What images come to mind when you think of family travel? Families travel together for various reasons—be that celebrating anniversaries or milestones, exploring their roots, or simply wishing to slow down, unplug, and forge closer bonds through shared experiences.
For a family-friendly getaway blending relaxation and adventure, consider Discover Southeast Alaska by Orbridge. Our small-ship exploration of America's 49th state inspires curiosity and awe while providing enhanced access, flexibility, and personalized service.
Join us for an informal question-and-answer session with Rob, our Guest Documents Manager, for his behind-the-scenes take on vacationing in Alaska with his father. Glide past icy glaciers, spot diverse wildlife, glimpse intriguing culture, and hear his tips for making traveling with family a success.
Q: What is your best memory from the trip? Did it arise from something planned, or was it unexpected?
Rob: Overall, spending time with my father was the best experience. This trip is already a lasting memory for us. I would say that most experiences in Alaska are unexpected. You are never guaranteed anything, so when that unexpected moment comes, it makes it all the more special.
For instance, witnessing the calving of the Sawyer Glacier was unbelievable. The naturalists told us it was some of the largest calving they had ever seen. Take a look at this picture from our cruise. Those little dark specks at the bottom are seals, which really helps put in perspective how big this piece of the glacier that broke off was.
Q. Who would you say had the most fun—you, or Dad? And why?
Rob: I'd say my father and I had an equal amount of fun. We had both been to Alaska before, but this was the first small-ship cruise we had ever been on. Seeing Alaska from a different perspective created a fresh experience, making it so fun.
Q. Name something you learned on the program that you did not previously know or had not seen before.
Rob: When visiting Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park, we learned that in the past, the native Tlingit people had carved figures into the trees near the visitors center. Carvings can take weeks or months to perfect, but for this particular occasion, these were done in one night with very little light. Wow!
Q: As our readers know, fishing has played a vital role in Alaska for centuries. During the program, you got to tour the Hidden Falls Hatchery and learn about salmon fishery enhancement and aquaculture practices. What did you and your Orbridge small group discover there?
Rob: My father and I are both fishing enthusiasts. It was interesting to learn how vulnerable the salmon are to overfishing. They are extremely important to the fisherman and economy of Alaska, as well as the native Tlingit people and their heritage. It was good to see and hear about the efforts to help maintain the salmon when we visited Hidden Falls Hatchery.
Q: What a great photo! What did you think about other activities of your Discover Southeast Alaska tour?
Rob: I'd say I was surprised and delighted by the availability and range of activities. There was always something to do, including the daily excursions, kayaking, informative lectures, wildlife sightings, and the list goes on. There is some flexibility with activities that helps make it suitable for travelers of different ages and ability levels. Some people are intimidated by kayaking, for example. It isn't a requirement. Choose as much or as little activity as your family wishes. Skiffs provide the means for much of the exploration on this program.
Q: And when you weren't engaged in activities, what were you doing?
Rob: Taking photographs, soaking in the passing scenery, journaling about our daily escapades, and reading.
Q: Representing a different generation, I'm curious as to what your father's perspective of the trip is. May we hear from him in his own words?
Rob: Certainly!
Rob's Dad: My trip to Alaska with Orbridge and their partners was one of the most enjoyable and interesting trips that I have taken in a very long time. The best compliment I can pay to the Orbridge team is that their hard work behind the scenes made the trip flow seamlessly. It was everything advertised and more. The ship, the food, the scenery, and the wildlife as well as the interesting people we met along the way made the experience something to talk about for years to come. Most of all, the trip gave me a chance to be with my son on an adventure sharing that most cherished commodity, time!
Each excursion from the ship was another mini adventure! Around every corner was another surprise.
And, from what I observed, other passengers had similar experiences with their own special travel companions. It truly was a beautiful trip and has me looking forward to my next adventure with Orbridge.
Q: What was the best meal you ate? And would Dad agree with your culinary assessment?
Rob: My father says his favorite meal was the halibut dinner. For me, the halibut is a close second, but my favorite meal was the venison.
Q: What did you pack that really came in handy? What's an important "don't forget" item for our readers to know?
Rob: The two most important items I took along were my camera and a raincoat. I had my camera on me at all times. You never knew when wildlife was going to show up! Even more important than my camera was my raincoat. Much of Southeast Alaska is coastal temperate rainforest, so there’s a good chance you’re going to get wet at some point!
Q: From your experience, what makes the Orbridge Alaska adventure uniquely suited for families?
Rob: I think this program is excellent for families. The small ship size makes everything more intimate. The excursion groups are small, which gives you one-on-one time with the ship’s onboard naturalists, with whom you’ll be on a first-name basis by the end of your trip. Educational lectures by these same naturalists are also informative and fun for all.
Dinner with fellow guests is a great time to make new friends and share stories about the day's adventures. It's such a great atmosphere of camaraderie.
The absolute best part, in my opinion, is the abundance of wildlife and nature experiences you'll have. These were enjoyable for people of all ages and will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories.
We were fortunate enough to see not one, but two groups of humpback whales feeding next to each other at the same time. While it’s not rare to see humpback whales bubble-net feeding, it is unique to see two groups doing it in such close proximity.
Q: Thank you for sharing! In general, what are some things for guests to keep in mind who may be considering traveling with family—even several members—for multigenerational travel?
Rob: While family dynamics and needs will differ, my basic advice would be:
- Think about what you want out of a vacation. Pinpoint a destination that provides something for everyone.
- Discuss expenses with your travel party in advance. Distributing costs can make the trip easier and less expensive for everyone.
- Plan ahead to coordinate schedules.
- Leverage the knowledge and experience of a reputable tour operator.
- Choose one person as the organizer to drive things, and then assign tasks as needed.
- Pack your sense of discovery, flexibility, and patience to best enjoy. Trips with family members may take work, but they can also be an extremely rewarding travel option. When possible, share the work and share the expense to share lifelong memories of exploration and wonder!
Looking for a transformative family adventure to reconnect and make memories? Explore the "Last Frontier" with Orbridge's Discover Southeast Alaska program. Combining small-ship cruising with up-close breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, plus fascinating history and culture, you'll experience authentic Alaska together. Learn more about this program, including an exciting optional pre-tour extension to Denali National Park, by visiting us online or by calling (866) 639-0079.
Credits:
Created with an image by tab62 - "Mother and daughter looking at wild flowers with mountains," Rob Kessler, Orbridge, and Dennis Ballesteros.