Family Cruises: price break and more

The Holland America cruise line is offering a price break for families-- big families, that is. Those who book five or more cabins for a family reunion will get a price break and a bunch of perks. Holland America has new-and-improved youth programs, too.

Family Reunion Program at Holland America

Family groups who book five or more cabins on the same cruise will get special group pricing, unlimited soft drinks (-- typically sodas aren't included with free drinks on a cruise--), one formal photo per cabin, and a choice of either a family dinner in the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant or free water activities on Half Moon Cay. (Half Moon Cay is Holland America's private Caribbean Island, winner -- for the fourth straight year-- of Porthole Cruise Magazine's award for "Best Private Island" in the cruise industry.

Families booking 10 or more cabins also receive a free upgrade from an oceanview to a verandah cabin for the head of the family.

Improved Youth Programs

Holland America is also expanding its kids' programs with special areas for ages three to 17. For ages 12 and under,Club HAL has games, art tables, Internet access, Karaoke, and big-screen TVs. Teens ages 13 to 17 now have a hangout called The Loft, with a lounge area and access to The Oasis, a secluded teen deck area with a waterfall.

Read more at the Holland America site.

* Photo courtesy of Holland America.