Family Cruising: Youth Programs Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to pay for the youth programs?
• What are the hours of the youth programs?
• How do I register my children for the Youth Programs?
• Do Norwegian’s Splash Academy & Entourage programs offer a Family Welcome Social?
• What age groups does Splash Academy cater to?
• Is one-on-one care or are babysitting services provided for children?
• How is my child identified in the Youth Programs (Splash Academy, Port Play & Late Night)?
• What if my child is in diapers?
• Can the Youth Staff assist my child in the washroom?
• Will the Youth Staff contact me if my child is crying?
• Can children of different age groups be grouped together?
• How can my children and their friends play together during Splash Academy?
• What is Freestyle Free Play?
• Can my child move up an age group if celebrating a birthday during the cruise?
• Are parents/guardians allowed in the Splash Academy Facility and Entourage?
• Who can sign my child(ren) in/out of to/from program?
• Is there a limit to the number of authorized pick-up people?
• Is there a schedule of activities for Splash Academy and Entourage?
• What is the Youth Discipline Policy?
• Are there guidelines for the Teen passengers?
• What is the Teen's Crew Discipline Policy?
• Is there anything offered for children when the ship is docked in port?
• Is there anything offered for children after 10:30 pm?
• What if my child/teen is not feeling well?
• Is special-needs care provided in the Splash Academy and Entourage programs?
• What if my child/teen has an allergy or medical condition?
• What is the Splash Academy Safety and Emergency Information?
• Do my children have access to the intranet and arcade?
• We like to travel and participate in activities as a family, what activities can I expect on board?

Do I have to pay for the youth programs?

No, our youth programs are complimentary programs for children ages 3-17.

What are the hours of the youth programs?

Norwegian Fleet
Embarkation Day: 8:00pm – 10:30pm
Port Days*: Arrival into Port to 10:30pm
Sea Days**: 9:00am -12:00pm/2:00pm – 5:00pm/7:00pm – 10:30pm

*On Port Days, children ages 3-12 are combined from Arrival to Departure or 6:00pm whichever comes first.
*During Port Day lunch and dinner meal times, Splash Academy will not facilitate drop offs.
*10-12 year old sign out authorization does not apply when the ship is docked.
**The center closes at 12pm and 5pm. Children must to be picked up at these times. Splash Academy ends nightly at 10:30pm. Fifteen minute transition time offered before Late Night Fun Zone charges apply.

How do I register my children for the Youth Programs?

Youth Programs consist of Splash Academy, Entourage, Port Play Meals* and Late Night Fun Zone**. It is recommended that you register your child as soon as you board the ship in the Splash Academy facility. Any Youth Counselor on board the ship can assist you.

A one-time registration form is required to be completed by a parent or guardian for each child age 3-17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose. Please note fees apply to Port Play Meal(s) times and Late Night Fun Zone. Norwegian requests that you please let the Youth Staff know if your child has allergies and/or is taking any medications by noting this on the Registration Form. We like to have snacks available and want to keep your children safe therefore we will need to know this information in advance.

* Based on port hours, there will be a flat fee of $6 per child for supervision during Port Play Meals. Please check the activity guide on board for the Port Play Meal(s) time slots.

**Late Night Fun Zone is a fee-based, group-sitting service for children ages 3-12. The fee is $6.00 per child/per hour, $4.00 per sibling/per hour.

Do Norwegian’s Splash Academy & Entourage programs offer a Family Welcome Social?

Yes, a Family and Youth Welcome Social is offered on Embarkation Day. The Youth Program Manager will provide useful information in regards to on-board Family Activities, Youth Programs, Port Play and Late Night Fee Based Services, Shore Excursions, along with safety information, policies and procedures. Please refer to the Youth Program Activities Booklet for the time and location.

What age groups does Splash Academy cater to?

Norwegian’s Splash Academy age groups are: 6 months – 2 years (daily activities are offered for babies with their parents); 3-5 yr olds, 6-9 yr olds, 10-12 yr olds (6-12 yr olds in low season), and for Entourage– 13-14 yr olds and 15-17 yr olds.

The minimum age eligible for the drop off Splash Academy program is 3 years old at the time of sailing based on child’s birthdate according to their birth certificate or passport reflected on the ships manifest.

Is one-on-one care or are babysitting services provided for children?

Sorry, Norwegian Cruises Line does not provide one-on-one care within the youth programs or in passenger staterooms on any Norwegian Vessel. However, we do offer Group Sitting services for a fee. Please refer to the Group Sitting tab for more information.

How is my child identified in the Youth Programs (Splash Academy, Port Play & Late Night)?

Identification bracelets are issued to children ages 3-12 when signed into any of the youth programs. This bracelet is worn by the child while under the supervision of the Youth Staff. (Except on the Epic. A bracelet is issued to the child and worn for the entire cruise.)

