HAL and Half Moon questions *first time HAL cruisers*

Hi,

Our family is new to HAL (Disney converts!!:o) and I have some questions :confused: and I'm hoping for answers from the experts :D

We will be on the Amsterdam.

1. For the kids (ages 3-9) what do they drink all day? Are beverages included in the meals or do I need some sort of drink card. My kids drink milk, water and juice if they are lucky so soda is out of the question. And how do they get the drinks? There doesn't seem to be a self serve drink station from what I can see.

2. For adult drink packages it shows that it is $939 or so per adult. So basically we would need to drink like fish every day to make this worth while!! What would a rum and coke run at? $8ish??

Also, at dinner any beverages including wine or just a coke will be paid for on my drink card?

What if I just want to drink some water at the pool, how does that work?

3. On Half Moon Cay, if I rent a villa or cabana the beach ares in front of me will still be packed with the rest of the ships passengers correct? So it isn't really a "private" beach area, but the joys that come with the villa or cabana. Correct?

On Half Moon Cay are there only lounger chairs or are there short chairs too? I like to take my chair down to the water so I can sit while the kids play.

Is there a bike rental place that I can just rent a bike and kids bikes or does it have to be part of a package

Last Half Moon question, how far are the Cabana/Villas (closest ones) from the play area? Average walking pace, 5 min?? 20 min?? It is a paved path to walk on?

What is the difference between "limited" and "1 space left" on the villas. Also do the letter's mean anything when booking online?

4. On the outside decks, and pool areas like say the seaside pool, is there plexiglass in between the railings? It is hard to tell by the pictures I have seen and the HAL site. I just don't need to lose a passenger so would like to know my areas to avoid before we start!

5. Is there a charge to go in the fitness room and use the treadmill? I guess I would need to bring my waterbottle so I can hydrate during a run correct?

6. For the spa, I like those heated stone like lounge chairs to go lay on - how can I figure out how much these cost?

Any other family info would be awsome to see as I have been reading on here as much as possible to be in the know!!

Thank you so much!!

Milk is avail. at every dining venue....Ice water is available everywhere...bars, eating venues and your cabin. Juice is avail. at breakfast. The buffet will have a drink station you can use almost anytime.

Not sure of exact prices, but figure your rum and coke to be in the $8-10 range. ANYTHING you buy...drinks or otherwise...go on your shipboard account. No charge for ice water anywhere. Just ask..they will give!

Yes...the beaches are for everyone. You can move loungers (which cost nothing) anywhere you want. A cabana is not a necessity to a great beach day! ANY "excursion" on HMC is a group thing. Follow the leader sort of thing.

It's nearly impossible to "fall off" the ship...you have to INTEND to jump or climb...it's not something that just happens...no worries!

No charge for the gym or equipment....some charges for CLASSES. Yes..bring your water bottle if you need it.

Can't help with the spa and heated stones...I have hot flashes...I need no more heat!!!

Hi,

Our family is new to HAL (Disney converts!!:o) and I have some questions :confused: and I'm hoping for answers from the experts :D

We will be on the Amsterdam.

 

1. For the kids (ages 3-9) what do they drink all day? Are beverages included in the meals or do I need some sort of drink card. My kids drink milk, water and juice if they are lucky so soda is out of the question. And how do they get the drinks? There doesn't seem to be a self serve drink station from what I can see.

 

2. For adult drink packages it shows that it is $939 or so per adult. So basically we would need to drink like fish every day to make this worth while!! What would a rum and coke run at? $8ish??

Also, at dinner any beverages including wine or just a coke will be paid for on my drink card?

What if I just want to drink some water at the pool, how does that work?

 

3. On Half Moon Cay, if I rent a villa or cabana the beach ares in front of me will still be packed with the rest of the ships passengers correct? So it isn't really a "private" beach area, but the joys that come with the villa or cabana. Correct?

 

On Half Moon Cay are there only lounger chairs or are there short chairs too? I like to take my chair down to the water so I can sit while the kids play.

 

Is there a bike rental place that I can just rent a bike and kids bikes or does it have to be part of a package

 

Last Half Moon question, how far are the Cabana/Villas (closest ones) from the play area? Average walking pace, 5 min?? 20 min?? It is a paved path to walk on?

 

What is the difference between "limited" and "1 space left" on the villas. Also do the letter's mean anything when booking online?

 

4. On the outside decks, and pool areas like say the seaside pool, is there plexiglass in between the railings? It is hard to tell by the pictures I have seen and the HAL site. I just don't need to lose a passenger so would like to know my areas to avoid before we start!

 

5. Is there a charge to go in the fitness room and use the treadmill? I guess I would need to bring my waterbottle so I can hydrate during a run correct?

 

6. For the spa, I like those heated stone like lounge chairs to go lay on - how can I figure out how much these cost?

 

Any other family info would be awsome to see as I have been reading on here as much as possible to be in the know!!

 

Thank you so much!!

HAL drink prices are very reasonable -- $7-$10 for most drinks --but yes, run by the LIDO to fill your own water bottle before you use the FREE treadmill.

