Some of my best and certainly earliest cruising experiences were with my parents when I was but a young lad, so I can personally attest to the joys of a family cruise in Alaska. However great ours were, they were on mainstream lines, and seeing what Alaska Native-owned, small-ship Alaskan Dream Cruises is preparing for families in 2017 makes me wish I could go back in time and experience the great land in its unique way.
In fact, when developing the program, Allen family owners took into consideration their own multiple generations and what Alaskan experiences most resonated with them that were worth sharing. As the story goes, they wanted to, "immerse families in the natural wonders and adventures of Alaska, surrounded by wildlife and indigenous cultures."
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To that end, its 7-night True Alaskan Family Cruises are expanding to feature two days with an overnight stay in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Mind you, the big ships usually only visit for a few hours at most before leaving. Alternatively, the 74-guest Chichagof Dream remains anchored for far longer for families to better witness the wildlife and glaciers and further explore the area.
"Being in such remote places really lets families disconnect from the outside world and experience the park's beauty together," said Alaskan Dream Cruises' Vice President of Sales Michelle Glass. "Glacier Bay is truly an astonishing place, and we love seeing our guests, young and old, leave Alaska with these shared memories."
The first day in the park highlights Bartlett Cove and the Marble Islands, Gloomy Knob and Margerie Glacier, for viewing calving activity, and day two features Lamplugh Glacier and a stop at Reid Inlet. Points of interest will include "Snow," the biggest humpback whale skeleton exhibit in the U.S., and the Huna Tribal House permanent clan house. A Youth Expedition Leader hosts educational programs for children, like the chance to become a Junior Ranger, as a National Park Service ranger and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive guide provide additional insight.
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Outside of Glacier Bay, experiences extend to seeking out fossils in Saginaw Bay, whale watching in Frederick Sound, roasting s'mores at Orca Point Lodge, taking a DIB (Demaree Inflatable Boat) excursion in Tracy Arm Fjord and joining the Killer Whale Club with a polar plunge.
The two family departures scheduled in 2017 are set for July 9 and July 23 with rates beginning at $4,390 for adults. Kids aged 15 and under get a 30 percent discount. Included in the price are onboard accommodations, all meals, scheduled shore excursions, airport transfers and the use of recreational equipment. The program is best suited for multi-generational groups and families with kids seven and older, but all ages are welcome onboard.
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