelong memory all in one — Alaska may be the perfect place to start.
Alaskan cruises run late April to early October. Most cruises sail the Inside Passage which is the southeastern part of Alaska, adjacent to Canada. You usually won't go as far north as Anchorage.
The water is super calm since you're usually traveling between land on both sides, so seasickness is usually not an issue. The weather is usually in the 50s and 60s, and Juneau has rain about 60% of the year (home to the largest temperate rain forest in the world - Tongass National Forest).
We sailed the Disney Wonder for our Alaskan cruise in September 2024 (just under a year ago) when our toddler was only 15 months. We flew into Vancouver a day early and left a day after we disembarked because my wife always wanted to visit Vancouver. We had a group of 12 (wife's parents, her brothers, and her sister's family).
Pro tip: For first-time cruisers, a 7-night Inside Passage itinerary out of Seattle or Vancouver is often the most accessible and rewarding option. Many cruise lines sail Alaska, including Disney Cruise Line, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, Carnival, etc.
If you're interested in booking travel with me, reach out to me at DannyL@fairygodmothertravel.com.
Follow me on Instagram @Danny_FairyGodmotherTravel.