However, you have to buy a 'pass' to use the heated loungers.

You would have to REALLY REALLY want to go over a railing -- so I wouldn't worry about losing a family member.

As for the other questions, I can't answer,but I've been on Holland America since 1988 and love it.

Thank you to those who have answered so far.

I appreciate the info as it reduces some of the unknowns with travelling. :D

... For the kids (ages 3-9)...On the outside decks, and pool areas like say the seaside pool, is there plexiglass in between the railings? It is hard to tell by the pictures I have seen and the HAL site. I just don't need to lose a passenger so would like to know my areas to avoid before we start!...

I don't mean to be a worry wart but the horizontal rails on the Lower Promenade Deck (the deck with the walking track,) have no plexiglass and might be just wide enough apart for an adventurous 3 year old to do some climbing and potentially get into trouble.

Please see the ms Amsterdam pictures below.

Scott & Karen

Yes!! Those are the type of ones that worry me!! Thank you for responding.

Thank you for pointing them out. I just looked at the deck plan and there is nothing on that deck for my youngest to need to be on it so we shall avoid it!!

I don't think you have to avoid places that have railings like that--just be close to the child, close enough so that you can prevent any climbing. A good talking to about rules helps too.

We have sailed with extremely active kids--and one was a 'climber'--from ages 3-5 and never felt uneasy. Of course, an adult was always within reach just in case.

It really is hard to 'fall' (if not practically impossible) off a ship unless alcohol, stupidity, or the intent to harm oneself is present.

I don't mean to be a worry wart but the horizontal rails on the Lower Promenade Deck (the deck with the walking track,) have no plexiglass and might be just wide enough apart for an adventurous 3 year old to do some climbing and potentially get into trouble.

Yes!! Those are the type of ones that worry me!! Thank you for responding.

 

Thank you for pointing them out. I just looked at the deck plan and there is nothing on that deck for my youngest to need to be on it so we shall avoid it!!

The railings on the aft deck, by the Sea View Pool, are the same.

I understand your concern. A child doesn't have to climb the rails to get in trouble. They just have to bend over and set one foot through. If the ship decides to list severely at that very moment ....

Hi,

Our family is new to HAL (Disney converts!!:o) and I have some questions :confused: and I'm hoping for answers from the experts :D

We will be on the Amsterdam.

 

1. For the kids (ages 3-9) what do they drink all day? Are beverages included in the meals or do I need some sort of drink card. My kids drink milk, water and juice if they are lucky so soda is out of the question. And how do they get the drinks? There doesn't seem to be a self serve drink station from what I can see.

 

2. For adult drink packages it shows that it is $939 or so per adult. So basically we would need to drink like fish every day to make this worth while!! What would a rum and coke run at? $8ish??

Also, at dinner any beverages including wine or just a coke will be paid for on my drink card?

What if I just want to drink some water at the pool, how does that work?

 

3. On Half Moon Cay, if I rent a villa or cabana the beach ares in front of me will still be packed with the rest of the ships passengers correct? So it isn't really a "private" beach area, but the joys that come with the villa or cabana. Correct?

 

On Half Moon Cay are there only lounger chairs or are there short chairs too? I like to take my chair down to the water so I can sit while the kids play.

 

Is there a bike rental place that I can just rent a bike and kids bikes or does it have to be part of a package

 

Last Half Moon question, how far are the Cabana/Villas (closest ones) from the play area? Average walking pace, 5 min?? 20 min?? It is a paved path to walk on?

 

What is the difference between "limited" and "1 space left" on the villas. Also do the letter's mean anything when booking online?

 

4. On the outside decks, and pool areas like say the seaside pool, is there plexiglass in between the railings? It is hard to tell by the pictures I have seen and the HAL site. I just don't need to lose a passenger so would like to know my areas to avoid before we start!

 

5. Is there a charge to go in the fitness room and use the treadmill? I guess I would need to bring my waterbottle so I can hydrate during a run correct?

 

6. For the spa, I like those heated stone like lounge chairs to go lay on - how can I figure out how much these cost?

 

Any other family info would be awsome to see as I have been reading on here as much as possible to be in the know!!

 

Thank you so much!!

I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.

1) At all times in the Lido (buffet), coffee, hot tea, ice water, and sometimes ice tea are provided for free. Ice water is also available at the "Dive In" and for free from bars. Bottled water costs extra, but I don't bother. (I just bring a water bottle with me to refill). During breakfast time, milk and some fruit juices are free in the Lido, via room service, and in the main dining room if open. Coffee, hot tea, and milk are also provided for free at all times in the dining room and via room service.

There are no free sodas served in any venue.

2) A basic / house rum and coke or the like costs about $6 plus 15% tip. All drinks are charged to your room card (unless you buy a separate beverage card) in the dining room, in a bar, from roving servers by the pool or in the Lido. Wine by the glass can be similar or much more expensive, but the selections don't often impress.

