Holland America Cruise with Kids: A Surprisingly Easy First Family Cruise

Thinking about cruising with kids but overwhelmed by the idea of water slides, nonstop noise, and giant crowds? A Holland America cruise with kids might be the easiest way to dip your toes in, especially for first-time cruisers. While it’s not decked out with cartoon characters or splash zones, what it does offer is a calm, well-paced experience with just enough family-friendly fun.

You’ll find a great kids club, plenty of kid-approved food (hello, pizza and daily ice cream), and an atmosphere that’s genuinely relaxing for adults, too. Since Holland America Line (HAL) draws fewer families overall, your kids get more personal attention, without the overstimulation of larger, kid-centric ships.

If you care more about itinerary, simplicity, and enjoying actual downtime than chasing nonstop action, this is a cruise line that works for everyone. Yes, the average age on board may skew older—but honestly, that can be a perk. And on shorter cruises with lots of ports? It all just feels easy.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%. 

Intro to Holland America Line for Families

Holland America Line is a premium cruise line with over 150 years of history and a fleet of 11 mid-sized ships (as of 2025) known for elegant design, excellent service, and destination-focused itineraries. While it traditionally attracts an older crowd, it’s become a quiet favorite for families looking for a calmer, more relaxed cruise experience, especially on popular ships like the Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam.

The Holland America Kids Club: A Gem for Families

The Holland America Line’s Kids Club (formerly Club HAL) stands out among families with younger travelers. It’s well-organized, thoughtfully staffed, and genuinely fun for kids aged 3–17. Children are grouped by age and offered a rotating schedule of crafts, group games, video games, etc. In our experience, it was not chaotic!

➡️ Learn more directly from Holland America Line’s official Kids Club page

Why we recommend the Kids Club:

• Safety and structure come first: Kids are checked in and out by authorized adults only, and staff quickly learn family names and faces.
• Smaller group sizes mean kids get more attention and support.
• Friendly, energetic staff make the space feel welcoming and calm, not chaotic.
• Kids love it: Many beg to return after their first session. Ours couldn’t wait until the Kids Club reopened each night after dinner.
• Carnival Night and creative extras keep it fresh all week long.

Carnival Night was a major highlight during our cruise—an all-ages evening of games, raffles, and small prizes that made kids feel like the center of attention. Events like these make the Kids Club experience go far beyond basic childcare.

Pro tip: On at-sea days, let your kids enjoy the Kids Club while you sneak in a workout at the gym. Everyone wins.

Simple and Fun Onboard Activities for Families

You don’t need a waterslide or ropes course to keep kids entertained on a Holland America Line cruise—there are plenty of relaxed, low-key activities that are perfect for families, especially on shorter itineraries with lots of port stops.

Here are a few highlights families will enjoy together onboard:

• Daily Ice Cream and Pizza
  The free ice cream/soft-serve station is a hit every afternoon (no extra cost), and the pizza bar by the pool is an easy go-to between meals. For picky eaters, the kids’ menu at dinner offers all the basics like pasta, chicken tenders, and burgers—no battles required.
• Board Games and Family Time
  Most (if not all) Holland America ships have a library area with puzzles and games you can borrow and bring to your cabin or any quiet lounge space. It’s a great way to unwind together between excursions or after dinner. Your boat is also likely to have shuffleboard and ping pong. Bingo? Well, of course.
• Live Music and Entertainment
  While evening shows may be geared toward adults, live music can be enjoyed by the whole family, especially performances in open lounges and on the pool deck. Grab a seat early if it’s a themed night or special performance.
• Crafts and Pop-Up Activities
  Occasionally, they host casual craft stations or art sessions outside the Kids Club—especially on sea days. These are usually free and drop-in style, perfect for when your day isn’t packed. Hello, origami lessons!
• Time to Relax
  One of the unexpected perks of Holland America’s calmer vibe is that you can actually rest. With fewer crowds and minimal noise, it’s easy to sit and enjoy an ocean view with your kids or stroll the promenade deck as a family without chaos.

This more laid-back pace is a huge benefit, especially during school breaks, when bigger ships may feel crowded and overrun. Holland America gives you space to connect as a family, without needing to schedule every moment or compete for seats and snacks.

Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.

How and Why to Cruise Holland America with Kids

Is Holland America the Right Fit for Your Family?

