Cruising with your family can be one of the most relaxing and memorable vacations you’ll ever take. However, before booking a cruise, every parent wants to know one important detail — does Holland America Line charge for children? The answer isn’t as simple as a “yes” or “no” because it depends on several factors, including the child’s age, the itinerary, the number of guests in the cabin, and current promotions.
Holland America Line (HAL) is renowned for its elegant, mid-sized ships and refined cruising experience. While it caters primarily to adults and mature travelers, the cruise line has been expanding its family offerings over the years. With dedicated youth programs, family-friendly dining options, and comfortable stateroom configurations, Holland America makes family cruising both possible and enjoyable.
In this detailed guide, we will explore how Holland America Line handles fares for children, what you can expect in terms of pricing, discounts, and onboard experiences, and whether the line truly offers value for families sailing with young ones.
Unlike some family-focused cruise lines that offer “kids sail free” promotions or special youth fares, Holland America Line generally charges for all guests in a stateroom — including children. However, there are nuances to understand.
The cruise fare on Holland America Line is calculated per person, based on double occupancy. That means the first two passengers in a cabin pay the standard fare, and any additional passengers — whether adults or children — are considered third and fourth guests and usually receive a discounted rate.
In practice, this means:
Infants, toddlers, and children occupying a third or fourth berth in a cabin often pay a reduced fare compared to adults.
Children under 2 years old may still be charged, depending on the itinerary and cruise duration.
Taxes, port fees, and gratuities still apply to all guests, regardless of age.
For example, a seven-day Alaska cruise may list fares for the first two adults at full price, while a third or fourth guest (including a child) could pay anywhere from 25% to 75% less, depending on the sailing and promotions available at the time of booking.
So while Holland America does charge for children, the fare is typically lower when they share a stateroom with two full-paying adults.
Parents often wonder whether babies and toddlers cruise for free. On Holland America Line, even infants are charged a fare. However, the cruise line requires that infants be at least 6 months old to sail (12 months for certain longer or remote itineraries such as transoceanic or South Pacific voyages).
Infants are counted as passengers because they occupy space in the cabin and are subject to international maritime regulations that determine the maximum number of guests per ship. Therefore, even though a baby might not use the ship’s facilities or eat much food, the cruise line must still include them in its official passenger manifest.
That said, parents can often find discounted infant fares when booking early or through special promotions. These discounts can make a significant difference, especially for families traveling with multiple young children.
The exact fare for children on Holland America Line varies by cruise length, destination, and demand. However, the following are general pricing trends observed:
Third and Fourth Passenger Discounts:Children booked as the third or fourth guest in a cabin usually receive a substantial discount. Depending on the voyage, this discount can range between 50% to 75% off the standard fare.
Family Suites and Special Offers:Families booking suites or larger staterooms sometimes receive enhanced pricing flexibility. Occasionally, promotional deals allow kids to sail at reduced or even complimentary rates, though these offers are rare and usually tied to off-peak sailings.
Seasonal Promotions:During certain seasons — especially Alaska or Caribbean off-season months — Holland America Line may offer family-friendly packages or reduced rates for children. These are typically short-term promotional offers announced directly by the cruise line or through travel agents.
Taxes and Fees:Regardless of fare discounts, port taxes, government fees, and onboard gratuities still apply to all passengers, including children and infants. These can add anywhere between $100 to $300 per person, depending on the length of the voyage.
Holland America Line’s pricing philosophy reflects its premium cruise positioning. Unlike mainstream lines such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean that cater heavily to families and younger audiences, Holland America offers a more traditional and upscale cruise experience.
Here are a few reasons why Holland America charges for children:
Cabin Occupancy: Every passenger counts toward the ship’s total occupancy. Whether a guest is an adult or an infant, they occupy one of the limited passenger berths.
Included Amenities: The cruise fare covers food, accommodation, entertainment, and staff services — all of which are available to children as well.
Regulatory Requirements: Maritime laws require cruise lines to account for every person on board in terms of lifeboat capacity and safety measures.
Operational Costs: Even if a child eats less or uses fewer amenities, the cruise line incurs costs for supplies, cleaning, and staff attention.
This transparent pricing model ensures all passengers contribute fairly to the cruise’s overall operational and service expenses.
Holland America offers a range of stateroom categories that can comfortably accommodate families. While the line’s ships don’t have the enormous family suites seen on newer mega-ships, they do feature spacious cabins, interconnecting rooms, and additional beds to suit parents traveling with children.
1. Family Oceanview Staterooms:Some ships, particularly those in the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam class, feature Family Oceanview Staterooms that can sleep up to five guests. These cabins include two bathrooms — one with a bathtub — which is a big advantage for families with small children.
2. Suites and Connecting Rooms:Families can also book connecting cabins, allowing parents and kids to have their own space while remaining close. Larger suites come with additional amenities and priority boarding, enhancing the convenience for families.
3. Rollaway Beds and Cribs:Upon request, Holland America provides pack-and-play cribs or sofa beds for younger guests. It’s always best to request these early, as supplies can be limited on each ship.
While Holland America is often seen as a more adult-oriented cruise line, it offers an engaging and well-organized youth program known as Club HAL, designed for children aged 3 to 17.
Club HAL Age Groups:
Kids (Ages 3–6): Fun activities like storytelling, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and theme parties.
Tweens (Ages 7–12): Video game tournaments, sports competitions, and talent shows.
Teens (Ages 13–17): Lounge areas with music, karaoke nights, movie screenings, and dance events.
