Family Cruising 101: 5 Tips for Families Cruising With Teens

Cruising with your family can be one of the most memorable ways to bond and discover new places, but is there enough on board our ships to keep teens occupied? The answer is yes!

With the right cruise ship, itinerary, and activities, a cruise vacation can become the ultimate family getaway for all ages — including your teens! At Holland America, we offer a wealth of options to ensure that your teen is just as excited about the journey as you are.

Here’s how to make the most of your cruise and create lasting memories with your young adults.

When you’re cruising with teens, making the most of your day at sea is essential. Here are some fun-filled ideas to keep your teens engaged:

Teens need options that feel just right for their age group. Holland America offers a variety of activities tailored to older kids, including:

• By day: Sports Challenges & Group Games – Whether they’re competing on the Sport Court or joining a friendly game, there’s always a chance for your teen to show off their skills.
• At night: Poker Night & Video Game Tournaments – Teens can head to The Loft — a dedicated hangout space designed just for them to join in on organized evening events such as Poker Night and multiplayer video game tournaments. It’s a great way to unwind, meet new friends, and keep the fun going after sunset.

Teens are social creatures, which is why we offer plenty of places for them to meet new friends while enjoying their independence:

• Hang 10 on board Nieuw Statendam & Nieuw Amsterdam – This teen hotspot includes spaces for teens to relax, socialize, sing karaoke, play foosball, and more.
• High Score! on board Nieuw Statendam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam & Oosterdam – Our onboard game room offering everything from air hockey to video game favorites.
• The Crow’s Nest – An ideal spot for teens to g ather for a board game night with their new buddies.

A great spot for parents to unwind and teens to chill, the Lido Pool offers:

• Retractable Roof – A perfect feature for all weather conditions.
• Hot Tubs – Take a dip in the adults-only Sea View Pool while teens ages 16 and older soak in the Lido Pool hot tubs.
• Movies by the Pool – Gather as a family to watch a movie under the stars.

Teens can play their favorite sports right on deck with our organized sports tournaments. Whether they love basketball, table tennis, or pickleball (the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.), there are plenty of opportunities to play and engage in a little friendly competition.

Keeping teens fed and satisfied can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, Holland America offers a variety of dining options that appeal to everyone:

• Dive-In Burger Bar – A favorite for poolside dining, where your teen can grab a delicious, casual meal.
• New York Pizza – Perfect for a quick snack or dinner.
• Morimoto by Sea – Teens will love this Japanese-inspired dining experience, available as an exclusive pop-up on every cruise, a dedicated restaurant on board Nieuw Amsterdam, and the brand-new Morimoto by Sea sushi bar on our Pinnacle and Signature Class ships.
• 24-Hour Room Service – For those late-night cravings, room service is always ready to deliver dining for night owls right to your door.

When your ship docks, it’s time to explore ashore! Whether your teen is an adventure seeker or a culture buff, we’ve got you covered with shore excursions to fit all interests:

• Thrills – Zip lines, ATV rides, and kayaking await in destinations such as Icy Strait Point, Alaska or Nassau, Bahamas.
• Water Excursions – Take a boat ride, go snorkeling, or enjoy a sunset sail.
• Instagram-Worthy Locations – From a snorkeling adventure in Bonaire National Marine Park, to a scenic ride on board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway out of Skagway, Alaska, to hiking Hawaii’s Diamond Head volcano your teen will have plenty of unforgettable moments (and photos) to share with friends.
• Cultural Experiences – Dive into local culture by visiting a traditional Mexican village, exploring ancient ruins in Turkey, or meeting a real Uruguayan gaucho (cowboy) — eye-opening activities that expand their worldview and inspire curiosity far beyond the classroom.

Taking your teens on a cruise is a great way to connect to the world and each other. With Holland America’s activities, dining, and shore excursions, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. From teen-only spaces and gaming tournaments to family-friendly shore excursions and memorable dining experiences, you’ll make cherished memories that are sure to last long after the vacation is over.

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