If you’re planning a family vacation, you might be wondering if Holland America is a good option for you. Well, let me tell you – Holland America is definitely a fantastic option for families! From exciting and diverse itineraries to family-friendly activities and amenities, Holland America has plenty to offer for travelers of all ages.
Parents can relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views while the kids have a blast with the on-board children’s activities and games. For those who are looking for adventure, there are plenty of options available to explore the ports of call and take part in fun excursions. And for those who are simply looking to unwind and enjoy some down-time, Holland America’s staterooms are comfortable and spacious.
So, if you’re looking for a stress-free vacation that caters to everyone in the family, Holland America is definitely the right choice. You won’t regret it!
Holland America Children’s Programs
Holland America Line has a reputation as an adult-oriented cruise line, but it offers some amazing kids’ programs that keep the whole family engaged. Holland America gives children a chance to explore and experience the world around them. They offer a variety of fun activities and amenities for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
- Club HAL: This program features supervised activities for kids ages 3-17. The activities are divided into three age groups: 3-7, 8-12, and 13-17. The club also provides kids with age-appropriate games, crafts, and storytelling.
- The Loft and The Oasis: These are teen-only hangouts. The Loft is designed for kids aged 13 to 17, while The Oasis is for ages 18 to 20. Each has an area to play games, watch movies, and meet new friends. The Loft has a video arcade, and The Oasis offers dance music and a non-alcoholic bar.
- Babysitting Services: Holland America offers babysitting services, which are available for a fee. This service is great for parents who want some time alone or if they would like to go on a shore excursion that is not suitable for children.
In addition, Holland America offers a range of family activities and amenities like sports courts, swimming pools, and family-friendly shore excursions. One of the popular options for families is the “Family Time” program, where they can enjoy activities together, such as scavenger hunts, cooking classes, and movie nights.
| Age Group | Activities |
|---|---|
| Ages 3-7 | Storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, pirate treasure hunts, and more. |
| Ages 8-12 | Dodgeball, mini-golf, scavenger hunts, karaoke, pizza parties, and more. |
| Ages 13-17 | Karaoke, video game tournaments, talent shows, dance parties, and more. |
Holland America Line’s children’s programs offer something for everyone, making them a great option for families. Parents can relax and enjoy some time alone, while their children explore the world and make memories they will cherish forever.
Family accommodations on Holland America ships
When it comes to family accommodations, Holland America offers a variety of stateroom options to fit every family’s needs. From spacious suites to interconnecting staterooms, families will find plenty of space to relax and unwind.
- Family Oceanview Staterooms: These staterooms offer plentiful space for families with comfortable accommodations for up to five guests. They come with either one or two lower beds that convert to a queen, a convertible sofa bed and/or upper bunk beds, and plenty of closet and drawer space.
- Neptune Suites: These luxury accommodations offer plenty of space and stunning ocean views, perfect for larger families or those looking for a little extra luxury. With a king-size bed, separate living area with sleeper sofa or double murphy bed, and an oversized bathroom with a whirlpool tub, families will enjoy the ultimate cruise experience.
- Interconnecting Staterooms: Holland America offers interconnecting staterooms that connect two staterooms to create a larger space for families. They come with all the amenities of a regular stateroom but offer the added convenience of having two separate spaces connected by a door.
When it comes to cruising with kids, Holland America has thought of everything to ensure families have a comfortable experience. With plenty of space and a range of accommodation options, families can enjoy their time at sea and make memories that will last a lifetime.
