Help please!!

[jobsite]

What are the differences between HAL and RCI, food, activities, entertainment, etc.. We've cruised RCI about 10 times because we have boys ages 9 and 11. But, I'm ready to try something new. Thanks in advance for your input

[SwissMyst]

What are the differences between HAL and RCI, food, activities, entertainment, etc.. We've cruised RCI about 10 times because we have boys ages 9 and 11. But, I'm ready to try something new. Thanks in advance for your input

 

 

Tell us more about what you are you looking when you say you want something "new"? Disney always seems to be a good choice when travelling with children. But do you want new itineraries, size, price, activities, decor, atmosphere, service attention, dining choices, dress styles .......... :confused:

[jobsite]

Tell us more about what you are you looking when you say you want something "new"? Disney always seems to be a good choice when travelling with children. But do you want new itineraries, size, price, activities, decor, atmosphere, service attention, dining choices, dress styles .......... :confused:

Pretty much everything you mentioned! Different menus, ports, service. Just want to experience another product. My kids are not Disney kids and my hubby needs a casino when cruising. I guess what I'm worried most about is my boys being bored. They are 9 and 11 are are very typical active boys. They are used to RCI ships where there's so much to do. Thanks so much

[SwissMyst]

Pretty much everything you mentioned! Different menus, ports, service. Just want to experience another product. My kids are not Disney kids and my hubby needs a casino when cruising. I guess what I'm worried most about is my boys being bored. They are 9 and 11 are are very typical active boys. They are used to RCI ships where there's so much to do. Thanks so much

 

Constant, high-level physical activity is not HAL ships strong suit. Its enduring appeal it is just the opposite. Libraries and quiet spaces are its biggest appeal for us. However, there are many reports from families with children that are very positive about HAL ships.

 

But novelty spaces and add on recreational play things is just not HAL. Just the swimming pool, some sports courts, a retreat area and a few youth program directors seems to be the HAL package. And traveling to interesting ports along the way. I guess some of this depends on how many full sea days each trip includes where the youth programs and activities may matter more.

 

But for all the other parts of your interests, I think HAL is a great choice. We like it a lot. But no 9-11 year old boys in tow. Here is the Cruise Critic link for best family ship choices: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2

[Shippy]

Thinking of booking a Holland cruise because of the current sale, that is why I am reading these postings. We love both Holland & RCCL.

We have cruised for decades always by ourselves. I am sure Holland has a nice program for young people, however....................

if I was going to book a cruise with kids I would take RCCL. There dedicated spaces for kids is incredible. Their own computer room, night club, etc. I think they even have their own pool area. They do special things for them at the Johnney Rockets resaturant and lets not forget about the free rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, minature golf course, etc.

 

When checking about kids programs, ask the cruiseline how much DEDICATED space they provide just for the kids. Do not count arcades. They will run you a fortune no matter which ship you are on.

[jobsite]

Thanks so much for your input! fortunately, my boys are very adaptable. We also camp in our camper qute a bit and they don't seem to get bored as long as they are outside. I think as long as they have a pool and some fun activities with other kids they should be fine. Plus I usually take them out of school when we cruise, so the school work should also keep them quite busy.

[IRL_Joanie]

Thanks so much for your input! fortunately, my boys are very adaptable. We also camp in our camper qute a bit and they don't seem to get bored as long as they are outside. I think as long as they have a pool and some fun activities with other kids they should be fine. Plus I usually take them out of school when we cruise, so the school work should also keep them quite busy.

Just jumping in to ask a question of you...

 

What HAL ships are you looking at cruising on??

 

The reason I ask is space and offerings for the various ships.

 

On the smaller R and S class ships the space for Club HAL will be smaller and more limited (I Believe) than on the Vista and Signature Class ships.

 

I've just finished uploading photos of Club HAL on the Nieuw Amsterdam and it is totally unique in what it has compared to what all the other HAL ships have as as offerings for the kids. It is also quite large!!

 

If you go to the following link http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/ you can click on the various ships and see what the photos and descriptions of the Club HAL areas are, most of the ships have the same offerings/looks. (The link will be at the bottom of each main stateroom page listed as Page 2)

 

Hope this helps, if even a little bit...

 

Joanie

[sevenseasnomad]

Thanks so much for your input! fortunately, my boys are very adaptable. We also camp in our camper qute a bit and they don't seem to get bored as long as they are outside. I think as long as they have a pool and some fun activities with other kids they should be fine. Plus I usually take them out of school when we cruise, so the school work should also keep them quite busy.

 

If you're thinking of cruising during school, HAL might not be your best bet. During a Maasdam cruise in April (while school was in session) there were only 6 kids aboard, and we never saw them until we were disembarking! We spent most of our days poolside so they were not playing around the pool.

 

If your sons are used to the activities aboard RCL, they might be bored with HAL. You said your family was ready to try another cruise line. Have you considered Disney or Carnival? Both have excellent year-round children's programs. Disney has adults only spaces that would allow you & your husband a chance to relax away from kids. However, if you're set on HAL, go for it with the realization that Club HAL may not be available on certain itineraries.

[fqtvguy]

If you're thinking of cruising during school, HAL might not be your best bet. During a Maasdam cruise in April (while school was in session) there were only 6 kids aboard, and we never saw them until we were disembarking! We spent most of our days poolside so they were not playing around the pool.

 

If your sons are used to the activities aboard RCL, they might be bored with HAL. You said your family was ready to try another cruise line. Have you considered Disney or Carnival? Both have excellent year-round children's programs. Disney has adults only spaces that would allow you & your husband a chance to relax away from kids. However, if you're set on HAL, go for it with the realization that Club HAL may not be available on certain itineraries.

 

Even with a few kids, Club HAL will run- we're heading out on the Oosterdam next week, and there are less than 20 kids, (clearly because its not school vacation tim), and Club HAL is running. I'm not sure if they'll combine age groups or not, but our child (4-and-a-half) is very outgoing and adaptable, so I'm sure she'll be happy.

 

We were on the Amsterdam this summer with 120+ kids, and Club HAL was b-u-s-y! While there isn't an arcade (so savings there!), there were plenty of kids in the 'tween category - 8-12-ish age category - and they can use the computer games and such that are dedicated to that part of the club...each age category had it's own separate area of the club.

[baggal]

IMO, HAL has an aura of elegance and more upscale food which RCI is missing. RCI has more bang for the buck in terms of activities and sports venues that would interest children - and some adults.

 

If your kids are used to all the activities on RCI ships, they may be disappointed with HAL.

[debsjc]

There is another recent topic on this exact subject, which might have some helpful info for you

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1270575&highlight=