Adults have nightclubs, casino, bars, and more but what about the fun for kids aboard? Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has age-appropriate kids clubs that will have interactive fun for all ages. Have you ever thought that your kids could go to Circus School?
So, let’s start at the very beginning, wait isn’t that a song? Anyway, if you have kids that are very young there are some parent & child activities available.
For little ones, ages 6 months to 3 years of age, NCL has the Guppies Program. Open Play is a fabulous play space for parents & babies, which has a variety of interactive games, toys, balls, blocks and more.
This program also has hosted activities in which the parents and toddlers are led in a variety of activities. Notice that the age starts at 6 months, that is because that is the minimum age your wee ones need to be to sail.
If you are sailing aboard the Norwegian Escape, there is a nursery. This is an additional cost. This is the only program for children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years that kids can be dropped off. The nursery attendants are fully certified. Activities are based on a daily theme. You must register your child onboard and there are specific time blocks that you can choose.
Kiddos in ages 3-12 have the Splash Academy which is broken up into three different levels.
They have:
Turtles (Ages 3-5)
Seals (Ages 6-9)
Dolphins (ages 10-12)
Splash Academy is included in your cruise fare. Hours for the club do vary:
Embarkation Day: 8:00 PM -10:30 PM
Port Days: Start time may vary- Ends at 10:30 PM
Sea Days: 9AM- 12 PM/ 2PM- 5 PM/ 7 PM-10:30 PM (Closed 12-2, & 5-7)
Late night fun zone (Additional Charge) 10:30 PM-1:30 AM
Some additional options may be available for additional charges and should be inquired about on board the ship.
Each level has age-appropriate activities that are based on the daily theme. Remember when I mentioned circus school? Well, some of the NCL ships have circus school for these age ranges. Activities also include: arts & crafts, games, painting, onboard scavenger hunts, video games, and more.
Entourage is the club for the teens ages 13-17. This club has longer hours and some kids can sign themselves in and out of the club. They can party the night away until the late hour of 1AM when their curfew hits and must be accompanied by a parent if out of their stateroom after that time.
The club is supervised and is included in the cruise fare. Teens can rock out with music jams, singing & dancing the night away. They can also try their hand at learning some circus skills as there is a program for teens as well aboard some of the NCL ships.
Is your teen an artist? They can try their hand at graffiti masterpieces, fashion shows, Improv classes or even balloon sculptures. For the active teens, there are sports like dodgeball (yes that still exists), soccer, basketball, and more. For the less sports inclined teens, they can also choose from movies and video games.
The teens also get their own special themed events like College Night, White Hot Party, or Glow Nights. Themes do vary by ship. Makes me wish I was a teen again.
Registration is recommended for all programs as soon as possible after boarding the ship. Space is limited.
