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Cruises: Holland America, Family Cruise Vacation - PlayStations, Campin' Under the Stars and Wacky Olympics. Club HAL® has always provided young cruise mates with fun and creative activities for kids ages three to 12 and now it will be even better with the addition of state-of-the-art facilities. The innovative facilities and Youth Programs span Holland America’s fleet creating a rewarding family vacation atmosphere.
The new look is awesome. 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. The expansion is part of the premium cruise line’s $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative and is helping to ensure that guests of all ages experience the best of classic ocean voyaging.
“Every guest on board a Holland America cruise is unique, and we believe it is important to provide activities that cater to every interest and age group,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales for Holland America Line. “The expanded new facilities are exciting additions to our fleet. No matter their interests, the entire family can now personalize their experience and enjoy the ultimate vacation at sea.”
There's a place for toddlers. Club HAL, previously serving children 5 and older will now cater to kids three years and older. 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.
It's always game time. 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. 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.
Meet at the Loft. 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.
Welcome to the Oasis. 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. 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.
After Hours is cool. 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. 
About Holland America's Signature of Excellence. As the premium cruise leader, Holland America Line is investing $225 million in the Signature of Excellence initiative to provide unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Signature of Excellence will build on Holland America Line's renowned tradition of excellence by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements will focus on five areas central to the Holland America guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.
Holland America excels in service, amenities and special programs. Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have one of the highest staff-members-to-guest ratios. Spacious staterooms average 25 percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines' ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining choices include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour room service.
Best Overall Cruise Value. The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers the only trip cancellation program in the industry that provides cash back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure. For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call toll-free 1-877-SAIL-HAL ( 877-724-5425) or www.hollandamerica.com
Content an dimages provided by Holland America Cruise Line. Copyright 2008.
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