Judging from the modest amount of physical space devoted to Oosterdam's youth facilities and the limited extent and variety of kids' programs, it's difficult not to perceive a low prioritization for the family demographic. Kids' areas include a video arcade (open to adults as well), the Loft (teen club) and Club HAL, the main facility for children ages 3 through 12. Youngsters are broken into three groups based on age: Kids (3 - 7); Tweens (8 - 12); and Teens (13 - 17). Typical activities include board and video games, movies and TV show screenings, quizzes and game show-type competitions. Children under three are not admitted into the Club HAL program, though the children's cruise staff may, from time to time, schedule "toddler time" in the Club HAL playroom. Parents must stay with the toddlers during these sessions.
Kids' menus are available for both the Vista Dining Room and the Lido Buffet, and parents may request, in advance of sailing date, commercial baby food through HAL's Ship Services Department (additional fee charged).
Organized activities end nightly at 10 p.m. Nighttime group babysitting is available from 10 p.m. through midnight for a fee of $5 per hour per child. Limited private babysitting may be available through Reception at other times, and for children under three, at a rate of $8 per hour for the first child, and $5 per hour for each additional child.
