Family on Alaskan Cruise
  • On Jan 5, 2026
    Amanda from NV Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I was planning to take my children on the Alaskan cruise in late June. They are going to be 1 and 4 years old. Do you think this is too young? Will there be enough for them to do. Can I leave them in the daycares and leave the boat to do a excursion?

    Ahoy, Amanda! Welcome aboard, planDisney! 

    I love seeing questions from other guests who wonder if they will have enough to do on board a Disney cruise, because then I get to excitedly tell you, YESSS, you will!! 

    I know that you can probably guess that a Disney cruise is my favorite family vacation. But let me tell you why. It’s because there’s always something entertaining happening for every age group. As a mom, I don't have to worry about providing entertainment for my kids, because that's Disney Cruise Line's gift to me. Between the endless activities, Character Experiences, Youth Activities, and recreational spaces such as the splash pads and water slides, there’s never a dull moment, no matter the age! 

    So, in answer to your first question, no, your children are definitely not too young for a Disney cruise! What better way to learn about the beautiful Alaskan wilderness than on board with Captain Mickey and his pals?! Add in all the amenities for their age groups, such as baby amenities, toddler bed rails, and more, and you'll see that Disney cruises are designed with their ages in mind, on purpose. Take it from a mom who’s sailed with 1-year-olds and 4-year-olds: they’re never too young for you to make sweet memories. 

    Speaking of making memories as a mom, to answer your second question, yes, you can definitely leave your children with Youth Activities while you do a Port Adventure! Your 1-year-old will be in “it’s a small world” nursery! and your 4-year-old will be in Disney's Oceaneer Club. Both kids will be very well cared for and entertained by the experienced Youth Counselors. I suggest reading more about Youth Activities, so you have a better idea of what to expect. 

    When you drop them both off, let the Youth Counselors know that you’re doing a Port Adventure, as well as which one, so they know about the duration and timeline. You should also give them a good phone number to reach you, should they need to. Then, that’s it, you’re off to make memories amongst the stunning Alaskan landscape while they make their own memories with their fellow little cruisers! 

    One recommendation I have for when your 1-year-old visits “it’s a small world” nursery! is to make the nursery reservation for your port day as soon as your booking window opens. Nursery reservations fill up quickly and are on a first-come basis. To make the reservation, you’ll log into “My Plans” in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and then tap “Nursery” where you can choose time slots.  

    Amanda, I hope you feel more at ease with this information and can look forward to all the magical moments together on your Alaskan cruise. Please sail back to planDisney if you have any other questions. 

    Bon Voyage, 
    Rana 
thumbnail image for Rana

Meet the Panelist: Rana, Michigan

Welcome aboard, friends! I’m Rana, a wife and mom of two from Michigan. I’ve practically raised my family aboard Disney Cruise Line and thus have experienced so much that Disney cruises offer—for kids, adults, and multigenerational groups. Creating magical moments for my family is what I Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Do-Best and I would love to help sprinkle magic on your Disney Cruise Line adventures!   Learn More About Rana

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