holland america alaska cruise kid friendly

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The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Bears, basketball & boundless outdoors: come on our family cruise to Alaska

An Alaska cruise makes for a great family holiday thanks to fantastic wildlife, ample onboard entertainment and plenty of opportunities for adventure, as Harriet Mallinson found out this summer.

“Tail!” kids squeal with excitement

Summer holiday friendships are in full swing as we sail out of Seattle.

Before most adults onboard have so much as looked at their suitcases the kids have donned their swimwear and are hurling themselves into the swimming pools with abandon, leaping, bellyflopping and backflipping alongside new-found pals.

Iconic downtown Seattle skyline

Parents might well be admiring the skyline: look, there’s Mount Rainier! Oh, the Space Needle! But it’s the children who are really doing this Holland America Line (HAL) Sailaway right as they pile into the jacuzzi and basketball courts or co-opt the ping-pong tables before digging into hot dogs and pizzas with gusto.

There’s no need to rush, though, we’re cruising up the Pacific coast to Alaska for the week onboard HAL ship Eurodam and there’s plenty onshore and onboard to keep the whole family well and truly entertained whether you’re after animals, pirate nights or a slice of the great outdoors.

Nugget Falls, Juneau, Alaska

Exploring the wilds of Alaska by cruise

Juneau’s Auk Bay recently celebrated some pretty Big News: flushing toilets were installed for the first time and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in celebration – but that’s not why the tourists flock to this destination.

The bay is the starting point for whale-watching shore excursions – an absolute must-do when cruising Alaska (top tip – book these promptly via Holland America Line when you purchase your cruise as they sell out quickly).

Whale watching excursion, Juneau

Generally suitable for kids aged five and up, these trips out into Alaskan waters guarantee whale sightings (or $100 back) – and we’re not disappointed. “Tail!” the children squeal excitedly as we spot first the majestic beasts’ blow, then their shiny backs, before finally, the iconic wide V flips up before disappearing into the deep.

Although wildlife watching requires a fair bit of patience, the excursion proves popular with the youngsters as they try to count how many we’ve sighted or wonder what they might be up to underwater (sleeping, seems to be the general juvenile consensus).

The sea lions we later glimpse come with far less mystery, however. Slumped on a colourful buoy, they loll in the sunshine and scratch themselves like moody teenagers, exuding “You can’t sit with us” vibes – although you might not need to leave the ship to spot this amongst your own older offspring.

Mums and dads, note it’s well worth bringing binoculars with you to admire the animals up close (although our boat does come equipped accordingly for those without).

Margerie Glacier

Become a Junior Park ranger amid the glaciers

It’s the day in Glacier Bay National Park that really delivers the goods. Park rangers come on the ship for the morning and afternoon to hold different kid-specific sessions on such topics as barnacles, trees and whales. Did you know, a humpback’s tail is the strongest muscle in the animal kingdom and it can terminate a killer whale with a single thwack?

Children also have the opportunity to become a Junior Ranger . Armed with a special activity and colouring book, they can complete a plethora of fun and educational activities to win their Junior Ranger badge, from learning about glaciers to writing a postcard home.

Adults’ needs are well catered for by the rangers, too, as the pros announce ship-wide over loudspeaker what to look out for. Margerie Glacier is undeniably the highlight: an almighty frozen wall (Game of Thrones springs to mind) that’s one of Alaska’s most photographed features. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sea otters and humpbacks during your time here as well; you might even see a bear, moose or mountain goat on shore, too.

For more bears during your Icy Strait port of call in Glacier Bay National Park (the spot is home to the densest population of bears in the world, with three to every human!), the Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search excursion gets rave reviews while anyone after thrills will love the zip-lining or ATV tours (although be sure to check the age restrictions).

Mother bear and cubs, Fortress of the Bear

Admire Alaskan lumberjacks at work

Over in Sitka, your best bet for wildlife opportunities is the Sea Otter Quest, Holland America Line’s wildlife expert tells me, but if you’re trying to save money you can simply hop on a bus to visit the Fortress of the Bear (an educational bear rescue centre) and the Raptor Center (the largest bird treatment centre in Alaska) off your own bat.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show audience participation!

Meanwhile, for something a bit different, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan provides an excellent hour of entertainment for all ages just moments away from where the ship is docked.

The spectacle pits an ‘American saw mill’ against a Canadian rival and sees the lumberjacks (complete with plaid shirts and bulging biceps) chop tree trunks, shimmy up poles, run across floating logs and hurl axes as the crowd shouts “Yo ho” to support their allotted team.

You’ll even win a prize if you cheer the most enthusiastically and one kid always walks away with their very own freshly carved little chair (although good luck squeezing that in your suitcase ).

Eurodam in Ketchikan

Escape the parents at the kids’ club

Back onboard, Club HAL is where the children can shed the parents for the day, with age-specific events held for each programme such as charades, hula hoop contests and Zip Zap Zup.

There are also surprise themed nights every night from spies to pirates when kids can dress up and take part in special activities.

Guided family kayaking excursion

The jewel in Eurodam’s crown when it comes to the kids club , though, is High Score (only available on this ship and sister HAL vessel Oosterdam) – available to eight-year-olds and upwards in the afternoon and all ages in the evening.

It’s packed with so many fun games I’m reluctant to leave drop-off; think giant slide puzzles, wall mazes, table football, pinball machines, video arcades, air hockey, skeeball and more. No really, can I stay and play?

Top tip: head on over to the open house session on day one so you and the family can see how the kids’ club works and the staff can meet their future charges. However, only do so if your child has the energy for it, a crew member warns – embarkation day is long and a tired little traveller might get a negative first impression.

Additionally, be sure to alert staff to any special needs and don’t be late picking them up – Club HAL has a two-strike policy before kids aren’t allowed to return (and you don’t want to spoil daily happy hour from 4pm-5pm!).

Smores on the shore, Juneau, Alaska

Enjoy time together as a family

To enjoy fun and games altogether on Eurodam, swing by the vast lounge area in the Crow’s Nest – there are oodles of board games and jigsaws here plus plenty of comfortable seating for whiling away a relaxed sea day (yes, there’s a bar too). Plus, its vantage point means you can keep an eye out for that spectacular Alaskan scenery and maybe even some wildlife!

Elsewhere there are regular pickleball tournaments, art classes, wildlife talks, trivia sessions, line dancing opportunities and more to keep everyone entertained.

Want a bit of quiet? The library offers a more secluded sanctuary and is teaming with fiction and non-fiction books plus a whole section of Young Adult options for budding bookworms.

Quiet time too! Gazing at Mendenhall Glacier

Come evening Eurodam is awash with music, from piano duets to upbeat bands. If you and the gang enjoy a boogie, get on down to BB Kings’ dancefloor, while you’ll want the World Stage for full-blown performances, from comedy nights to breathtaking dance shows.

One night the ship even hosts a “Chocolate Surprise” event which sees waiters serving up a smorgasbord of choccy treats which attracts cruisers from all age groups.

And, before you know it, that Seattle skyline will be looming back into view as your Alaska cruise comes to an end. You may never want to see a hot dog again, but those friendships you forged could well last a lifetime.

7-Day Alaskan Explorer with Holland America Line

Cruise itinerary.

Seattle, USA; Puget Sound, USA; Stephens Passage, USA; Juneau, USA; Glacier Bay, USA; Icy Strait Point, USA; Sitka, USA; Ketchikan, USA; Victoria, Canada

Cruise price

From £395 per person

Book your family cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line

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15 Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids and/or Teens

September 9, 2022

A cruise to Alaska with children and teens is a once-in-a-lifetime family experience. The Alaskan views are breathtaking, with vast swathes of wilderness, towering snow-capped mountains, and crystalline glaciers thunderously pouring ice into the sea. All of the new experiences create an excellent opportunity for family bonding.

Even the most hard-to-please teen will be charmed by shore excursions such as dog sledding or sea kayaking! The Last Frontier is bound to be a vacation your family will never forget!

So without further ado, here are the 15 best Alaska cruises for families that you can find!

Let’s get started

1. Disney Wonder

2. discovery princess, 4. norwegian bliss, 5. celebrity eclipse, 6. serenade of the seas, 7. ng venture, 8. carnival splendor, 9. star breeze, 10. seven seas mariner, 11. regatta, 12. wilderness legacy, 13. queen elizabeth, 14. majestic princess, 15. seabourn odyssey, all aboard, best alaska cruises for families.

The Disney Cruise Line has been a stand-out in family vacations since its inception in 1998, and it’s no stretch to say that each cruise ship in Disney’s Alaska fleet is designed to provide the ultimate family vacation.

Your family can relax and enjoy the Disney Wonder on an Alaska trip. The seven-night cruise balances days at sea with three full port days. As a result, your family will have plenty of time to get to know the ship, participate in onboard activities, and enjoy shore excursions without feeling rushed.

Your children will have numerous opportunities to encounter lifelike Disney characters while sailing. Plus, they can enjoy themed parties and events to keep them entertained throughout the vacation.

The kid-friendly personnel and amenities like pools and kids’ clubs ensure that the entire family has a great time on the voyage. Families also like the spacious staterooms which Disney’s Alaskan fleet is known for.

• Sails from : Vancouver
• Duration : 7 nights
• Cruise line : Disney Cruise Line
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Dawes Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver

When it comes to family-friendly cruises, you can’t go wrong with the Princess cruise line. The Discovery Princess boasts large staterooms, plenty of dining options, a kids’ club, teen lounge, and themed events to make your family vacation a stand-out time.

Opting for the shorter 4-day itinerary can be a great way to introduce your kids to cruising life. It is long enough to get a feel for life at sea, but not so long that you will be miserable if they can’t quite find their sea legs.

This cruise only has one stop in the Last Frontier — Ketchikan. However, you and your family can still get a solid Alaska experience with shore excursions like watching the lumberjack show, going sea kayaking, or wandering through the rainforest sanctuary.

