Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh
On Holland America’s seven-day Inside Passage sailing aboard Koningsdam, glaciers, wildlife and ranger talks compete with board games, art classes and cake for the attention of three generations.
Photo credit: Holland America
Getting three generations to agree on a vacation is like herding cats in water. Grandparents may want to take in the scenery, parents may want some downtime, and kids may be perfectly content with a screen. Finding a trip that keeps everyone engaged without keeping everyone glued to a device is even harder.
That’s what makes a seven-day Alaska cruise aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam such a good fit for multigenerational travel. There are plenty of ways to play, learn, relax, and eat together (or separately) without anyone wondering what to do next.
1. The Board Game Library Makes Screen-Free Time Easy
One of the easiest ways to unplug aboard Koningsdam is also one of the simplest: play a game.
The Crow’s Nest on Deck 12 has a board game library stocked with classics like Clue, Life, Rummikub, and Monopoly, alongside puzzles and oversized picture books. Wall-to-wall windows provide panoramic views of the passing Alaska wilderness—be sure to bring your binoculars in case of whale sightings.
2. There’s Plenty to Learn Without Feeling Like School
Alaska itself is the best classroom. During scenic cruising through Tracy Arm, narration adds context to the dramatic scenery, while Alaska Park Rangers provide information about the surrounding Glacier Bay National Park.
The learning continues inside the ship with EXC Talks on the World Stage, where local experts share destination-focused stories with multimedia presentations displayed on an IMAX-style screen. It’s a particularly easy way to get the whole family interested in Alaska without anyone feeling like they’re sitting through a lecture.
3. You Can Get Creative Without Picking Up a Phone
The Art Studio on Deck 12 offers complimentary classes in activities including watercolor, origami and knitting. Because the classes don’t require reservations, families can decide on the spur of the moment whether they want to make something between excursions or on a quieter sea day. And unlike a souvenir purchased in a gift shop, a painting or handmade project can become a tangible reminder of the trip.
4. Everyone Can Find Their Own Way to Have Fun
One of the secrets to successful multigenerational travel is accepting that everyone doesn’t have to do everything together.
The ship’s library on Deck 3 offers a quiet place to curl up with a book, while the ocean-view pickleball courts provide complimentary equipment and beginner lessons for those who would rather be active. The Sport Court also offers basketball, soccer, and other games, all with scenic views.
5. The Pool is a Family Gathering Place
The heated Lido Pool has a retractable glass roof, making it possible to swim even when the weather outside feels more like, well, Alaska than summer vacation. Three hot tubs give adults a place to relax while kids burn off some energy in the pool.
On select evenings, Movies by the Pool turns the two-story pool deck into an open-air movie theater. It’s still screen time, but it’s the shared kind: Everyone watching the same movie instead of disappearing into individual devices.
6. Mealtime Is Easier When Everyone Wants Something Different
Food can be one of the trickier parts of traveling with a large family. Someone is always hungry, someone doesn’t like what’s on the menu, and someone else wants to eat five minutes ago.
The food hall-style Lido Market helps solve that problem with a huge variety of choices, from Southern comfort food and a salad bar to pasta, stir-fry, and even tikka masala. Everyone can pick what appeals to them without turning dinner into a hostage negotiation.
And the food choices extend well beyond the buffet. Families can grab a burger, hot dog, or fries at Dive-In, order a thin-crust pizza or deli sandwich at New York Deli & Pizza, or stop for gelato all without leaving the pool deck. That variety is particularly useful when three generations have three very different ideas of what sounds good for lunch.
Then there’s Cake Me Away, the last-day celebration that features a buffet of more than a dozen varieties of layer cake—talk about a sweet send-off.
7. There’s Entertainment for Every Generation
The World Stage isn’t just for educational programming. At night, its two-story panoramic LED screen provides the backdrop for live performances, including productions by Step One Dance Company. At Billboard Onboard, families can also test their music knowledge with trivia between live performances.
Whether it’s watching a performance together or arguing over who knows the most about classic rock, these activities give families something to enjoy (and talk about) together.
8. The Ports Turn Family Time Into Learning Time
The three ports on this Inside Passage itinerary—Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan—offer another advantage for multigenerational families: You don’t have to choose between an excursion that’s fun and one that’s educational.
In Juneau, whale watching turns wildlife into a family scavenger hunt, while museums and glacier experiences offer other ways to explore the region. Skagway’s Gold Rush history comes alive on the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, combining a history lesson with a spectacular mountain ride. In Ketchikan, families can explore Alaska Native culture, local history, and the area’s famous salmon runs.
And because there are so many excursion options, everyone doesn’t necessarily have to choose the same one. One generation might want the train ride while another heads to a museum or wildlife experience. Back aboard Koningsdam, they can compare notes over dinner.
9. You Don’t Have To Do Everything Together
Photo credit: Sarah Bisacca
That may sound like an odd way to sell a family vacation, but it’s actually one of the things that makes Koningsdam work so well for multigenerational travel. The goal isn’t to spend seven straight days doing everything as a group. It’s to have enough shared experiences that everyone comes home with stories to tell.
Maybe it’s the grandparent who finally wins the board game. The kid who spots a whale first. The painting that comes home as a souvenir. Or the family gathering at the window because there’s a glacier outside and, for once, nobody is looking down at a screen.
Alaska gives families plenty of reasons to look up. Koningsdam simply makes it easy to do it together.
FAQs About An Alaska Cruise on Holland America
Is Holland America good for multigenerational travel?
Yes. Holland America’s Koningsdam in particular offers a mix of activities, dining options, and spaces that work for different ages and interests, while Alaska provides plenty of opportunities for families to explore and learn together.
Is an Alaska cruise good for kids?
Absolutely yes. Kids can participate in art classes, play board games, swim in the indoor pool, and join educational programming. The Alaska ports also offer excursions ranging from train rides and museums to wildlife experiences.
What can families do together on Koningsdam?
Families can play board games, take an art class, swim in the heated indoor pool, watch a movie by the pool, play pickleball or basketball, test their knowledge at music trivia, attend a live performance or catch an EXC Talk. The ship also has a library for quieter downtime and plenty of casual dining options when everyone is ready to refuel.
What are the best Alaska excursions for families?
The best Alaska excursion depends on your family’s interests. History buffs can ride the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad in Skagway or visit local museums, while wildlife lovers can look for whales in Juneau or explore the wildlife and salmon-rich waters around Ketchikan. Families interested in Alaska Native culture can also find cultural experiences in Ketchikan and other ports. For multigenerational groups, look for excursions that offer a mix of education and sightseeing, and don’t be afraid to split up for the day and compare notes back aboard Koningsdam.
Do you have to do everything together on a multigenerational cruise?
No. In fact, one of the advantages of a multigenerational cruise is having plenty of opportunities for different family members to pursue their own interests before reconnecting for meals, activities or excursions.