Holland America Line offers a wide range of programs and activities designed to keep children entertained, from engaging kids' clubs and interactive play areas to thrilling water slides, themed parties, and fun educational experiences, ensuring that young travelers have an unforgettable cruise adventure.
Youth Programs
On Holland America ships, we provide a wide variety of exciting youth and teen-friendly activities and facilities for guests ages 3 to 17. With supervised fun for our younger guests, the entire family can have the cruise vacation of their dreams.
Safe and Managed Supervision
You can feel at ease knowing that your child's onboard experience is safe and well-managed. Our commitment is to create an environment for all children that is safe, nurturing, and empowering.
All Club HAL® activities are supervised by full-time staff and are designed to be kid-friendly and age-appropriate. Youth Staff hold degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure studies or related fields.
Holland America Line has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to child abuse.
Club HAL is proud to be accredited by Praesidium, Inc., the national leader in child abuse prevention. Our decision to exceed national standards of care comes from our strong commitment to protecting our staff and Club HAL participants. Safety is always our primary concern at Club HAL. Strict policies and procedures are in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect youth from abuse. At no time are adults permitted to remain in the Youth Center unless attending to a special needs child during activities.
Programs Available
- Club HAL® — Kids*: Children, ages 3-6, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties, and a farewell pajama party.
- All children participating in Club HAL must be at least three years of age at the time of sailing and completely toilet trained. No diapers or pull–ups are permitted in the Youth Center. Youth Staff cannot assist children in the restroom.
- Club HAL® — Tweens*: Tweens, ages 7-12 take part in Xbox tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties, and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Alaska Program.
- The Loft for Teens*: Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late-night sporting competitions, hip hop classes, guys versus girls scavenger hunts, tech classes, and teen-only night club events. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. (The Loft is not available on Prinsendam.)
- Culinary Arts Center: Hands-on cooking classes for kids and teens offering basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and recipe instruction. Workshops are offered for two age groups: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. Parents must register their children on board at the Front Office.
*On the MS Prinsendam, youth activities are offered for ages 5-17. All other ships offer youth activities for ages 3-17.
Parents/Guardians should note that each program features age-specific events and children are required to participate in the program designed for their chronological age. No exceptions will be made.
Daily Programs
Times may vary based on the number of children on board and staffing:
Kids and Tweens
- Sea Days: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Port Days: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Teens
- Sea Days: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Port Days: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (non-hosted) and 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.