# **Does Holland America Line Charge for Children?**

Does Holland America Line **[phone]** charge for children? Learn about child fares, discounts, and family cruise benefits to plan an affordable, enjoyable voyage for all ages.

When families plan a cruise vacation, one of the first questions they often ask is whether children can sail for free or at a discounted rate. Holland America Line, known for its classic cruising style, exceptional service, and elegant ships, welcomes travelers of all ages, including families with children. However, like most premium cruise lines, Holland America Line does charge for children, though the pricing and policies depend on several factors. Understanding how the cruise line structures its fares for children can help families plan their vacations wisely and avoid unexpected costs.

### General Overview of Child Pricing on Holland America Line

Holland America Line does not offer free cruises for children as a general policy. Every guest on board, regardless of age, is counted as a passenger and is charged a fare. However, the cost for children is often lower than for adults, especially when they share a stateroom with two full-fare paying adults.

This pricing structure is standard in the cruise industry because the fare covers not just accommodation, but also meals, entertainment, and use of ship facilities. Even though children may use fewer services, they still occupy space and resources on the ship, so a fare is applied to each passenger.

### How Cruise Fares for Children Are Calculated

Holland America Line uses a pricing model based on the number of people in a stateroom and the specific cruise itinerary. When two adults pay the full fare for a cabin, additional passengers, including children, typically pay a reduced “third or fourth guest” rate.

For example, if two adults book a stateroom, a child sharing the same room might be charged a fraction of the adult fare. This reduced rate can make family cruising more affordable while still maintaining the premium experience Holland America Line is known for.

The discount percentage for children varies depending on the cruise duration, time of year, and promotional offers available at the time of booking. Families traveling during off-peak seasons may find more attractive pricing compared to those sailing during holidays or summer breaks when demand is high.

### Infants and Toddlers

Holland America Line requires infants to be at least six months old at the time of sailing for most cruises and at least twelve months old for longer or transoceanic voyages. Even though infants are small, they are still charged a fare because they are considered passengers under maritime law.

The fare for infants may be lower than for older children, depending on the type of cabin and promotion, but they do not sail for free. It is important for parents to note that Holland America ships do not provide babysitting services or childcare for infants under three years old. Therefore, parents must supervise young children at all times during the cruise.

### Children’s Fares in Shared Cabins

The biggest savings for families usually come when children share a stateroom with two paying adults. In these cases, the child is booked as the third or fourth guest in the cabin, which often results in a reduced fare.

For example, if a stateroom costs $2000 for two adults, a child sharing that cabin might pay a discounted rate, sometimes as low as 50 percent or less of the adult fare, depending on the cruise. However, if a child is booked in a separate room or shares with only one adult, the fare may be higher since it no longer qualifies for the “third or fourth guest” rate.

### Taxes, Fees, and Gratuities

Even though children may receive a discounted cruise fare, they are still subject to the same port taxes, government fees, and onboard gratuities as adults. These charges are mandatory and applied per person, regardless of age.

Gratuities cover the service provided by cabin attendants, dining staff, and other crew members who contribute to each guest’s experience. Children benefit from these services just like adults, which is why gratuities apply to everyone. Parents should consider these additional costs when budgeting for their cruise.

### Dining Options and Costs for Children

Holland America Line offers a variety of dining options that cater to families, and the cost of meals is included in the cruise fare for all passengers, including children. There are no additional dining fees for kids in the main dining room or buffet.

The cruise line also provides children’s menus with kid-friendly options such as pasta, burgers, chicken tenders, and pizza. In specialty restaurants, some venues may charge a reduced cover fee for children under a certain age, but this varies by ship and restaurant.

Room service is also available at no extra charge, which can be convenient for families traveling with younger kids who prefer dining in their cabin.

### Youth and Teen Programs

Although Holland America Line is known for its sophisticated and quiet atmosphere, the cruise line provides well-designed youth programs to ensure that children have fun onboard. These programs are included in the cruise fare and are divided into age-appropriate groups:

* **Kids aged 3 to 7:** Participate in supervised activities such as storytelling, crafts, and games.
* **Tweens aged 8 to 12:** Enjoy video games, scavenger hunts, and sports competitions.
* **Teens aged 13 to 17:** Have access to exclusive lounges, movie nights, and social events.

Participation in these programs does not incur extra costs, which makes them an excellent value for families. However, children must be toilet-trained and at least three years old to join these programs.

### Babysitting and Evening Programs

Unlike some family-focused cruise lines, Holland America Line does not provide babysitting services for infants or toddlers. However, supervised evening programs for older children are sometimes available, allowing parents to enjoy a quiet dinner or entertainment while their kids participate in age-appropriate group activities.

These evening programs may occasionally carry a small fee if they extend beyond normal operating hours, but most daytime youth activities are included in the fare.

### Shore Excursions and Additional Costs for Children

While the base cruise fare covers accommodations, meals, and onboard entertainment, shore excursions are optional and priced separately for each passenger. Holland America Line often offers child rates for certain excursions, but the discount varies depending on the activity and destination.

For instance, sightseeing tours and cultural excursions may have reduced child prices, while adventure activities like snorkeling or zip-lining may charge the same fare for both adults and children due to equipment and safety costs. Families should review the excursion details before booking to confirm pricing for younger participants.

### Special Promotions for Families

Holland America Line occasionally offers promotions where children can sail at a reduced rate or even for free when sharing a stateroom with two adults. These special offers are typically available during off-peak travel seasons or for specific itineraries.

Such promotions are not available year-round, so families interested in taking advantage of them should monitor the cruise line’s website or consult a travel agent to find the best deals. Booking early can also help secure lower rates for children, especially during high-demand periods like holidays.

### Why Holland America Line Appeals to Families

Although Holland America Line is often viewed as a cruise line for adults, it still provides an enjoyable experience for families who appreciate comfort, culture, and elegance. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and welcoming, and the youth programs give children a chance to have fun while their parents unwind.

Families who prefer quieter vacations without the constant activity of large family-focused cruise lines often find Holland America Line to be a perfect fit. The quality of food, service, and entertainment makes it an enriching experience for both parents and children.

### Tips for Families Traveling with Children

1. **Book Early:** Early bookings often secure the best prices for third and fourth guests in a cabin.
2. **Choose Family-Friendly Itineraries:** Some destinations and ships offer more activities for children.
3. **Bring Essentials:** Remember that baby supplies like diapers and formula are not sold in abundance on board.
4. **Plan Shore Excursions Wisely:** Check age limits and pricing before booking tours.
5. **Use Youth Programs:** Take advantage of Club HAL activities to keep kids entertained.

### Conclusion

Holland America Line does charge for children, but the fares are often reduced when they share a stateroom with two paying adults. Every guest on board, regardless of age, is required to pay a fare that contributes to their accommodations, meals, and access to the ship’s facilities. While infants and young children do not travel free, the cruise line offers excellent value through its family-friendly programs, inclusive dining, and well-organized youth activities.

By understanding Holland America Line’s child fare policy, families can budget effectively and enjoy a smooth vacation experience. Whether sailing through the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, families will find that Holland America Line combines elegance and comfort with the convenience of family-friendly cruising, making it a wonderful choice for travelers of all ages.