Family Cruise Advisor

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Awesome Overview
A bit more upscale and premium than most of the cruise lines that call themselves family friendly, Holland America Line has expanded its youth programs as well as its shipboard facilities for kids.

A byproduct of its multi-million-dollar Signature of Excellence initiative, Holland America Line’s new ships and facilities have noticeably lowered the average age of its passenger list. The growing family contingent, particularly on Caribbean itineraries offered by the more contemporary and somewhat less formal Vista class ships in the Holland America Line fleet, has been an important part of attracting families — and keeping them happy.

The four Vista-class vessels and the line’s new Signature-class vessel boast Holland America’s most comprehensive Club HAL children’s facilities.

Kids Only!
By building bigger and better youth and teen rooms on its ships and by lowering the starting age of the youth program from five years to three, Holland America Line is no longer just for seniors. The line now carries 30 percent to 40 percent more children and teens than it did in the past. Among the features and programs that children and parents appreciate: Teens have their own lounge; a new Port Day program allows parents to place kids in Club HAL from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while they are off the ship.

Too Much Fun
New programming aboard HAL ships is perfect for kids and families. Each ship now has a “show kitchen,” and kids can attend the demos that include step-by-step instructions by a chef; distribution of recipe cards; and a taste of the final product. At another event, called “Kids in the Kitchen,” children are given edible Playdough and a recipe card to make their own creations. Younger kids really seem to enjoy getting their hands dirty, and learning a bit about cooking.

Best Adventure, or THE attraction
HAL has also reached out to families on Caribbean cruises with its private island, Half Moon Cay, with its family friendly Aqua Park. This fun spot includes many large water “toys” in the shapes of marine animals that kids like to climb on. Older kids can go sailing or horseback riding. Younger kids can participate in Treasure Quest kids’ shore excursion.

Keep’em Happy/No Shuffleboard, Dad!
All Holland America ships feature an Explorations Café. This spot—with dark leather chairs and couches, books, listening stations, coffee shop and catalogue of DVDs to rent (it’s as if Starbucks were to meet Blockbuster) – is a family favorite hang-out where you can browse the internet (browsing the NY Times site is free of charge), play Scrabble after dinner or, in the morning, check e-mail while pacifying a restless youngster with a video game.

Timing is everything
Holland America Line will keep one or more of its ships in the Caribbean during the late fall, winter and early spring, and others will rotate through during the rest of the year.

Avoid the Crowds
The Vista class ships – Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Noordam and Westerdam – as well as the new Signature Class vessel (Eurodam) are among the largest in the fleet but they carry only 25 percent more passengers, resulting in very generous space ratios and public spaces that rarely seem crowded. You’ll have no trouble finding a quiet nook, but for the ultimate privacy, rent a cabana at the cruise line’s private island, Half Moon Cay.

Can’t Miss
The Pirates of Nassau museum in downtown Nassau is certainly worth an hour-long visit. This small facility doesn’t get much publicity, but kids love its Disney-style presentation, including a very entertaining pirate greeter at the entrance.

Best Dining
Fine food and wine is a particular strength of Holland America Line. The main restaurant, the Vista Dining Room, has floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, and each level has its own galley, which makes for faster service. The Pinnacle Grill, primarily for adults, but kids are also welcome, serves a memorable if “Not So Classic Baked Alaska,” a mound of flambéed whipped cream covering a healthy portion of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. Parents, don’t miss the Pinnacle Filet Mignon, seared at 1600F and delicious.

Anchors Aweigh!
Holland America Line’s ships are great for multi-generational families, where all members of the family — from the grandparents on down to the newborns — travel together. The line’s Vista-class and Signature-class vessels are a big crowd-pleasers for families.