• Duration : 4 days
• Cruise line : Princess
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Seattle

There are numerous activities and all-day-long entertainment on Holland’s Eurodam which houses 2104 cruisers. Whether you prefer golf challenges, poolside relaxation, or karaoke, a Holland America Alaska cruise has it all. The main dining room, casual dining rooms, speciality restaurants, lounges, and casinos are just a few of the amenities.

The crew of the ship is pleasant and eager to make your visit unique and memorable, and the staff’s great knowledge of Alaska at por of call is equally impressive. This Signature-class ship makes stops in the popular ports on the 7-day cruise. You can head to shore in Sitka to visit the Alaska Raptor Center and play with bald eagles. Then, when you dock in Ketchikan, you can choose from even more activities like a visit to Totem Bight State Park.

• Sails from : Seattle
• Duration : 7 days
• Cruise line : Holland America Line
• Itinerary : Seattle, Juneau, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its freestyle cruising experience, which includes various engaging activities for passengers of all ages. The Norwegian Bliss is a 4,000-passenger ship explicitly designed for Alaskan trips, with thrilling features such as a go-kart track, a water park, water slides, and an open-air tag course.

Icy Strait Point and its wilderness experiences are included in the 7-day program. The state’s largest Native Tlingit community is located at Icy Strait Point, and surrounding waterways are abundant with wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales. You’ll also enjoy the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, located just outside Juneau. Explore the Visitor Center, which has a view of the Juneau Ice Field, and walk the nature trails.

• Cruise line : Norwegian Cruise Line
• Itinerary : Seattle, Sitka, Juneau, Dawes Glacier, Icy Point Strait, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Celebrity Cruises will provide you with the trip of a lifetime if you’re planning a family cruise to Alaska. The ship has a variety of exciting activities for all ages, such as pools, water slides, themed events, and spas. Celebrity Cruises also offers land packages. If your family enjoys the outdoors, tack on an excursion to Banff National Park or Lake Louise.

If you decide to disembark in Sitka, you can spend the day exploring the seas in a Zodiac, visiting the rescued bears, or biking through the rainforest. You can paddle a canoe up to the glacier in Juneau, indulge yourself with a salmon feast, or go panning for gold.

The Celebrity Eclipse is the pinnacle of modern vacations. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with various dining options. You can also enjoy one of the numerous entertainment venues, or work up a sweat in the Fitness Center.

• Cruise line : Celebrity Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver

Royal Caribbean International’s Alaskan cruise is the perfect fit for the whole family. The Serenade of the Seas departs from Vancouver and gives you 7 nights of family-friendly activities and excursions. The ship has everything your family needs for a fun-filled cruise from rock climbing to ice skating.

The staterooms are large and decked out with families in mind. The rooms have huge bathrooms, comfortable bunk beds, and everything else you’ll need for a fantastic voyage.

Onboard, there is a well-equipped kids club with activities for children as young as six months, so the grown-ups can enjoy a little bit of vacation time on their own! For the slightly older kiddos, there’s a tween hangout and teen disco.

• Cruise line : Royal Caribbean International
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Icy Straight Point, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Tracy Arm Fjord, Vancouver

Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Society partner, delivers adventure and so much more. The cruise line is renowned for its educational, culture-focused Alaskan cruises where nature is, of course, the shining star of the vacation. The smaller ship offers casual environment that is nevery overcrowded.

Life aboard is full of funv activities and high-quality amenities. The NG Venture onboard specialists offer educational lectures to help your family make the most of thier time in the Last Frontier.

On your shore excursions (included in your ticket!), you’ll hike through lush Alaskan rainforests, paddle your kayak into secluded inlets, and marvel at crystalline icebergs from a Zodiac. You’ll even got to spend a full day basking in the wonder of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.

• Sails from : Juneau
• Duration : 8 days
• Cruise line : Lindblad Expeditions
• Itinerary : Juneau, Tracy Arm, Frederick Sound, Petersburg, Glacier Bay, Icy Straits, Sitka

One of the most extensive lines in the world, Carnival offers great Alaskan cruises geared towards families. 3,012 guests can set sail from Seattle on the Carnival Splendor to enjoy the 7-day Alaskan adventure. Families particularly love the Carnival line because of the vast array of amenities to be found onboard.

Camp Carnival, the ship’s children’s program, is separated into five age categories (2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, & 15-17). Parents can feel good knowing their little ones are enjoying the supervised playrooms and age-appropriate games. Plus, there is babysitting available for kids under two.

Head ashore to explore the quaint seaside town of Ketchikan and the state’s capital, Juneau. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas surrounding you. Carnival gives you opportunities to enjoy the fjords, glaciers, mountains, and Alaskan wildlife.

• Cruise line : Carnival
• Itinerary : Seattle, Tracy Arm Fjord, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

For a more intimate cruise experience, book your family vacation aboard Windstar’s Star Breeze, where the staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5. A family-friendly ship, Star Breeze combines coastal cruising with overland explorations that your family is sure to adore.

The all-suite yacht has two dining options, an infinity pool, and a spa. Kids will love Windstar’s Signature Expeditions program, which will allow them to learn about Alaskan history and culture from local experts.

With only 312 guests on board, Star Breeze can tuck into the smaller ports like Wrangell or cruise through narrow waterways, giving you a more intimate Alaskan experience.

• Duration : 11 days
• Cruise line : Windstar Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau,Tracy Arm, Inian Island, Icy Strait Pointe, Misty Fjords, Prince Rupert, Vancouver

For families with slightly older children, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a good choice (kids must be over one-years-old to sail.) Kids 5-17 can make sue of the free Club Mariner Youth Program which includes all sorts of interactive activiites like scavenger hunts and dance parties.

The staterooms are a great size with closet-space and ample bathroom amenities. Suites are available for larger families, but you will never feel overcrowded on board because the ship only holds 700 passengers.

Your cruise fare includes shore excursions, free onboard WiFi, ande even concierge services.

• Cruise line : Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Seward

Another good option for those families with older children is Oceania’s Regatta, which allows kids older than 6-months to sail. There are no babysitting or nanny services available for children under five. However, those aged 5-12 can enjoy the Alaska Explorer Youth Program, which provides games and special events.

The elegant Regatta is “the flagship” of the Oceania fleet. Cruisers will adore the teak decks, resplendent tile work, and the custom stone touches. All of the spaces — public and private — are luxuriously furnished, and there are four restaurants to meet all of your dining needs. You’ll also find a spa, lounges, and a casino to keep the adults on the trip entertained.

On the stopover in Ketchikan, Oceania offers excursions like a rainforest hike, zipline adventure, and the Lumberjack show. You can find additional exciting activities at each of the stops! Note: sailers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on all shore excursions.

• Cruise line : Oceania Cruises
• Itinerary : Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Victoria, Seattle

UnCruise Adventures provides some of the most unforgettable Alaska adventures available. Expeditions offered by the cruise line are aimed to give you a taste of Alaska’s natural beauty. Its compact ships take you to places where the larger cruise ships on this list can’t go. The expedition staff onboard is always available to explain the various family-friendly entertainment and adventure opportunities.

The 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy allows you to get an up-close Alaskan experience that everyone is sure to enjoy. Visit Glacier Bay National Park regions that are rarely visited by tourists, and hike and cycle around Chichagof Island, where UnCruise is the only line to hold the permits. You’ll find many more intimate Alaskan adventures on an UnCruise cruise!

• Cruise line : Uncruise Adventures
• Itinerary : Juneau, Glacier Bay, Chichagof Island, Baranof Island, Baird Glacier, Ideal Cove, Juneau

Cunard is one of the world’s oldest cruise lines, so it offers some of the most fabulous Alaskan cruises for families. Cunard gives you the chance to cruise the waters of the Last Frontier and take in the wonderous — all with a British flair.

Your entire family will enjoy the polished experience aboard the Queen Elizabeth who can accommodate 2,000 cruisers on the 7-night cruise which departs from Vancouver. The ship has three restaurants, a pool, a spa, and a disco for your nightly amusement. Plus, the specialized play area, which is fully equipped and staffed, will be a hit with the kids.

• Cruise line : Cunard
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Vancouver

Majestic Princess is one of the newest ships in the fleet and offers a signature experience with a touch of Chinese flair. Foodie families will love the dining options available every hour of the day. Endless buffets, frozen treats, and all the made-from-scratch entrees your hearts’ desire.

The 7-day Alaskan tour leaves from Vancouver and includes three desirable ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The cruise culminates in Anchorage, where you could extend your vacation or fly back home.

There are so many excursions to enjoy, and there are often special pricing deals for children under 12 available. You and your family can hike, kayak, canoe, and watch performances like the Lumberjack show.

• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Anchorage

While Seabourn does not have an organized kids’ program, children and teens are welcome. Babies younger than 6-months are not permitted to sail, however.

Families love that the shore trips are complimentary for children, and the line offers such up-close adventures. The expedition team is full of scientists, naturalists, and scholars to help you learn all about the Alaskan way of life.

Glide through the waterways on sturdy Zodiacs or sea kayaks for a more intimate experience in the Alaskan fjords. You’ll find the wildlife viewing opportunities are plenty, and the curious child will adore catching glimpses of seals, whales, and sea birds.

• Duration : 14 days
• Cruise line : Seabourn
• Itinerary : Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Glacier Bay, Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Prince Rupert, Alert Bay, Vancouver

When it comes to family cruising in Alaska, the options are nearly endless! You can find all the adventure your little ones desire without giving up an ounce of comfort.

If you are able to splurge on your vacation, booking one of the smaller ships is definitely a great way to experience the Last Frontier!

If you’re searching for cruises to take with your better half, then head over to my guide of the best Alaska cruises for couples .

