Holland America Line and Back in Time for Bed to host family ship visit

Holland America Line and Back in Time for Bed (BITFB) will host a family ship visit onboard Rotterdam.

 

Designed for parents working in the travel industry, the event will take place on Good Friday (April 3) in Southampton, from 10am-2pm.

 

Attendees will be able to experience a range of activities, including a preview of the onboard Kids’ Club, which features three programmes that vary depending on age.

 

The Kids’ Programme is for ages three to six; Tweens for those aged seven to 11; and Teens, for ages 12 to 17.

 

A ‘scavenger hunt’ will take place, so that families can explore the ship together and win Easter prizes.

 

The event also includes lunch with menu options from the ship’s Lido Market, Dive In Burger or New York Pizza & Deli.

 

There is space for up to 75 people, who will be hosted by the Holland America sales team. It is the first time the line has organised a family ship visit in the UK.

 

BITFB is a support network for working parents across the UK travel industry.

 

It was launched in February 2023 by Vicky Billing, director of trade and partnerships in the UK and Ireland at Riviera Travel, and Anna Perrott, chief commercial officer at Panache Cruises.

 

Billing said: “Anna, the BITFB board, and I are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Holland America Line for our upcoming family fun day.

 

“These events mean so much to our community, as they bring together working parents from across the industry and provide the chance to share something special with our children.

 

“I know my little girl, Ellie, can’t wait to step onto another ‘big ship’, and I’m sure many of our members feel exactly the same.

 

“We’re extremely grateful to Holland America Line for making this opportunity possible.”

 

Karen Farndell, associate vice-president of sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland at Holland America Line, said: “We’re excited to be working with Back in Time for Bed to host our first-ever onboard family ship visit in the UK.

 

“From the imaginative world of Club HAL to our spacious family facilities, every detail is designed with togetherness in mind.

 

“Our Pinnacle Class ships even feature five‑berth family ocean‑view staterooms, giving larger families room to relax, play and explore in comfort.

 

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone onboard and create experiences they’ll talk about long after the day ends.”

 

Billing urged industry parents to keep an eye out on the BITFB website for details.