Youth Programs FAQs

Yes. Since Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counsellors in Splash Academy are not able to provide one-on-one care or babysitting, the parent(s) will be called to pick up their child after 15 minutes of continuous crying. The step process for care is as follows:

• Step 1: Comfort the child.
• Step 2: Redirect the child.
• Step 3: If the child is still crying, the parent will be called. It is expected that the parent pick up within 10 minutes of the call.

Parents or primary guardian (if children are not travelling with their parents) may select a total of four (4) people (including themselves) to drop off/pick up their child(ren) from Splash Academy (Fleetwide).

The authorized drop-off and pick-up people are the same people and must be listed on the child's profile at the time of registration and must be 18 years of age or older. The primary person noted on the child’s profile is the only person eligible to make any changes to the child’s profile.

Refer to FAQ How do I register my child for the youth programs?

Splash Academy services are offered while sailing for children 3-12 years of age. Splash Academy services are not available when the ship is docked in port or anchored. Late Night Services are offered nightly from 10:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. for an hourly fee. Hours of operation and sessions are subject to change without notice.

SAFETY

SAFETY ASSIMILATION DRILL

The Youth Staff will conduct a short safety assimilation drill on Embarkation evening in Splash Academy to allow the youth to become familiar with the safety procedures in the unlikely event of an emergency while in the programme.

Youth

In the event of a ship emergency, and if your child is signed into Splash Academy, the Child Care Team is required to carry out the following procedures:

1. The 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 “Child Pick Up Point”.
2. On the order of the Captain, if children are not claimed, the Child Care Team will accompany the children into a designated lifeboat.

Teens

Teenagers are personally responsible for proceeding to their Assembly Stations. Parents should ensure that their teenager(s) are familiar with their Assembly Station location number or letter. This information can be found on the guest key card and on the back of the stateroom door.  For overall safety, parents are responsible for their children at all times, even when they are not present.

In an unlikely event of an emergency, if teens are in Entourage, the Teen Counsellor will direct the teens to their Assembly Stations; however, teens are personally responsible for proceeding to their Assembly Stations. Parents should ensure that their teen(s) are familiar with their Assembly Station location number or letter. This information can be found on the guest key card and on the back of the stateroom door.

For overall safety, parents are responsible for their children at all times, even when not present.

YOUTH (3-12 yrs) 4-STEP DISCIPLINE POLICY

General Statement: While Splash Academy provides an enjoyable environment, it is imperative for children to uphold mutual respect by refraining from physical contact and respecting the personal space of their peers.

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

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

STEP 3: Suspension: If a time-out is not effective in eliminating the inappropriate behaviour, the parents are located, and the child is dismissed from the program for 24 hours. After 24 hours the child is welcome to return to program.

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

Depending on the nature of the behaviour, the more severe behaviours may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Youth Program Manager.

Harassment, racism, gender discrimination or disrespect toward other participants or Youth Staff can result in permanent dismissal of your child from Splash Academy or Entourage and ship security will be notified.

TEEN (13-17yrs) DISCIPLINE POLICY

STEP 1: Verbal Warning: Teenagers exhibiting inappropriate behaviour will be asked to stop immediately.

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

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL: Any teenager exhibiting violence, vandalism or intoxication will result in immediate dismissal for the entire sailing. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

TEEN (13-17yrs) DISCIPLINE POLICY

STEP 1: Verbal Warning: Teenagers exhibiting inappropriate behaviour will be asked to stop immediately.

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

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL: Any teenager exhibiting violence, vandalism or intoxication will result in immediate dismissal for the entire sailing. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

It is strongly recommended that parents or guardians alert the Youth Staff of any allergies, required medications, or special needs of their child/teen when registering. If a child has a severe allergy and uses an EpiPen, it is strongly recommended that the EpiPen come with the child.

The Youth Program Manager has the right to issue a handy phone if the need is determined.

Youth Staff are not allowed to administer any medication to any child. It is recommended that parents contact the access desk for any severe allergies, medical conditions, or special needs by calling toll-free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.

Splash Academy does not allow sleeping children to be dropped off into the programme. The children must be able to enter the programme willingly. If a child falls asleep during complimentary sessions, the staff is directed to call or page the parent for pick-up.

