Trip Report: 7-Day Alaska Cruise on the Norwegian Bliss with a Toddler

Stateroom experience

We booked a balcony stateroom, which turned out to be essential for an Alaska cruise—especially with a toddler who naps! Being able to soak in the breathtaking views while our son rested (particularly during our scenic sailing through Dawes Glacier) made a huge difference. The stateroom was a comfortable, average cruise size and could accommodate a pack-and-play provided by the ship. We also brought a compact stroller, which fit easily under the bed along with our luggage.

Toddler & family activities

Since our son was under 3, he wasn’t quite old enough for the Splash Academy kids’ club (ages 3–12), but we were thrilled to find the Guppies Playroom—a thoughtfully designed space for children aged 6 months to 3 years. This open play area had toys, coloring stations, and even movies—perfect for sea days and early mornings. It was a nice way to burn some energy and connect with other traveling families.

For families with older kids, Splash Academy offers a drop-off program with age-specific activities and is a great option for a little parent downtime.

Port highlights

• Sitka, Alaska: We kept it simple here and just explored on foot. Sitka is charming and walkable, and we really enjoyed the local food vendors—the lobster bisque and seafood mac and cheese were must-tries!

• Juneau, Alaska: We booked the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, which offered stunning views at the summit. There’s a moderate hike at the top—manageable with a toddler in a carrier, but not suitable for little ones on foot. The visitor center had beautiful views and our son loved the stuffed bear displays.

• Icy Strait Point: We rode the Sky Peak Gondola, and the views on the way up were just spectacular. At the top, we enjoyed a short, scenic hike that was toddler-friendly and even spotted some wildlife.

• Ketchikan, Alaska: This port was beautiful but short on time. We managed to browse a few shops, but the stop felt a bit rushed—something to keep in mind when planning excursions.

Dining & onboard life

The main dining room and buffet were both very manageable with a toddler. The staff was great about offering kid-friendly options and making us feel welcome. We skipped specialty dining, but never felt like we were missing out. While there aren’t as many toddler-focused activities on board as you might find with Disney or Royal Caribbean, there was still plenty of space to explore, and the ship itself is beautiful and family-friendly overall.

Spa experience

I treated myself to the spa twice—a manicure and a massage—and both were fantastic. Pro tip: Spa prices tend to drop later in the cruise and on port days, so keep an eye out for deals!

Final thoughts: The Norwegian Bliss is a wonderful ship for scenic cruising, and Alaska is an amazing destination, even with a toddler in tow. While it may not have the full range of children’s amenities some other lines offer, the combination of stunning natural beauty, thoughtful family spaces like the Guppies Playroom, and friendly staff made this a cruise we’ll never forget. The balcony, in particular, was our MVP for both the views and our toddler’s nap time!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.