Again, for water by the pool I would use the dispenser that is part of the taco bar, which is located near the "Dive In" by the mid-ship pool. Note: there are solid windows surrounding the mid-ship pool so since you are worried about young-ones trying to squeeze through railings, you will want to use the mid-ship pool vs. the aft pool.

3) Yes, the beach areas in front of the Half Moon Cay villas are open for all guests to use. The villa gives you a covered, comfortable, potentially cooled, and somewhat expensive place to relax within site of the ocean but not close enough for direct bathing.

I don't remember any regular beach chairs, only loungers.

The villas are identified by color, with only one of each color available. Thus they all show up as only one left. There is a paved path from the tender dock to the buffet and toward the villas but not all the way there. I don't remember which colors are closest to the dock.

I've never tried to rent a bike on the island.

4) As I mentioned before, your best bet is likely the mid-ship pool.

5) Gym access is free, other than for instructor led classes or seminars.

6) Spa access is extra. Access to the stone loungers is only via a pass that is purchased by the day or for the full cruise.

Other) The drinks served at the coffee bar in the Explorations Cafe are extra cost. Please note that this room is near, but separate from the nearby Explorer's Lounge. Both are on the Upper Promenade deck. The casino is also located nearby, and unfortunately the casino tends to have a smokey smell, so you might want to avoid it. (You can still get to the Explorations Cafe and Explorer's Lounge from the aft or midship stairs/elevators and avoid the smoke. (Just avoid walking aft from the forward stairs or forward from the middeck stairs.)

The Explorations Cafe also has a library that includes a collection of board games and jigsaw puzzles for use at no extra cost.

The Crow's Nest at the forward end of Sports deck often provides great sea views. The Disney Magic and Wonder don't currently have a forward facing lounge like this (although there can be similar views from the gym on those ships).

I hope this information helps you enjoy your cruise. :)

Thank you again for the info, it is helping me a lot!!!

One more question, can we bring coke cans on the ship with us or is that a no no?

One more question, can we bring coke cans on the ship with us or is that a no no?

p.s. - you can bring it on at every port, so you need not break your back at embarkation. :)

You can bring as much as you can carry of any non-alcoholic beverages or mixers. Beer and hard liquor are forbidden, and there are limits on wine.

Perfect!! That will work well with the bottle I will order from the "gifts" section for the room. And then just some coke because sometime I want that!! :D

Thanks!

If they offer you water from a caraffe in the main dining room there is a charge for that. We always decline and just ask for regular water. We also carry out own bottled water on the ship with us and that is good for poolside or taking off the ship in port. As stated before a water bottle can also be filled at no charge. If there is a refrigerator in our room we ask the steward to remove the contents and the bottled water from the vanity top. We can the place our drinks in the cooler. We also ask the steward to provide ice daily in the room.

If they offer you water from a caraffe in the main dining room there is a charge for that. We always decline and just ask for regular water. We also carry out own bottled water on the ship with us and that is good for poolside or taking off the ship in port. As stated before a water bottle can also be filled at no charge. If there is a refrigerator in our room we ask the steward to remove the contents and the bottled water from the vanity top. We can the place our drinks in the cooler. We also ask the steward to provide ice daily in the room.

Charging for water now? I don't understand. If it were sparkling water in a bottle such as Perrier, that I understand. But almost by definition sparkling water wouldn't be in a carafe as that would cause the water to lose its fizz. Water glass refills during a meal come from a pitcher as I recall. What would be in a carafe that would justify charging extra for?

Hi there! I can help with the price for the heated loungers. The heated loungers are part of the thermal suites. For a week long cruise, the price is $100 per person. Passes to the thermal suite are first come, first serve and it is best to book them once you board the ship. I'm not sure, but I think the price is higher if you book before boarding. The price includes unlimited visits to the thermal suites, which include the heated loungers which are in a separate room in the spa. This room typically has a great view to the outside and has the heated loungers, the sauna, and sometimes a whirlpool/hot tub (depending on what ship you are on). You also have access to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa area. My husband and I have paid for this access on the Veendam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zuiderdam. For us, it is worth every penny and what we look forward to the most.

Charging for water now? I don't understand. If it were sparkling water in a bottle such as Perrier, that I understand. But almost by definition sparkling water wouldn't be in a carafe as that would cause the water to lose its fizz. Water glass refills during a meal come from a pitcher as I recall. What would be in a carafe that would justify charging extra for?

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If you ask they tell you that there is a charge that is added to your bill it is purified water similar to bottled water and is not the water they process on the ship. So we just tell them we prefer their regular water.

I don't mean to be a worry wart but the horizontal rails on the Lower Promenade Deck (the deck with the walking track,) have no plexiglass and might be just wide enough apart for an adventurous 3 year old to do some climbing and potentially get into trouble.

 

Please see the ms Amsterdam pictures below.

 

Scott & Karen

I believe the Sports Deck in the area around the magrodrome (cover of the Lido Pool area) also has this type railing.

As a first-timer on HAL, I also have a question about Half Moon Cay:

Where is the best place to snorkel? DH and I bring our own gear and we would love to snorkel a bit off the beach.

Thanks for any help with this question.

:D