New to Holland

[Denisern2]

Hi there Holland cruisers. My parents are in their golden years and do not like to travel alone. So we are booked on a holland america cruise, tell me there will be some things for me to do in the eve? How is the gym do they have spinning class? I am excited to try the Noordam, my travel agent tried to talk me out of it because she thought I would not enjoy Holland. It is really about my parents as I am sure that they will enjoy Holland they have been on Princess and celebrity many times.

 

I think that Caviar girl favors Holland so if you read this let me know about the gym and the dining. My mom will turn 86 on this cruise so I will take them to the specialty restraunt for her birthday. What else is not to miss?

 

Thank you all for your help.

[RuthC]

tell me there will be some things for me to do in the eve?

There will be some things for you to do in the evening.

What do you like to do in the evening? You have a choice of a movie, reading in the Library, using the Internet, listening to classical music in the Explorers Lounge, music/dancing to a combo in the Ocean Bar, singing along in the Piano Bar. Then there's hanging out watching sports in the (natch) Sports Bar. I think there's still some light music in the Crow's Nest, and depending on your schedule/itinerary, there may still be daylight so you can sit there and watch the sea/sky. Then, there's the Northern Lights disco.

You can watch TV, or rent a DVD to watch. You can chat with new-found friends. You can take a stroll along an outside deck and commune with the quiet sea.

That's some of the things for you to do in the evening.

[Denisern2]

Thank you Ruth my TA told me the ship is asleep by10:30. I think she was trying to talk me into the Emerald princess. The Noordam looks so pretty.

[RuthC]

She is a pretty ship---I've taken her twice from NYC. And on each cruise there certainly was activity until at least midnight. At that witching hour some of the bars close down---the Piano Bar does I know. But as I was kicked out I would see activity in the Casino, and sometimes headed over to the disco. Lots of activity (and too much noise for me) there. Friends stayed there verrrry late.

The Ocean Bar probably also closes at midnight. The Explorers Lounge may stay open 'til midnight, or may close earlier. I can't say for certain.

Your parents will have a lovely time, but so will you.

[Denisern2]

Ruth you sound like fun...Book the cruise!

[Gonzo70]

I found there were other people in their 30s when I was on the Noordam last year, although the average age was definitely higher than on my Royal Caribbean cruise. I found plenty to do. The bars and casinos did tend to wind down rather early, but I found enough to keep myself as busy as I wanted to be (and am a rather active person). The gym was nice and did offer spinning and I really enjoyed running outside. The ship is very beautiful and more elegant than the Royal Caribbean ships I have been in. I found the food and service comprable.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes there are spinning classes -- $11 per class -- you have to sign up for them on the first day of the cruise.

[RuthC]

Ruth you sound like fun...Book the cruise!

If I read your clock right I'll be getting off the day you board. I'm on the Noordam's Voyage of the Good Nuts on 1/23/09.

 

But thanks for the complement, and hope I helped. :)

[Denisern2]

Thanks you guys are great.

[sassyredhat]

You all will love any HAL ship ! :)

 

Pat

[innlady1]

Hi there Holland cruisers. My parents are in their golden years and do not like to travel alone. So we are booked on a holland america cruise, tell me there will be some things for me to do in the eve? How is the gym do they have spinning class? I am excited to try the Noordam, my travel agent tried to talk me out of it because she thought I would not enjoy Holland. It is really about my parents as I am sure that they will enjoy Holland they have been on Princess and celebrity many times.

 

I think that Caviar girl favors Holland so if you read this let me know about the gym and the dining. My mom will turn 86 on this cruise so I will take them to the specialty restraunt for her birthday. What else is not to miss?

 

Thank you all for your help.

 

You will love HAL's Noordam. Your TA is probably under the same misconception a lot of TA's seem have...that it's for older folks only. We are older, but we've seen people of all ages on HAL.

 

It's more quiet than Princess...we usually go to a show after dinner, then stop at the Piano Bar. There are lots of people out and about in the evening. Ruth has done a good job giving you the scoop!

 

Enjoy!

[Cruising-along]

Spinning classes were offered on every sea day of our recent Med cruise. Like KK said, the cost is $11.

 

DH said it wasn't quite the workout he gets at the spinning classes at the gym at home, but he was very grateful that it was available.