Large Family Cruise on Holland America?

[Memlin]

We are searching for the right ship for a family cruise next year--all ages from grandparents (ages will not be told!), children and grandchildren (ages 20-2yr). We hope to take a short cruise out of Rome after a couple of days in Rome pre cruise. How are the youth activities--teens and tweens on Holland America? We have not sailed on this line before. All advice would be welcome!

[williamson_ja]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I hope it's good as we are taking a large family with HAL for the first time this year! I have read good things. We'll have to staterooms with 8 of us total. here's hoping for both of us!

[CRUISELDP]

I am an avid Holland America cruiser, and have taken my son and his friends on quite a few trips. The Kids club which goes up to age 17 is amazing. As soon as we board the ship and get to our room the first thing my son did was look up the first meeting of the teen club and he would go. He made many friends on every cruise we went on. Plus they have a great hang out space and disco. He actually preferred Holland America kids club over the ones on more "family" type cruise lines.

The bigger ships on Holland are more ideal for larger families if they meet your itinerary, but we went on family cruises on the smaller ships also and had just as good of an experience. For adults of all ages there are many things to do all day long.

I think you will find it a great experience as the staff is amazing, and the food is wonderful. Have a great time!

[Scrapchick]

Can't speak for the teens group but DD is a tween and has always had a good time on her five HAL cruises and I think the kids staff do an excellent job. HAL has worked very hard to be viewed as a family friendly line and we have no hesitation in booking with them at all.

We have seen many family groups, some really large ones of 30 or so with matching T-shirts! They've been very visible and the photos in the gallery of them all lined up on the staircase for a picture are a hoot. I think cruising is a fantastic way for families to spend time together and to also have time apart at the same time.

I would definitely recommend HAL for both kids and families. Remember that the time of the cruise will impact how many other kids are on board! The Thanksgiving cruises are always stuffed with large family groups and children.

[Essiesmom]

Kids programs are not so important in the Med. because it is usually port intensive. There will not be organized activities for the 2y/o, as they have to be 3 to participate in Club HAL. EM

[sail7seas]

We have seen a number of family groups cruising and it certainly appears they're all having a great time. We've seen groups as many as 30+ people and we always enjoy seeing them all meet up at dinner to share stories of their day. The four generations of Moms and Dads with all the kids are a beautiful sight. There is something for everyone and no one needs to do more (or less) than they choose.