Doing Alaska with a Toddler Question

[Skippyboo]

My friend’s mother in law is offering to do a big family cruise next summer. She is going to pay for the cruise fare. They did this a couple of years ago and went on a 7 night Western Caribbean on the Fantasy. However now Mother in Law wants to do Alaska.

My friend has a son who will be almost 13 and a daughter 3 going on 4 in Aug 2027. The 3 year has done the Wish last year and didn’t really like the nursery. They are going on the Fantasy this September so it will be her first attempt at kids club.

My friend is concerned about what activities would the 3 could do especially since the weather might not be cooperative for the deck activities that you would do on a warmer weather cruise like pools, splash pads etc. Also the excursions cost will be pricey for a family of 4.

So what did people do with their toddler on Alaska sailings? How are the kids club on Magic/Wonder versus Wish ships or Fantasy/Dream?

They are still going to have to spend a lot of money to get to Vancouver and she doesn’t want to do it if the kids aren’t going to like. She is trying to see if her sisters in law would be up for trying to get Mother in the law to do Wish Mediterranean Cruise instead of Alaska.

 

[Mommb]

I haven't done Alaska with kids, but I sailed on the Magic and Wonder many times when my kids were between 3 and 10, and they had a lot of fun in the kids' club and did not spend a lot of time on the pool deck. Since the 3-year-old wasn't in the Oceaneers Club on the Wish, she won't be able to compare it to the Magic -- she'll be starting fresh with an area that is much different from the Nursery.

There will be character meets, craft activities, and other family activities around the ship. There will also be excursions with lots for small children to see and do (although yes, they are expensive).

I am not sure that a Mediterranean cruise would be better for a 4-year-old. Many of the most interesting excursions for teens/adults require lengthy bus rides and don't have a lot that would appeal to young children.

 

[Skippyboo]

They aren’t an excursion heavy family. They like to spend a lot of time on the ship. She turns 3 this August so Fantasy in September is first opportunity for kids club. Her brother has aged out of the little kid portion of kids club so he won’t be able to be with her.