Daycare Questions about HAL

[AmyinVail]

Never cruises HAL before and am getting conflicted information. I know my 2.5 year old isn't old enough for their kid's club (although some reviews say she is), I was wondering about in-cabin babysitting? I've read where it's $8.00/ hour and then I called my TA and he said they don't offer anything. I'm wondering about the Vista class ships, the Oosterdam.

Anyone know? Thanks!

[Arubalisa]

According to HAL'S website, it is offered:

Club Hal® for Kids (http://www.hollandamerica.com/onboard/kids.do)
Additional family services
Holland America Line provides a number of other services to families traveling with us. Teens ages 13 to 17 can enjoy a number of activities including a teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos. We serve a wide variety of kid-pleasing food, including special sandwiches, tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza. Baby food, high chairs and booster seats may be requested in advance of boarding. Baby-sitting services are available for a small surcharge.Although this quote appears on the Club Hal for Kids page, it does reference "Baby food, high chairs and booster seats..." I would take this to mean that although Club HAL is for (ages 5 to 17) there are other arraingments for younger children, thus the babysitting service...

[AmyinVail]

I appreciate your post, thanks so much! Hopefully someone will respond that has actually used the service, then I'd feel 100% confident about it!!

Thanks again!

[gizmo]

Hi Amy,

In cabin baby sitting is available but only if they have someone willing to baby sit. My understanding of this is, the baby sitters are crew who volunteer. I have never read where someone could not get a baby sitter, but I would think this could happen if there were a large number of children on board and everyone wanted a sitter the same nights. You may want to make arrangements soon after you board for the nights you would like the baby sitter.

Have a nice cruise.

[teencruiser18]

Depending on what ship you're on, and if you don't mind waiting another six months, the club services may be open to children ages 3 and up.

[AmyinVail]

Well, my younger daughter will still only be 2.5 in April, so I'm still out of luck.