Questions on hal?

[TIMELMAN]

We have never cruised on hal before and was wondering if there will be any things for kids? we have two kids 6 and 11. I have read good and bad reveiws on this site . ta siad this would be a good trip for us. i have booke a sub excursion but that is it. i was wondering if a cabana is worth it?

[grannynurse]

Welcome to the HAL board. It would help us to answer your question if you told us which ship you'll be on and when you are going. The S and R class ships are not as family oriented as the Vista ships. Of course there would be more "kid" things to do if you were sailing when school is out of session.
For a description of the HAL ships and classes see the section above the regular posts.
GN

[TIMELMAN]

we are sailing on the zuiderdam on 10/21/2006. sorry jus new at this trying to learn. thanks and this is fall break. i was hoping for some kids but not alot

[donaldquackers]

I sailed on the zaandam 8/11/06. I did not have children with me, but as an early childhood teacher I have a special interest in them. I asked several of the kids on board if they were having fun and they all said yes. I even asked a few if it was as good as a trip to Disneyland and they said yes. They were kept busy with the kids planned activities, the pool and of course the food. Try to plan your shore adventures with their interest in mind. Don't forget that you can check out games etc. from the ship library.

[CCCM]

Hi Timelman,

I too will be on a Vista Class ship this fall with a child. So I had many of the same questions. Our last HAL was without child. There have been some recent posts about Club HAL, the most recent was by Middle-Aged Mom in her review of her cruise.

You can search the forum, there is a search button up towards the top. Choose club hal and then do posts in the last month in the Holland America Line. At least 10 will show up a couple of seconds later. You will be able to see peoples experiences with Club HAL.

Good luck searching and let us know if you have any other questions! Oh yes more importantly, Enjoy Your Vacation!!!!

[whogo]

"i was wondering if a cabana is worth it?" Check to see if one is available before making the decision. I did a lot of research before finding out that they were all already booked. HAL's shore excursion page was not quite upfront about what was available and what had a waitlist.

You could book a cabana, if available, and cancel if a refund in the form of a shipboard credit is acceptable.

We were happy to book just a couple of clam shells to provide shade for the four of us.

You are lucky. cruisecal.com shows that the Zuiderdam is the only ship in port at Tortola, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk. You and the kids will have a great time.