Holland America Line now offers free cruises for kids.
Until Spring 2024, children aged five to 18 registered as third and fourth guests in the same cabin are free to sail with the “Time of Your Life” wave season promotion. From April 2023 to April 2024, this promotion is only available on select cruises.
“Cruising is one of the easiest ways to explore the world as a family, and with our wave promotion, it’s even more affordable to take a vacation in a dream location like Alaska or Europe,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line.
VISIT EXCITING NEW LOCATIONS
From the Caribbean to Mexico, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal, Holland America Line has several destinations for the family to visit whether they want to explore the world or stay closer to home. In addition, many shore excursions offer discounted prices for children.
Additional destination choices include:
- Alaska
Canada/New England
Europe
Alaska: Also known as the Last Frontier, this is one of the most sought-after family vacations. This cruise is suitable for smaller families or larger multigenerational units. Activities include glacier dog sledding, panning for gold, whale watching and a leisurely cruise on a crab boat in the Bering Sea. Younger guests can receive a Junior Ranger badge from Glacier Bay National Park Rangers.
Canada/New England: Stunning scenery and a rich maritime history can be found in this region. Anne of Green Gables fans can visit the home that inspired the novels and learn more about author Lucy Maud Montgomery in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. You can also see the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse from Halifax and bike through Acadia National Park.
Europe: A classic destination choice for families who want a touch of everything from architecture to art, history and cuisine. You can visit museums that house ancient relics, Viking-centric exhibits, and art galleries. Then go to Stockholm, Sweden to see the Vasa battleship that sank in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. Explore the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, sail to Alexandria, Egypt, and head to Cairo to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and cruise by the Nile River.

THE FUN CONTINUES ON THE HILL
On board, you can recover from excursions at sea in the family rooms on board the Rotterdam, Nieuwe Statendam, or Koningsdam. These cabins accommodate five guests, including two bathrooms and additional closet space. Children aged five to 17 can participate in Club HAL, the line’s supervised youth activity program, in a dedicated area.
Junior Crusaders can socialize and participate in arts and crafts, sports, video game contests, scavenger hunts, and themed parties.
World-renowned chefs have designed the dining experience on board. Restaurants will have half-off menu portions, along with kids’ favorites like pizza, mac and cheese, and fresh fruit. Children up to 12 years old eat for half price in specialized restaurants or for free when ordering from the children’s menu.
In addition to the free children’s cruise, there is also a premium “Have It All” cruise package. This package includes Shore Excursions, Signature Beverage Package, Dining Specials and Wi-Fi Surf Package. Guests will also receive a cabin upgrade. I can also book an ocean view for the interior price and a veranda for the ocean view price.
You can also get a 50% reduced deposit for the first and second guests in the cabin. In addition to a free cruise for children, guests can save up to 30% on selected sailings.
“Cruising is suitable for all ages, so there is something for everyone on board and ashore. You unpack once when visiting multiple destinations, all meals are planned, evening entertainment is free, and adults can relax while kids meet friends in the Club Hal youth program. “The best souvenirs will be the memories you take home,” said Bodensteiner.