Put Alaska Under the Christmas Tree This Year

Every Christmas, we ask ourselves the same question: What do we get everybody this year?

The kids have toys. The grown kids have just about everything they need. And let's face it, sometimes we spend a whole lot of time and money buying things that nobody will remember a year from now.

So here's an idea.

What if, instead of exchanging gifts this Christmas, the whole family decided to go to Alaska together?

I'm talking about grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins—whoever makes up your family.

Instead of another pile of presents under the tree, imagine everyone opening an envelope that says, We're Going to Alaska!

Now that's a Christmas gift worth getting excited about!

The Best Gifts Aren't Always Things

I've always believed that some of the best things we can give our families are experiences together.

Think about it. Years from now, will your grandchildren remember what toy they received for Christmas in 2026?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But will they remember seeing a whale breach beside the ship? Watching a glacier? Riding a train through the mountains of Alaska? Sitting around the dinner table telling stories about what everybody did that day?

I have a feeling those memories will stick around a whole lot longer.

And the beautiful thing is that you don't have to wait until Christmas morning to make the announcement. The whole family can sit down together, decide that this year's gift to one another is an Alaska adventure, and start planning.

Sometimes the anticipation is half the fun!

Why Alaska Is Such a Wonderful Family Destination

One of the things I love about Alaska is that it offers something for just about everybody.

The adventurous ones can head out on excursions, explore the wilderness, or go looking for wildlife.

The ones who prefer a slower pace can settle into a comfortable spot on the ship, enjoy a cup of coffee, and watch some of the most beautiful scenery in the world pass by.

And the kids? Well, there's plenty to keep them entertained both on the ship and ashore.

You don't have to spend every minute together, either.

That's something I think families sometimes overlook when they're planning a multigenerational vacation.

Grandma and Grandpa might want to relax in the observation lounge while the younger crowd heads off to do something adventurous. Everybody can meet back up for dinner, compare stories, and enjoy being together.

You're sharing a vacation, not necessarily following each other around all day!

I've Seen What Happens When Families Travel Together

In 2025, I hosted an Alaska cruise with 124 travelers in 59 cabins aboard Norwegian Encore.

Now, that's a lot of people!

And one of the things I loved most was watching families and friends enjoy Alaska in their own ways.

Some people wanted every adventure they could fit into the week. Others were perfectly happy enjoying the scenery, relaxing aboard the ship, and spending time with the people they came with.

That's the beauty of a cruise vacation. There's room for different interests, different ages, and different ideas of what makes a wonderful day.

And when you bring everyone together in a place as spectacular as Alaska, you're creating stories that will be told long after everybody gets home.

Not Every Alaska Cruise Is the Same

Now, here's where I want to share something important.

If you're thinking about giving your family an Alaska cruise for Christmas, please don't just pick the first itinerary you find because the price looks good.

There are some real differences between Alaska cruises.

Some sail round-trip from Seattle. Others are one-way itineraries that can be wonderful if you want to spend additional time exploring Alaska before or after your cruise.

Some itineraries visit Glacier Bay National Park. Others offer different glacier-viewing experiences.

And the ships themselves can be very different, too.

If you're traveling with children, teenagers, grandparents, or family members who have mobility considerations, those details matter.

The right ship and itinerary for one family may not be the right choice for another.

That's why I always like to ask questions before recommending anything. I want to know who's traveling, what everyone enjoys, and even what they don't want to do.

Because the goal isn't simply to book an Alaska cruise.

It's to plan an Alaska vacation that works for your family.

Imagine Next Christmas Morning

Picture everyone gathered around the Christmas tree.

Instead of trying to figure out what to buy each other, you're talking about the Alaska adventure you have planned for the coming summer.

Maybe the grandchildren are excited about seeing whales.

Maybe somebody's already researching the train excursions.

Maybe Grandpa is looking forward to sitting on the balcony with his morning coffee.

And maybe Grandma is just smiling because she knows she's going to have her family together for an entire week.

I think that's a pretty wonderful gift.

And whether you make it a surprise or decide on it together, the experience begins long before you step aboard the ship.

It begins with having something wonderful to look forward to.

Let's Make Some Memories

If an Alaska family adventure sounds like something you'd love to put under the Christmas tree this year, I'd be happy to visit with you about the possibilities.

I've sailed Alaska, I've hosted large groups there, and I know how important it is to find the right fit for everyone traveling.

Whether it's your immediate family, several generations, or a group of friends who feel like family, there are some wonderful ways to experience Alaska together.

So come sit with me, and let's visit.

Because sometimes the very best gift you can give isn't something you wrap.

It's a story your family will tell for years to come.

Where Every Trip Becomes a Story.

Gina Renée

Travel Advisor | Magical Moments Vacations

Travel With Gina Renée