Presents from Santa?

[YOWzers]

When I was on the Zuiderdam over Christmas a few years ago, I thought it was super cute on Christmas day when they gave announcements over the loudspeaker that Santa was coming to get all the kiddies (and kids at heart, I suppose) excited that Santa was coming and then he had a little visit with them all in the theater.

 

I was just there for the eggnog but I am trying to remember if the kids got presents from him. If so, how do you get in on that? Do you just bring a wrapped present for your child and give it to someone for Santa to pass on?

[sail7seas]

The times we sailed over Christmas, they made periodic announcements plotting Santa's route. Christmas morning, Santa arrived in the show lounge and the ship provided small gifts for the children. They know how many children are aboard, obviously, and there is a gift for each.

 

It's been about 3-4 years since we sailed over Christmas so don't know if they still do this.

Edited November 20, 2015 by sail7seas

[erewhon]

Christmas 2012 we sailed on Oosterdam, a video was shown in the Vista Lounge showing the progress of Santa around the ship.

When he arrived, escorted by his elves, children were invited onto the stage.....in age groups, beginning with the youngest who were carried by a parent.

Photos were taken of each child receiving a parcel from Santa, one of the older boys gave Santa a big hug.

[whogo]

I remember kiddie backpacks for one age group, probably had the HAL logo. One little girl was adorable, a crowd pleaser who jumped for joy at receiving her present from Santa. I thought it was very well done.

[Susie51]

Great idea! I hope it continues.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Christmas 2012 we sailed on Oosterdam, a video was shown in the Vista Lounge showing the progress of Santa around the ship.

When he arrived, escorted by his elves, children were invited onto the stage.....in age groups, beginning with the youngest who were carried by a parent.

Photos were taken of each child receiving a parcel from Santa, one of the older boys gave Santa a big hug.

 

 

Love it!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

HAL really does try hard to please the children.

[boulders]

They were still doing it Christmas, 2013 on the Zaandam.

[YOWzers]

Thanks! I didn't know it was HAL providing. That is super sweet. I hope they are still doing it.

[hpf]

They also did it last year on the Statendam. The children were so cute and each one had their picture taken with Santa as well as receiving a gift from him. Then after all the children got to sit on Santa's knee then the adults who were there were also invited to go up as well.

Helen

[Infi]

Yes, we've seen this the past two years on the Amsterdam and Prinsendam. Last year on the Prinsendam, it was very easy to hand out the gifts, as there were only 10 children onboard! ;)

 

It's very cute to watch the kids (and adults!) with Santa and we appreciate the effort HAL puts into Christmas eve and morning. It's little touches like this that keep us cruising every year at the holidays.