About the author

Travel Reporter - Alaska Expert

Dara is a travel writer, political news junkie, and part-time actress. Born in south, she spent her childhood hopping around the U.S., even venturing as far away as Kodiak, Alaska. When not bent over her laptop or prancing around on stage, Dara can be found binge-watching Netflix, making endless to-do lists, or reading a sci-fi book.

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• Family Travel

A Holland America Alaska Cruise Should Be on Your Family’s Bucket List

Kate Loweth

Alaska is full of gorgeous hikes, too many bald eagles to count, and welcoming people

If you’re looking for pretty much the easiest way to see the gorgeous state of Alaska, you’ll definitely want to put a cruise with Holland America Lines (HAL) on your family travel list. We tagged along on the MS Westerdam that made a round-trip journey to Alaska from Seattle and we think it appeals to families who love outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and vacations that are pretty much planned for them. Here’s why.

Holland America Line Cruises are set up for families

If you’ve planned a family vacation from start to finish on your own, you know all the work that goes into finding lodging, booking activities, setting up meals, and finding things to keep the kids entertained. HAL cruises do all the work for you. Their smaller-sized ships (typically between 1,432 and 2,668 guests) mean that you’ll feel better letting your older kids explore once they get the lay of the land.

We especially like HAL for families who are interested in learning about the area they are visiting. On the Alaska-bound cruises, you can expect to find presentations about the Iditarod, the history of the port towns, important women in Alaska history, and more. These help to give kids and adults some idea of what they are going to do and see while in port and how this land has changed over the years.

Related: Everything to Know About Disney Cruise Line’s New ‘Disney Wish’ Ship

Club HAL Kids Club

If you are looking for some time in the spa or a special dinner at the steakhouse while on your cruise, you’ll be happy to know that Club HAL is there for your childcare needs (and it’s included in the cruise price). Kids from age 3 and up can spend time at Club HAL enjoying crafts, games, and even theme nights. Teens can head to the Teen Lounge for some video game competitions or Scattergories tournaments.

Other shipboard activities kids will love: Kids will also enjoy checking out the pools, whale watching from the Observation Deck, and participating in activities like origami lessons. They can even join in the secret game of looking for rubber ducks that were hidden by other passengers. There’s a Facebook group that explains all the fun!

Related: The Best Resorts with Kids Clubs (According to Experts)

It’s all about the shore excursions

What makes an Alaska cruise so special is the excursions that are available to you on port days. For this Alaska cruise, port days happened in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. These were the excursions we checked out:

• In Juneau , we took the small group excursion to hike to the Mendenhall Glacier. This excursion also took us out on a small boat to go whale watching. This was a great opportunity to see the beauty of Alaska up close, both on land and on the water.
• In Sitka , we went for a more educational day and visited the bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center and learned about the coastal brown bear population at Fortress of the Bear. Last stop was at the Sitka Marine Science Center where there were touch pools and a salmon hatchery. This excursion would be perfect for multi-generational families traveling together because there was a lot to learn but the activity level was moderate.
• The final Alaskan port was in Ketchikan and we were able to book a day of salmon fishing. This was a trip highlight for the teen in our group and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day out on the water (and a successful catch for all participants). We even saw sea lions and whales while we were out!

Many people wonder if they should book excursions through HAL or if off-ship gives them more options. We definitely recommend booking your excursions through Holland America because if you are late returning to the ship and you are on a HAL-sponsored excursion, the ship will wait for you. If you book an excursion off-ship and you miss the embarkation time, you are on your own to catch the ship at the next port town or make your way home. HAL also has a price match guarantee so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re getting a better deal.

Related: The Best Things to See & Do in Victoria, BC

What you want to know about the dining options and beverage packages when traveling with kids

Dining: There are a number of options available for dining and we loved the variety. You can order room service delivered pretty much any time (the mid-afternoon delivery of warm chocolate chip cookies is pretty much every teen’s dream come true). We ate most of our meals at the buffet because it had so many different options, and we never got tired of it. The dining room offers a more upscale service with waiters and a set menu. The Dive-In offers poolside burgers, fries, and hot dogs (order through the Navigator app to avoid the line). The ship also had a steakhouse and Italian restaurant that were more upscale and available for an additional fee.

Beverage packages: Holland America offers a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages onboard. If you are considering choosing a package for yourself, know that all guests in the same cabin must choose a package if one person does. If you are traveling with kids, this means that if the adults in the cabin choose a package like the “Have It All” package, the kids will need to be on the “Quench” package that includes soda, coffee bar items, bottled water, juice, and smoothies. In the alternative, you can choose to pay for your drinks on an a la carte basis. Insider tip: Happy Hour is offered every day and beverages are half-price.

Holland America’s Navigator app

Download the Navigator app prior to departure and you’ll be all set up with a schedule of onboard activities, bookable excursions, reservations for upscale dining, and more. You can even message others in your family through the app without having to use cell service.

Go through the schedule of events for the day and add them to your calendar. The app will notify you in advance when one of your selected activities is about to happen so you don’t miss the activities like the pea soup given out at the Hubbard Glacier (a Holland America tradition!).

One of the features of the app that we found most helpful was being able to order food from the Dive-In (kid-friendly burgers and hot dogs located next to the pool). You got a notification when your food was ready to pick up so you could avoid the line entirely.

The Navigator app is also helpful to keep tabs on your spending so that there aren’t any surprises at the end of your trip.

Related; Our Editor’s Ultimate List of Cruise Tips & Tricks for Families

Tips for your Holland America Cruise

• Get to your departure point the day before embarkation (at least). With everything that’s going on with flights these days, you don’t want to let a flight delay or cancelation make you miss your cruise. HAL offers the option to book a pre-cruise hotel and they even provide transportation from the airport to hotel and hotel to the ship (for an additional fee). When it’s time to head to the ship on embarkation day, they take care of getting your luggage all the way from your hotel to your cabin. Easy!
• Book your excursions before you go. This is especially important if you have your heart set on an excursion like salmon fishing that max out at 6 people. Excursions are bookable as soon as you make your cruise reservation so if you find something you want to do, book it. Keep in mind that sometimes excursions are added while you are underway and you can consult with the shore excursions team onboard if you’d like to cancel an excursion and go on a different one instead.
• Get a room with a balcony. You can definitely save some money by booking an interior room but for an Alaska cruise, we recommend splurging on a room with a balcony. We found the verandah room to have plenty of storage space for luggage and we loved having the outdoor space to watch for whales or enjoy the sunset. It’s especially fun having a verandah room on the day that you visit the Hubbard Glacier because you can enjoy the sights from your own space instead of on the crowded deck.
• Save room in your suitcase and get the laundry service. For our one-week cruise, we were able to travel with only carry-on bags by utilizing the ship’s laundry service. We’d leave a bag of our laundry in our cabin in the morning and it would be returned to us washed and folded by the end of the day. Talk about service!
• Don’t forget to switch to airplane mode on your phone once you board. Cell service while at sea is not a fee anyone wants to be surprised by! We found the upgraded internet package (which covers four devices) to be more than adequate while at sea.

Related: Our Editors’ Top Tips to Make Traveling by Air a Little Easier

Kids Cruise Free on select Holland America Line cruises

Now that we’ve got you ready to book your family cruise, here’s a deal that can save you some money. For a limited time, guests 17 and under cruise free on select 2022 cruises to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Holland America Line but opinions belong to the writer. 

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Can you cruise Holland America with kids?

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Can you cruise Holland America with kids? Now I will be honest, Holland America has a reputation among cruisers as being aimed at an older demographic but is Holland America family friendly? In this guide we will look at the amenities on H0lland America for kids, their itineraries and other considerations to work out how family friendly Holland America is. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

While we think cruises are good with any age children, we find that their family friendliness differs greatly from ship to ship, line to line. 

While this guide will look in-depth at cruising Holland America with kids, be sure to check out our other cruising for family guides:

• Cruising with a baby
• How to choose a baby friendly cruise
• Are babies free on cruise ships
• Can babies swim on cruise ships
• Baby cruise packing list
• Cruising with a toddler

Table of Contents

Can you Cruise Holland America with kids?

Can you Cruise Holland America with kids

So the first think you need to know when considering cruising Holland America with kids is whether or not you can actual cruise Holland America with kids. 

There are definitely some cruise lines that only allow adults either on their entire fleet or on certain ships. However holland America, despite being known as catering towards an older audience, does allow children on their ships. 

And we should know as part of our family gap year we sailed across the South Pacific .

In fact we spent over 40 nights aboard the Holland America Maasdam and therefore I feel I am well positioned to answer the question is Holland America kid friendly?

What Age Does Holland America Cater for?

Depending on which of the Holland America cruise ship you are on and what itinerary you are doing will really depend on what age is catered for onboard Holland America. 

For instance on cruises around the US such as a Holland America Alaskan cruise , a Holland America Caribbean Cruise or a Holland America Mexican Riveria cruise you will find there are more families.

However on their longer itineraries in more remote parts of the world for instance a Japan Cruise or South American Cruise you will find that the average age is much older and therefore children are less catered for.

If you are going on a longer cruise you may want to check out our post on what to do on cruise sea days as you are more likely to have more of these on longer length itineraries. 

Is Holland America kid friendly?

As with any line, it really depends on the ship as to whether it is truly family friendly. In this guide we look at the amenities on the different Holland America Ships to see which ones and how family friendly they really are. 

Can you Cruise Holland America with kids? Is Holland America kid friendly?

Holland America Kids Facilities 

So what are the best things to do onboard a Holland America cruise with kids?  

Firstly you will find that most of the Holland America Fleet have a kids club on board known as Club HAL. This kids club is for children aged between 3 and 17.

The following ships in the Holland America Fleet all have Club HAL Kids Club facilities:

• Nieuw Amsterdam
• Nieuw Statendam

Note : be sure that the kids club is running on your ship for your itinerary as these can be cancelled. 

The Club HAL will usually offer things such as:

• crafts activities,
• competitions such as sports and video game competitions,
• scavenger hunts

to name just a few of the activities on offer.  

