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Live From Holland America Line: Is Koningsdam a Good Ship for Families?


LauraS
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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 5 weeks later...

I've seen absolutely no evidence that HAL really wants families on their ships. They'll take them, but not at the expense of having venues for them. The Koningsdam has zero, nothing, zilch, more than the Eurodam or Nieuw Amsterdam for children. Just about the same sized Hal clubs. Their children's programs are about the same as other mass market cruise lines with one exception. The other family cruise lines build venues with children specifically in mind. When's the last time you saw a kids sliding down a slide on HAL. How about playing mini golf, climbing a rock wall, walking a ropes course, doing a flowrider, playing laser tag? Something? Anything?

 

I'm not saying children will have terrible time on HAL. But if a family is really looking for something where everyone will have the BEST time, HAL is not the choice. Actions speak much louder than words. HALs actions say they are keeping the same mind set they've had. They carter to an older more upscale passenger. They don't want to give them any reason to stop cruising the line.

 

Don't get me wrong. We like the atmosphere on HAL.Sometimes. We cruise multiple lines. When we want fun, adventure, activity HAL is not our choice. Sometimes, we like to stay up past 10 o'clock when most everything closes down on a HAL cruise, except the casino of course. But, when we want to relax with good food, great service, and quiet times, there's no other reasonably priced line that can offer what HAL does. One line can't be everything to everybody. I think HAL has it's niche in the market. If they really go after a different demographic, which they're not, they'd get a different demographic. As a result, the correct demographic may look elsewhere.

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  • 2 weeks later...

We sailed on the Koningsdam a year ago just after it was launched on a back to back Rome-Eastern Mediterranean, Rome-Western Mediterranean, with our then-11 year old granddaughter. While I agree that HAL does not provide rock-climbing walls, laser tag, etc., we found that there was quite enough entertainment and activities to keep her busy when we weren't on shore. It was just a coincidence, but the Captain's young daughter was also on board and the two of them became fast friends (nothing like having the Captain say hello to our granddaughter during the cruise every time he saw her). IMO, if the point of the cruise is to explore new destinations and spend time in immersing oneself in the culture and history of interesting places, then there isn't always time or energy for all those activities. But I agree, if you are looking for a different shipboard experience for children, then one of the larger ships on other lines might be more fun.

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  • 1 month later...

we just sailed on the Koningsdam - 11 day, in October and we felt like we were on a Senior Citizen/Assisted Living cruise. We know HAL is known for a older crowd, but this was ridiculous. We probably saw a total of 10 children on board. And as far as entertainment....forget it. They had one comedian, one singer, one sax player on the World Stage. So disappointing

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we just sailed on the Koningsdam - 11 day, in October and we felt like we were on a Senior Citizen/Assisted Living cruise. We know HAL is known for a older crowd, but this was ridiculous. We probably saw a total of 10 children on board. And as far as entertainment....forget it. They had one comedian, one singer, one sax player on the World Stage. So disappointing

 

We just got off the Koningsdam Wednesday. I think we had about the same number of children on board that we did. Most of those were infants, with grandparents. Only saw a couple of a kids of school age. So, they had no else to play with. It was a good break for us. We usually cruise NCL, which is a family line, and there's children everywhere, just any time of year. Parents have no problem taking them out of school anymore.

 

There's a stark difference in the demographic on Holland America compared lines that attract families. The activities and entertainment are also geared to that demographic, as you would expect. I'm not sure how many other HAL cruises you've been on, but the entertainment on the Koningsdam was the best we've seen on that line. Most of it was below average, as usual. HAL is not known for it's entertainment, unless you count the chamber music. They don't have Broadway shows like some other lines. But, there were some good points. The BB King band was good, although after a few days, they started to repeat sets. One World was one of the best HAL productions we've seen. I will say the billboard entertainers were the worst we've seen. They act like it's a dueling piano's venue, but they don't duel, and neither could sing. If you've ever been to a real dueling piano's venue, you'll know the difference immediately.

 

All that said, every age group needs an atmosphere they feel comfortable in. Holland has created that atmosphere for the older age group. As long you know the target market going in, you know what to expect. We go on HAL cruises for the itinerary and the catch up on rest.

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I couldn't agree more with everything you said, CruisinHarvey.

