How to plan for family photos on an Alaskan cruise (without asking strangers)
If you’ve ever found yourself on vacation thinking, “We should get a family photo,” only to end up with a rushed selfie or a blurry shot taken by a well-meaning stranger, you’re not alone. Most moms want real photos of their families on trips like these. We just don’t want to spend our precious vacation time trying to coordinate it in a way that feels awkward or stressful.
So let’s talk about how to plan family photos on your Alaskan cruise—without the “excuse me, could you take our picture?” moment. You deserve something better than that. And your family deserves to be remembered in a way that feels true to you.
Why vacation family photos matter more than you think
First, a gentle reminder: you don’t need to wait for the “perfect” season of life to book family photos. Not when the kids are older. Not when you’re feeling more confident about your body. Not when work calms down.
You are living a season right now. And it’s worth remembering.
An Alaskan cruise is such a special experience, and for many, a once in a lifetime experience. You’re seeing new places as a family, powering through the rainy weather to explore port stops, sipping hot cocoa while spotting whales. These are the moments that grow into family stories. Photos freeze those stories before they slip into the blur of time.
Being fully present with your family is what your kids will remember. Having professional photos to show for it, even better.
Choose the right kind of session for cruise life
Cruise schedules are different from regular trips. You’re hopping between ports, balancing excursions, meals, and maybe naps or a little “we just need to chill” time. The best family photo plan works with that rhythm instead of fighting it.
Here are two session styles that work beautifully for cruise families:
Short and sweet port sessions
When your cruise docks in Ketchikan or another Southeast Alaska port, a planned photo session is a lovely way to step off the ship and instantly have a meaningful experience. These sessions are designed to fit into your day without taking over your vacation. Think of it as a memory-making stop—like a really good excursion, but with photos you’ll keep forever.
Vacation storytelling sessions
If you want the feeling of your trip captured—more candid, more relaxed, more “this is us”—a vacation session lets your family simply be together while a photographer documents it. Walk a trail, explore the shoreline, cuddle your littles under a blanket by the water. The photos come from real connection, not stiff poses.
Christina Chacharon Photography offers vacation sessions in Ketchikan that are specifically shaped around cruise families, so you don’t have to guess what’s realistic. It’s already planned with your cruise time in mind.
Pick a location that feels like Alaska (but still easy)
Alaska is dramatic and gorgeous, but the goal is not to hike three miles with tired kids in fancy shoes. The best family photo locations on a cruise day are:
close to the port
simple to get to
naturally beautiful
flexible if the weather shifts
Ketchikan has that magic mix of lush rainforest, ocean views, and charming coastal scenery—often just minutes from where you step off the ship. I know the area well and can guide you to spots that feel wild and Alaskan without requiring a full expedition.
In other words: you get the “wow” backdrop without the meltdown logistics.
Plan outfits with comfort and weather in mind
Alaska’s weather has a personality of its own, and it changes quickly. The trick is to dress for function and comfort first, style second—because dressing for the elements and fun is what allows kids to relax, spouses to cooperate, and moms to actually enjoy the session.
A simple formula:
Layers: sweaters, vests, soft jackets
Textures: knits, denim, cozy fabrics that photograph beautifully
Neutral or earthy tones: creams, rust, deep greens, blues, warm browns
Comfortable shoes: think “walkable,” not “perfect”
You don’t need to match exactly. Coordinating colors and overall vibe is plenty. Avoid neon colors and logos. And yes, rain boots can absolutely be part of adorable Alaska photos.
Also, bring a backup layer for littles—tiny hands get cold fast near the water. Hand warmers and blankets can be the difference of a fun session or tears.
Use timing to your advantage
Cruise days can feel packed, so timing matters. When sessions are planned around your ship’s schedule, you avoid that frantic “we’re late!” energy.
Here are a few timing tips:
Aim for earlier in the port day if you can. Kids are fresher, and you’re not racing back to the ship.
Build a cushion for getting offboard. Cruise disembarkation sometimes runs a little behind.
Keep snacks handy. A fed child is a cooperative child. A fed adult is also a cooperative adult.
I can help you craft a photo experience that lines up with your docking hours and any excursions you’ve booked.
Let your photographer handle the awkward parts
One reason moms avoid vacation photos is the fear that it’ll feel forced. But a family session doesn’t have to be stiff or uncomfortable.
A good photographer does a lot more than click a camera. I will:
Guide you into natural poses
Keep things playful for kids
Help dads/partners feel relaxed
Work quickly and kindly
Roll with whatever your family brings
You don’t need to manage everyone’s mood. You don’t need to be “on.” You just need to show up and love your people the way you already do.
That’s where the real photos come from.
Embrace the imperfect, because that’s where the magic is
Here’s the truth: family photos are often best when they feel a little real. Wind-tossed hair, giggles that turn into belly laughs, a toddler who wants to be held the whole time. That’s not a problem—it’s part of your story.
The goal isn’t a picture-perfect version of your trip. It’s your family as you are, in a place you’ll remember forever.
When you look back at these photos years from now, you won’t be thinking about whether everyone stood still. You’ll be remembering how small their hands were. How close you all were. How you felt together in that wild, beautiful place.
Take the photo you’ll be grateful for later
If your Alaskan cruise includes a stop in Ketchikan, consider giving your family more than a quick phone snapshot. A vacation session with Christina Chacharon Photography lets you step into the frame, relax into the moment, and walk away with images that feel like your family—set against the unforgettable beauty of Southeast Alaska.
Christina specializes in photographing families with warmth and ease, and she offers cruise-friendly vacation sessions designed to fit naturally into your port day. Whether your kids are tiny, grown, or somewhere in between, this season is worth remembering.
When you’re ready to plan your family photos in Alaska, reach out to Christina Chacharon Photography to book your Ketchikan vacation session. Your future self will be so glad you did.
