How strict is the age limit on HAL teen club?

[cruzlover56]

We are leaving on the Noordam Mar 4 and I have a very excited near teen wanting to know if he will be allowed in the Teen club. He will be 13 three weeks after we leave. He is particularly excited as this ship has the new Oasis.

 

Have you had any experience with hard and fast rules or not?

 

I appreciate your input....he's wound up enough about our trip, it would be nice to put his and my mind at ease on this. :D

 

Thanks!

[fairydustca]

We are in a similar situation with 2 daughters...one will be 15 the other will be one month shy of 13. I would love to know the answer to this.

 

Also, I have heard that the teen programs are rather hit or miss on their ships. How do you find out exactly what is available on each ship? The website is not much help. Carnival is very clear about what is available on each ship. We will be on a Christmas cruise to Mexican Riviera on the Oosterdam. I assume there will be many kids onboard since it is a holiday.

[GrammyPL]

Not sure about the age thing - but we had our grandson and family with us on a Westerdam cruise Nov 6. Each night Steve would have a schedual delivered to his room along with my familys daily schedaul. Hope that helps. Penny

[GPoll189]

Let me start by saying that I am only 26 years old. I have been saying on HAL since I was 4. At that time they did not have anything like Club HAL aboard their ships but the did have some activities for the kids. Every year from then are they seemed to get better. In the last ten years they have made huge strides on the family side by adding to their youth club.

 

Lets go to you question. First of all I am not sure if the cruise you will be going on is during a school vacation. Usually durning school vacations their are more children aboard. They are usually all different ages. However when students are back in school there is rarely alot of children aboard. When I was on the ships and was part of the HAL program they didn't have the OASIS or anything like that. Usually their are three age groups of kids: Preteen, Tweens, Teens. Sometimes when their are less children aboard some activites will be combined but most of the time they are separate.

 

As for the age, Sometimes you can get away with being a year or two older or younger depending on the amount of kids. I remember when I was 19 I was able to be in the Teen program, sometimes when their are not enough Tweens they will allow the children to move up to the Teen program.

 

I don't know about the Club, I believe it will be run by the youth staff aboard the ship so after the first day the will know your child if they go to the meet and greet on the first day. They usually ask for your age and room number. I am not saying to lie but if you want to you could say that you are 13. I don't remember them checking any list when I was on the ship but that could have changed from the time I stop particapting in the program.

 

Sometimes the children can have a better time by themselves but usually I would recommend particapting in some of the activities that they allow. You can meet many nice people.

 

Now that I have a step sister who is 7 that will be participating in the program I would like her to have the same fun as I did when I was her age.

 

I am friends with a former youth counselor but have not been in touch with her in some time. If you want any more imformation or want to talk about the program you can e-mail me at the same screen name on AOL. I hope I was a help to you all.

 

24 Cruises on HAL in 26 years on Earth

[cruzlover56]

GPoll189

 

Thanks for the response. Its kind of what I suspected. We have been on three other HAL cruises when my son was a tween. He enjoyed Club Hal, but even at age 11 he was getting a bit old for the tween club.

He is already 5'7" so as long as their isn't a overwhelming turnout we should be good. We leave Mar 4 which isn't Spring Break here, but it is in other parts of North America.

[fairydustca]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Since we are going during Christmas break there should be many kids onboard.

Take Care,

Denise:)

[fairydustca]

Hi Everyone,

 

Just wanted to let you know the respnse I received from HAL regarding activities to teens and also about age requirements. It sounds like it is fine for a 12 year old to join the 13-17 yr. old group. Here is the respnse from HAL:

 

" Activities are offered for kids ages 13-17. Permanent, full-time Club HAL directors and assistants supervise all activities. Club HAL directors hold degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure studies or related fields. They will be supervised at all activities; however, the Club HAL Director is not responsible for any teen if he/she chooses to leave the activity.

 

Happenings for 13-17 year olds (sample of a daily schedule):

 

11:00 am - Cruisin- Kickoff Wake up you bed heads and come join the

Teens Sports Deck 12. Shannon is going to fill you in on all that's happening during your first day at sea.

Drinks are on us!

 

2:00 pm - Scavenger Hunt You've never seen a hunt like this before! We'll place you on teams and send ya out to find all the strange items on Shannon's list.

Prizes will be awarded!

 

3:30 pm - Hoop Shoot So what if you're not Shaq! Meet the Teens at the court on Sports Deck.

 

4:30 pm - Mexican Macramé Bracelets We're getting crafty. Join us to make these great souvenirs from your vacation to Mexico.

 

5:00 pm - Arcade Free Play Don't miss this one and only chance to play the video games!

 

9:00 pm - Cranium Conga We're going to learn some interesting facts about all of you tonight! Join us to play this revealing game.

 

11:00 pm - Mocktail Madness Party What's a mocktail? You're about to find out at this evening's party with fruity drinks, snacks and your favorite games.