Not every family cruise has to come with bells, whistles, and waterslides. If you’re looking for a vacation that’s more peaceful than packed, and more focused on the journey than the onboard dazzle, Holland America Line might be exactly what you need. This section is here to help you figure out if that slower, smoother style of cruising is the right match for your crew, especially if you’re cruising for the first time.

Here’s who we think will feel most at ease on board Holland America Line ships:

• Families looking for a calmer cruise experience
• First-time cruisers who want to test the waters without overwhelming the kids
• Travelers who care more about the itinerary and ports than constant onboard entertainment
• Parents who enjoy quality food, quieter evenings, and a bit more structure
• Those with easy access by flight or drive from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida, ports of call

How to Choose the Right Holland America Family Itinerary

One of the biggest perks of a Holland America Line cruise with kids is how many short, port-heavy itineraries they offer. For families—especially first-time cruisers—choosing a cruise with fewer sea days and more stops is an easy way to keep kids interested and active throughout the trip.

Navigate to the Find a Cruise page on Holland America’s site and consider:

• Holland America offers many shorter cruises (4–7 nights) with multiple ports
• For families, cruises with fewer sea days and more stops help keep kids engaged
• Caribbean ports like Half Moon Cay (private island shared by Carnival and Holland America), San Juan, or Key West offer kid-friendly excursions
• Avoid cruises with long travel days between ports if kids are younger or new to cruising

What to Know Before You Book

Holland America Line cruises offer a more relaxed, traditional vibe compared to larger, more sensory-overloaded ships. The lack of waterslides and a less “sensory” day at the pool (if you know, you know…) creates a calmer atmosphere—ideal for families looking for a low-stress cruise experience.

• Most ships don’t have waterslides, arcades, or splash zones—this is intentional
• Expect a calmer, more traditional vibe (less sensory stimulation)
• Evening entertainment includes live music, dance performances, and cooking demos — yes, it is generally more focused on an adult audience, but your kids will want to be at the Kids Club anyhow!
• Cabins are comfortable and offer family-friendly options, but check the layout carefully when booking

When to Try a Bigger Ship Instead

While Holland America Line cruises with kids are a great first step, your family’s cruise preferences may evolve over time. As kids get older—or if your crew wants splash zones, character meet-and-greets, or thrill rides—it might be time to try a bigger ship. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean (hello, Icon of the Seas!) and Disney Cruise Line are packed with high-energy features and nonstop entertainment designed for kids and teens.

Here’s when to consider making the switch.

• As kids get older (10+), they may want more bells and whistles
• If your family wants full-scale water parks, 24/7 activities, and character meet-and-greets, consider other lines for future cruises
• If you have cruised quite a bit, and prefer to get more out of the ship than the excursions
• You want to sail out of a different port than Holland America sails from

Booking Your Holland America Cruise with Kids

While platforms like CruiseDirect and Cruise.com offer competitive deals and user-friendly comparisons across various cruise lines, booking directly through Holland America Line is often the most straightforward option. This approach ensures you access the latest promotions, accurate cabin details, and direct customer support—ideal for families seeking a stress-free planning experience.​

Pro Booking Tip: Know your pricing online when you call. We found a better rate online, even after talking to a salesperson. Of course, if you’re offered a better price on the phone, take that option.

As you cruise the Holland America fleet more, you can consider adding Club Orange to your booking, upgrading to a balcony or suite, or getting a Have-It-All pass (not normally what works out economically when we run the numbers for our family). Rest assured, it doesn’t just need to be a first-time cruise experience. Join the Mariner Society with your first booking to ensure you get rewards over the years.

In Summary: A Holland America Cruise with Kids

A Holland America Line cruise might not be the first cruise line families think of, but it’s an unexpectedly easy option, especially for first-timers. The ships aren’t packed with kid-focused features, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s enough to keep children entertained (like the kids club, games, and carnival night), while the atmosphere stays calm and comfortable for adults.

If you’re sailing over spring break or summer, this can be a big win. You’ll avoid the feeling of being overrun by crowds and still enjoy simple family fun, without all the noise and chaos of a mega ship.

With multiple stops on shorter itineraries, Holland America becomes a relaxing home base for families who want a smooth vacation with just enough structure and plenty of downtime.

Happy, breezy (and cruise-y) travels.

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