Is Holland America Cruise Line Good For Families?

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Is Holland America Cruise Line Good for Families?

When planning a family cruise, Holland America may not be the first cruise line that comes to mind. Known for its classic elegance and refined atmosphere, the Holland America cruise line primarily attracts an older crowd. However, that doesn’t mean families with children won’t enjoy their time onboard.

Let’s explore the family-friendly accommodations, amenities, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if Holland America is a good fit for your next family vacation. I also discuss the best Holland America ships for families here.

A fun fact about me is that the first cruise I ever went on was a Holland America cruise. I was in my junior year of college and my brother had booked an Alaskan cruise that he was planning on doing alone. He asked me if I wanted to go, so I arranged to take my finals early and I was off on an adventure.

I was 20 years old at the time, and he was 27. My brother chose the cruise line specifically because he didn’t want a big party scene. He was looking to truly unwind and enjoy the beauty of Alaska–and we did just that. We were some of the younger people on the ship, but definitely not the youngest. I can see how families who aren’t looking for a vibrant party atmosphere and who don’t care much for Disney (or don’t think it’s worth the cost) would be interested in sailing with Holland American cruise line.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Holland America offers a range of staterooms and suites that can accommodate families. It’s one of the cruise lines that can accommodate a family of 5 in one room.

• Family Oceanview Staterooms – Available on newer ships, these rooms can sleep up to five people and feature two bathrooms, making them ideal for families.
• Connecting Staterooms – Many of the ships offer staterooms with connecting doors, allowing families to stay close while still enjoying some privacy.
• Suites – For families wanting more space, the Neptune and Signature Suites offer additional square footage and perks like concierge service.

Kids & Teen Programs Offered by the Holland America Cruise Line

Holland America offers a youth program called Club HAL, which provides age-appropriate activities for kids and teens. While not as elaborate as the programs on Disney or Royal Caribbean cruises, it’s still a nice option for families looking for supervised entertainment.

• Ages 3-6: Arts and crafts, storytime, games, and themed parties.
• Ages 7-12: Video games, scavenger hunts, sports challenges, and karaoke.
• Ages 13-17: A more relaxed teen lounge with music, gaming consoles, and social events.

Club HAL is available on most Holland America ships and is complimentary, but some late-night group babysitting services may have additional fees.

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Family-Friendly Activities

Holland America doesn’t offer the mega-sized water parks or roller coasters that other cruise lines do, but there are still fun activities families can enjoy together:

• Pools and Hot Tubs – Most ships have family-friendly pools, although they don’t feature elaborate slides or splash zones.
• Movies & Entertainment – Live shows, movies under the stars, and musical performances provide evening entertainment for all ages.
• Culinary Classes – Kids who love to cook might enjoy Holland America’s hands-on cooking workshops.
• Excursions – The cruise line offers a variety of shore excursions suitable for families, from wildlife tours to beach outings.

Dining Options for Families

Holland America’s dining options cater more to an adult palate, but families can still find plenty of family-friendly choices on board. When I was 20 years old, I was much pickier than I am now, and I had zero issues with the food on board.

• Main Dining Room – Offers a children’s menu with familiar favorites like pasta, chicken tenders, and burgers.
• Lido Market Buffet – A casual dining spot with a variety of options, including pizza, sandwiches, and desserts.
• Dive-In Burgers & Hot Dogs – A great quick-service option for families looking for a casual meal by the pool.
• 24-Hour Room Service – Perfect for those late-night cravings or an easy meal in the stateroom.

Potential Drawbacks of the Holland America Cruise Line for Families

While Holland America does have some family-friendly offerings, there are a few things to consider before booking:

• Fewer Kid-Centric Amenities – No waterslides, go-kart tracks, or elaborate play areas that you’d find on other cruise lines.
• More Relaxed Atmosphere – Holland America is known for being quieter and more refined, which may not appeal to families looking for a high-energy experience or who will worry about their kids bothering other guests.
• Limited Youth Program Hours – Unlike some other cruise lines that offer all-day kids’ clubs, Club HAL has limited hours, meaning parents may not have as much alone time.

Final Verdict: Is the Holland America Cruise Line Good for Families?

Holland America can be a great option for families who prefer a more laid-back and sophisticated cruise experience. If your family enjoys cultural enrichment, quality dining, and a relaxed atmosphere without the crowds and noise of larger ships, it could be a perfect fit. And you may even enjoy one of the popular east coast cruises with lots of history in every port.

However, if your kids are looking for nonstop action, water parks, and character meet-and-greets, you might be better off choosing a more family-focused cruise line like Disney, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival.

Check out my complete guide to cruising with kids on Holland America for even more information.

Looking For More Cruise Resources? Check out:

• Is a Disney Cruise Worth It?
• Good Cruises for Families
• Disney Cruise Vs Royal Caribbean
• What’s Included on a Disney Cruise
• Holland America’s 4th of July New England Cruise
• New England Fall Foliage Cruises