The Kids Club onboard Holland America is called Club HAL  and is available for children aged 3-17 years old. Toddlers must be fully potty trained to be able to use the kids club. 

Is holland america for families?

Also on top of the kids club there are usually facilities onboard Holland America cruise ships such as:

• table tennis
• shuffle board
• garden games such as chess and jenga
• sports deck

It is worth noting that if you are cruising with a toddler who is not toilet trained then they will be unable to use any of the swimming pools onboard. 

For more information on cruise ship pools, and whether Holland America Cruises ship pools are heated check out this post and read this if you are worried about toddler safety on board cruise ships. 

The food on Holland America for kids

For me food is a big concern when travelling with a toddler or traveling while weaning . However I find that cruising takes the stress out of food and travel with kids. 

Holland America now offers  any time dining which I think is really important for families who want to cruise.

Traditionally on cruises there used to be only two dinner seating times. This was very prescriptive and makes it hard for families who require more flexibility in dining options. Therefore the flex dining has definitely made Holland America more family friendly.  

Holland America on all of its ships off a children’s menu in both the  main dining room and on the room service which is great.

On our cruise in the main dining room we found the service of the children’s meal to be very quick – printably because there were so few children on our ship.

 Our little one however preferred items on the adult menu – in particular the salmon so we just ordered this. Once we found a table and waiter we liked we stuck with them and they were always prepared for our little one which was great.

The menu itself has some activities for kids but strangely they don’t stock crayons in the dining room so either bring your own or pack some entertainment in your cruise packing list. 

We did love however that the chef came out every night to talk to guests about dinner and he always made an effort with the toddler and brought her out a chefs hat.

My one complaint about children’s food on Holland America is that the Room service children’s menu starts at 5:30 which perhaps a tad late for those traveling with small children. When we were tired after a long day out we could have done with this starting perhaps at 5.

The selection on the children’s menu was quite good with starters like crudités, and dumplings dumplings and mains such as pasta.

The in room children’s menu was slightly more restricted however with items like quesadillas, chicken tenders and pasta with sauces.

For more first time cruise tips click here! 

Holland America Babysitting Options

If you are cruising Holland America with kids you might be wondering if there are any Holland America babysitting services onboard especially if you are c ruising with a toddler .

The answer is that there are some babysitting services available but there are no in cabin babysitting services available. 

If you have children that are old enough you can use the kids club instead of the babysitting services. 

Are Cabins on Holland America family friendly? 

The thing to remember whenever you are cruising is that the rooms are pretty small. Even suites on cabins tend to be small. 

Therefore it is really important to pack efficiently and only bring essentials. I know this is easier said than done if you are traveling with a baby or toddler so be sure to check out our guide on best strollers for cruise ship travel . 

When looking for the best type of cabin for cruise travel things you might want to consider is:

• is there a dividing curtain between bedroom and living space so adults can watch tv once the littles have gone to bed
• how many people your room can sleep – important for larger cruising families
• is there a balcony
• does it have a bath – fun fact usually only Disney Ships and cruise suites have bathrooms as standard. Other room types usually have only showers. 

We had a mini suite when we sailed onboard Holland America. It was a good size and we loved the large balcony however there was no divider between  the living room and bedroom for those nights spent in the cabin which made it more difficult for us as a family. .

Holland America Loyalty Program for Families

One of the things I love about Holland America is the amazing family loyalty program. The more nights you spend on board, the larger the discount – up to 100% off – when people are staying in the same room which offers great savings for families especially those with small children!

For another families opinion on Holland america check out this post!

Overall: Did we find Holland America family friendly?

is Holland America family friendly

Overall I would say that how family friendly Holland America is really depends on the ship and itinerary you are planning on doing. 

Holland America, especially the smaller ships, don’t have the amenities of the super ships like those of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival. 

We were  generally speaking very happy on board our trip with Holland America however I don’t think this line would be right for families on all itineraries and for all vacations. 

For me the the most important thing when booking Holland America is to pick the right itinerary. If I were doing a week around the Caribbean I probably wouldn’t choose Holland America. That is because on shorter cruises I want to have as much entertainment as possible for my child.

However for longer cruises, you need a bit more of a routine and the itinerary is more important. 

But if you want to do a really unique and adventurous itinerary as a family then Holland America may be the perfect line for you as they do offer some really unique itienraries. 

FAQs About Holland America with kids

What is the holland america baby policy.

If you want to cruise Holland America with baby please note that the Holland America Baby Policy is that the minimum age is 6 months old to cruise. Some itineraries may require a higher minimum age so please check with the line before booking. 

How old do children have to be to cruise on Holland America Line?

As I mentioned above, the minimum age to cruise Holland America is 6 months old. However if you itinerary has several consecutive sea days then the minimum age may be 12 months old. 

Also there may be areas of the ship that will be off limits to children on Holland America Ships. There is usually an adults only pool on Holland America ships that children will be unable to use. Also the gym is usually off limits to under 16s too. 

Are cribs and high chairs available on Holland America?

Cribs and high chairs are usually available onboard Holland America ships just be sure to request them a minimum of 90 days before you sail. 

But it is worth noting that other baby and toddler provisions such as formula and diapers may not be available on the ship. And if they are they will be a premium price. For this reason we recommend taking everything you need for children on board with you. 

Is there a Holland America Kids Sail Free Discount?

Depending on your dates of travel, the ship and the itinerary will depend on whether or not there are any family discounts. Check what discounts are on offer before you book but usually the best time to book a cruise is around Black Friday. 

What is the Holland America Pregnancy Policy? 

If you are thinking about taking your babymoon cruis e on Holland America you

• Must not have completed 24 weeks of pregnancy by disembarkation 
• Must have a physician’s letter of fitness to travel and confirming that the pregnancy is not high risk with an EDD (estimated due date) sent to the line before travel. 

Can you cruise Holland America with kids, is Holland America family friendly? #wandermustfamily

Harmony, Momma To Go

Monday 31st of December 2018

We went during spring/easter break and there were a good amount of kids (on the veendam) like over a 100 the woman at the kids club said. BUT she said most weeks there are only about 10

Wandermust Mummy

Ours was definitely more like 10

The Big Question: Can You Take Kids On A Holland America Cruise?

We are going on a cruise! Where to? ALASKA! OMG! Who with? Holland America Line. What? Why?

This was a common response to the announcement of our cruise to Alaska in September with Holland America Line .

It had long been on my dream list. I yearned to visit Alaska and a cruise seemed like a fabulous way to see it. There were so many choices, but we left things really late and all of a sudden it was the end of the season with only 4 more ships heading to Alaska. Two of those were the Westerdam and Noordam .

So when Holland America suggested we take their final cruise of the season from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the ms   Noordam , it fit in perfectly to our schedule. Alaska would be sandwiched between our archery tournament in sunny Spokane , Washington and a housesitting assignment in Kelowna, Canada. 

But like most of our readers, we were curious. Would Holland America be as family friendly as the other cruise lines we had enjoyed? They have a well-established reputation to be suited towards more mature guests, so we put them to the test.

Here's how Holland America rated on our 5 most important factors for a fabulous family cruise . 

1. Club HAL: Kids Just Want To Have Fun

Our kids' favourite part of any cruise is the kids club and yes, Holland America has one. Since school had started again and it was the last cruise of the season, our boat only had 5 children. However the cruise following ours from Vancouver to Seattle (on a weekend) was booked with over 200 kids. A few of the Alaska cruises during the summer vacation period had up to 800 junior members.

The kids club ran on a pre-planned schedule, which was provided to us each evening prior. The staff mentioned when we first met that it was going to be harder to run a few of the games and activities because of the lack of children. Mia and Caius found themselves in Club HAL alone most of the time, which they loved anyway. They were given lots of attention, were able to dictate some of the more fun crafts, and of course did not have to share the computer games.

Our kids enjoyed all the activities and Club HAL staff were always friendly and looked like they enjoyed being there too. Facilities were pretty good and well maintained.

There were only two real snags we found with Club HAL.

The first there was no food or drinks allowed in the Club, and that extended to water . Our kids complained regularly about being thirsty in the kids club and were told there was no water. We ended up sending water bottles to the club with the kids because of dehydration concerns. Most cruise ships disallow refilling water bottles from water dispensers due to overzealous hygiene concerns.

I did ask the senior child carer about giving the kids water and she was adamant that their policy disallowed all food and drinks. Now this is barely passable during the segmented 2-3 hour kids club sessions (although I personally think all kids need water more regularly to avoid dehydration). But if a parent is off-ship during a port day from 9am – 4pm (kids do get a lunch break) then this could really become a concern.

The second snag we hit was the segmented Club HAL hours . Most days the Club was open 9 – 11:30am, 1 – 4pm and 7 – 10pm. Port days it was 9am – 4pm and then 7pm – 10pm.

I have never encountered cruise kids club hours like this. Most cruise lines offer kids programs from 10am – 10pm. I found the hours frustrating. We had just dropped the kids off and relaxed in the hot tub when it was time to pick them up again. We also found dinner times a slight struggle because of the relatively late starting time.

I did ask staff if schedules were different on cruises with more kids and was informed this was standard hours.

Now for a regular family that are going on vacation to spend time with each other these enforced hours may be a great way to balance a little adult time with family time . But for Josh and I who spend every day with our kids, and looking forward to a little kid-free time, it was just frustrating. The kids didn’t want to have to keep leaving Club HAL and we didn’t want to only do a 2-hour activity.

2. Food, Glorious Food

The next most important thing on a family cruise... food! Since this was our 5 th cruise we feel like we have a firm grasp on the range of cruise cuisine quality. Carnival served the same food in the formal dining room as the buffet. Royal Caribbean had a touch more quality. But Holland America surpassed both. 

