Holland America features year-round kids program. There are many activities for kids to join onboard a Holland America Cruise ship, plus Holland America, makes it easy for them to connect with people their own age in a safe and fun environment. For the adults, this means the peace of mind and a little extra time for couples to reconnect and relax as well. However, while there are plenty of ways for the kids to "do their own thing", there is ample opportunity for family time as well. Kids with special needs are also invited to participate as many of the Club HAL staff members have been trained to work with the special needs child. If the Club HAL Programs are something your special needs child would enjoy, please advise your travel agent when making reservations.
Holland America's youth program is divided into groups based on age ranges:
- Club HAL Kids for ages 3-7,
- Club HAL Tweens for ages 8-12
- The Loft and the Oasis Tweens, ages 13-17
*- Club HAL starts at age 5 on the Prinsendam.
Qualification of Kid's Program Staff
Each section of the Holland America youth program has their own Director overseeing that specific program, their own dedicated space, and age–appropriate planned activities for their group. Youth Directors have formal education in child development, recreation and related fields.
This information is provided as a general overview. It is best to verify the availability of services with the Holland America Youth Program Staff for current pricing and operating hours once you are onboard.
Holland America Cruises Kid's Program Costs and Operating Hours
Club HAL daytime and nighttime hours vary with the number of kids and onboard staffing. The Youth programs are complimentary while at sea during the day.
The Loft and Oasis Teens (Ages 13-17)
Teens on Holland America have their own night clubs and hangouts such as The Loft and The Oasis for a casual way for teens to hangout and connect in an environment that suits them. They can watch movies, listen to tunes, play video games, and participate in karaoke, pool parties and talent shows.
Club HAL Tweens (Ages 8-12)
The Holland America Club HAL Tweens can enjoy watching movies, video games, golf putting, foosball, and karaoke – just to name a few. There are also special activities planned for them including pool parties, dance parties and scavenger hunts. The can also participate on Alaska cruises in the National Park Service Junior Rangers Program. Under the watchful eye of the Club HAL Tweens Youth Director, they will have plenty of fun making new friends in a safe environment.
Camp HAL Kids (Ages 3-7)
Children are supervised by Holland America staff that has formal education in child-care or a related field. You'll see your child's excitement grow as soon as they meet their counselor and get assigned to their group. Club Hal offers finger painting to cartoon time, arts and crafts to puppet shows, plus the ever popular pirate treasure hunt. Kids must be toilet trained. No pull-ups or diapers are allowed.
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Babysitting On Holland America Cruises
Holland America offers limited in-room babysitting provided staff is available and arrangements are made through the Front Desk.
Holland America Cruises After Hours Programs For Kids
After hours programs are available except on the Prisendam from 10 PM to 12 AM for ages 3-12 at the rate of $5 per hour, per child. Kids have to be picked up on time or a late fee is assessed. To participate in the after hours programs, kids have to be toilet trained.