If you have young children or infants, then you will be glad to know that Holland America offers a range of amenities to make your family stay on board with them unforgettable. For example, they have cribs, high chairs, and booster seats available for use, as well as child-friendly menus in the restaurants. Plus, there is a youth program called Club HAL for kids between 3 and 17 years of age with supervised activities and games.
| Accommodation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Family Oceanview Staterooms | Accommodations for up to five guests. One or two lower beds that convert to a queen, a convertible sofa bed and/or upper bunk beds, and plenty of closet and drawer space. |
| Neptune Suites | Luxury accommodations with stunning ocean views, perfect for larger families or those looking for extra luxury. King-size bed, separate living area with sleeper sofa or double murphy bed, oversized bathroom with whirlpool tub. |
| Interconnecting Staterooms | Two staterooms connected by a door to create a larger space for families. All amenities of regular staterooms. |
No matter which Holland America ship you choose, there is always plenty of space for the whole family. With dedicated family cabins and a range of amenities to keep kids entertained, a family cruise with Holland America is sure to be unforgettable.
Holland America Family Dining Options
When it comes to family vacations, food is a major consideration, and Holland America is no stranger to catering for families. With numerous dining options that cater to all ages, Holland America ensures that families can enjoy their meals together without worrying about fussy eaters or finding child-approved menus. Below are some of the family dining options available on Holland America.
Culinary Arts Center
- The Culinary Arts Center is a favorite among families, where they can participate in hands-on cooking classes alongside culinary experts.
- The center offers workshops about perfecting pizza-making, cupcakes, and cookies, giving families an excellent chance to bond while learning culinary tricks.
- Classes cater to children as young as three years old, with the supervision of a parent, and are usually held on sea days.
Pinnacle Grill
If you’re on a holiday with your family and would like to splurge on fine dining, Pinnacle Grill is the perfect spot.
The onboard upscale steakhouse offers a children’s menu with dishes such as steamed veggies, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac, and cheese, and other kid-friendly dishes, at no extra cost.
Kids can dine with their parents or at a special table with their new friends from the kids club, offering a little independence for both parents and kids.
Family-Friendly Buffet Meals
For families that want casual dining at any time of the day, the buffet set-up on Holland America can offer the flexibility that caters to most families.
The Lido Market Buffet on Holland America has plenty of options for children, such as fresh fruits, made-to-order omelets, fries, hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, and other child-friendly dishes.
Family tables at Main Dining Rooms
The Main Dining Rooms has enough seating to cater to families who want to dine together or share their table with new friends.
For families who want to strike up conversations with other cruisers, the Westerdam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, and Noordam offer family tables, where parents and kids can sit together with other families, creating an inclusive and memorable dining experience.
| Ship Name | Available Family Table Sizes |
|---|---|
| Westerdam | 4 or 6 guests |
| Oosterdam | 6 guests |
| Zuiderdam | 6 guests |
| Noordam | 4 guests |
Regardless of which dining option you choose, Holland America ensures that each family member leaves the meal satisfied and happy.
Pools and activities for families on Holland America cruises
If you’re planning a family vacation on a Holland America cruise, you might be wondering about the amenities that cater to children and teens. The good news is that Holland America has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
- Pools: Holland America has both outdoor and indoor pools on its ships. The outdoor pools are perfect for soaking up the sun while the indoor pools offer a respite from the heat on days at sea. The main pool on most of their ships also has a retractable roof, which is great for all weather conditions.
- Sports courts: Holland America features sports courts on its ships, which provide a perfect venue for family-friendly games of basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
- Cooking classes: For families who enjoy spending time together in the kitchen, Holland America offers a series of cooking classes on board. These classes are taught by professional chefs and are a great way to learn new cooking techniques and recipes.
In addition to these features, Holland America also offers a fantastic kids program. Club HAL, the youth program, provides supervised activities and entertainment for children ages 3 to 17. Teens have their own dedicated space to hang out in, the Loft, which is located on the top deck of the ship for amazing views.
If you’re looking for family-friendly cruises, Holland America is definitely worth considering. With a variety of pools and sports activities, as well as an outstanding kids program, Holland America cruises are perfect for families of all sizes and interests.
| Activities for families on Holland America cruises | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Outdoor and Indoor Pools | Great for all weather conditions and perfect for family time by the water |
| Sports Courts | A fun way to stay active and enjoy friendly competition with loved ones |
| Cooking Classes | A great way to learn new skills, bond with family members, and enjoy delicious meals together |
No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, Holland America is sure to have something for everyone. Whether you want to relax by the pool, get active with sports, or explore new culinary skills, you’ll find it all on one of their fantastic family-friendly cruises.
