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Alaska's Yukon Territory From Ship To Shore
One morning in '63 a new boy, Martin, from Dawson City in the Yukon Territory, walked into our Grade Two class. As our teacher, Mrs. Brand, explained to us that Martin came from the land of the famous 1898 Klondike Goldrush, most of us kids were more impressed that Martin lived so close to the North Pole, and that he probably knew Santa personally. Unlike our generation, with the advent of a number of family vacations now offered to Alaska and the Yukon, our children are able to experience the natural treasures of the far north for themselves. Here are some ideas for cruising and land tours in this area.
Contact Holland America, which is at the forefront of cruise and land tours to Alaska and the Yukon, offering packages to suit a variety of budgets, time frames and interests. Such holidays available are 7-day Inside Passage cruises onboard a luxury Holland America ship, with optional excursions from ports including Juneau, the capital of Alaska, and Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. For those seeking to explore the interior of Alaska and the Yukon, there are a number of packages that include extensive hosted tours in addition to a fun-filled cruise.
"People are discovering cruises to Alaska aren't just for older folks," informs the cruise director of ms Statendam, Julien Sharp. "More and more urban parents are wanting to explore this part of North America - finding it both a wonderful learning and family bonding experience."
Hal Welcomes All Ages
All Holland America ships exploring the north offer a Club HAL onboard program in addition to port excursions for the youngsters. Sharp explains, "Our Club HAL program for junior cruisers is divided into three groups. Children from 3 to 7 years, tweens from 8 to 12 and teens from 13 to 17. We have trained staff, all certified in CPR, who work under a Club HAL Director. The youth have their own designated daily program and special room. "Activities onboard include sports, arts and crafts, Teddy Bear Bingo and a teen disco. We modify the activity program according to the interests of the children onboard."
To excite the children about Alaska, the ship's naturalist speaks with Club HAL members about the sights they are about to see. Once at a port, there are a vast number of side trips offered for the whole family, many with prices discounted for the kids.
However, another option is the fully escorted "Just For Kids & Teens Tours" whose destinations vary according to the season. Previous stops for tweens included the Skagway Wildlife Museum, Molly Walsh Park and Playground, Pullen Creek, and Skagway River Suspension Bridge. Older teens are offered their own excursions as well, including opportunities to raft near Juneau and canoe and hike the Tongass National Forest.
Sharp adds, "Many times kids will go on their first excursion with their family, but as the trip progresses and new friends are made, they tend to want to check out the Alaskan ports with their fellow Club Hal mates."
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