 

It was our second HAL cruise, and we cruise with friends who have been on several HAL cruises so we were very aware that they cater to that demographic, we were just very taken by surprise that this time around it really was more of a average age of 80+ and a incredibly large amount of scooters, wheelchairs and walkers. We too go mainly to relax, so that we did!!!

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  • 2 weeks later...
we just sailed on the Koningsdam - 11 day, in October and we felt like we were on a Senior Citizen/Assisted Living cruise. We know HAL is known for a older crowd, but this was ridiculous. We probably saw a total of 10 children on board. And as far as entertainment....forget it. They had one comedian, one singer, one sax player on the World Stage. So disappointing

 

We are in our late 50's and just booked a 24 day on the Koningsdam for next October. We heard the new ship was designed to attract a younger demographic. We have stayed away from Holland for the very reasons you stated.

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We are in our late 50's and just booked a 24 day on the Koningsdam for next October. We heard the new ship was designed to attract a younger demographic. We have stayed away from Holland for the very reasons you stated.

 

They talk like they made the Koningsdam for a younger crowd. We didn't see any evidence of that. Unless you think that changing the piano bar to a 2 piano bar, or creating a new venue specifically for chamber music is a game changer. You will be a couple of the youngest passengers on board, for sure. Not many working people or families with children can cruise for 24 days in October. I'm sure you'll have a good cruise though. Adjust to the really slow pace, and you'll be fine.

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They talk like they made the Koningsdam for a younger crowd. We didn't see any evidence of that. Unless you think that changing the piano bar to a 2 piano bar, or creating a new venue specifically for chamber music is a game changer. You will be a couple of the youngest passengers on board, for sure. Not many working people or families with children can cruise for 24 days in October. I'm sure you'll have a good cruise though. Adjust to the really slow pace, and you'll be fine.

 

Thank you for your quick reply. This will be my 26th cruise and my 6th TA. This is a back to back we are taking, 10 day Med with a 14 day TA. My last five cruises were on Celebrity. I have had all good experiences and met some really nice people. The motivation for booking the Koningsdam, a change in cruise lines, a new ship, a fantastic itinerary and the new music venue. I will deal with the scooters & wheel chairs and the slow pace as one day I will be there! Thanks

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  • 4 weeks later...

We're taking Koningsdam over New Years, with kids 9 and 12. We had a very specific timeframe we could cruise, and this was the only cruise that fit and that wasn't outrageously expensive.We're hoping that over new years, there will be more kids on board than usual (as the kids do spend quite a bit of time in the kids clubs). If anyone has done some Hals over new years (or Thanksgiving) and can give any insight, that would be good. TIA.

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  • 3 weeks later...

To clear up this mystery: we got off the ship yesterday and there were tons of kids and lots of people under 40. They told me that over the summer they typically get around 200 kids per week, but the New Years (and Christmas) cruises had more like 400 kids. The kids clubs were not overly mobbed (I guess that many kids are with siblings/cousins).

 

We didn't like the age breakdown for the 'tweens' club, which is ages 7-12. Kids that are 11 or 12 typically have very different tastes than those that are 7 or 8. Also would have liked it if the kids club went later, particularly on New Year's eve.

 

They had entertainment to suit a variety of ages, and it was good for families.

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we just sailed on the Koningsdam - 11 day, in October and we felt like we were on a Senior Citizen/Assisted Living cruise. We know HAL is known for a older crowd, but this was ridiculous. We probably saw a total of 10 children on board. And as far as entertainment....forget it. They had one comedian, one singer, one sax player on the World Stage. So disappointing

 

 

 

2 children on the Zuiderdam Cruise I was on Dec 6. Captain was all excited Xmas cruise would have 54 .

 

Entertainment in 11 nights 3 main stage show, a bad magician and comedian. BB Kings was good for a couple nights. The piano bar was the mellow I have ever been too. No requests taken.

 

No one in Lido past 9pm

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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Anyone had them operate the sometimes Club HAL on Prinsendam? We're looking at a Norway cruise this summer (14 day north cape) and literature states they run club HAL if there are kids and we're wondering if there is a threshold? We will have an almost 8 yo girl.

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Anyone had them operate the sometimes Club HAL on Prinsendam? We're looking at a Norway cruise this summer (14 day north cape) and literature states they run club HAL if there are kids and we're wondering if there is a threshold? We will have an almost 8 yo girl.

