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Pre cruise Itinerary feedback - 2 families, kids 7-10

Hi - we are two families with a combined 4 kids ages 7-10 looking to plan for a 5-7 day pre cruise itinerary. We are trying to not spend the entire time in the car and not be too rushed trying to see everything, but do want to get a good variety. We are purposely skipping Denali due to the drivetime. Our cruise will stop in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (and Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier scenic touring).

I am overwhelmed with planning and worked with Chat GPT to create the below itinerary. Wanted to get feedback on it from humans. Thoughts? Will this keep us busy enough? Should we add Homer or another destination? Is there a place to work in an easy/short kayaking tour?

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage - Drive to Seward (2.5 hours). Stay Seward.

Day 2 - Seward

• Activities: Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, Take an easy hike on the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. Stay: Seward

Day 3: Seward

• Activities: Boat tour of Resurrection Bay to spot seals, sea otters, puffins, and other wildlife. Other sites?? Explore Seward’s small town and relax in the evening.

• Stay: Seward

Day 4: Drive to Girdwood (2 hours)

• Activities: Stop at Portage Glacier on the way for a short hike or a boat tour. Ride the Alyeska Tram for stunning views and family photos; Winner Creek Trail, a kid-friendly rainforest hike.

• Stay: Girdwood

Day 5: Explore Girdwood and Surroundings

• Morning: Crow Creek Mine: Pan for gold and enjoy a hands-on, family-friendly activity in a historic setting, Bird Point: A short drive from Girdwood, this scenic stop offers easy walks and opportunities to spot beluga whales in Turnagain Arm during the right season.

• Afternoon: Chugach State Park: Take a family-friendly hike, such as the Byron Glacier Trail, Stay: Girdwood

Day 6: Drive to Anchorage (1 hour)

• Activities:

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, moose, and other native wildlife in a safe environment.

• Stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for scenic views and easy walking.

Return Rental car

• Stay: Anchorage

Day 7: Get bus or train to Whittier to board cruise.

Your itinerary is very well thought out for two families with kids ages 7–10. It balances travel time, sightseeing, and kid-friendly activities nicely. The sequence from Anchorage to Seward, then Girdwood, and back to Anchorage is practical and avoids long consecutive driving days, which is especially important with children.

Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to optimize your plan:

  • Days 1–3: Seward
    • The Alaska SeaLife Center is perfect for kids; they usually enjoy the touch tanks and seal encounters.
    • Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is a great easy hike for families. You might also consider the Harding Icefield Trail if some adults want a longer hike, though it’s optional.
    • For your boat tour of Resurrection Bay, consider a wildlife-focused tour—some tours offer shorter 3–4 hour trips suitable for kids and avoid seasickness issues.
    • Other kid-friendly activities in Seward include kayaking in Resurrection Bay (short guided trips are available for beginners) or visiting Lowell Point Beach for tide pooling.
  • Days 4–5: Girdwood
    • Portage Glacier and Alyeska Tram are excellent stops. The Tram offers stunning views without strenuous effort.
    • Winner Creek Trail is very kid-friendly and provides a rainforest experience with a fun suspension bridge.
    • Crow Creek Mine for gold panning is perfect for children, and Bird Point along Turnagain Arm is a scenic, quick stop for wildlife viewing.
    • Chugach State Park’s Byron Glacier Trail is suitable for families, though be mindful of potential muddy areas.
    • Consider a short guided kayaking option in Portage Lake if your kids are comfortable—these trips are usually safe and fun.
  • Day 6: Anchorage
    • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must-see, giving kids a chance to see bears, moose, and bison up close safely.
    • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is ideal for easy walking or bike rentals if you want a little more activity before returning the rental car.
    • If time allows, a short visit to the Anchorage Museum can provide interactive exhibits for children.
  • General Feedback
    • The itinerary avoids long drives on consecutive days, which is good for children and keeps the trip relaxed.
    • Adding Homer or further destinations may be too rushed, especially with children and the goal of not being constantly in the car.
    • You have some flexibility for easy kayaking or short boat trips in Seward or Girdwood; consider booking in advance for availability in June.
    • The plan provides a mix of wildlife, glaciers, and scenic stops, which will keep kids engaged without exhaustion.

Overall, this is a solid 6–7 day pre-cruise itinerary for families with young children. You have included educational and interactive activities, beautiful scenery, and manageable travel times. Just ensure you have flexibility built in for rest and weather variations.

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