Running track?

[Amber14]

Is there a running track on Noordam? If so, which deck is it on?

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is on the Promenade Deck. Walkers will also be walking and this deck is also covered and has lounge chairs for re*****g.

[GPoll189]

There is not a true running track aboard any of the Holland America ships, except possible one. When I was aboard the Statendam about five years ago they had a rubberized running track around the aft funnel. However with the SOE improvements I am not sure if they removed it. The policy on HAL ships is that there should not be a running on the Promenade deck because it will distrub the passengers below that deck. However in the programs they do say that running is allowed on the deck around the pool roof. I am not sure if this is true now but when I was sailing this was the ship board policy. The main thing is to be curtious to your passengers. They too are on the ship for pleasure and relaxation.

24 cruise on HAL in 26 years on Earth

25 cruise December 16, 2006 aboard the MS Noordam

[sail7seas]

Only the Vista ships permit running on Promenade Deck.
For the runners who choose to use it......PLEASE remember you are sharing that deck with people like DH and me who walk for our exercise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On the Vista class ships the running track is on the Promenade Deck. Below it is the resturant, shops, Explorations Cafe, Pinnacle Grill, Explorer's Lounge, etc. - no vabins.

[jimd909]

Only the Vista ships permit running on Promenade Deck.
For the runners who choose to use it......PLEASE remember you are sharing that deck with people like DH and me who walk for our exercise.




One can also say YOU are sharing it with runners and should walk single file. :D

[Briny]

Amber14 - I am a dedicated runner, and had no difficulties whatsoever running on the Promenade Deck on the Westerdam this past February. It was a wonderful experience, especially while the ship was underway. I’m sure you will love it on the Noordam.

Courtesy is the watchword. A smile, a gentle “excuse me” or “on you right” was all that was needed to allow me and my fellow passengers to share the deck and enjoy our respective activities. I even got a couple of laughs when I announced to strolling passengers I was about to pass: “Here he comes again!”

Because runners by definition move faster than most walkers and can easily sneak up on them from behind, it is incumbent on the runners to be especially considerate, even to the extent of coming to a stop if necessary. A ship’s deck is not a great place to train for a race, but you can still get a very good workout...with awesome views.

Expecting walkers to stay in single file is unreasonable, IMHO. Jimd909 – I hope your big grin emoticon means that you are not at all serious in posting that suggestion.;)

[sail7seas]

One can also say YOU are sharing it with runners and should walk single file.

....and should the folks seated in the deck chairs, face forward and aft rather than port and starboard so they can place the chairs parallel to the bulkhead? :D :D

[caribbean girl]

Amber14 - I am a dedicated runner, and had no difficulties whatsoever running on the Promenade Deck on the Westerdam this past February. It was a wonderful experience, especially while the ship was underway. I’m sure you will love it on the Noordam.

Courtesy is the watchword. A smile, a gentle “excuse me” or “on you right” was all that was needed to allow me and my fellow passengers to share the deck and enjoy our respective activities. I even got a couple of laughs when I announced to strolling passengers I was about to pass: “Here he comes again!”

Because runners by definition move faster than most walkers and can easily sneak up on them from behind, it is incumbent on the runners to be especially considerate, even to the extent of coming to a stop if necessary. A ship’s deck is not a great place to train for a race, but you can still get a very good workout...with awesome views.

Expecting walkers to stay in single file is unreasonable, IMHO. Jimd909 – I hope your big grin emoticon means that you are not at all serious in posting that suggestion.;)


What a curteous attitude!:) Very nice...
We met a guy on the Noordam in Feb. who ran everyday. He chose early mornings when traffic was light with no problems. Have fun planning your cruise and exercise program!:D

[MrSynystr]

just got off nordam on april 11th... 3 x around deck 3 is mile FYI

[Canne12]

for walking and for lounging (in the shade provided by the life boats)

I loved the cutout windows that framed the gorgeous scenery!

Upon arrival home a friend asked me about my favorite spot. I quickly answered, "Deck 3". Then I realized she probably was actually asking about the ports visited- but my answer would still be Deck 3!!! LOL

[Gonzo70]

Does the staff ever organize a 5K at sea on the running track? Now that we would be fun! Maybe free dinner at the PG for the 1st place winner and a HAL keychain for runner up.

[sail7seas]

There is an organized 5K. It is "On Deck for the Cure" and is a fund raiser for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Fund. Holland America, on all of its ships, organizes this activity once on every cruise. We sign up for the walk, make a nominal conribution, receive a t-shirt and pink wrist band. Everyone meets at the appointed time and walks as much of the 5K as is possible for each individual. No one expects everyone to complete the whole walk. It is walking/no running. Everyone has a great time doing this and at the end there is a pink lemonade gathering for everyone who participated.

It's a wonderful event and the best prize of all is to know we've made a contribution to a very important cause.


Look for it on your cruise. It will be announced in the daily activity sheet and sometimes they distribute a separate announcement to each cabin.

[Desdemona01]

Sail,

I'm glad that you pointed out that it is a WALK. On our 12/06 Volendam cruise we had several people who chose to run. They were constantly crowding the walkers and yelling "coming through!" when there was congestion. At one point they literally pushed their way throught the group and I got pushed against the railing and almost knocked down. It was definitely not a good experience for so worthy a cause. I will continue to do the On Deck for the Cure but I hope that people will understand the purpose is to enjoy a wonderful walk and not to train for a speed race.