Holland America family shore excursions
If you’re planning a family cruise with Holland America, exploring shore excursions would be a great way to make your family vacation an unforgettable experience. Holland America offers a range of family-friendly shore excursions that are tailored to suit different interests, ages, and activity levels.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Holland America family shore excursions to help you plan your next family adventure.
Top 5 Holland America family shore excursions
- Pinnacle Peak Trail Hike (Ketchikan, Alaska): This adventure is perfect for families who love hiking and exploring nature. The trail takes you through the Tongass National Forest, and the kids will love spotting diverse wildlife and flora along the way. Don’t forget to snap pictures at the summit of Pinnacle Peak – the views are breathtaking!
- Dolphin Swim and Encounter (Curacao): This is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. You’ll have the chance to swim with dolphins, learn about their behaviors, and even get a kiss from these friendly creatures. The excursion also includes a guided tour of the Curacao Sea Aquarium – definitely one for the family photo album.
- Cycling Barcelona’s Beaches (Barcelona, Spain): Explore the stunning coastline of Barcelona on two wheels. This excursion takes you on a leisurely bike ride along the city’s most iconic beaches, including Barceloneta. Your local guide will share fascinating insights into the city’s culture, history, and cuisine during the tour.
- Zip-Lining (Roatan, Honduras): Get your adrenaline pumping with the zip-lining adventure in Roatan. You’ll soar over the lush canopy of the island’s tropical forest, and children over the age of 6 can participate. The tour also includes a visit to the monkey and sloth sanctuary – a hit with the whole family.
- Grand Turk Beach and Stingray Encounter (Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos): This excursion combines the beauty of Grand Turk’s stunning beaches with an up-close encounter with friendly stingrays. You’ll have the chance to feed and interact with the stingrays in their natural habitat and enjoy a relaxing swim and sunbathing on the island’s gorgeous white sand beaches afterward.
What to expect on Holland America family shore excursions
Holland America family shore excursions are well-planned and designed to cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Many of the tours include transportation, snacks, drinks, and guide services, ensuring that you have an enjoyable and hassle-free experience.
The excursions range from active adventures like hiking, cycling, and water sports to cultural experiences like city tours, food tours, and museum visits. You can find excursions that accommodate children of all ages, and some even have dedicated kids’ activities and supervision.
It’s worth noting that most shore excursions are not included in the cruise fare and need to be booked separately. You can book the excursions online, through the Holland America onboard excursion desk, or by contacting a travel agent.
Conclusion
Holland America family shore excursions offer a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories and explore new destinations with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a cultural experience, there’s something for everyone.
| Pro Tip |
|---|
| Book your family shore excursions early to secure your spot and avoid last-minute disappointments. |
So, go ahead and plan your next family adventure with Holland America – you won’t be disappointed!
Onboard entertainment for families with Holland America
When it comes to planning a family vacation, entertainment is one of the key factors to consider. Holland America understands this and offers a variety of onboard entertainment options that cater to families with children of all ages.
- Casino: If you’re traveling with teenagers, they’ll likely enjoy the casino onboard. Holland America offers a variety of slot machines, table games, and poker tournaments.
- Club HAL: This is the perfect place for younger kids to hang out and have fun with other children their age. Club HAL offers a wide range of activities including video game tournaments, storytelling, and arts and crafts.
- The Mainstage: The Mainstage is where guests can catch live performances, including music, dance, and comedy shows. These shows are fun for the whole family and are sure to keep everyone entertained.
- Culinary arts center: The culinary arts center is a great place for families to gather and learn about cooking. Holland America offers a variety of cooking classes and demonstrations that cater to all skill levels.