Participation in Club HAL is completely free, which helps offset the fact that Holland America charges fares for children. Parents can feel reassured that their kids will have structured entertainment while they enjoy more adult-oriented activities on board.
Babysitting Services:For children under 3, Holland America Line does not offer a full nursery program, but limited babysitting services may be available during the evenings for an hourly fee. Advance reservations are usually required.
Dining on Holland America is an elegant affair, but the cruise line makes sure children are well accommodated. All main dining rooms and buffet venues feature kid-friendly menu options, such as pasta, chicken nuggets, pizza, and fruit plates.
Key family dining features include:
Early Dining Times: Families can request early seating to ensure young children aren’t overtired during dinner.
Room Service: Available 24/7 and included in the fare (though some specialty items may incur a small fee).
Special Treats: Ice cream, cookies, and themed desserts are often available throughout the ship.
Even specialty restaurants on Holland America Line, such as Canaletto or Pinnacle Grill, welcome families, although parents may prefer to use Club HAL’s evening activities if they want a quiet, adults-only dinner.
Although Holland America Line does charge for children, families can use smart booking strategies to reduce their overall cruise costs. Here are some proven tips:
Book Early: Early booking often unlocks the best cabin availability and lower fares for additional guests.
Look for Promotions: Keep an eye on “Kids Sail for Reduced Rates” offers that appear seasonally.
Use a Travel Advisor: Travel agents often have access to unpublished group rates or family packages.
Choose Off-Peak Seasons: Cruises during school terms or non-holiday months are generally less expensive.
Opt for a 3rd/4th Guest Discount: Sharing a cabin with two adults significantly reduces the child’s fare compared to booking separate rooms.
By combining these strategies, families can make a Holland America cruise more affordable while still enjoying the line’s sophisticated atmosphere and premium amenities.
While Holland America isn’t the first cruise line that comes to mind for young families, it has quietly developed several features that make it suitable for multigenerational travel.
1. Educational Experiences:Children and teens can engage in destination-themed workshops, cooking demonstrations, and wildlife talks (especially in Alaska), offering educational fun.
2. Cultural Enrichment:HAL’s partnership with programs like BBC Earth Experiences adds fascinating documentaries and interactive sessions that both kids and adults can enjoy.
3. Safe and Calm Environment:Because Holland America attracts an older, more relaxed demographic, families often find the environment quiet, respectful, and safe for young children.
4. Entertainment Variety:From live music in Lincoln Center Stage to movie nights under the stars, the line provides plenty of entertainment options that families can enjoy together.
5. Family Excursions:Holland America offers numerous shore excursions designed for families, including wildlife viewing, nature walks, beach outings, and cultural tours.
To put Holland America’s child fares in perspective, it helps to compare it with other popular cruise lines:
Cruise LineKids Sail Free?Minimum AgeYouth ProgramsAtmosphere
Holland America LineNo6 months (12 for long voyages)Club HAL (Ages 3–17)Premium, quiet, traditional
Royal CaribbeanSometimes (promotions)6 monthsAdventure OceanEnergetic, family-oriented
Carnival Cruise LineOften discounted6 monthsCamp OceanFun, casual, lively
Norwegian Cruise LineSelect sailings6 monthsSplash AcademyModern, flexible
Disney Cruise LineNo, full child pricing6 monthsBest-in-class Disney clubsPremium, family luxury
From this comparison, it’s clear that Holland America Line charges for children, unlike some competitors that occasionally offer free child fares. However, Holland America compensates with a more relaxed onboard experience, fewer crowds, and exceptional service quality.
Many families who have sailed with Holland America appreciate the cruise line’s calm, refined atmosphere. Parents often report that their children enjoy Club HAL’s programs, especially on ships like Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Koningsdam, which feature newer facilities.
Common feedback includes:
Spacious cabins ideal for families.
Friendly staff who go out of their way to assist with children’s needs.
Excellent food options for all age groups.
Limited nightlife noise, making it easier for young kids to rest.
The main critique from families tends to be that Holland America does not offer as many “thrill” features (like water slides or go-kart tracks) as some other lines. However, for parents seeking an enriching, calm, and culturally immersive vacation, Holland America remains an excellent choice.
Yes, Holland America Line charges for children, though child fares are often reduced compared to adult rates when booked as the 3rd or 4th guest.
Infants (6 months and older) are charged, but usually at discounted rates.
Taxes, port fees, and gratuities apply to all passengers, regardless of age.
Club HAL provides free supervised programs for children aged 3–17.
Family cabins and connecting rooms make traveling with kids convenient.
No nursery or babysitting for under-3s, but limited evening care may be available.
Promotions and early booking can help families save on total cruise costs.
So, does Holland America Line charge for children? The clear answer is yes — but that doesn’t mean it’s unaffordable or not family-friendly. Holland America’s pricing structure reflects its commitment to quality and service rather than mass-market discounts. While you’ll pay a fare for each child, you’ll receive a premium cruising experience in return — elegant dining, comfortable accommodations, attentive staff, and educational programs that make travel truly enriching for kids.
For families who value calm, culture, and comfort over amusement-park-style thrills, Holland America Line can be a perfect fit. With smart planning, early booking, and careful cabin selection, you can enjoy a sophisticated cruise experience that delights both parents and children alike.
Whether you’re exploring the glaciers of Alaska, the beaches of the Caribbean, or the heritage of Europe, Holland America Line ensures that every family member — young or old — sails in comfort and style.
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