New to HAL - Noordam or Oosterdam?

[Iwannavacation]

My wife and I (with our son who will then be 5) are planning a Mediteranean cruise in the summer of 2009. We've cruised Disney and Royal Carib, but will be new to HAL. We're trying to decide on two different itineraries, with the two ships listed above. Question: what do my fellow posters recommend? Thoughts about the Kids Club for a 5 year old? Can you provide details and suggestions on the Deluxe Outside Veranda cabin? Any other thoughts and suggestions much appreciated on the choice between these boats?

[O2B@C]

Noordam and Oosterdam are both Vista class ships. Noordam is newer, and there are some differences in layout, but they are more or less comparable, so if one of the itineraries is more appealing, I recommend choosing on that basis.

 

Can't comment on the kids' club, but others will chime in, I'm sure.

 

Deluxe Veranda Suites (categories SA, SB, SC) are large and comfortable, and would provide ample room for a couple plus their small child (on the sofabed). They come with perks such as free laundry (also a big plus, with a child!:D ) and access to the Neptune Lounge. They are not a suite in the sense of having two separate rooms, but they have a dressing alcove and a large bathroom, with dual sinks and both a tub-shower combo and separate shower stall.

 

The regular veranda "suites" (SS, SY, SZ) do not have all the perks of the deluxe ones, but are pretty much the same size as the SA-SC ones.

 

The veranda cabins (VA-VH) are much smaller. They vary in the size of the verandas and the configuration of the cabins. Look carefully at deck plans before choosing. If you can swing one of the larger cabins, I think they would be more comfortable for three people.