???? Grandma's and Mom's...I need help????

[carribeansol]

Good Morning!

 

Our family of 4 has decided to try Holland America for the first time. We are seasoned cruises who enjoy trying different lines. We do not have loyalty to any one line, but loyalty to price. Yes, Holland America had the best price I could find and it was a 10 day.

 

We would love some help with questions about HAL and the Noordam. We are sailing March 25th....spring break.

 

MOst important: How is Club HAL for 10 and 12 year old boys. They will spend most time with us and in the pool.

 

1. Does the Noordam have the "retreat cabanas"? How much are they on a 10 day cruise?

 

2. How strict is HAL with bring liquor on board?

 

3. Can 10 and 12 year olds sign in and out of Club HAL on their own?

 

4. ARe the pools fresh or salt water?

 

5. ANy one have experince with upgrades? We had to book an oceanview because that was what is avaiable. We want a balconey. We are willing to pay for it. We were told by HAL that when the do their upgrades one may open.

 

6. How is the spa?

 

7. Can you get unlimited soda cards or just the 20 punch cards now?

 

8. Is there any well kept secrets about the ship? Costa has a "secret door" to the front of the ship.

 

 

 

Thanks for the help!!!!! I have read back through the post for months and still came up with these questions.

[topspot]

I'll answer what I can:

 

2. You can bring on wine and champagne for consumption in your room (free) , or in dining rooms for corkerage fee ($18.00 I believe)

 

3. Yes that age group can sign in and out of club HAL

 

4. Fresh water

 

6. Enjoyed spa massage and thermal suite. Check for their specials.

 

7. Soda card is the punch type. We just carry our soda on.

[Love the beach]

No retreat cabanas on Noordam--only on the Eurodam as far as I know.

[DeirdreTours]

My 11 year old daughter loved the Club Hal experience last November-- On spring break, with the huge numbers of kids (probably) onboard, your sons experience may be different.

 

We had soda cards, but are planning to just bring soda on for our May cruise.