On the Noordam there were only the two free options to eat at; Lido (buffet) and Vista (a la carte) . An Italian restaurant called Canaletto required a $10pp cover charge which was reasonable considering the Michelin-star quality. 

And the aptly named Pinnacle delivered ultra fine dining for only an extra $29pp - a relative bargain. 

Kids adored all the eating venues, especially the Vista dining room with its crayons and hand-made origami animals by perpetually smiling wait staff. Our regular waiters remembered the kids' food preferences and were even happy to organise special off-menu dishes.

It's safe to say our kids rated the food on Noordam 10 out of 10.

You know you want to read more about the food! 

3. On-board Activities & Entertainment

There may not have been waterslides on board, but who would be using them in Alaska anyway? The ship was perfect for the region we were in. 

An indoor pool with 4 hot tubs, an outdoor pool with 2 hot tubs plus a hydrotherapy spa pool (at an extra cost). 

You have never truly lived until you soak in a steamy hot tub watching majestic glaciers in Alaska. Or if you want the full effect, try the Polar Bear Plunge like my husband and daughter. Yup, they jumped into the pool and then stood in the arctic wind for one whole minute at the back of the ship. Crazies!

Like most cruise lines Holland America provides plenty to do on board the boat other than the kids club. My kids enjoyed a game of shuffleboard, basketball, BINGO and even a cooking class or two. 

The nightly shows were excellent. Several acts straight from Las Vegas headlined the cruise, and the regular Noordam singers and dancers added their energetic shows to round off the 7-night cruise. 

4. The Crew

A large percentage of the staff on Holland America's Noordam was from Indonesia. As travellers who have been to Bali 10 times we know a little of the language and it was lovely to see their eyes light up when we spoke to them (albeit a bit rusty).

Each night at the Vista restaurant the kid’s entrees would be ready and waiting on the table when we arrived. The lovely Gede would rush over and hand them cute origami animals which induced smiles and giggles. 

Bambang, our room attendant, always had animal towels on the beds and kept the room spotless. He also loved asking the kids how their day was and interacted with them at every opportunity. 

Mia talked fondly of one of her kid’s clubs teachers. She couldn’t wait for each port day (I didn't get offended, sniff sniff). Although she did not want to get off the ship, she did want to see what port character would be making an appearance and get her photo taken – bear, eagle, polar bear, moose, etc. 

5. The Stateroom

We stayed in a Verandah Suite and I’d forgotten how small rooms were on cruises – just like New York ! :D But what I liked about this room was that one bed was behind a curtain and the other was on top of us. Keeping the kids separate at bed times meant they fell asleep faster.

The floor-to-ceiling sliding door led to a private balcony which gave us stunning views each day. But what was equally impressive was the block-out curtains which helped our kids sleep in each morning. Ahhhh, peace and quiet!

Ample storage space and the bathtub rounded out our family's favourite features of the stateroom.

The Verdict?

Our cruise to Alaska left us really impressed with Holland America Line. The ship had beautiful indoor and outdoor viewing areas for enjoying the glaciers, the food was top notch and the staff were as polite and helpful as you could wish for. 

It's tricky to compare Holland America with other cruise lines. It's like comparing apples and oranges.

To sum up the style of Holland America - I'd liken it to the European vibe. It is classy, understated, and sophisticated without being ostentatious. It has an unshakable self-confidence with a reserved demeanour. Every aspect of the cruise experience focuses on quality over quantity.

So the big question is... can you take your kids on a Holland America cruise?

The answer is definitely yes .

Your young ones will feel at home just as much as any other guest. And as a parent, you can feel confident that your well-earned family vacation will be a trip of a lifetime.

Then when your friends ask "why Holland America?", you'll know what to say.

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Reader Comments...

I did my first cruise on the Noordam several years ago in the Med. Had a wonderful time and really liked the ship and its facilities. I am married to a Canadian and definitely want to one day go to Alaska.

Holland America ships are gorgeous! Interesting about the kids club hours. I was under the impression that those types of morning, afternoon, evening hours were standard as that is what we had experienced on Holland America, Princess and Celebrity. If I remember correctly Celebrity was open over meal time hours but there was a fee for staying during that time. We have also sailed Disney but didn't use their kids facilities at all. I didn't realize that some lines had kids clubs open continuously from morning to late night.

Looks like a beautiful ship!

I love cruising! I haven't taken the kids on one yet, but planning on it soon. That view from your dining room is awesome and the photo of your kids in the hot tub is adorable!!! I really want to take an Alaskan cruise and your post made me want it more!

Just wanted to say THANKS, we are going on a HAL cruise and I just loved reading your blogs !!

I'm so happy to see this post! We are sailing on the Noordam in June with our three, and are looking forward to a classier experience.

We are taking our little ones with us this weekend for the 7 day. First time on HAL but based on your post looks like we will have a great time.

Just did Holland America with a 3.5 to Alaska. The food was fabulous, the signature suite was a great size. But as for kid friendly...no not really. The kids club may be great for older kids, (X Box) but younger kids..... I think there was some Lego to play with, that was it. The counselors had the personality of a wet noodle. We did get a babysitter one night and she was great. As for adult entertainment not a lot going on. I even spoke to a lady that her and her boyfriend were getting snippy with each other out of boredom. So safe to say never again at least with a kid.

Please, must everyone put up with other peoples children and they're bad behavior? The so-called parents don't know how to behave so how can the children know how to behave? I'm so happy to find Holland America, I try to book Adults Only if there is even such an option where I want to go.

PS: Kids should not be in a Hot TUB!

We love Club Hal!! Even with the reduced hours, we found it perfect for our FOUR kids aged 2-10 to play, pick up for lunch and eat as a family, swim, then sometimes a quick play in the afternoon to cool off. After dinner they sometime returned. We have done an 18 night and 10 night with Holland during the holidays and the kids were never bored. Staffed loved the kids. They got to know the names and preferences. We have cruised with Disney, RC and HAL and the kids LOVE HAL even without the kids theme areas! To the person who thinks that Holland America is Adults Only - you are very wrong - maybe try Seaborne?. Holland actively markets to families and give some great offers to entice them onto the ship. Maybe it is time YOU find a true adults only ship or take the time to sit back and enjoy children and their innocence? Whatever works.

We booked our Alaska cruise with Holland America based on these positive kids review. Club HAL was horrible. They split children based on 3 very wide age groups: 3-6, 7-12, and 12 and up. Our kids are 6, 7 and 8. They wouldn’t let them stay together. Programming was uncreative. The pools did not have a shallow end — they start at 4.5ft! All the entertainment was geared towards adults. Not child friendly at all! If you have young children, go with Disney!

thoughts or advice taking a 13 mo old at the time of the cruise? I posted on a FB forum and a bunch of elderly ppl responded rudely stating it is NOT a cruise line for small children and they would be a nuisance to everyone!

I've sailed on HAL 8 times now. Your comments are exactly what I've experienced time and again. In particular the food has gone from "good" to "great", they seem to have focused on it and it's paid off. Ditto with the service. I'd be leery of taking young kids on a HAL cruise for the reasons you mentioned (occasional lack of other kids, Club HAL hours). Older kids, however, always seem to have a great time on the cruises I've been on. At least from what I can see. I'd probably go with Carnival for a similar amount of money. To the comment above that says "Go with Disney" - Disney is 2-3 times the price that HAL is. Terrific if you have the budget but not everybody does. HAL is easily the best value for the money IF kids/family is not a major consideration.

Folks must be reminded that babies/kids who aren't toilet-trained, those who are obviously too young to be toilet-trained, and those in a diaper of any kind (including "swim" diapers) are NOT allowed in cruise ship pools and hot tubs, including family pools and hot tubs. This is an industry-wide rule enforced by the CDC's VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program). So bring your baby or toddler if you must, but understand that there will be no pool time with them.

We had sailed 3times on HAL prekids........we just took our first post kids cruise with our entire family (3 kids) and my parents and brother and his family. They booked Royal Caribbean (we did a caribbean cruise and we had to do a 5 day option out of Tampa and that fit the bill). It was nice but HAL is definitely fancier and more upscale. The one thing I'll say is in response to a comment about HAL that Royal Caribbean was the same. 3 kids in 3 different age groups (I didn't even ask if they would allow them to be together...mine didn't even do the kids club), the shallow end of the pool was 5.7 ft. So there was no "shallow" end. They did have a kids pool but that was for very young kids (so for older kids they might have outgrown that) and a water slide. But their club hours were like that, they were broken into various shifts. (I guess I don't know what the options were on port days). But honestly Royal Caribbean sounded very similar to this. They DID have minigolf and a rock wall (although it was closed multiple times we wanted to due to winds so we only went once). But I think I'd try HAL with the kids next time. I think the ship is more upscale and a bit better quality. (The shows on Royal Caribbean weren't anything impressive at all, no chocolate buffet like HAL.....it was like chocolate cake things,etc.......nice but no comparison. And they seemed to nickel and dime you. Like the kids cupcake class was $35 per person! With 3 kids that seems ridiculous. In fairness since we haven't cruised on HAL for so many years things could have changed there but it seemed like they didn't have these add-on fees). I think I'd like to try Alaska and think I'd do HAL as that is their specialty. My main concern is motion sickness as 2 of mine are sensitive.

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When Choosing the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Family, Ship Size Matters

I s exploring America’s Last Frontier at the top of your family vacation ideas list? I’ve enjoyed family cruises all over the world, but there’s something unique and special about Alaska cruises. In my opinion, cruising in Alaska is an unforgettable way to experience the state’s magnificent scenery and wildlife that can’t be replicated on any other kind of vacation.