- Movies: If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, the onboard movie theatre is a great option. Holland America screens a variety of movies throughout the day, including many family-friendly options.
- On-deck activities: Holland America offers a variety of on-deck activities that families can enjoy together, including basketball, shuffleboard, and mini-golf.
In addition to these entertainment options, Holland America also offers themed cruises geared towards families, including the “Dancing with the Stars” cruise and the “O, The Oprah Magazine” cruise. These cruises offer unique experiences that are sure to keep families engaged and entertained throughout their trip.
Overall, Holland America offers a variety of onboard entertainment options that cater to families with children of all ages. From the casino to Club HAL to the culinary arts center, there’s truly something for everyone. So the next time you’re planning a family vacation, consider Holland America as your next destination.
Holland America youth counselors and supervision
Holland America Line has recognized the importance of catering to the needs of families with children on their cruise ships. They have developed a youth program called Club HAL, which aims to provide an entertaining and engaging experience for kids who are traveling with their families.
One of the key elements of Club HAL is the supervision and guidance of the youth counselors who are responsible for the children’s wellbeing and entertainment. These counselors are trained and certified in childcare, first aid, and CPR. They are dedicated to making sure that the kids have a great time while their parents enjoy their own activities on the ship.
What do the youth counselors do?
- The youth counselors on Holland America ships plan and implement a wide range of age-appropriate activities that include arts and crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and talent shows.
- They also organize educational programs, such as STEM activities and theater workshops, to engage the children’s minds.
- The youth counselors do not only entertain the kids but also ensure their safety and wellbeing. They keep track of each child’s whereabouts and enforce rules to guarantee that everyone gets along well.
Supervision of children
On Holland America ships, children under the age of 13 must be signed in and out of the Club HAL program. Parents or guardians should complete a registration form with important information, such as allergies, medications, and emergency contacts. The staff will provide a beeper to the parents to notify them if there is an emergency or if their child needs their assistance.
For those children who are old enough to move around the ship independently, Club HAL staff members are on hand to ensure they navigate the ship safely and make it back to their cabins if they need to. Overall, parents can be assured that their children are well looked after by the youth counselors, who are trained to provide an enjoyable and secure environment for their kids to have fun and make new friends.
Club HAL facilities
Club HAL has dedicated spaces for kids and teens where they can hang out, play games, and watch movies. The facilities on Holland America ships vary in size and decor, but they are all designed with the comfort and enjoyment of the children in mind. The following table summarizes the Club HAL facilities available on Holland America ships:
| Ship Name | Club HAL Facility |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | The Loft (13 to 17-year-olds) |
| Eurodam | Club HAL (3 to 12-year-olds) and The Loft (13 to 17-year-olds) |
| Koningsdam | Club HAL (3 to 12-year-olds) and The Oasis (13 to 17-year-olds) |
| Maasdam | Club HAL (3 to 12-year-olds) and The Loft (13 to 17-year-olds) |
| Nieuw Amsterdam | Club HAL (3 to 12-year-olds) and The Loft (13 to 17-year-olds) |
In conclusion, Holland America has invested in the safety and enjoyment of children on their ships through Club HAL. The youth counselors are dedicated to ensuring children have a fantastic time while parents enjoy themselves. The youth program facilities vary in size and amenities depending on the ship, but all are designed to provide a stimulating and entertaining environment for kids of different ages.
Holland America Onboard Sports and Recreation for Families
Holland America Line offers an array of sports and recreation activities for families to enjoy onboard its ships. From traditional activities like swimming and cycling to innovative experiences like the Culinary Arts Center and Digital Workshop, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Activities
- Swimming in the ship’s indoor or outdoor pool
- Playing basketball or volleyball on the sports court
- Practice your golf swing at the putting green or in a golf simulator
Culinary Arts Center
The Culinary Arts Center onboard Holland America Line’s ships is a unique experience that allows families to participate in cooking demonstrations and workshops led by renowned chefs. Kids can also participate in cooking classes tailored specifically for them. This hands-on experience is perfect for families looking to learn new culinary skills while on vacation.
