HAL Noordam or Norwegian Sun for teenagers

[dutchiegirl]

I am planning an Alaska cruise for my husband, 15-year old son, and myself. I am torn between HAL Noordam and Norwegian Sun. Leaning towards HAL Noordam because is looks like the balcony cabins are a little larger, but then somebody told me that Norwegian Sun would be better for my teenager. Any thoughts?

[CCC3]

Teens usually like activities. I might check to see what activities for teens are on board or what is there to do once sailing. Never sailed HAL (but understand they may have an older demographic) or NCL so I can't advise on the cabins. Good luck & smooth sailing!

[cb at sea]

The deck plans tell you the sq. footage...but beware...some lines include the balcony space in the sq. footage....so take that into consideration.

[Cuizer2]

HAL's activities are more mentally oriented and NCL's activities are more physically oriented. However, NCL currently has fourteen ships in its fleet and its reputation is built more on the nine ships that entered service in 2005 and later and not so much on the five ships that entered service in 2002 and earlier. The NCL Sun entered service in 2001.

 

I am not suggesting that the Sun is a bad ship. What I am saying is that you will not find up to the standard of NCL's newest ships. So you need to find out if the people that you are talking to are basing their opinions on the five older ships or the nine newer ships.

 

HAL is very traditional, and the NCL Noordam, which entered service in 2006 is a very modern ship - for HAL.

 

All that said, I do believe that most teenagers would prefer NCL over HAL, simply because there are likely to be more teenagers on NCL then on HAL.

[zookiebird]

Your teen will definitely find more activities on board NCL. HAL has "Club HAL" designed for kids and teens but I don't know its specifics. Alaska is very port intensive. Your itinerary and shore excursions may be more of a deciding factor.

[BabySis]

Carnival or Royal Caribbean!!! However, if your choice is NCL or HAL... go with NCL for the teens!!

[Aquahound]

I wouldn't go anywhere near HAL with teens so of those 2 choices, NCL is the better choice with teens.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Before you decide on a ship -- check how long you are in each port.

[Krozulo]

I was considering HAL (over Princess) and one post I read said that HAL "rolls up the carpet" at 9:30 pm. Teens will get bored if the most exciting thing happening at night is getting to bed early.

[6rugrats]

My DD and DS loved HAL, but they don't need nonstop shipboard activity to be happy. Our last HAL cruise was an Alaska cruise and was just DD and myself.

 

She was 14 at the time and says it was her best cruise ever. She was never bored.

[zoncom]

Post on Special interest/family cruises here. NCL Sun an older ship, no ammenities at all.

. HAL is great for over 75 set. You need one of the Mega ships of CCL or RCL to entertain the teens.

[SadieN]

Alaska is a very different cruise experience. Choose based on itinerary. Most Alaska cruises are 'early to bed, early to rise'.

[Crew News]

I am planning an Alaska cruise for my husband, 15-year old son, and myself. I am torn between HAL Noordam and Norwegian Sun. Leaning towards HAL Noordam because is looks like the balcony cabins are a little larger, but then somebody told me that Norwegian Sun would be better for my teenager. Any thoughts?

 

Welcome to CC.

 

Here are the teen activities for Alaska that should be typical. All of the teens we have met in eight years of sailing with HAL enjoyed their experience and created friendships with others from many cultures.

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/AL-15-Kids-13-17.pdf

[Lulubelle45]

Ive sailed bor NCL & HAL. definately NCL for a teen or young at hearts. We dubbed the HAL Zaandam the Snooze cruise

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Forums mobile app

[WupperAV]

Teens love NCL, 4000 teenagers, a full deck to themselves and burgers and fries. What else could they want?