Imagine savoring panoramic views of glacier-dotted shores and snow-caped mountains as you glimpse humpback whales at play from your ship’s deck. Now picture your family disembarking to experience it all up close in a different port each day. On the best Alaska cruises for families, the shore excursions allow you to dive into the state’s unique culture and beauty, including in active ways like kayaking, dog sledding, and whale watching that fully engage kids of all ages.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

With a variety of cruise lines sailing to Alaska, though, how can you decide which is the best fit for your family? Large, mid-size, and smaller ships offer very different experiences, so I’ve broken it down for you by ship size and cruise line to help you choose—with the one unifying factor being Alaska cruises with special perks for families. From a mega-ship that feels like floating city to a small vessel that offers eco-friendly comfort, there’s an Alaska cruise to suit every age and interest.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Alaska Cruise Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Choose, and More  

Alaska Family Cruises on Large Ships

The biggest cruise ships in Alaska go equally big on family-friendly activities, dining options, and entertainment. Maybe the biggest benefit of these mega ships is that complaints of boredom are highly, even if you’re traveling with a tough-to-please teen . Large cruise ships carry more than 2,500 passengers, so expect to have company on the sprawling decks and towering atriums. But if variety is the spice of your life, a large ship is a jackpot.

1. Princess Cruises

Best large-ship alaska cruises for families who love nature.

With seven ships sailing Alaska, Princess  leads the pack with more Alaska cruises than any other line. If you want an itinerary that visits the snow-globe scenery of Glacier Bay National Park, for example, Princess has more ships journeying to this icy wonderland than any other large ship cruise line. 

On my most recent Alaska cruise with Princess, the onboard naturalist went above and beyond his scheduled lectures and presentations, making nightly appearances on Deck 16 for hours of casual conversation with enthusiastic guests like my family.

Amenities on Princess Cruises in Alaska: Live entertainment, swimming pools, multiple hot tubs, and movies under the stars are a few of the many bells and whistles. Children’s programming includes supervised clubs with ice-cream parties and DJ booths, as well as a teen club with video game tournaments and mocktails. The cruise line’s Junior Park Ranger program and irresistible Puppies in the Piazza, a meet-and-greet with sled dogs, are a big hit with little kids. 

For a window into Alaskan culture, Princess’s North to Alaska  program brings Indigenous Alaskans and resident experts onboard, from mountain climbers who have scaled Denali to totem pole carvers. Princess offers an array of shore excursions, including tours that are crafted with families in mind. 

Best perk on Princess Cruises in Alaska:  I cannot say enough about the self-service laundromat. We washed and dried our dirty clothes for only a few dollars per load, avoiding the high per-item fee that the ship’s laundry service charges. 

2. Royal Caribbean 

Best large-ship alaska cruises for energetic families.

Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska from both U.S. and Canadian ports. Kids of all ages love the cruise line’s adrenaline-pumping shipboard offerings and high-energy family programming.

Amenities on Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruises: Royal Caribbean is a match for active kids. In between exploring Alaska, they can enjoy pulse-pounding fun on the Flowrider surf simulator, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, a rock-climbing wall, and video arcade. Supervised age-specific programs for children are popular. Outdoor pools double as front-row seats to see the spectacular surroundings, while live entertainment productions are both original and first-rate. 

Best perk:  The SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity complex at sea, features bumper cars, a full-size basketball court, and a roller-skating rink. 

Alaska Family Cruises on Mid-Size Ships

Like Goldilocks eating her porridge, sometimes the middle is the sweet spot. Mid-size cruise ships carry between 1,000 and 2,499 passengers and offer a variety of dining, entertainment, and stateroom configurations without the potentially overwhelming size of a large ship. 

3. Holland America 

Best mid-size alaska cruises for families seeking a nostalgic cruise experience.

If your family is looking for high-octane, shipboard action like zip lines and go-karts, Holland America is probably not a fit. Holland America has been cruising to Alaska for more than 75 years, and on its Alaska cruises family bonds are strengthened via throwback activities such as ping-pong, board games, jigsaw puzzles, shuffleboard, and family-friendly movies screened under the stars with blankets and popcorn. My kids love the cruise line’s Old World vibe and hilariously started to speak in faux British accents each time we ventured into the dining room.  

Amenities on Holland America cruises in Alaska: Holland America’s trademark style includes lots of polished brass and dark wood details. The look may be classic, but ships are equipped with the modern technology, from interactive televisions in each cabin to video game arcades to state-of-the-art fitness equipment. 

Club HAL is staffed with childcare professionals trained to work with a variety of ages and learning styles. Kids can try their hand at arts and crafts, video game competitions, and scavenger hunts. Supervised evening programs free parents to enjoy live musical performances at the Music Walk.

Best perk on Holland America’s Alaska cruises: All Holland America ships have pickleball courts, the fastest growing sport in America. My family and I watched the tutorial videos on our stateroom TV before we headed to the court.

4. Disney Cruise Line

Best mid-size alaska cruises for families who love disney’s entertainment brands.

As you might expect, families are at the heart of the  Disney Cruise Line  Alaska experience. Disney cruises naturally attract Disney fans, but anyone who appreciates family-friendly entertainment and top-notch service will be impressed with the quality of DCL’s Alaska cruises. 

Amenities on Disney cruises in Alaska: Disney’s mid-size cruise ships are known for their immersive entertainment options, from Broadway-caliber musicals to animation classes. Meet-and-greets with your favorite Disney characters are frequent, but while Disney characters are a fixture, Alaska is the co-star of the show. Presentations on wildlife and nature are given by experts who welcome questions from curious kids. All Disney cruises to Alaska start and end in Vancouver.

Best perk on Disney cruises in Alaska :  Alaska-centric details include Disney characters wearing special outfits to highlight sense of place, so don’t be surprised to see Goofy dressed like a lumberjack.

Alaska Family Cruises on Small Ships

Small ships offer the possibility to delve into off-the-beaten-path Alaska .  They can navigate closer to shorelines and into narrower waterways, delighting the senses with the thunder of calving glaciers and scenes of bears busy at work.

5. Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic 

Best small-ship Alaska cruises for active and eco-conscious families

Adventurous travelers who crave an intimate and immersive Alaskan family cruise will love cruising with  Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic . The brand has a fleet of 17 small ships, five of which sail to Alaska. Families looking to inspire the next generation of naturalists, climate protectors, and conservationists will feel right at home engaging in active adventures that are purpose-driven. 

Amenities on Lindblad Expeditions’s Alaska cruises: An emphasis on responsible cruising and planetary stewardship is a welcome departure from the waste found on some cruise ships. Kids and teens may listen a spokesperson from the Alaska Whale Foundation discuss the local whale population, discover marine life with an onboard undersea specialist, and develop observational skills as they record wildlife sightings in their field notebook. Children under 18 save $500 off the adult price. 

Best perk:  The attentive staff individually caters to your needs, while onboard programming is enriched by Indigenous naturalists, cultural guides, and guest speakers.

6. UnCruise Adventures

Best family cruises in alaska for anyone who thinks they don’t like cruising.

With a maximum of 86 passengers,  UnCruise Adventures  is committed to small-ship cruising. The personalized attention should please even those who  think  they are cruise averse. 

Amenities on UnCruise Alaska sailings:  Onboard naturalists provides hands-on experiences and engaging presentations on wildlife, ecology, and local culture. A high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention. An emphasis on sustainability is a big part of the brand’s ethos.

Best perk:  Children ages eight to 17 receive a $500 discount off the adult price. Activities, such as kayaking, hiking, and skiff excursions, are suited to a range of skill levels, ensuring that nearly everyone can participate. 

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 7 Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines in the World
• 7 Cruise Lines That Let Kids Sail Free  
• I’ve Been on 6 Different Cruise Lines, Here Are the Pros and Cons of Each One

The post When Choosing the Best Alaska Cruise for Your Family, Ship Size Matters appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

• Holland America Line

Best Holland America ship for kids?

By Califonria cruiser , April 30, 2015 in Holland America Line

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Califonria cruiser

Long story, but it looks like we might be sailing on Holland America in the next couple years with my teenage daughter and 6 year old son. Most likely Caribbean or Mexico. Which ships are best for children?

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Long story, but it looks like we might be sailing on Holland America in the next couple years with my teenage daughter and 6 year old son. Most likely Caribbean or Mexico. Which ships are best for children?   Jenn

Congratulations - I hope everything works out for you on your cruise planning.

IMO it's not the specific ship that is "best for children" as much as it is the itinerary. Having said that, I think whichever HAL ship you are on is the "best for children" IF you are on an itinerary (such as Alaska) that stops at places that have attractions generally of interest to children your kids' ages AND your kids and you enjoy each other's company.

IMO if you intend to turn the kids over to HAL for the duration of the cruise, I suspect that neither you nor your kids will fully enjoy the cruise. My DW and I have a couple years experience cruising with our granddaughters, and we have thoroughly enjoyed every cruise with them, mainly because we involved them in the selection process. So I would discuss itineraries with the kids and choose one that appeals to all of you.

Smooth sailing,

We have traveled with our children on cruises many times, but never on Holland. This summer my hubby and I (no kids) are going to the Baltic and when the price on our cruise dropped dramatically it was too late to cancel and rebook without losing $1200, the whole deposit. The fare dropped $1250 so a lot of work for a change of $50 plus it would lower the onboard credit from the travel agent.

Anyway, we were offered $600 per person future cruise credit for each of us that has to be booked within the year so now I am wondering if this is something that makes sense to us.

Our kids have always loved our other cruises, mostly Princess, RCL, Carnival and even Celebrity once, but no clue about Holland America.

Figured maybe some ships are better suited for kids with programs, etc. What types of programs does Holland have? It is the typical 9-noon, 2-5, 7-10 and then charge extra for other hours? I have always been under the impression that Holland tends to have a more older/adult crowd which is why we have never tried it. Any thoughts?

I will be honest (and get flamed) but we just do not think that any HAL ship is great for kids. Yes, HAL does have a kids/teens programs and they hire professionals to run those programs (this is similar to most mass market cruise lines). But we have just not seen any evidence that HAL measures up to lines like RCI, Princess, Norwegian and Disney when it comes to the kids programs. And HAL's reputation as an "a line for seniors" does not help attract lots of young families to the line.