What if my child is in diapers?

Splash Academy will accept children in diapers who are eligible to participate in the complimentary, drop off program, Turtles, for children 3-5 years old. However, Norwegian Youth Counselors are not able to change diapers or pull-ups. The parent or primary guardian will be given a beeper or handy phone to alert of the duty. Beepers and handy phones do not work ashore, so at least one parent or the primary guardian will have to stay on board when their children are signed into the Youth Program and the ship is docked in port.

Can the Youth Staff assist my child in the washroom?

Parents should be aware that Youth Counselors are not able to assist children in the washrooms. This includes pulling up/down pants, buttoning/unbuttoning pants, and/or wiping assistance. A beeper or handy phone will be issued to alert you your child needs assistance. Beepers and handy phones do not work ashore, so at least one parent will have to stay on board when their children are in our Youth Program.

Will the Youth Staff contact me if my child is crying?

Yes. Since Norwegian is not able to provide one-one-care within the Youth Programs, the parent(s) will be called to pick up their child after 15 minutes of continuous crying.

Can children of different age groups be grouped together?

No. Children are placed in the appropriate Norwegian age group based on the date of birth at the time of sailing according to the ships manifest. Please refer to Freestyle Free Play allowing friends and siblings to play together.

How can my children and their friends play together during Splash Academy?

Although children are placed in the appropriate Norwegian age group, there are scheduled times when the children of all ages can play together. Please check the Splash Academy Activity Program for the Freestyle Free Play activities and time slots.

What is Freestyle Free Play?

Freestyle Free Play are designated time slots scheduled by the Youth Program Manager within Splash Academy programs allowing friends and siblings to play together featuring Freestyle Free Play themed stations. Although we advertise that children 3-12 can play together, the Youth Program Manager still reserves the right to keep 3 & 4 year olds separate with fun programming for overall safety of the entire group. Please inquire with the Youth Program Manager with any questions.

Can my child move up an age group if celebrating a birthday during the cruise?

Children turning six during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the 6-9 year old age group beginning embarkation evening.

Children turning ten during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the 10-12 year old age group beginning embarkation evening.

Children turning thirteen during the cruise are welcome to participate in Entourage and Teen Center on their birthday. No exceptions can be made.

Are parents/guardians allowed in the Splash Academy Facility and Entourage?

The parents/guardians are only allowed in the Splash Academy Facility and Entourage Facility on Embarkation Day during the registration process. Otherwise, the Splash Academy Facility and Entourage Facility are "Parent-Free Zones" regardless of which Youth Program is taking place.

Who can sign my child(ren) in/out of to/from program?

Once registered by a parent or guardian, only the authorized adults 18 years of age or older may sign children ages 3-12* in and out of Splash Academy. The authorized adult, 18 years of age or older, must be listed with proper signature on the Registration Form. Please have your Key Card* (and Child’s Key Card if sailing on the Epic, coming soon on the Gem and Breakaway) ready for drop off and pick up. *In the event the key card is forgotten or lost, a Photo ID is necessary to pick up the child.

*Children 10-12 can be authorized by their parents to sign themselves in and out of program after 2 hours of active participation in the program. If authorization is not granted, only a designated adult 18 years of age or older may sign the 10-12 year old in and out of the program. A parent(s) must sign in the child on the first visit.

This authorization ends nightly at 10:30pm and does not apply while the ship is docked in port (including overnights) or during Late Night Fun Zone. Late Night fees will begin at 10:45 pm.

Is there a limit to the number of authorized pick-up people?

Yes, Parent(s) or guardian(s) can select/authorize a total of four (4) people (including parents) to drop off and pick up their child(ren).

Is there a schedule of activities for Splash Academy and Entourage?

Splash Academy
Yes, Youth Program Activity Booklets are available on embarkation day. A guideline of activities that take place in the Splash Academy Facility and in different venues around the ship under the supervision of the Youth Staff is provided for each age group.

Activities are flexible and subject to change based on participants.

Entourage
Yes, an Entourage Program Activity Booklet is available on embarkation day. It is a guideline of activities that take place in the Teen Center and in different venues around the ship under the supervision of the Teen Staff.

Activities are flexible and subject to change based on participants.

Activities will be rescheduled (when possible) if there is no participation after the first 15 minutes of the scheduled activity.

What is the Youth Discipline Policy?

Your children are important to us. We want your kids to have as much fun and be as safe as possible. Here is our four step Discipline Policy to ensure this happens.

STEP 1: Warning: The Youth Counselor addresses the child and it is explained that his/her behavior is unacceptable and needs to be improved immediately.

STEP 2: Time out: If the child continues to disobey the Youth Counselor, a time out is issued and the parents are notified at pick-up time.