 

The above sample program may not be available on your cruise or some changes to the program may have been added. Teens may enjoy activities such as teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games; teen sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos. The Youth Olympics are held for all age groups.

 

You daughter will not be turned away because she is one month shy of 13. You may speak to the coordinator when you register your children for the program.

 

The ms Oosterdam has a movie theater onboard. In addition to the movie theater there are 2 swimming pools, two show lounges, library, fitness center, basketball court, and volleyball court.

 

Please feel free to contact us if we may be of additional assistance. We look forward to welcoming you onboard in the near future."

 

Sounds good!:D

[CruisinMK]

Sure beats the art auction and bingo. Wish I could sign up. :)

[Himself]

I was on the Statendam on her last cruise to Hawaii. There was one child of about 10 on the voyage. There were NO teens. I understand that more than a few adults snuck up to see the teen hangout Aft on the Sports deck. Some were resentful of the fact that it was for teens only. They said they wanted to go lay on the hammocks but were afraid of getting caught.

[formercruisestaff]

Ahhh the joys of head office telling someone exactly what they wanted to hear and leaving the poor youth coordinator to clean up their mess...

 

I would explain your situation to the youth director in private. Depending on the number of tweens and teens on your voyage the coordinator will decide whether your son can participate in the teen program (if their a large number of youth on the run then it is harder to let youth switch groups because EVERYONE would want to). Often the reason 12 year olds are not allowed in the teen program is because the older teens (16/17 year olds) feel discouraged from attending if they have to hang out with kids in middle school. So of course if there aren't many 16/17 year olds on the ship, this becomes less of a factor.

 

But yes, ages are checked in Club HAL so honesty definately works better than just trying to be sneaky. If there aren't too many youth on the ship, the Club HAL director is usually pretty accomodating.

 

Enjoy your trip!!!

[FoxyTerrier]

Ahhh the joys of head office telling someone exactly what they wanted to hear and leaving the poor youth coordinator to clean up their mess...

 

I would explain your situation to the youth director in private. Depending on the number of tweens and teens on your voyage the coordinator will decide whether your son can participate in the teen program (if their a large number of youth on the run then it is harder to let youth switch groups because EVERYONE would want to). Often the reason 12 year olds are not allowed in the teen program is because the older teens (16/17 year olds) feel discouraged from attending if they have to hang out with kids in middle school. So of course if there aren't many 16/17 year olds on the ship, this becomes less of a factor.

 

But yes, ages are checked in Club HAL so honesty definately works better than just trying to be sneaky. If there aren't too many youth on the ship, the Club HAL director is usually pretty accomodating.

 

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

My son will be 50 days past his 18th birthday - currently a high school senior so would he be automatically denied since he past the 18th birthday?

 

The group he hangs with now are in the 16-18 range.

[AAL]

I too am wondering whether 18 year olds are ever permitted to use the Oasis. We depart on the Zaandam this Sunday -- can't wait! -- with two daughters, ages 13 and 18. We'll talk to the youth director and see what happens. I'm hoping there's some flexibility, but I'm sure it depends on how many other teens are on board.

[skylar64]

Yes, don't be surprised if they are very strict about the age groups. Especially during a spring break or vacation where there are more kids. We were told certain information before we departed on the zuiderdam last spring and when we got on board, everything we were told about the age specifics for the HAL club were not true. They do have records of ages and yes they do check. We tried to lie because my son was disappointed that he couldn't join certain activities as he was told. They ended up checking after he was already involved and told us he could not stay on. Very upsetting. I would say to not get your hopes up too much that a child under 13 would be able to do the oasis. We were told this last time... a child can go down a level to be with a cousin of a younger age, but they were not able to go up unless they were that age. Good luck and enjoy. Plenty of fun things to do onboard.

[formercruisestaff]

My son will be 50 days past his 18th birthday - currently a high school senior so would he be automatically denied since he past the 18th birthday?

 

The group he hangs with now are in the 16-18 range.

 

Once again I would say it depends on the demograpics of the teens on board. If the majority of the teens are 13/14 then the youth director will probably be a little less flexible. If there are low numbers or a high percentage of older teens then the director may be a little more flexible. You understand that some parents might not be too crazy about their 13 year old daughters hanging out with 18 year old boys, so a number of factors contribute to the YPD's decision.

[formercruisestaff]

I too am wondering whether 18 year olds are ever permitted to use the Oasis. We depart on the Zaandam this Sunday -- can't wait! -- with two daughters, ages 13 and 18. We'll talk to the youth director and see what happens. I'm hoping there's some flexibility, but I'm sure it depends on how many other teens are on board.

 

I would imagine this is likely as we won't be having many teens on board next cruise. Amy and Staci are great. PS come say hi - I'm one of the Assistant Cruise Directors on board!!!

[AAL]

cruisestaff,

 

I will definitely look you up! We'll be on the plane in less than 48 hours -- I'm so excited!