I can only speak from personal observation but I have met only one kid who did not enjoy themselves on a HAL ship. From the young kids dressing in their own-made pirate costumes and parading through the ship to the teens who loved the dancing classes from the ship's dancers, all enjoyed their time aboard HAL

This was most evident when we only saw kids during dinner as they were fully engaged during the day.

Here are some of the scanned kids' activities in Alaska that are probably typical of all HAL cruises:

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/travel-2/holland-america-lines-kids-activities-examples/

Thanks for the info. Will get to experience HA first hand this summer, just figure it would be different clientele on a Baltic cruise vs. Caribbean so not really an apples to apples comparison.

While $600 a person future cruise credit sounds nice, not sure it is really useful. Might have TA call Holland America again and see if there is anything else they can do.

HAL is dd16s favorite cruise line. It's ds19s and ds9s second favorite after Royal Caribbean. We've been on the newest ship and one of the oldest. They really didn't differ in the experience for either kids or adults. The only difference I could see was in decor. There were a lot more kids on the newer ship though. I would choose based on itinerary, with a preference to a newer ship.

HAL does a great job with their kids club. We've sailed Celebrity, HAL, and DCL and up until recently HAL was their favorite. My daughter now places DCL slightly above HAL, but only because the wave phones on DCL give her more freedom, which really isn't about the clubs. LOL!!!

It is the typical 9-noon, 2-5, 7-10 and then charge extra for other hours, for the most part. One of our favorite things was after picking up my daughter at 10:00pm going to the buffet getting some ice cream and playing some cards while she finished her ice cream before going back to the room.

I can't speak to all the ships, we've only sailed the Oosterdam and Westerdam so far, and they were both wonderful.

My kids don't go to kids club. They enjoy HAL as much as Disney and Royal Caribbean.

I was also a bit worried about taking my 10 year old last year on HAL. We had previously only cruised with RCCL with the choice of climbing wall, surfing, ice-skating, rollerskating etc. However, she loved it. It was very port intensive but we booked a lido cabana so that when we came back we would sit down and relax while she played with her new-found friends in the pools.

Not as many children as on RCCL, but she made quite a few friends and would ask after dinner if she could meet up with them in the children's club. So, around 9.00 p.m. I would drop her off for an hour before bed-time.

IMO, it is less important which ship you choose that is best for the children and more important when you are sailing and what itinerary. If you sail during school vacations, there are sure to be lots of families with children. If you sail short (7 day) itineraries you will find more children obviously than a 30 day cruise.

cruisemom42

We may have just been unlucky, but there were few kids on our HAL Caribbean cruise at a time when there should've been more (e.g., summer) or more probably would've been more on other lines. DS, who is pretty good at entertaining himself didn't complain but did spend a lot of time in the cabin playing electronic games when we were not in port. Club activities were sparse. After that cruise HAL was not a favorite with him when selecting future cruises. He enjoyed Princess and Celebrity more.

It's no secret that HAL is not as kid friendly as some of the other cruise lines and that there are more seniors on board than kids. I don't remember where I heard it but I've always remembered 'HAL ships do not have water slides and never will!" While there are kids programs, I think another cruise line like Disney or Carnival or Norwegian would be more kid friendly. Plus, now that I'm not a kid any more, I prefer there not being a lot of kids on board but that's just me.

:confused: HAL has not sailed the Caribbean in summer months for years.

They reposition their usual Caribbean ships to Alaska, Canada/NE and Europe during spring/summer/fall.

Krazy Kruizers

What year did you sail HAL in the summer??

HAL hasn't been in the Caribbean in the summer for years.

The Nieuw Amsterdam with its unusual Club HAL artifacts, i.e. an old New York Taxi as well as the Zaandam with its Atrium located organ that has small figures "dance" when the organ plays would be of interest to a young person.

But, it is not the hardware of the ship that counts for a young person's enjoyment. It is the program that the ship offers. And, on that score, I cannot comment.

Obviously this person has HAL confused with another line. As previously mentioned they do not sail the caribbean in summer. Also the programming is the same if there is one kid or 300. We sail often with our 5 & 7 year olds (both three star mariners!). Club hours are 9-11:30, 1-4 & 7-10 fleet wide (well, I don't know about Prisendam). There are a variety of activities scheduled in 30 min increments and our kids have never been bored- even thought they have done each of the theme nights several times. If they are the only kids in the club, the staff is flexible and will often let them choose another activity (including video games, which our kids rarely choose) that interest them. We typically cruise longer sailings and avoid school holiday travel. There have been times when they are the only kids on the ship and other times when (during our only 7 day caribbean sailing) there were 30. Regardless of the number of participants the same activities are always offered and staff is excellent.

A Lido Cabana (previously mentioned) is a great choice for families. Definitely check it out. Although the clientele is typically more "mature" on HAL, it really has been great for our family. I would much rather be on a ship with "some" kids instead of "too many" kids. It's your vacation, too.

What year did you sail HAL in the summer?? HAL hasn't been in the Caribbean in the summer for years.    

Obviously this person has HAL confused with another line. As previously mentioned they do not sail the caribbean in summer. Also the programming is the same if there is one kid or 300.

It was on the Zuiderdam, either the year it was launched or the next year. I think it was 2003. Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. We were lured aboard by a TA who sold us on the idea that this "new" class of HAL ships were to be more family friendly and meant to attract younger passengers.

I have taken each of my grandchildren on a Hal cruise and both had a good time. ... once during spring break and once during Thanksgiving week.

I would suggest going on one of the larger ships. From the kids perspective, the lido cabana on the Eurodam and a cabana on Half Moon Cay were special memories. If you go to Panama, the Embera Indian excursion would appeal to kids as would anything to do with animals.

Lottie Linda

I agree with you, there are less teenagers on HAL and that is fine by me. HAL is classical in its experience. It is restful and affords time to be introspective. Many of the activities are cerebral. When I think of music on HAL I'm thinking chamber music, on other lines I'm reminded of steel-drum bands. Instead of the hairiest chest contest, HAL offers a seminar on the local fauna. I would have loved HAL as a child, but I doubt my siblings would.

We went last summer on the Westerdam to Alaska in August. Our kids were 10 and 6 and it was their first cruise and they loved it. My in laws were also with us. We did our shore excursions all together and the kids spent time in the club too. We did open seating dinner and ate most nights at 5:30 so the kids could go to the club at 7. One night we fed them early and ate dinner later.

We won a cruise at the bingo game and my ds was jumping up and down. We are going to the Caribbean next February over presidents week and can't wait.

Cruising Jedi

Not sure it is so much the ship as just the luck of the draw as to the make-up of that particular cruise.

Though I will say we have been twice now on Holland America with our kids (Veendam when they were 12 and 14 years old, Westerdam when they were 13 and 15 years old) and they loved both. I mean really loved the experience on both. They made great friends as the teens hung around a lot together and were a friendly, overall very mature and smart bunch. They still say the friends they met on the Holland ships were the best group of people they have ever met. (They have also been on Disney, Royal and Princess and were not as impressed)

To me the number of kids / teens on Holland was perfect. Just enough for them to make friends and have fun, not too many so that they overran the ship and turned it into a zoo. lol.

sunsetbeachgal

Agree with above...it is luck of the draw. We sailed with my nephew who was a teen some yeas ago on HAL and one year he hit the jackpot with other kids and the next year (same week) not so much.

We have cruised with school age grandkids the last few years now and have chosen Royal Caribbean and Princess which were both excellent choices. For us, I think either of these lines are a better fit with kids.

peaches from georgia

I'm sure some kids enjoy HAL ships, but we would never consider it. We have grandchildren, ages 6-23, just normal very well-behaved kids who like things to do and we would never take them on a HAL cruise.

Just out of curiosity, what was it about your cruises on HAL ships that convinced you to "never consider" and "never take" your grandchildren on a HAL cruise?

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Reasons Holland America Line Cruises Are Fantastic With Grandchildren

• Cruises and Sailing
• Family Vacations
• Types of Travel

Multigenerational family vacations are one of this year’s leading travel trends. Families are excited about reconnecting through travel, making lifelong memories, and spending time together. And cruises are a stress-free way to make it happen.

Cruising allows multigenerational families to conveniently explore incredible destinations together. Just unpack once and your floating hotel effortlessly brings you to the world’s most beautiful places. It makes traveling with grandchildren easier, so you can focus on the fun.

With 150 years of experience, Holland America Line is a popular choice for multigenerational cruise vacations. Holland America recently invited me to sail on a “7-Day Alaskan Explorer” voyage round-trip from Seattle. Alaska is a fabulous bucket-list destination and there were many first-time cruisers, families, and multigenerational groups on board.

I had the opportunity to talk with grandparents about their cruise and they raved about their families’ experiences on Holland America Line. One grandmother told me, “Alaska has been a dream trip for me and it’s been fantastic to vacation together and see the wonder through my grandchildren’s eyes.” Memories like these are treasured gifts that last a lifetime.

Here are nine reasons why Holland America Line cruises are a fantastic choice for multigenerational vacations with grandchildren.

1. Exciting Destinations

Holland America Line’s itineraries include amazing ports of call and multigenerational families can bond while enjoying memorable shared adventures. Holland America Line offers highly-inclusive voyages to unforgettable destinations including Alaska, Europe, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Alaska and the Caribbean are particularly popular for family cruises with grandchildren.

Based on my sailing, it’s easy to see why TravelAwaits readers named Holland America Line the best Alaska cruise line . With over 75 years in Alaska, Holland America offers numerous Alaska itineraries and more sailings to spectacular Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. Kids can earn their Junior Ranger Badge from Glacier Bay National Park rangers while on board.

Multigenerational Caribbean cruises are sought-after options for families during the winter and spring when kids are off for the holidays and school breaks. All Caribbean cruises visit Holland America’s idyllic Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas — named “Best Private Island” for 20 consecutive years.

