Things to do on Nieuw Amsterdam?

[Morgsmom]

I'm thinking of going on the Nieuw Amsterdam over Thanksgiving - this would be our first HAL cruise and a TA on Friday basically told me not to book and that we'd hate it and be bored...

It would be myself and my 14 year old daughter. We cruise as much as we can and generally are open to new things. She is pretty much a mama's girl and doesn't hang out in the teen clubs. We very much enjoyed Princess's "Movies under the Stars" on our most recent cruise.

So the question is, knowing past Caribbean itinearies (since this will be the N.A.'s first season) what activities are there or do the streets literally roll up at 9pm (per the aforementioned TA?) Does anyone have any "daily patters" (or 'navigators' or whatever the cruiseline lingo is) from prior sailings?

Many thanks in advance.

[grammie2maddie]

Sadly, I think you need to get a new TA. How in the world could you possibly run out of things to do? Just my opinion . . .

[E-500]

I'm thinking of going on the Nieuw Amsterdam over Thanksgiving - this would be our first HAL cruise and a TA on Friday basically told me not to book and that we'd hate it and be bored...

It would be myself and my 14 year old daughter. We cruise as much as we can and generally are open to new things. She is pretty much a mama's girl and doesn't hang out in the teen clubs. We very much enjoyed Princess's "Movies under the Stars" on our most recent cruise.

So the question is, knowing past Caribbean itinearies (since this will be the N.A.'s first season) what activities are there or do the streets literally roll up at 9pm (per the aforementioned TA?) Does anyone have any "daily patters" (or 'navigators' or whatever the cruiseline lingo is) from prior sailings?

Many thanks in advance.

First comment, consider a new T/A, the ship does not close at 9:00. Lots going on for adults in the lounges, and other venues until much later.

This is a holiday cruise so likely a number of other teens on-board. My experience has been that the kids hang out together (many consider the teen club lame) and make their own fun. You are an experienced cruiser so you know the islands and what to do there.

HAL is more laided back than some other lines, but compares most closely to Princess. The NA is a new ship with all the HAL strengths. Depending on how shy/reserved your daughter is will determine if this is a good option for you.

Please don't dismiss HAL on the comments of one individual. Read thru this board to get a feel for the things that the regulars think are important. Some great folks with lots of information and some with 30,000-40,000 posts. Last suggestion, go to the NA roll call board for a taste of things that the groups are planning/doing.

Good luck with your decision and have fun on your cruise.

[Berk987]

Same as the other posters. get another TA if she makes a comment as such.
There will be things for your daughter to do. Fun is what you make it. She may just enjoy "class and elegance". Dressing up, being in the company of mature adults, afternoon tea with mom etc. She's a young lady and may enjoy HAL. My DD just turned 6 and love the elegance and dressing up and December will be her third cruise with HAL. If you don't try, you will never know. Good luck.

[kazu]

My friends took their twelve year daughter on HAL and she loved it. she doesn't do the kid/teen club thing. she hung out with the adults.

There's no rock climbing or ice skating but there is some stuff to do during the day. don't let your TA make up your mind for you and definitely, I would change TA's. She/He should be telling you the pluses and minuses - not don't book unless she knows you very, very well and all the ships even better.

Frankly we and our friends' daughter prefer HAL over Princess, but that's our personal choice. There are a lot of helpful people on the boards that will give you some assistance.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your cruise :):)

[Krazy Kruizers]

First -- get a new TA!!

Second -- time for daughter to break the strings.

We sailed on the Eurodam over Thanksgiving in 2008 when she first came over from Europe -- lots of teen activities!! There were at least 200 children on board. Your daughter really needs to go to Club HAL. They even had a time when the children went to the Culinary Arts Center and made a couple of things.

The Eurodam is the sister ship to the Nieuw Amsterdam.

Maybe someone has the Club HAL programs from the Eurodam.

I posted the only the daily acitivities for adults.

[jtl513]

HAL doesn't have M.U.T.S., but there is a small (36 or so seat) screening room which will be showing recent DVD movies two to five times a day, depending on whether it's a sea or port day.