Holland America Line delivers a more relaxing way to cruise with kids
Although there are a lot of things I love about cruising, I really don't like the crowds that you can't avoid in certain aspects of the cruise experience. Nothing makes me regret my travel decisions faster than feeling like I'm part of a herd heading to the same spaces and attractions.
However, for me, the benefits of cruising outweigh the discomfort of the crowds you're bound to experience during some parts of the journey. You just can't beat the ease of traveling by cruise ship, especially as a family with kids. Instead of worrying about travel logistics between destinations, parents enjoy a floating resort experience complete with complimentary supervised kids' clubs and a mix of family and adult-focused activities.
On popular family cruise ships, family experiences can often feel chaotic with high-energy activities, crowds, and long lines. But that's not the norm on every cruise line.
My work as a travel writer has granted me the opportunity to take my kids on several different cruise lines in the last few years, from the most family-focused lines to those you might not consider when booking a cruise with kids. What surprised me the most about our family cruises is that my kids had just as much fun on the smaller ships as they did on bigger ships with waterslides and other attractions.
It's only natural that moms tend to put their kids' interests first when they book a cruise, but family vacations shouldn't be all about what the kids want. My most recent family cruise with Holland America Line proved to me that booking a cruise that balances everyone's desires is the best - and most relaxing and restorative - way to vacation as a family.
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Cruise embarkation with Holland America Line stands out for its ease
Boarding Holland America Line's 2,100-passenger Eurodam in Seattle with minimal lines in the terminal and no waiting for our stateroom to be ready was a refreshing change from embarkation experiences we'd experienced on other cruises. Embarkation day lunch wasn't overcrowded, elevators weren't congested, and getting a drink at the bar was quick and easy.
I didn't feel like I needed to find an escape from embarkation day chaos. But even if I did, our cozy stateroom was ready if I wanted to enjoy some downtime before exploring the ship.
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
As we scouted out the ship's family activities after lunch, my nine- and 13-year-old kids' excitement grew as they discovered the indoor family pool, outdoor sports court, and dedicated spaces for kids and teens - including an arcade full of free, classic games like skee-ball. By sailaway time, they eagerly settled in at the Crow's Nest at the top of the ship to sip smoothies and play board games with panoramic views.
Embarkation day for our Alaska cruise with Holland America Line felt refreshingly slow paced and hassle free, setting the tone for a relaxing journey to Alaska that stood out for its genuine hospitality. Thoughtful touches like cozy deck blankets on board and orange umbrellas waiting for us at the gangway helped make enjoying the Alaska outdoors more comfortable in cold, rainy weather.
Holland America cruises offer engaging family activities in uncrowded setting
With about 50 kids on board the Eurodam on a sailing ahead of summer break, my kids never had to wait in line for games they wanted to play, but still made friends on board. My daughter even picked up new skills during the cruise from free origami classes in the art studio and bracelet-making in the Club HAL kids' club.
We never had to worry about the kids' club being full or waiting in line to check our daughter in or out. Between the kids' clubs and onboard activities that we could enjoy together as a family - like art classes, games, sports, and the indoor pool - we found just enough onboard activities to keep the kids entertained without feeling rushed to do everything we wanted, both on board and in ports of call.
Related: Holland America Line adds new Alaska cruise experiences for 2026
Family-friendly shore excursions were available in each port we visited - like Alaska wildlife tours that gave us the opportunity to get up close with humpback whales, orcas, and sea otters in a responsible way. Led by passionate local naturalists working for an Alaska Native-owned company, these tours deepened our understanding and appreciation of the wildlife that thrive in Alaska's untouched environment.
Cruising with Holland America Line felt curated for connection
Holland America's itinerary planning expertise shined during our sailing, with just the right amount of time allocated to each port, as well as an awe-inspiring glacier viewing day on the ship. To enrich the experience, the itinerary was complemented by curated menus that invited us to taste Alaska on board with regional dishes and themed meals featured throughout the voyage.
"Savour the journey" isn't just a tagline. It's an ambience felt throughout a Holland America cruise - one that compelled this mom to relax and this writer to put away the laptop for a week.
Instead of worrying about planning and documenting, I took it all in - from the breathtaking beauty of Alaska and the flavors of its fresh seafood to family bonding over relaxing onboard activities as we sailed between majestic destinations. Staying present throughout the journey not only rewarded me with rare wildlife sightings, it brought me priceless memories of quality time spent with my husband and kids on an unforgettable trip.
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 4:32 AM.