HOLLAND AMERICA'S YOUTH PROGRAMS
Holland America Line has further enhanced its onboard experience
for kids with an upgraded Youth Program, complete with expanded
facilities for kids of all ages. Club HAL®, offering fun and creative
activities for kids ages 3 to 12, now includes state-of-the-art facilities
and serves as the hub of the children’s program. In addition, Holland
America Line recently introduced new areas on all its ships to
provide teens with a unique environment to get away and have fun.
Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm of Peter Yran and
Bjorn Storbraaten of Oslo, Norway, Holland America’s new children’
s facilities are themed by art and will be the most elaborate of any
cruise line at sea. Each area is tailored to a specific age group and
provides great activities to fulfill every interest.
CLUB HAL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Youngsters receive a Club HAL daily program delivered to their
stateroom, which lists the next day’s youth activities. This is in
addition to the regular daily program delivered to every stateroom. All
youngsters participating in the Club Hal Program also receive a
Club HAL T-shirt.
CLUB HAL FOR CHILDREN 3 YEARS AND UP
Club HAL, previously serving children 5 and older will now cater to
kids 3 years and up. A streaming array of colors swirl on the ceiling,
paint brushes serve as pillars and enormous pencils adorn the
back wall. Kids will be delighted by the opportunities available in
Club HAL. Art tables, a big screen television and a tape dispenser
styled slide in the middle of the room inspire creativity and fun, giving
children a great sanctuary where they can escape into a world all
their own.
Through a partnership with Cranium, Holland America Line will
expand its board game offerings, providing kids with a wide variety of
games to choose from. Foosball, Internet access and state-of-the-
art electronic games are also available. Club HAL activities are
supervised by permanent, full-time directors and staff. Directors hold
degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure
studies and related fields, giving parents peace of mind that their
kids are enjoying safe, supervised fun.
SAMPLE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS 3-8
Daily activities may include story telling, fabric painting, indoor
games, ship tours, arts and crafts, charades, Uno, drawing
contests, ice-cream sundae party, puzzles, bingo or a farewell pizza
party.
HAL'S YOUTH PROGRAM FOR KIDS 8-12
An area for older kids ages 8 to 12 features arcade games, air
hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Internet access and Sony Playstations,
providing everything they look for in land-based activities and more.
This getaway provides kids in this age group an area to relax, surf
the internet, and play games in a cool, modern atmosphere.
SAMPLE ACTIVITIES FOR TWEENS 8-12
Tweens might learn golf putting, have disco parties and theme
parties, participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr.
Ranger Program on Alaska cruises, compete in on-deck sports
events, compete in scavenger hunts or simply play ping-pong with a
friend.
TEEN PROGRAMS ON HOLLAND AMERICA
Teens ages 13 to 17 will find a perfect getaway from family and
siblings in The Loft. Specially designed to resemble a New York
artist’s loft, this lounge area has a contemporary feel with bright
colors and funky patterns. One of the most exciting features of this
area is the special passageway to a secluded teen deck called The
Oasis.
THE OASIS FOR TEENS
An exclusive hideaway for teens, The Oasis provides guests with
plenty of space to relax and socialize with people their age.
Featuring a private entrance, the deck is a perfect place for teens to
soak up rays then cool off in a one-of-a-kind waterfall and cave.
Located toward the stern of the ship, the sundeck is an exciting
addition to Holland America’s already extensive activities.
Unmatched anywhere in the cruise industry, The Oasis provides
teenage guests with a secluded area they can call their own.
OTHER UNIQUE FUN ACTIVITIES
Several other unique onboard activities also have been added,
including the Little Artist program, “Luau at the Oasis”, “Teen
Superstar” and “Dance Dance Revolution” (DDR) contests, Campin’
under the Stars and Wacky Olympics. Families can take advantage
of expanded offerings such as Cranium Family Game time, Family
Olympics and Karaoke.
CLUB HAL HOURS
While the ship is in port, activities begin at 3pm, however, when the
ship is at sea, there will be at least one activity in the morning, one in
the afternoon and one in the evening.
CLUB HAL AFTER HOURS
The kids program will also offer a new service, Club HAL After
Hours. This program features extended hours so parents can enjoy
an evening alone while their children are enjoying themselves in
another area of the ship. Available for $5 per child per hour, the
service extends from 10 p.m. to midnight. All of these additions
provide more ways than ever to enjoy cruising as a family while
providing opportunities for everyone to customize the voyage to suit
their interests.
The innovative facilities and Youth Program will be fully implemented
across Holland America’s fleet by 2006. In addition to debuting the
new areas and Youth Program, the ms Ryndam will be the first ship
to showcase all enhancements associated with the Signature of
Excellence on its October 10 sailing to the Mexican Riviera.
SPECIAL ALASKA "KIDS ONLY" SHORE EXCURSIONS
Holland America Line exclusively offers "kids-only" shore excursions
in Alaska. Kids have the opportunity to explore the wilds of Alaska
with others their age and return to the ship to share their
experiences with their families. A member of the Club HAL staff and
an excursion guide lead the youngsters on adventures such as
treasure hunts, a tram ride and hike and a visit to a totem pole
center in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Skagway. Kids-only shore
excursions are purchased on board at the Shore Excursions Office.
On Half Moon Cay, the Treasure Quest shore excursion gives kids a
chance to follow the clues, avoid the pirates and seek the treasure of
gold.
CLUB HAL STAFF MEMBERS
On every ship, there is at least one full-time Club HAL director and
one Club HAL staff assistant per volume of children as needed. The
ratio of Club HAL staff to children on board is 1:30. Additional staff is
assigned as the number of children increases. On sailings with
large numbers of youth passengers, Club HAL teen staff members
may be on board as well.
Holland America Line's Club HAL directors are permanent, full-time
employees. Approximately half of the Club HAL Directors have
college degrees in education. The other half have degrees in related
fields such as childhood development, recreation or leisure studies.
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