STEP 3: Suspension: If a time out is not effective in eliminating the inappropriate behavior, the parents are located and the child is grounded from the program for 24 hours. The child is then welcomed back, but if there is any reservation on the part of the Youth Counselor a parent may be required to attend with their child.

STEP 4: Dismissal: Once the child is allowed back into the program after the initial dismissal, if any disobedient behaviors continue, the child will no longer be allowed to participate.

Depending on the nature of the behavior, the more severe behaviors may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Youth Program Supervisor.

Are there guidelines for the Teen passengers?

Yes. Teens are responsible for reporting to their assigned emergency stations in the event of a ship emergency. Crew members throughout the vessel are trained to assist those in need. Teens should be advised that all public areas, including the Teen Center, are under 24-hour surveillance. All crew members are instructed to report inappropriate behavior to Ship Security. All Teens are responsible for any personal items brought to activities and events. Norwegian strongly encourages that no teenagers go ashore alone in the ports of call. Teens participating in our programs are prohibited from smoking, drinking alcohol, and using profanity. Violence and vandalism will not be tolerated.

What is the Teen's Crew Discipline Policy?

STEP 1: Verbal Warning: Teens exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to stop immediately.

STEP 2: 24-Hour Dismissal with Parent/Ship Notification: If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, he/she will be dismissed from the Teen Center and Teen Program for 24 hours. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL: Any teen passenger exhibiting violence, vandalism or intoxication when participating in the Teen Program or using the Teen Center will result in immediate dismissal for the entire sailing. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

Is there anything offered for children when the ship is docked in port?

Yes, Norwegian offers complimentary programming for children ages 3-12 years old. Based on port hours, there will be a flat fee of $6 per child for supervision during Port Play Meals. Please check the Splash Academy Activity Program on board for the Port Play Meal(s) time slots. Activities will be facilitated by the Youth Counselors.

Hours of Operation
Port Day: Arrival into Port - 10:30pm

Fees
$6.00 per child/per meal for the supervision of children during meal time(s) per the Splash Academy Activity Program.
The fee is charged to your on-board account. Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance.

Is there anything offered for children after 10:30 pm?

Yes, Norwegian offers Late Night Fun Zone, a group-sitting, fee-based service for children ages 3-12 years old. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff in the Splash Academy Facility.

Hours of Operations
Nightly: 10:30 pm – 1:30 am

Fees
$6.00 per child/per hour, $4.00 per sibling/per hour
Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance. If no children are signed up or dropped off by 11:30 pm, the youth center will close for the evening. The Late Night fee is charged to your on-board account. A fifteen minute transition time is offered before charges apply from Splash Academy to Late Night. Sign out authorization for 10-12 year olds doesn’t apply during Late Night Fun Zone.

Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance. If no children are signed up or dropped off by 11:30 pm, the youth center will close for the evening. The Late Night fee is charged to your on-board account. Fifteen minute transition time is offered before charges apply from Splash Academy to Late Night.

What if my child/teen is not feeling well?

If your child/teen is not feeling well, he/she should visit the medical center. Before returning to program, he/she must be cleared by the doctor.

Is special-needs care provided in the Splash Academy and Entourage programs?

Although one-on-one care is not provided, Norwegian Youth Staff can adjust activities for those children that require special care. Advance notice is helpful to the onboard staff by contacting Customer Service in advance of sailing. Parent contact and child assessment is also done on board in order to place the child in the most age appropriate age group to enhance his/her vacation experience.

What if my child/teen has an allergy or medical condition?

Parents or guardians must alert the Youth Staff of any allergies, medications or special needs of their child/teen when registering.

What is the Splash Academy Safety and Emergency Information?

In the event of an emergency during Youth Programs:

1. Child Care Team shall gather the children in their care and bring them safely to the Child-Pick-Up-Point where the children can be claimed by their parents. An announcement will be made as to the location of the Pick-Up-Point.

2. On the order from the Captain, all unclaimed children will be taken by the Child Care Team to the parent or guardian's Assembly Station for claiming.

3. If children are not claimed, Child Care Team will accompany the children into a designated lifeboat.

Do my children have access to the intranet and arcade?

24 hour Internet Service and Arcade Games are available on the ship and are accessible with your stateroom key card. Fees are charged directly to your onboard account. Parents, if you do not wish your child to have access, please visit the reception desk and deactivate your child’s card.

We like to travel and participate in activities as a family, what activities can I expect on board?

Great family fun is offered throughout the cruise. Activities are subject to change per ship/itinerary but may include Family Fun Shipboard Challenges, Family Circus Show, Family Movie Night, Family Pizza Making, Family Scavenger Hunts, Family Building Block Hour, Game Show Challenges, and Family Poolside Challenges. In addition, look for our Nickelodeon™ activities on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Gem.

Please remember, a parent is required to attend throughout the duration of the activity with a child in order for the child to participate in designated Family Activities.

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