[formercruisestaff]

cruisestaff,

 

I will definitely look you up! We'll be on the plane in less than 48 hours -- I'm so excited!

 

Ooh wow I didn't notice you were from Alaska....two months away for us to get there!!!

[FoxyTerrier]

You understand that some parents might not be too crazy about their 13 year old daughters hanging out with 18 year old boys, so a number of factors contribute to the YPD's decision.

 

I understand that totally. Being 18 is a hard age for cruising - too old for the teen Club HAL and too young to meet young people in the Night clubs (I believe they are over 21). A college age get together/mixer might be needed at the beginning of a cruise. Nothing as orgainized as Club HAL.

 

Just an idea....

[formercruisestaff]

I understand that totally. Being 18 is a hard age for cruising - too old for the teen Club HAL and too young to meet young people in the Night clubs (I believe they are over 21). A college age get together/mixer might be needed at the beginning of a cruise. Nothing as orgainized as Club HAL.

 

Just an idea....

 

Well, like I said, if there's not too many teens the YPD might not have any qualms with it.

 

The good news is that your son can hang out in the disco (21 is the drinking age but you only need to be 18 to be present) and the casino is also a sea day option.

 

If you are on a vista you might even luck out and have a bunch of kids your son's age - which ship and what date is your cruise on.

[FoxyTerrier]

Well, like I said, if there's not too many teens the YPD might not have any qualms with it.

 

The good news is that your son can hang out in the disco (21 is the drinking age but you only need to be 18 to be present) and the casino is also a sea day option.

 

If you are on a vista you might even luck out and have a bunch of kids your son's age - which ship and what date is your cruise on.

 

Great news about the Disco - I didn't realize that.

 

We will be sailing on 6/20/2006 on the Noordam. He has always had such a great time cruising and luckily he is very outgoing which helps meeting new people. As my father says about him "He's no wallflower" not to says he is wild and crazy in fact he just became an Eagle Scout last week.

[localady]

I have an 18 yo who will be crusing with us in December. He too is disappointed that he is too old to hang out in the Oasis this cruise.

We have travelled with our boys during their school breaks on HAL before and have found that the staff was quite stringent about age requirements.

My 12 yo was very sad that he couldn't hang out in the Oasis with his brother and best friend although he was 12 years and 11 months old. I felt bad for him, but had to support the staff in their decision. This time though he will be able to hang out at the Oasis and his brother may be excluded....It's part of growing up I told them.....:cool:

The good news is, that both, despite the "age" troubles, loved the cruise and begged us to take them again!!:cool:

[cchsvolleygirll]

Hello, I am going on a cruise in June and have been on two cruises with Holland America. We have not had problems with the age factor. I cruise with some friends and they are two years younger than me and they have always been able to go to the teens activities with me. I am going to be 18 this year and I hope that I can still tag along with them and maybe find some new friends as I have in the past. Then again I don't even know if we are going to have time because of the number of ports we are seeing. Either way, I would say from the experience that I have had on Holland America Cruises, age hasn't really been an issue. If you have any questions just let me know!:)

[GPoll189]

Hello FormerCruiseStaff,

 

I can't believe what I heard. You said that Amy is still working with HAL. I am not sure if this is the same Amy that was my youth counselor a couple of years ago. The one that I can remember worked on the Rotterdam and another ship. I remember how good of a youth counselor she was and always wondered if I could get a job as a counselor aboard a ship. However, I am a teacher in New York for elemementary children and also now going to school to become a Physician Assistant. Maybe one day I will live my dream working on a cruise ship. When you have a chance please write back. THanks

 

24 cruises on HAL in 26 years on Earth

[formercruisestaff]

Hello FormerCruiseStaff,

 

I can't believe what I heard. You said that Amy is still working with HAL. I am not sure if this is the same Amy that was my youth counselor a couple of years ago. The one that I can remember worked on the Rotterdam and another ship. I remember how good of a youth counselor she was and always wondered if I could get a job as a counselor aboard a ship. However, I am a teacher in New York for elemementary children and also now going to school to become a Physician Assistant. Maybe one day I will live my dream working on a cruise ship. When you have a chance please write back. THanks

 

24 cruises on HAL in 26 years on Earth

 

Hey there!

 

Amy Kraft (which I believe is the Amy you're referring to) has last been known to work on the Ryndam. We have a number of Amys working Club HAL lately including one on the Zaandam and one on the Veendam.

 

If you're interested in working for HAL you can always check for a short term contract. They often hire youth staff for Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter and Spring Breaks. You can apply with them directly over the internet.

[formercruisestaff]

I have just been informed by the YPD on our ship that the Oasis is open to youth up to 21 years old. I am not sure if this a fleet-wide rule or specifically for the Zaandam, but I thought you might all be interested to hear it.

 

The Loft activities are still only for 13-17 year olds.