Out to sea with the family
multi-generational-family
By T. Foster Jones
In the past, when booking a cruise, it often seemed that one’s choices were either a refined voyage geared exclusively towards adults or a circus-like atmosphere teeming with kids.
As the industry evolved, Holland America coming out on top for big ships that caters to families of all ages. Well-traveled passengers often want to share a cruise experience with their adult children and grandchildren.
Holland America Line, which for decades has focused on graceful, adult cruises, has met this challenge by catering fun and educational youth programs that complement the workshops, culinary arts demonstrations, art activities and spa treatments that adult cruisers expect.
Activities, programs and even menus are designed to bridge the generation gap at sea by appealing to the tastes and interests of everyone from kids to grandparents, so that the entire family has the opportunity for individual pursuits as well as making memories together.
Younger kids enjoy a unbelievable area with art tables, a big-screen TV, plus pirate treasure hunts and hands-on pizza making. And there’s separate hangout for tweens, with karaoke, relay races and foosball, as well as Xbox and Wii tournaments.
On select ships, the secluded teen deck, called The Oasis, provides teens with plenty of space to mingle with other teens in mocktail mixology, teen yoga and hip-hop classes and cool off in one-of-a-kind waterfall and cave.
Adults can enjoy lavish swimming pools and picturesque views, share a succulent five-star meal, then catch a live show or an evening movie. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is the place to completely relax with a massage. Renowned chefs in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, offer separate cooking classes. And for a parents night out, convenient after-hours child care is available from 10pm to midnight in Club HAL.
All this speaks to individual entertainment. The experience really comes to life when the family comes together. Little Artist, Luau at the Oasis, Campin’ under the Stars, Wacky Olympics, Teen Superstar and Dance Dance Revolution contests, as well as Family Olympics and Karaoke Time, get everyone in the acts.
For family groups of eight or more staterooms, with a minimum of 16 guests, Holland America has a Head of the Family Reward, which includes one complimentary stateroom upgrade from Ocean-View to Verandah, a $50 fountain soda card per stateroom, Pinnacle Grill lunch for all family members and a $50 beverage card per stateroom.
