Best Vacation Ideas for Multigenerational Families

Family vacation planning doesn’t need to feel like a tug-of-war over interests, energy levels, and attention spans. There are grandparents eager to explore local history, the teen who won’t go without cruise ship Wi-Fi, the parents craving a break — and maybe a cocktail with a stunning ocean view. But then someone suggests a cruise, and everything begins to fall into place.

Few travel experiences are as effortless or flexible, and nothing beats convenience. Unpack once and wake up somewhere new every morning. Everyone can set their own pace — from yoga at sunrise to afternoon trivia challenges to a walk through a centuries-old port city. A cruise allows families to reconnect without any of the “forced family fun,” offering all the togetherness or space everyone prefers.

Imagine celebrating the holidays stress-free. Just your loved ones, a ship sparkling with lights, and festive meals. From Thanksgiving to Hanukkah, Christmas to New Year’s, holiday cruises combine cherished traditions with the excitement of travel. The best part? No one has to cook, clean, or host!

Toast the season with tree- and menorah-lighting ceremonies, indulge in a Christmas Eve “Feast of the Seven Fishes” dinner at Canaletto, or start the New Year with fireworks over the water. Even the littles can get in on the fun with breakfast with Santa and themed kids’ activities throughout the voyage.

Don’t have your holiday plans sorted yet this year? No need to stress, there’s still time to book a holiday cruise, but you’ll need to act fast. Here are a few 2025 festive itineraries:

7-Day Eastern Caribbean: San Juan & St. Thomas Holiday
9-Day Southern Caribbean Holiday: ABC Islands

7-Day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove & Bahamas
10-Day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez
18-Day Circle Hawaii Holiday

Here comes the sun with a lovely dose of turquoise water, and powdery soft sand beaches. With easy departures from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, these cruises make it easy to trade routine for a tropical escape. Kids can splash and explore while parents can unwind by the pool or on our award-winning private island in the Bahamas. Beach days also include snorkeling, kayaking, and days that stretch into golden sunsets.

7-Day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles & Mexico
10-Day Eastern Caribbean: U.S. Virgin Islands & San Juan

Perhaps, you’d rather swap palm trees for ice-blue glaciers. Alaska offers wild beauty and a sense of awe that easily spans generations. Watch as bald eagles soar above emerald forests, see glaciers calve with a thunderous roar into icy waters, and learn about the First Nations culture along the way. It’s adventure, scenic wonders, and more rolled into one unforgettable trip.

7-Day Alaska Inside Passage
7-Day Alaska Explorer
14-Day Ultimate Denali D4C

If your family prefers coastal splendors, consider a jaunt along the Pacific Coast. From Catalina’s laid-back island vibe to Santa Barbara’s sun-kissed sophistication, these cruises make the ideal long weekend escape to places you’ve been longing to share with your family. Spot whales off the bow, wander iconic Balboa Park, or spend the afternoon at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

5-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
7-Day Great Bear Rainforest

The golden beaches, warm surf, and the scent of grilled fish tacos drifting from a beachside café are only a click away. Ideal for those family members that long for a mix of relaxation and discovery, from snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez to exploring ancient Mayan ruins or just hanging out poolside with a margarita and the ocean breeze.

It’s easy to see why families return year after year to a Holland America Mexico cruise.

7-Day Baja Peninsula
11-Day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez

Europe has a way of captivating people of all ages. Northern Europe is especially family-friendly, offering storybook castles, scenic fjords, and experiences that feel straight from a fairy tale. Explore Copenhagen’s timeless Tivoli Gardens, soak in Iceland’s geothermal Blue Lagoon, or wander the misty hills of Scotland, where standing stones whisper secrets from the ancient past.

7-Day Norwegian Fjords & Sognefjord With HISTORY Channel
14-Day Baltic & Scandinavian Capitals With HISTORY Channel
15-Day Wild British Isles: Belfast Evening Stay

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