Ahoy, Lisa!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel site and thanks for sending in a question. How exciting to hear that you'll be sailing on the
Alaskan voyage very soon. My family and I loved this itinerary and I remember always getting mesmerized by how beautiful the landscape (and sea scape) was. It's such a different trip compared to all the other voyages around the world.
Disney does a great job in lining up exciting (and educational) Port Adventures for families. We've found the guides to be very knowledgeable, and they are used to dealing with families with children. They answer the kids' questions, and the ones we've had, always explained everything so simply for the kids to really understand. At the end of each port adventure, gratuities are always appreciated but not required. If you do decide to give a tip for excellent service, there is no specified amount as it is also left at your discretion. US Currency is used and cash for tips and gratuities will usually be accepted at the end of the excursion or when it is time to head back to the ship. On our Alaska Port Adventures, it was common for us to have 2-4 guides with us for our excursion. We are told that guides will pool their tips and then split it up evenly at the end of the day. For our family of 4, on a full day tour, it is common for us to give a $20 tip at the end of the excursion, if we really liked the guides ($5 per person). We usually get a big smile when we hand the tip over when it is time to part ways. Nonetheless, we get a smile no matter how big the bill is anyway.
I hope this helps, Lisa!
Wishing you a wonderful voyage to Alaska!
~ Dolly