How Family-Friendly is Holland America Line?

I recently had the opportunity to step aboard Rotterdam, the flagship of Holland America Line, while she was docked in her namesake city - and I couldn’t wait to share more about what I saw!

Here’s a closer look at how suitable this elegant ship is for families.

?? What Sets Holland America Apart? Part of the Carnival group, Holland America Line sits a step above the mainstream. Think smaller ships, top-tier service, and a real focus on food, culture, and destination immersion - rather than big splash parks or rollercoasters.

?? Rotterdam is one of HAL’s newest Pinnacle Class ships, alongside Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam - the most modern and spacious ships in the fleet.

??????????? Is It Family-Friendly? In my opinion, Rotterdam is a fantastic option for: ?Multi-generational cruising ?Destination-led itineraries, especially places like Alaska, where HAL are real specialists ?Families who value enriching experiences and high onboard quality over theme-park-style entertainment

While the vibe is more grown-up, families are still very welcome. There’s: ? A retractable-roof pool ? Deck games & table tennis ? A cosy games lounge with board games ? Kids clubs for ages 3–17

?? Want a sneak peek? Catch Supercruising: Life at Sea on Channel 4 — it features Holland America and offers a great insight into life onboard.

If you’re considering a cruise and wondering whether HAL could be the right fit, I’d love to help you decide.