Digital Workshop
The Digital Workshop powered by Windows offers families a chance to learn about all things tech while on vacation. From smartphone photography to social media tips and tricks, this workshop is a great way to learn new skills or improve on existing ones.
Shipboard Activities Table
| Activities | Locations |
|---|---|
| Swimming pool | Midship |
| Sports court | Deck 11 |
| Culinary Arts Center | Deck 2 |
| Digital Workshop | Deck 3 |
Overall, Holland America Line offers a well-rounded selection of onboard sports and recreational activities for families to enjoy while on vacation.
Holland America family-friendly itineraries
If you are planning a family vacation, Holland America offers a variety of itineraries that cater to families. Whether you want to explore the Caribbean or discover the beauty of Alaska, there is an itinerary that will meet your family’s needs. Here are some of the family-friendly itineraries that Holland America offers:
- Alaska Adventure – This itinerary takes you on a 7-night journey through the Inside Passage of Alaska. Families can take part in whale watching tours, go on a dog sled ride, and explore glaciers.
- Caribbean Explorer – This itinerary takes you on a 7-night journey through the Caribbean. Families can enjoy water sports, visit beaches, and go on a cultural tour of the islands.
- Mexican Riviera – This itinerary takes you on a 7-night journey through the Mexican Riviera. Families can go whale watching, snorkeling, and explore the local culture.
In addition to these family-friendly itineraries, Holland America offers a range of onboard activities and amenities that will keep everyone entertained. There are kids’ clubs for children ages 3-17, where they can participate in age-appropriate activities and make new friends. There are also family-friendly shows and games, as well as a variety of dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Furthermore, Holland America has created a special “Family Reunion Program” that makes it easy for families to plan a reunion cruise. The program includes special pricing and amenities, as well as assistance with planning activities and events for your family reunion.
| Family-Friendly Amenities | Description |
|---|---|
| Kids’ Clubs | Age-appropriate activities for children ages 3-17 |
| Family-Friendly Shows and Games | Showcasing a wide range of performers and games |
| Dining Options | Catering to everyone in the family with delicious food, kids menus, and dietary restrictions taken into account |
In conclusion, Holland America offers a variety of family-friendly itineraries and amenities that are designed to meet the needs of families. From kids’ clubs to family-friendly shows and games, there is something for everyone. Additionally, the Family Reunion Program makes it easy for families to plan a reunion cruise with special pricing and assistance with planning activities and events. Consider Holland America for your next family vacation.
Holland America family discounts and promotions.
Traveling with a family can be expensive, but Holland America offers discounts and promotions to help make it more affordable for families.
- Their “Explore4” promotion offers four benefits for families who book select sailings. This includes a free Signature Beverage Package, free dinners at the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant, reduced fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom, and a 50% reduced deposit.
- For families who plan ahead, Holland America also offers early booking discounts. These discounts can save families up to 50% on their cruise fare when they book early.
- Another way for families to save is by taking advantage of group rates. If ten or more guests book a group cruise on Holland America, they can receive discounted rates, onboard credit, and other perks.
Besides discounts and promotions, Holland America also has programs and activities designed specifically for families. They have Club HAL, a dedicated children’s program with age-appropriate activities for kids ages 3-17. Families can also enjoy movie nights, game nights, and other family-friendly activities together.
Overall, Holland America is a great option for families looking to cruise together. With their various discounts and promotions, families can save money while enjoying a fun and unforgettable vacation with loved ones.
Happy Sails Ahead!
Thanks for taking the time to read about Holland America and its family-friendliness! From the kids’ programs to the various dining options, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re a grandparent looking to take the whole family on a special vacation or a parent seeking adventure with your spouse and kids, Holland America has a lot to offer. We hope you found this article helpful, and we invite you to come back soon for more travel tips and advice. Bon voyage and happy sailing!