Top Tips for Multi-Gen Family Cruises: How to Make Every Moment Fun for All Ages
Multi-gen cruising is growing in popularity. According to a 2024 report by the Cruise Lines International Association, more than 30% of families are cruising with at least two generations on board.
It’s easy to understand why. Everyone wants different things on a vacation — little kids love the pool, teens like to socialize, parents need a night out, and grandparents long to sightsee. A family cruise is the best way to accommodate everyone’s travel wishes.
Holland America cruise ships are thoughtfully designed with pools, hot tubs, a Kids Club, a Sport Court, and a variety of activities and entertainment. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are only a few decks away, making travel coordination a snap.
Tips for Making Multi-Generational Family Cruising Fun for All Ages
1. Book Family Staterooms on Pinnacle Class Ships
No matter what ship, stateroom, or suite you choose, your family will enjoy care and comfort with 24-hour room service, generous storage space, and Elemis® bath products. Available on board Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam, family staterooms include enough beds for five guests, extra closet space, and two bathrooms.
2. Send the Kids to the Kids Club
You want to play trivia, go wine tasting, or peruse the jewelry in The Shops while the kids just want to play with other kids. What to do? Drop them off at the Kids Club — our supervised youth program for cruisers age 3–17, featuring age-appropriate activities included in your fare. Kids love it and parents love the downtime. Bonus: Your little ones will make cruise friends and lasting memories.
Ready to plan your family cruise? Find a cruise.
3. Use Our Laundry Services
Make your stay more comfortable and your suitcase lighter with a laundry package. Holland America offers both unlimited and by-the-bag laundry services. If you need to de-wrinkle your dress, suit, or other garment in time for Dressy Night, there are also pressing services available.
4. Connect With Each Other & Take Time for Yourself
Each day of your family cruise offers both time together and time apart. Our perfectly sized ships provide plenty of space to unwind and connect with each other. The whole family can work on puzzles in the Crow’s Nest or enjoy some friendly competition on the pickleball or basketball court. Play a game by the pool or take in incredible views on deck.
Grandparents can bond with grandkids over activities such as origami and painting while parents relax with a massage or other treatment in the Spa & Salon.
Onboard Activities & Entertainment for Everyone
Everyone in the family will find something they love to do, whether together or on their own.
- Live music at Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard (venues vary by ship)
- Themed trivia sessions
- Pickleball tournaments on deck — a fun way to connect across generations
- Cooking demonstrations, cultural talks, and art lessons
- Poolside movies and games
On shore, see something new as a family on one of our many shore excursions, suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.
5. Make Dining Reservations Ahead of Time
“Hanger” can instantly change the dynamic of even the closest-knit family. To avoid this vacation-ruining phenomenon, reserve your table at our Specialty Dining restaurants ahead of time; you can make reservations as soon as you’ve booked your cruise. Learn more about our Dining.
The foodies in your family will have many choices. When it’s time for a night out, try one of our newest and most celebrated dining experiences — Morimoto by Sea, created in partnership with Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Kids’ menus are available in the main Dining Room while our Specialty Dining venues offer half-price meals for cruisers under 13, ensuring your little food critics are always satisfied.
Happy planning. Can’t wait to see the whole gang on board!
