2 Children on Zuider (7 & 8) Yes or No?

[Bridges300]

Hi, Can anyone tell us abouth the kids programs on Zuider?
Our TA says that HAL is making a big push for the family trade, but being experienced Carnival and RCL cruisers with there strong kids programs we are a little hesitant? Any info would be great.

[doone]

While HAL is making a strong effort to market their cruises for families, especially on the Zuiderdam, I don't think you will find the kids program as strong as on the other lines you have sailed. I am not saying its not good, but possibly not as good as what you have experienced in the past. From what I undertand, the hours of Club HAL aren't as good as some of the other lines, but I think your kids will have a good time on the Zuiderdam.

My nieces and nephews a few years back sailed on the Veendam during Feb school vacation week. This was their first cruise, so they had nothing to compare it with, but they thought Club HAL was fantastic. We are planning another family cruise in 2006 and the kids can't wait to participate in Club HAL.

[Bridges300]

Thanks very much for the reply.The late hours in the other line's programs really do make the parents trip a lot more enjoyable. It gave us the flexibility to be with our kids during the day but really enjoy "our nights". Does anyone have specific info on the hours of Camp Hal?

[doone]

From what I remember on our Veendam cruise, the children's program at night was from 8 pm - 9:45 pm, nothing else after that. Club HAL had 2 hour or so programs in the morning, 2 hour or so programs in the afternoon and the evening ones, this was on sea days. While in port during the days, no Club HAL program were offered. From what I read, it may not be the flexibility you are looking for. We sailed with the entire family, so we kind of had people to watch the kids here and there. It worked out great for us, hope it does for you as well.

Hope this helps.

[Bridges300]

Why would they limit there camp Hal hours like that?

[intandemNV]

We just got back from a week on the Westerdam( Same ship as Zuiderdam basically). Our 9 year old daughter loved Club Hal. The hours were somewhat limited 10-12, 2-4pm, 8-10pm; but they would take her later for $5 hr. She loved this program better than Princess and the two counselors were terrific. We were happy to have our daughter with us during off hours so it was great. Also, Half moon Cay has a fun new children's water park that was great, as well as a playground.

[doone]

I guess its because not alot of kids sail on HAL vs. some of the other cruiselines, but HAL is definately trying to change that. Like I said, my nieces and nephews loved Club HAL as I am sure your family will as well.

We found that because there weren't alot of kids onboard and the activities for Club HAL weren't overflowing with kids, my nieces and nephews kind of got individualized attention from the counsellors onboard, that made them feel special.

[skylar64]

We were on the Veendam last year with our family and 6 children that were a variety of ages. The kids did some of the programs, but mostly stayed with us. I think all of us as adults agreed that we kind of enjoyed having the ship not overflowing with kids. It enabled us to keep better tabs on our own, and the pools were not overcrowded. With being on a smaller ship than some of the Carnival and RC, it was so easy getting on and off the boat for excursions. We saw the other lines for the other ships trying to get back on board and it took them hours. Many very unhappy children in those lines. We just walked on by to our ship or the tenderer. Our kids ranged from 3 to 11 at the time. This year we are sailing on the Zuiderdam in the spring, and are looking forward to the enhanced kids programs for the little ones, but the older cousins are comfortable hanging out with the adults and going in and out of the programs. The kids had nothing to compare to as far as the programs, but they really seemed very happy and content with what they had to do between movies, pools, and fun excursions. Hope this helps.

[TYMAN]

Doone...I agree 100%! That's why our 7yr old loves HAL..more individual attention.

[doone]

I also think that's why my nieces and nephews enjoyed Club HAL so much and can't wait to go back. We all thought Club HAL was great.

[TYMAN]

Doone...02/03/05 we're on the Wonder...but my mind in on the ZUI in June!

[doone]

Tyman, you'll have a great time. We're looking at another family cruise for Feb. 2006, the kids are so excited.

[TYMAN]

That's what makes the time go buy! Excitement!

[doone]

You Got It!!!!!

[Sea Horse]

We are travelling with two fifteen year old girls.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Haven't sailed HAL yet, but with the other cruise lines, my kids MUCH preferred the ships that didn't have tons of kids onboard. The counselors are more relaxed and do more fun activities.

[robertmartha]

Have to agree with all the other posters and my 9 and 7 yr old will agree...Club HAL. We are sailing on the Oosterdam this summer and my kids cannot wait. My two girls loved the smaller program - where they were 1of 15 vs 1 of 50+. We sailed on the RC Mariner last yr - and yes it has the rock climbing, ice skating, minature golf....but those they did with us. As for the camp - they did not enjoy it as much as the Maasdam and ZUiderdam. Much smaller ratio on HAL - and the activities were much better - they had a POOL party on each ship! one night. That did not happen on Celebrity or RC. Tie-dyed shirts, scavenger hunts, and Half Moon Cay pirate scavenger hunt. ...need I go on.... + now with extended hrs 10-12 (which is what we felt was the only thing missing). I'd rather be on a ship with 100 kids then 700...and so would my kids!

[skylar64]

whole heartedly agree with you. Hey, how was that scavenger hunt on Half moon cay?

[robertmartha]

skylar

My girls enjoyed it - BUT it was the middle of August....it was HOT. I think they would have rather been in the water the whole time. I can't wait till we are back at Half Moon...kids water park, horseback riding, stingrays, ...I wish they would overnite at Half Moon. It is so beautiful there.

