Multigenerational families are venturing to a wider variety of destinations and Alaska is often at the top of their bucket list. Alaska is filled with stunning scenery, incredible wildlife and amazing adventures. Peak experiences include viewing Alaska’s massive glaciers and snow-covered mountains, driving a dogsled across the snow, seeing humpback whales and bears, fishing for halibut and salmon, dining on delicious seafood, and so much more.

Cruising is a great way to experience Alaska, particularly for multigenerational groups. Families just unpack once and then relax as some of Alaska’s most beautiful ports of call arrive at their gangway each day. In addition, today’s cruise ships offer attractions and amenities for every age group and interest. Given the popularity of Alaska family cruises, it’s not surprising that CruiseCompete.com has seen more than a 30% increase in multigenerational Alaska cruise bookings over the last four to five years.

Alaska cruises are a peak experience for many multigenerational travelers, so it’s particularly important to choose the right itinerary and ship. Named as the best cruise line for cruises to Alaska in both Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and AFAR’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Holland America Line is a top choice for family reunions and multigenerational Alaska cruises. The cruise line offers the most visits to Glacier Bay and Holland America’s mid-sized ships, family-friendly features and enrichment programming are an excellent fit with the needs and interests of multigenerational guests.

If you’re planning a multigenerational voyage to Alaska, here are seven reasons why award-winning Holland America is a perfect choice for your cruise:

1. Superb Alaska Itineraries. Holland America Line has spent more than 70 years taking cruise guests to experience the beauty of Alaska, which is the longest of any of today's cruise lines. As such, it's highly committed to helping travelers explore America's 49th state. Holland America offers award-winning Alaska cruises on seven different ships in 2020 and offers the most visits to Alaska's breathtaking Glacier Bay. In this pristine national park, guests can enjoy spectacular views while they learn more about Alaska’s wonders from the National Park Service ranger onboard. Other scenic treasures can be found at Tracy Arm Fjord, Misty Fjords, Hubbard Glacier and on shore excursions in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Multigenerational families can choose from a wide variety of itineraries with departures from both Seattle and Vancouver. Families can also opt for extended land programs with visits to the Yukon and Denali National Park.

2. Upscale Mid-Sized Ships. Every member of the family should feel at home on a multigenerational Alaska cruise. That’s why Holland America’s premium mid-sized ships work so well for this type of trip. They’re not too big, not too small – and just right. Ships range in size from a little over 1200 passengers to under 2700 passengers, providing all of the amenities and none of the crowds.

3. Wide Range of Award-Winning Dining Options. Dining together is typically one of the highlights of any multigenerational vacation, and a cruise to Alaska will provide plenty of memorable opportunities. Holland America has won many awards for its onboard culinary scene, including being named the top ocean-going cruise line for dining in Cruise Critic’s 2019 Editors’ Picks Awards. Holland America’s elite, award-winning Culinary Council chefs craft regionally-inspired dishes for guests enjoying meals in the Dining Room on their Alaska cruises. In addition, multi-generational families can enjoy outstanding culinary experiences at Holland America’s specialty dining restaurants including the Pinnacle Grill, Rudi's Sel de Mer, Canaletto, and Tamarind. Kids can order half-portions and dine for half-price in these specialty dining venues. In addition, the Lido Restaurant, Terrace Grill and the Dining Room’s kids’ menu offers kid-friendly favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, pizza and more.

4. Outstanding Enrichment Programming. There’s so much to learn on an Alaska cruise and Holland America’s award-winning Explorations Central (EXC) program delivers in multifaceted ways. Holland America’s EXC program includes destination enrichment activities and knowledgeable onboard EXC guides who can help families plan their optimum shore excursions in each port of call. Through this program, guests can enjoy extraordinary destination-specific EXC Talks, EXC Tours, EXC Encounters, an EXC Channel and much more. The America's Test Kitchen cooking shows and programming are a favorite with foodies as well. The cruise line offers a kids and teen Culinary Arts Center activity program with complimentary cooking classes for younger guests.

5. Cool Kids and Teens Clubs. Holland America's ships carry over 25,000 children each year, so the cruise line and its staff know how cater to kids and teens on their Alaska sailings. From enclosed indoor pools to movies and sports out on the court, there are many activities and amenities for Holland America’s younger guests to enjoy. Ships feature Club HAL for children ages 3-12 and The Loft for teens ages 13-17, with full daily programs and activities. Games, arts & crafts and theme nights are particularly popular with younger cruisers while teens enjoy scavenger hunts, sports competitions, parties and more. Holland America’s younger guests can also participate in the National Park Service Junior Ranger program on Alaska cruise itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park. On Holland America’s Oosterdam, kids and families can play popular arcade and table games in the ship’s new High Score! Venue.

6. Entertainment and Venues For All Ages. Holland America Line keeps all generations happy with their award-winning entertainment onboard their ships. The cruise line offers an extensive selection of the best live entertainment afloat in venues including the Rolling Stone Rock Room, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Online and Lincoln Center Stage. Families sailing in Alaska aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam will be thrilled with the shows on the ship’s 270-degree wraparound LED screen. In addition, families can enjoy family game night, interactive cooking shows, computer lessons, concerts, films and more. Holland America’s Alaska cruises also feature spectacular destination-specific BBC Earth Live concerts and films and well as world-class spa and fitness facilities, and wine tasting programs.

7. Special Group Packages and Accommodations For All Budgets. Holland America’s Family Reunion Program pricing offers special benefits for those planning an Alaska multigenerational cruise or family reunion. Reduced group fare rates are available for those booking eight or more staterooms and includes special group pricing, a Fountain Soda Card for every member of the family, one family photo per stateroom, and lunch for the whole family in the Pinnacle Grill. A Head-of-the-Family Reward is also available for families booking eight or more staterooms and includes all of the amenities previously listed plus a complementary upgrade from an outside stateroom to a balcony stateroom for one cabin in the group. Holland America’s ships offer accommodations for all family sizes and budgets, which makes it easy to plan an affordable Alaska multigenerational cruise or reunion. Some newer Holland America ships such as Koningsdam offer family staterooms with two bathrooms and sleeping arrangements for five guests. Watch Holland America’s website and social media accounts for discounts and deals during select times, and talk with your cruise travel agent for more details.