Pro Tip: Select some destinations and itineraries and plan your trip with your children and grandchildren. Pick cruises with ports that match your family’s interests.

2. Upscale Mid-Sized Ships

The best cruises with grandchildren cater to every generation’s diverse needs and preferences. Family members of all ages can have a fantastic vacation together on Holland America Line’s elegant ships. Holland America Line’s fleet includes 11 luxurious mid-sized ships ranging in size from 1,432–2,668 guests with double occupancy. These intimate vessels are the perfect “Goldilocks” size — not too big, not too small, but just right.

Holland America’s premium class ships are large enough to offer plenty of attractions and dining venues but not so huge to feel crowded and overwhelming. There are swimming pools with retractable roofs, youth programs, entertainment and enrichment programs, live music venues, and more. The amenity-rich ships deliver tons of fun, minus the noise and distractions. Service aboard Holland America Line ships is fabulous, too.

Pro Tip: When selecting itineraries, review the specialty dining restaurants, entertainment venues, and amenities on each Holland America Line ship to choose the one that’s best for you. A top-notch cruise travel advisor can help.

3. Spacious Staterooms

Multigenerational families will find plenty of room to relax and enjoy being together on a Holland America cruise. There’s a wide variety of staterooms and suites available on each ship. Holland America Line’s Rotterdam , Nieuw Statendam , and Koningsdam — all Pinnacle Class ships — offer Family Staterooms accommodating up to five guests with two bathrooms and additional closet space. Families also enjoy staying in the cruise line’s Signature, Neptune, and Pinnacle Suites.

Connecting staterooms can be an excellent choice for families since the door between the cabins can be opened. In addition, Holland America Line’s Verandah staterooms also feature a hinged “door” on the balconies between each stateroom, which can be unlocked and opened to make space for more family togetherness. Accessible staterooms are also available on Holland America Line ships.

Pro Tip: Book your cruise early to reserve accessible staterooms, accommodations located close together, or connecting staterooms. Your travel advisor or Holland America Line reservations agent can assist.

4. Awesome Activities For All Ages 

Finding a fabulous multigenerational vacation that pleases every family member can be challenging. Holland America Line offers a cruise experience the whole family will love. There’s something for all ages on these voyages. Our cruise’s daily activities were excellent and I often wished I could clone myself to be in two places simultaneously. Holland America Line’s lively Music Clubs and World Stage performances were some of our personal favorites.

Destinations are the stars on Holland America Line cruises, both aboard and in every port of call. Holland America Line features destination-rich programming, onboard activities, and cultural interactions to help families immerse themselves in the locations they’re visiting. The cruise line’s Explorations Central (EXC) program includes superb presentations, talks, movies, and activities in venues throughout the ship.

Our Alaska cruise offered plenty of opportunities for high-quality family time. Multigenerational groups enjoyed relaxing together at the pool, watching movies and high-energy shows, playing basketball and pickleball, and participating in family trivia sessions, sing-a-longs, and game nights. Adults also loved the ship’s fitness centers and indulging in spa treatments at the fabulous Greenhouse Spa & Salon .

Pro Tip: Cruise vacations offer a wealth of activities and time flies by quickly. Grandparents, parents, and kids should discuss specific expectations and things they’d like to do before their cruise. If your family group is staying in multiple staterooms, download WhatsApp to keep in touch at sea.

5. Outstanding Dining Experiences

Holland America Line’s cuisine and dining options are so good that it’s hard to pick favorites. Multigenerational families can enjoy a wide variety of onboard dining experiences sure to please every palate. Holland America Line is passionate about culinary excellence and its Culinary Council of renowned chefs guides the world-class menus in dining venues across the fleet.

While adults savor their gourmet fare, kids can order half-portions or choose items from the special kids’ menu available at all dining venues. Children ages 12 years old and under also dine for half-price at specialty restaurants or free when ordering from the kids’ menu. Family favorites on our cruise included the casual dining poolside Dive-In burger bar, New York Pizza, and ice cream in the Lido Market buffet area.

I enjoyed the fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood and regionally inspired cuisine at multiple shipboard restaurants, along with the new Alaskan Brunch in the Dining Room. My meals at two specialty restaurants — Tamarind and the Pinnacle Grill — rank among the best I’ve ever had at sea. Holland America Line’s complimentary room service is also a treat.

Pro Tip: Multigenerational groups should make fixed-time dining reservations before departure and book specialty dining restaurants as early as possible. If family members have food allergies or other culinary requests, confirm these with the ship prior to sailing. In addition, connect with the maître d’ once on board about specific dining requests.

6. Fun-Filled Shore Excursions

Holland America Line offers multigenerational families a multitude of ways to explore destinations, both together and apart. Holland America Line’s award-winning shore excursions feature a myriad of memorable experiences to match the ages and interests of everyone in the family. Many of the cruise line’s tours also provide discounted prices for children.

Families can bond while enjoying exciting shore excursions like dog sledding on glaciers, whale-watching trips, breathtaking nature hikes, and sea kayaking in Alaska. Horseback riding excursions, stingray encounters, boat trips, and beach escapes are popular family-friendly options in the Caribbean. Multigenerational family members can also pursue their own interests and regroup over dinner to share their adventures.

Pro Tip: Download the Holland America Line Navigator app in advance and book shore excursions as soon as they are available for the best selection.

7. Entertaining Kids Club Programs

The best multigenerational vacations include the right mix of time spent together and apart. Family cruises are ideal, offering the perfect blend of togetherness and freedom. Holland America Line’s ships feature entertainment and activities for all ages, including the fun-filled supervised Kids Club youth programs and venues for children ages 3–17.

Holland America’s complimentary Kids Club (formerly Club HAL) makes it easy for young guests to meet new friends and enjoy exciting activities with kids their age. While they’re having fun, parents and grandparents can enjoy adult-only time on their own.

Kids Club’s spaces are divided into multiple areas for different age groups: Littles (ages 3–6), Middles (ages 7–12), and High Score! and The Loft (ages 13–17). Activities vary by age group and include themed parties, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, teen events, storytelling, video game and sports competitions, and more. While some ships still feature The Loft for teens, these will be converted to the cool new High Score! rooms currently available on several ships.

Pro Tip: Read about the Kids Club programs before your cruise and register children on embarkation day. Theme nights are particularly popular.

8. Great Reunion And Family Cruise Deals

Many families I spoke with were reuniting to celebrate milestone events. Holland America Line offers an outstanding family reunion package for groups booking eight or more staterooms, providing exclusive amenities like free stateroom upgrades, a family lunch at the Pinnacle Grill, and a $50 beverage card and a $50 soda card per stateroom. Holland America’s groups department can assist with bookings and an entertainment coordinator is on board to help arrange special activities and celebrations.

If you’re planning a cruise with grandchildren, look for Holland America Line’s money-saving “Kids Cruise Free” promotions. Keep an eye on this page for details.

Pro Tip: Holland America Line also offers AARP members a member-only onboard credit that guests can use for specialty dining and other amenities.

9. Ideal For Holiday Celebrations And Skip-Gen Trips

Holland America Line’s holiday cruises are a memorable, stress-free way for families to reunite and celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s together. Ships are festively adorned with decorations and traditional holiday dishes are served. Adults and children will enjoy all the holiday activities and parties as well.

Some grandparents are also taking their grandchildren on “skip-generation” (skip-gen) vacations — bonding and making memories without the parents. Holland America Line’s cruises are a fantastic option for these kinds of trips. With all the unforgettable destinations and built-in activities, you’ll have an incredible time on board and ashore.

Pro Tip: If you’ll be sailing without your minor grandchildren’s parents, bring each child’s passport and travel documents, as well as an original letter from at least one of the parents giving you authorization to travel alone on the cruise with them and make medical decisions for them. Contact Holland America Line for the complete details of your specific cruise itinerary.

Related Reading:

• Holland America Celebrates 150th Anniversary And Immigrant Backstory
• My 8 Favorite Meals I’ve Had Cruising Holland America’s Pinnacle Ships
• Why I Loved My Cruise Through New England And Canada

Nancy is founder of the Family Travel Network, launched in partnership with America Online. She serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association and is a consultant and frequent presenter at top travel industry conferences and events. Nancy is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. She was honored with the Family Travel Association's Mike Janes Media Member Award in 2022.

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Holland America Line Becomes First Global Cruise Line to Receive International Seafood Certifications

Premium cruise line expands Global Fresh Fish Program with Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications for sustainable and responsible seafood

Seattle, Wash., April 8, 2024  — Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning dining experience by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications. The two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.

The distinguished take Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, underscoring the brand’s commitment to serving guests the highest-quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

“Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “These certifications build on our commitment regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We’re proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail.” 

Marine Stewardship Council | Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Marine Stewardship Council’s focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts. Aligning with both ecolabels signifies Holland America Line’s commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.

“As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council’s rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category,” said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.

“Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring seafood supplies for future generations,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council .

Onboard Dining and Guest Experience

All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.

They include Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam in Europe. Holland America Line’s six ships in Alaska serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line’s Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and onboard specialty restaurants. from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into Holland America Line seafood offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Onboard menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management logos. While not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line are currently certified, the cruise line is working toward 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet the organizations’ standards.

Examples of seafood that will fall under the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification umbrella on Holland America Line cruises include: Asian Barramundi, Tasmania Atlantic Salmon, Canadian and New England Haddock, Hawaiian Swordfish, Mediterranean Sardine, Mexican Tuna, Northern European Dover Sole, and South American Chilean Seabass, to name a few.

Global Fresh Fish Program

The new certifications are the latest achievements for Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish — from port to plate in less than 48 hours — in all restaurants on board. Guests can find fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions where the ships sail, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

Additionally, the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications fall on the heels of Holland America Line becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board its six ships in Alaska through its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.