[Bridges300]

Thanks for all the responses. In large part because they were so positive we went ahead and booked the Zuider today for the 04/02/05 cruise. Anyone elso cruising then? Have opened up a roll call thread for this trip.

[skylar64]

Great for you. I'm sure you will all have a wonderful time. We are sailing in end of March. Have fun.

[robertmartha]

Bridges

Good for you. Soooo jealous that you are sailing in a few weeks - we have over a foot of snow here in NY...just thinking of Half Moon and being on a ship......I'm looking for the Feb 06 presidents week schedule.......need it NOW.......

[Tak8]

We were on the Z. during her inaugural year and my then 9 year old enjoyed the kid's program. In fact, we will be back on her this summer. I have to agree that the Treasure Hunt on HMC wasn't the most enjoyable time spent on HMC. My son would have rather played in the sand or taken another banana boat ride.

[Arubalisa]

Our 8 yo daughter loved Club HAL and consulted the activity list each morning so she could inform US what HER plans were to be that day. There were a wide variety of activities and she enjoyed everyone on the Club HAL staff

Some here on this board would tell you that HAL is not a kid's cruise line... some here would tell you that the kids had a good time "only" because it was a "Holiday" cruise. I find it hard to believe that any of the ship's staff, including the stewards would treat any of the children differently "only" because we sailed during a holiday. IMHO, they do not see enough children and appreciate them all that much more...

The kids will have a great time, go and enjoy!!!
Holland America Youth Program Guidelines (http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_youthprog.htm)

[speedbump1999]

Is there a fee involved for the children to play in the waterpark and in the playground area? And is it supervised by HAL counselors or do we supervise them in there?

[Arubalisa]

Club HAL was free.

HMC there was no charge for the waterpark or playground and it was not supervised the day we were there, but then again, the waterpark was also not functioning. A waterslide without water just does not work.

Our Photos of the HMC Waterpark (http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_sme.htm)

[oliviaonthe beach]

I was wondering also what costs and what doesn't with regard to Club HAL. Can someone clarify, please? I know the Treasure Hunt on HMC is extra but what about the activities on the Zuiderdam itself and is it really true that the hours are now extended until midnight?????

[Arubalisa]

There was never a charge for anything at Club Hal. I don't think our daughter missed a single arts & craft activity, and although they did not make anything extravagant there was never even a fee for materials.


On the Zaandam there were some Kid's activities which went until 10 pm.


For the Teens, ages 13 - 17 there were some nights where the activity did not BEGIN until 11 pm, other nights for the Teens began at 10 pm

[hammybee]

My daughter, now 16, grew up in the kid clubs on several cruise lines. From a child's perspective, this is the order of preference:

RCCL
Carnival
HAL

From this adult's perspective, flip em.

[itsme_jj]

There is a waterpark on half moon cay this summer? What/Where is it?

I have a 10 & 15 yr old and was getting nervous until I was reading this thread and it cheered me up.

any tips for excusions? west carrib june 4th...?

[dinscoe68]

Great for you. I'm sure you will all have a wonderful time. We are sailing in end of March. Have fun.

Hi Skylar64,

We are going to be on the Zuiderdam on 3/26. Is that when you are going? We have a 10 yo son. What are the ages of your kids? I'm hoping my son will make some friends to play with at the pool or whatever since Club Hal's hours are limited. He is usually pretty outgoing. We are thinking about bringing the Gamecube but aren't sure if it can be hooked up in our cabin.

We are in 7053. Where will your family be?

[speedbump1999]

I was wondering about the TV setup also.... I told my boys that they could bring one of thier game systems but I was wondering what kind of hookup I would need to bring with me. Anyone know?

[dinscoe68]

Hi,

We actually called HAL and were told we can hook up our PS2, Gamecube, etc. My 10 yo is very glad about that!!

Are you sailing on 3/26, too?

[stefhef]

Also, unless you are in an SS or S, the cabins do not have DVD players but you can plug in your portable and play the movies on your tv.

[stefhef]

Also, as to the hours question, it's 7-10 pm and then they can stay there (in the kids' club) until 1 am, if you want, at $5/hour/child starting at 10pm.

[Lisa616]

Would you recommend an Alaskan itinerary for kids as well on HAL? Without the beaches, swimming etc. is there enough to kids to do?

[Suskies]

My children took their first HAL cruise when they were 9 & 14 and loved every minute...and they did NOT participate much in Club HAL! Don't forget that any HAL cruise has many other activities that children will enjoy: swimming pool, free movies with popcorn, evening entertainment, group games like Scattergories on at-sea days, hamburgers and hot dogs by the pool, ice cream in the Lido, board games with the family in the game room, arcade games, beaches/shore excursions/shopping/etc. on port days. And, just like with any trip, have them bring along some books, tapes, and a Game Boy for a little quiet time from time to time.

Club HAL will slip under your door each evening a schedule of the next day's activities for your child's age group, so you and your child can attend only those activities of interest.

Our children have been on two HAL cruises, both Caribbean in August, and the experiences were quite different. The first cruise had about 200 children on board, so Club HAL was in full swing. My teenage daughter met about 20 other teens who didn't participate much in Club HAL's teen activities but palled around together and had a terrific time. On the second cruise, for reasons we'll never understand, there were virtually no children--maybe a few dozen total. Club HAL collapsed age groups and there were very few activities my children were interested in, so they just stayed with us and did the things I've listed above. They had just as much fun, just a different kind of fun, and are jumping out of their skin about our next HAL cruise this August.

Bottom line: Look on Club HAL as icing on the cake for your children, not the be-all and end-all of their cruise experience.