With back-to-school season in full gear, parents and caregivers of college students who find themselves empty nesters might want to consider Holland America Line for their new way of family travel. The cruise line offers elegant ships, immersive itineraries and the chance to unwind.
Parents can sail on a variety of cruises, including:
Seven-Day Classic California Coast
Sail round-trip from San Diego to enjoy the flavors and landscapes of Mexico and California. The itinerary blends relaxation and exploration, including Ensenada, wine tasting in Santa Barbara and an overnight stay in San Francisco.

© Holland America Line
Seven-Day Eastern Caribbean: San Juan & St. Thomas
Snorkel Grand Turk’s rainbow reefs, lounge on the sands of Charlotte Amalie and wander San Juan’s historic streets. Each stop offers beauty and culture
12-day Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
Set sail on a 12-day voyage and traverse the legendary Panama Canal. This extended journey takes in the awe-inspiring engineering of the canal itself.

© Holland America Line
Experiences onboard help empty nesters unwind and recharge, including:
- Destination Dining/Regional Beverage Program: Holland America Line’s culinary offerings reflect destinations visited, alongside cocktails, wines and beers curated by world-class bartenders and wine experts.
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon: Pamper yourself with rejuvenating treatments like massages, facials and salon services in an ocean-view setting.
- Live Music & Entertainment: Evenings feature performances across multiple venues, including Rolling Stone Lounge, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Club.
- Enrichment & Leisure: Enjoy cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, pickleball lessons and destination-focused talks, or relax poolside.
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