We're thinking about an Alaskan cruise this July for a mini family reunion. Can you tell me what line is best - also one member of our family doesn't want to dress up for dinner - is there a line where no formal dress requirements exist? Is there enough on the cruise for kids to do? Thanks for your help.

To me Alaska is such a wonderful place that you spend time looking at the scenery and take tours to see more scenery! That is why you spent all that money,airfare, etc.

Any of the major lines will have kid's programs. (They are not ready for just views, yet)

The one member that does not want to dress up-should not dictate for the whole group. There are wonderful meals in the DR that all sould miss for one person? No way - Have HIM go to the Lido or room service-while you go to the DR and have a good meal with all the ambience you paid for.

Alaska is so wonderful and all the ships do such a great job-don't miss any of it.!

Norwegian's "freestyle" approach does not mandate dress codes, and Princess' system also allows more flexibility than some like HAL or Celebrity. Both of those lines offer broad kids' programs.

We took the Princess to Alaska and it was great. I would choose Princess again in a heart beat. My son said the Princess also had the best kid's program of the cruises we've been on.

Denise-
Without question NCL is just wonderful for casual dress codes. Most Alaska trips tend to be more casual anyway, but NCL is it for us since they went free style in their dining. We love the food and just wear nice slacks and a sweater in the evening. I tend to dress a little more than hubby, but we both look and feel fine and fit right in with the others. No jeans or tees, but I see some sports jackets on the men, and on formal nights, one dining room is set aside for those who want to dress up, but we just don't carry those clothes with us anymore. NCL has a very nice childrens program too. The kids are always off together and you see them in the theater in a separate section with the ships staff and they all seem happy. Liz

denise==personally, I LOVE Princess and they have been doing Alaska for ages--one of the first along with HAL...

Their personal choice dining is FABULOUS and their kids program is super!!