Holland America Line once was considered a haven for seniors cruising to Alaska, but it now carries more than 25,000 kids and their families aboard its 15 ships every year. The cruise line has so many multigenerational groups that they have designed a special Family Reunion Program (for groups booking eight or more rooms) featuring a complimentary room upgrade, $50 beverage card per room and more. The junior foodies in your gang will love the kids and teen Culinary Arts Center with complimentary cooking lessons. All the kids will like the Cartoon Network offerings that air on the in-cabin television.
What’s new: Holland America is offering several new itineraries in Europe and Asia, such as a 14-day Asian Adventure cruise from Singapore through Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. The cruise line also added a 14-day Europe tour that goes to Iceland, London and Norway. And coming on their newest ship are connecting cabins designed specifically for multigenerational groupings.
For kids: The Club HAL program provides supervised activities for kids ages three to 12, including PJ parties, arts and crafts, kids Olympics, video game tournaments and more.
For tweens: The eight to 12 year olds have their own special area featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, family-safe Internet access (for a minimal fee), video games, deck sports and pool parties. They may participate in the National Park Service Junior Ranger program on Alaska cruises.
For Teens: The Loft is an adult-free lounge where teens can hang out and enjoy movies, games and music. Oasis, a teen-only sundeck with a wading pool and juice bar, is also available on select ships.
Around the ship: The ship features swimming pools, basketball, volleyball and tennis. Families love the private island, Half Moon Cay, with its array of activities such as snorkeling, bicycle tours, water sports and adventure areas. Babysitters are available from 10 pm to midnight for kids ages three and up ($5/hour per child). Limited services for children under three are also available for $10/hour ($7/hour for each additional child). Youth programs are offered on port days when kids are signed up the night before.
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- Family Cruise Guide (main article)
- MSC Cruises (next article)
