Cruise passengers always look forward to being catered to on vacations at sea. Holland America Line does not disappoint, providing its guests with an extraordinarily high level of personalized service and a wide array of activities for any age group. These two factors, along with many others, make Holland America a great choice for multigenerational families.

I experienced Holland America’s exceptional service on a cruise aboard the ms Zuiderdam. Like the famous Cheers bar of television sitcom fame, our ship became the homey place “where everybody knows your name.” Not just your name, but your favorite drink … and the way you like your pillows propped up at night … and the shore excursion you were on two days ago … and how to make special napkin animals to entertain your daughter at dinner. This is five-star service at its best.

The Zuiderdam has lots of intimate nooks and special places for passengers to claim and call their own – just like at home. For adults seeking a quiet spot, the destination of choice is the Explorations Café. Powered by The New York Times, the Explorations Café sits high atop the ship and provides a comfortable living room style environment where cruisers can get a cup of coffee, browse through a library of over 2,000 books, and surf the Internet. Panoramic windows allow guests to relax in a comfy chair and enjoy the spectacular views.

Spa lovers will find their own oasis in the luxurious Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Holland America’s spa offers a wide variety of massage and body treatments, therapies, facials, salon services, and other delights – all provided by well-trained staff. Staying in shape is also no problem aboard the Zuiderdam. The Greenhouse fitness center allows guests to enjoy sea views while working out on state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines. Pilates, yoga, cycling, and other fitness classes are also available.

Food buffs will be right at home in the kitchen at the ship’s Culinary Arts Center. In partnership with Food & Wine magazine, Holland America’s ships offer extensive culinary programs in their state-of-the-art demonstration kitchens. The Culinary Arts Center also offers programs for kids and teens as well.

The younger set will find their own home-away-from-home in Holland America’s expanded Club HAL program for kids ages 3-12. Children are divided into two age groups: 3-7 and 8-12. The 3-7 year-olds enjoy their own fun area where they take part in kids Olympics, arts & crafts, pajama parties, storytelling, and other events. The 8-12 year-olds have their own place featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Sony Playstations, and activities like swim parties, scavenger hunts, dodgeball, golf putting, and other on deck entertainment. Club HAL is also open during port days.

Holland America understands teens need their own space in order to feel at home, so they’ve created private hideaways onboard all their ships. Teens have a special place called The Loft. Teen activities include dancing, karaoke, volleyball, pool parties, prom nights, teen movies, ping-pong tournaments, and other special events. Many other ships also feature a secluded teens-only sun deck called The Oasis, where teens can hang out, relax together and cool off in their own waterfall and cave.

Parents who want to enjoy the night out will be happy to know that babysitting services are available from 10 p.m. until midnight during Club HAL After Hours for kids ages 3 and older. The charge is $5 per hour per child. At other times and for kids ages 6 months to 3 years of age, babysitting may be arranged through the Front Office on a limited basis.

The Zuiderdam has 316 staterooms that will comfortably fit a family of four and even more that will accommodate groups of three. Families who need more space might book two cabins or invest in a roomy suite, providing access to the ship’s Neptune Lounge. Here, passengers can enjoy drinks, snacks and hors d’oeuvres and concierges are available to help with dining reservations, confirm shore excursions and spa appointments, and assist with other needs.

Dining is always an important time for families to come together and Holland America is known for its excellent food. Menu options are extensive and the dining room wait staff caters to their guests, quickly learning their preferences and making them feel right at home. Four seating times are offered in the main dining room and As You Wish dining allows for open seating from 5:15 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily.

For special evenings, families may enjoy a night at the Pinnacle Grill, Holland America’s Northwest-themed gourmet restaurant. This premium-priced dining venue requires reservations and offers steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list. This is right place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or simply the joy of being together as a family. After all, that’s exactly what making vacation memories is all about.