Alison Fox

When I told my nephews we would be going on yet another holiday cruise this year, they both let out cheers and immediately started listing off all the things they couldn't wait to do. Now 3 and 7 years old, this will be their third consecutive year of holiday cruising—and the fourth such cruise for our family—and at this point, they’re pros. My family hasn’t always loved cruises. In fact, for years, we scoffed at them, worrying we’d feel stuck and hate the crowds. But with multiple kids in tow and a large extended family, the idea of cruising started to grow on us. From being able to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations to being together without all the cleanup that typically goes with a big gathering, holiday cruising has become a cherished tradition. It's surprisingly festive Cruises can sometimes get a bad rap, thought to draw an older crowd. But nowhere was this less true than while standing in line with a few hundred other young families to meet Santa on a Royal Caribbean cruise we boarded out of Baltimore a few years ago. We patiently waited as the Big Man greeted each child and handed out a small gift—a beach kit with sand castle-building toys in our case. It may not have been plucked straight from the kids’ Amazon wish lists, but the act of receiving something unexpected was extra special. Photograph: Alison Fox for Time OutA glimpse at the many holiday decorations visible throughout the ship. We then headed over to the dining room to join the rest of th

The first thing that strikes you on a trip to Alaska is how wide open it feels, with plenty of breathtaking natural wonders and incredible wildlife to satisfy even the most discerning traveler. I should know, I’ve sailed there twice. There are also many mistakes you can make on this epic trip. Luckily, travelers can do a few things to ensure their cruise goes off without a hitch. First, it’s important to note that every part of the 49th state is unique, from its vast interior full of bears, moose, and mountains to the adorable port cities with boutique shopping, whale watching and boating adventures. Some destinations—like the capital of Juneau—are only accessible by ship or air, and others—like Glacier Bay National Park—are great to see from the ship itself. Of course, traveling on a cruise allows you to hop from destination to destination, but it also means planning for changes in weather, various activities and, of course, the unexpected. When planning a trip to Alaska, choices matter. Several important decisions could make or break a trip, from excursions and deciding if a land tour is the right add-on to ensuring you’re picking the right ship for your group. No Alaska cruise will look exactly the same, but here are 12 important dos and don’ts to take some of the guesswork out of planning the perfect trip to The Last Frontier. Photograph: Alison Fox for Time Out Do: Splurge on a window or balcony stateroom One of the best parts of a cruise to Alaska is the views, and be