Prinsendam had a Club Hal staffer on our 2016 transatlantic. There were only two kids, teenagers, on board. The staff member had so little to do that she helped on trivia and other activities. I would expect Holland America to live up to the promise on their literature, but you might contact them directly to see if they will. They might also tell you how many children will be sailing along.

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Anyone had them operate the sometimes Club HAL on Prinsendam? We're looking at a Norway cruise this summer (14 day north cape) and literature states they run club HAL if there are kids and we're wondering if there is a threshold? We will have an almost 8 yo girl.

 

While Prinsendam does not techincally have an official Club HAL for children, on our cruise they had 2 people assigned if there were children.

 

what a joy. They took them out and about the ship.

 

the children were lovely and the HAL staff fussed over them tremendously.

 

I asked as I was curious and since they don't have anything much (small ship) but the one room, they take advantage of the ship.

 

The children had a blast (we saw them numerous times), parents came to check, just perfect.

 

The children were invited to every VIP party they had.

 

Overall, whether it's the P'dam or any other ship (with more facilities) I have found the children's programmes one of the best kept secrets on board.

 

Your 8 year old will be fine if what I saw is any indicator :)

 

I was very impressed.

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Thank you Jacqui - our expeirience with a kid on HAL has always been that the staff adore her (she has always seemed to have personal stewards on the Lido deck - when she sailed at 11 months she had a personal ice cream servant and at 3 1/2 a woman who she still talks about visiting in Bali;)). I’m glad to hear the prinsendam Club HAL would work. We will try and check with shore services to make sure it will be running.

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Thank you Jacqui - our expeirience with a kid on HAL has always been that the staff adore her (she has always seemed to have personal stewards on the Lido deck - when she sailed at 11 months she had a personal ice cream servant and at 3 1/2 a woman who she still talks about visiting in Bali;)). I’m glad to hear the prinsendam Club HAL would work. We will try and check with shore services to make sure it will be running.

 

You are most welcome :)

 

My understanding last time I was on board is that there was no "official" Club HAL but trained people were on board if there were children.

 

Not sure when in the summer you are cruising but we will be on in May and I will be doing a LIVE thread. If it's of help, don't hesitate to post on it and remind me to check for you.

 

Staff really do enjoy the children, as you have experienced.

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Pretty sure Prinsendam's Stuyvesant Room is used as Club HAL when there are kids onboard

 

Right as usual ;)

 

Yes, that is the "official room" I was told when we were on board. The staff don't restrict their activities to that room though. They said it could be boring if they were there all of the time ;) so they often have the children out and about in different areas on the ship.

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FYI for the Club HAL on Prinsendam I called shore services today and as of Dec 20th, 2017 they have suspended Club HAL on Prinsendam as they only have 23 children booked for 2018. There were no children booked on the cruise we were looking at (June 16th - 30th). I'm so sad. Ive always wanted to sail on the Prinsendam. I'm reasonably sure we will be on the Norwegian Jade. This is more proof that HAL is not trying to get the family market.

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FYI for the Club HAL on Prinsendam I called shore services today and as of Dec 20th, 2017 they have suspended Club HAL on Prinsendam as they only have 23 children booked for 2018. There were no children booked on the cruise we were looking at (June 16th - 30th). I'm so sad. Ive always wanted to sail on the Prinsendam. I'm reasonably sure we will be on the Norwegian Jade. This is more proof that HAL is not trying to get the family market.

 

The Prinsendam is our favorite HAL ship. On one of our Grand Med cruises (62 days) there were zero young children and the children's counselor was reassigned to work with the CD hosting adult activities. On that particular cruise the youngest cruiser was a delightful 27 year old (Jennifer) who was the companion to her Grandmother (who became our friend).

 

We like HAL (5 Star Mariners) but would not recommend the line for anyone with children older than toddlers. The little toddlers will do fine because they are happy to be with parents or Grandparents. But once they get to be about 5...they want to be with other children....and in that.....HAL is not a good bet. Take children on many other lines and they will often find at least 3 distinct age groups (each with their own professional counselors and activities). If we live long enough to take our newborn Grandson on his first cruise....we will likely swallow our pride and go back to RCI (or perhaps Disney).

 

Hank

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