Alaska cruise with kids, with cruise and non-cruise people

[Budget Queen]

Here are the "group" activities that grandparents + kids would enjoy (based on dailies posted online), that are outside of the kids club:

 

NCL

-Bowling

-More frequent movie showings

-Giant checkers and chess

-Family dodge ball

-Scavenger hunt

-Family cupcake decorating

-Family circus

-Arts and crafts

-Win, lose or draw (kid friendly?)

-Charades

-Family pizza making

-Magic workshop

-Family balloon twisting

-Junior ranger

 

Holland

-Tea ceremony

-Cooking shows*

-Flower arranging*

*younger child might not care for this

 

Both cruises

-Pool

-Library/games

-Ranger talk

-Crew talent show

-Towel folding

-Ping pong

 

I wouldn't even begin to expect that we do all of these, but it makes me feel good that we have the option for activities together if the interest is there. I am starting to feel that the greater selection on NCL trumps the better itinerary of Holland. I would lean in the other direction if it were a different group traveling together.

 

With NCL you do have to pay for some of those activities. The Jr Ranger Program is also available on HAL.

 

The slant for you seems to be with a good mix for you with NCL. I sailed the Pearl last year, and absolutely enjoyed it- I took my sister's family, and they raved about it as well.

Edited July 28, 2015 by Budget Queen

[Coral]

Here are the "group" activities that grandparents + kids would enjoy (based on dailies posted online), that are outside of the kids club:

 

.

 

I know this sounds odd but you would be amazed at how little time you have onboard. Maybe it is because I am watching the scenery and wildlife go by. Except for going to Naturalists lectures inside - I am outside in Alaska!

[traveltime3400]

That doesn't sound odd at all! If it were just the grown ups, I wouldn't be so uptight. Maybe I am overthinking it...especially since this is our first cruise. But it makes me feel secure knowing there is so much to choose from. If we don't do the extras, so be it! :)

Edited July 28, 2015 by traveltime3400