CCNY

Thanks to everyone for all the perspectives! Very helpful to hear the range of experiences. Affirms my suspicion about the wisdom, for us, of not doing a 14 day cruise that is really two 7 day back to back out of Fort Lauderdale at Christmas and NEw Years. If we had a big family vacation, I could see the attraction. But for us....Probably leaning towards a pre- or post- holiday cruise as a better fit. for us. Or maybe one of each!!! LOL

That's helpful to hear. We just did the Nieuw Amsterdam 15 day Panama Canal [San Diego to Ft Lauderdale]. Only 4 young children on board, as far as we could tell. I'm afraid the holiday time might be kind of hectic.

Looks like you were having a good time! THanks so much for the photos!

Interested to hear what a holiday cruise is like with Holland America? We would be totally happy for just a "normal" (i.e. non-holiday) cruise experience at the end of December and early January, so wondering how much attention is actually given to holidays. Special holiday themed happenings on board? Special menus on Christmas or New Years? But mostly wondering if there are typically lots of families / children? I imagine the departure date probably affects how many families with school aged kids can travel, based on school holiday schedules. Not trying to be a grinch.... but we do enjoy HALs low key adult time. We're looking at a 14 day Rotterdam itinerary that would include Christmas and New Years. Thanks for your impressions.