Des

[Jade13]

There is an organized 5K. It is "On Deck for the Cure" and is a fund raiser for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Fund. Holland America, on all of its ships, organizes this activity once on every cruise. We sign up for the walk, make a nominal conribution, receive a t-shirt and pink wrist band. Everyone meets at the appointed time and walks as much of the 5K as is possible for each individual. No one expects everyone to complete the whole walk. It is walking/no running. Everyone has a great time doing this and at the end there is a pink lemonade gathering for everyone who participated.

It's a wonderful event and the best prize of all is to know we've made a contribution to a very important cause.


Look for it on your cruise. It will be announced in the daily activity sheet and sometimes they distribute a separate announcement to each cabin.



Can you choose to donate as much or as little as you want?

[Green Onions]

On my Oosterdam cruise, I ran in the mornings on the observation deck and enjoyed it very much. What I liked about it was the views were more open than the Promenade Deck, there was more breeze, and there were very few walkers to worry about (I agree with the need to be courteous as a runner when coming up from behind). I added the additional challenge of running the stairs up to the forward observation deck to the workout.

The potential downside is that there are a series of windscreens mid-ship that require some hard turns to wind around. For me this just added to the fun of running up there. The other downside was that the crew washes the deck in the morning so I had to tread carefully in some areas. I also wouldn’t want to run up there on an exceptionally cold or windy day.

The location of the treadmills at the front of the ship provide an excellent view if you prefer that.

[sail7seas]

The entry contribution amount is minimal...... I think maybe about $15. I would imagine you could contribute more if you wish. Speak with the Front Office or Concierge, if applicable. Of course, you don't have to be on a ship to contribute to Susan B. Komen at any time throughout the year.

We think it fabulous HAL has become a sponsor of this organization and is doing so much good raising money for such a good cause. We hope to always participate on every ship that offers it. (My family has been blessed to have not had any cases.....yet. We all know it can happen to any woman or, for that matter, though rare, to men as well.)

[sail7seas]

Sail,

I'm glad that you pointed out that it is a WALK. On our 12/06 Volendam cruise we had several people who chose to run. They were constantly crowding the walkers and yelling "coming through!" when there was congestion. At one point they literally pushed their way throught the group and I got pushed against the railing and almost knocked down. It was definitely not a good experience for so worthy a cause. I will continue to do the On Deck for the Cure but I hope that people will understand the purpose is to enjoy a wonderful walk and not to train for a speed race.

Des


Isn't it too bad when some ruin it for the others.

I would have had a word to the CD who has always been present each time we did the walk. I would have asked he stop them when they passed by and remind them it is a WALK.

Next time you sign up, speak with the CD when everyone first gathers and remind him to mention to the group there is no running permitted.

[Desdemona01]

Isn't it too bad when some ruin it for the others.

I would have had a word to the CD who has always been present each time we did the walk. I would have asked he stop them when they passed by and remind them it is a WALK.

Next time you sign up, speak with the CD when everyone first gathers and remind him to mention to the group there is no running permitted.

excellent suggestion--I will do exactly that

[Briny]

Here is a link to an interesting press release on the subject Hal’s participation in the Susan B. Komen (Race) for the Cure. According to the press release, 31,000 very generous HAL passengers donated more than $400,000 towards this great cause over the past year by participating in on-board walks for the cure. Moreover, the program is being expanded this year to include many other cruise lines as well – Carnival, Princess, Seabourn and Costa, as well as Holland-America.
http://www.csrwire.com/News/8009.html (http://www.csrwire.com/News/8009.html)

[Amber14]

Thanks for all the replies, but we decided to go on the Maasdam and not the Noordam. I just got back and of course, ran on the top deck since the Promenade is only for walking. It was fine but there were some tight spots and parts of the deck were wet in the morning. Maybe I'll cruise on the Vista ships one day and can run on the longer Promenade deck. I don't know how many laps on Maasdam's top deck made a mile but it had to have been a lot!!!

We also did the On Deck for Cure on the Maasdam last week. There were over 100 participants and everyone walked with their t-shirts on. It was lots of fun! I am so impressed that Holland America offers this and donates all the money except for the cost of shirts. You can give as much money as you want - $15 is the minimum. It is added to your ship account. They took a picture of all the participants (which we bought :) ) I hope they continue to do this.

[sail7seas]

Here is a link to an interesting press release on the subject Hal’s participation in the Susan B. Komen (Race) for the Cure. According to the press release, 31,000 very generous HAL passengers donated more than $400,000 towards this great cause over the past year by participating in on-board walks for the cure. Moreover, the program is being expanded this year to include many other cruise lines as well – Carnival, Princess, Seabourn and Costa, as well as Holland-America.
http://www.csrwire.com/News/8009.html (http://www.csrwire.com/News/8009.html)

Congratulations to Mr. Micky Arison..... All of the cruise lines you mention are in the Carnival Family of ships and it is very commendable, IMO, he is expanding the On Deck for the Cure to all of the other lines under the Carnival Corporation Umbrella.

:) I really love that HAL did it First!@!!@