Why a Holland America Cruise is a Family Travel Win
- Naza Holliman
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
This post is sponsored by Holland America Line. While I was compensated for my time, all thoughts, opinions, and genuine cruise daydreams are completely my own.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—travel is my love language, and there’s something about being on a cruise ship that just makes my heart happy. You get the excitement of waking up somewhere new every morning without the chaos of packing and unpacking at every stop. And when it comes to family-friendly cruising, Holland America is high on my list.
We’re talking adventures that are just as magical for the kids as they are for us grown-ups. One day you’re standing on deck watching glaciers crack and tumble into the sea, the next you’re wandering through an old European village with cobblestone streets and gelato in hand. And the best part? You don’t have to plan every detail—HAL does all the heavy lifting.
One Cabin. Endless Destinations.
If you’ve ever tried to travel with kids while changing hotels every couple of days, you know it’s… a lot. On a Holland America cruise, you unpack once, settle in, and then just let the ship take you from one adventure to the next. No chasing down lost socks or playing suitcase Tetris every morning.
Something for Every Personality in the Family
Our family is a mix—one kid wants to hike mountains, the other wants to bake cookies. Holland America gets that. Their shore excursions are designed for different energy levels, and on board there are kids’ clubs, teen lounges, live music, cooking demos, pools… the list goes on. You can explore together or split up for a few hours and then meet back for dinner to swap stories.
Comfort with a Side of “Wow”
Holland America ships have this relaxed elegance—beautiful without being too “don’t touch that.” Staterooms are spacious enough that you’re not tripping over each other, dining options cover everything from casual poolside bites to white-tablecloth dinners, and there are plenty of cozy corners to just watch the ocean roll by.
Where They’ll Take You
They’ve been doing Alaska for over 75 years, so they know how to make it unforgettable—think wildlife, wilderness, and views you’ll never forget. But they also sail to Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia… and they make each destination part of the ship experience with themed food, music, and activities that bring the culture on board.
Why I’m Sold
For me, it’s the mix of ease and adventure. I love a trip that’s exciting for the kids but still feels like a vacation for me, and that’s exactly what Holland America delivers. You can watch the Northern Lights from the deck, eat the best pizza at sea, explore a new port the next morning, and still be back in time for a sunset cocktail while the kids are off making new friends.
It’s the kind of travel that makes everyone happy—and isn’t that the whole point?
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