Parents can allow their 10 - 12-year-old to sign themselves into Splash Academy during operating hours and sign themselves out of Splash Academy.

It is recommended that parents make the initial drop-off, so the Youth Staff have the opportunity to meet you. In order to sign themselves in and out of the programme, the 10–12-year-olds must have their key cards and their parent’s location.

The authorization ends nightly at 10:00 p.m. Therefore, at 10:00 p.m., the 10 -12-year-old will be signed out from Splash Academy, unless a parent signs the child up for Late Night Fun Zone. Due to the Late-Night Fun Zone charges, the parent is required to pick up the child.

It is recommended that parents decline authorization if they do not want their 10 - 12-year-old unattended around the ship or if the child has a moderate to severe special need. It is also recommended, for safety purposes, to establish a meet-up plan for 10–12-year-olds who are given the sign-out authorization, so you are aware of where they are when not in the programme.

Entourage combines the hangout zone, dance zone, game zone and party zone. The Teen Counsellors plan intriguing activities and challenges to keep the teens coming back for more. Activities and games may take place around the ship. Parents should know that the activities are hosted by the Teen Counsellors. However, when activities take place around the ship, Entourage may be unsupervised.

The drop-off/pick-up person must always have the following:

1. Their key card and the child’s key card.
2. Noted password; share the password with all pick-up and drop-off people.
3. Handy Phone (if issued).

If the person does not have the key cards or password, this will delay the drop-off and pick-up process at Splash Academy. At pick-up, the child will not be released until the pick-up person is confirmed, and proper keys and information are provided. 10–12-year-olds with sign-out authorization must have their key card with them and know their parents’ location.

Youth Programs represent our family and youth programs for families and children 3 to 17 years old:

Family Activities: The Cruise and Youth teams offer an array of engaging activities that bring everyone closer together. Bring your competition and A-Game for Beat Your Bedtime, Music Mania, Compete Opposites, and Dodgeball. Who will rule? The parents or the children?

Guppies Open Play: For the littlest cruisers, the Guppies Open Play offers a play space for parents to interact with their infants/babies/toddlers 6 months - 3 years old and/or children in diapers. Please refer to the onboard Guppies activity program for the location, dates, and times. The schedule varies per ship and itinerary, and the schedule is subject to change without notice.

Splash Academy: A drop-off service for children aged 3 - 12 offering flexible programming, allowing children to explore and make their own interest-based choices throughout the sailing.

Entourage: The teen hangout for 13 - 17-year-olds. Refer to Entourage FAQ What does Entourage have to offer teens 13-17 years old?

For Splash Academy and Entourage, it is recommended that parents register their child(ren) and teen(s) as soon as they board the ship. Any Youth Counsellor on board the ship is available to assist.

Opening hours and closing hours are posted onboard and noted in the Splash Academy Programme and/or via the Freestyle Daily.

SPLASH ACADEMY
3* - 12 years old

ENTOURAGE
Entourage: 13* - 17 years old

*Age eligibility is based on the age of the child at the time of sailing, according to their birth certificate or passport reflected on the ships’ manifest.

• A child must be 3 years old to register for Splash Academy. *Please refer to the birthday policy.
• A child must be 13 years old to register for Entourage. *Please refer to the birthday exception.
• A child who turns 18 during the cruise is considered a legal adult and will not be able to continue participation in Entourage.

Interest-Based, Flexible Programming allows the children to choose. There will be many options for them to explore, including: Dynamic (5-12 yrs), Creative & Chill, Gaming, and Younger Ones’ Choice. Younger Ones’ Choice offers a variety of interest-based and age-appropriate activities for the younger cruisers, designed to keep them active, engaged, and safe.

The activities will vary per session, per ship, and are subject to change without notice.

Great family fun is offered throughout the cruise. Activities are subject to change per ship/itinerary but may include onboard challenges, a movie night, sports competitions, scavenger hunts, dance parties, game show challenges and poolside challenges.

Please remember that a parent or guardian is required throughout the duration of the activity for the child to participate in designated Family Activities.

Yes, detailed activity agendas are available on embarkation day that advertise the schedule of activities for Splash Academy and Entourage for each age group.

Activities are flexible, subject to change, and age groups are combined. Entourage activities will be rescheduled (when possible) if there is no participation after the first 15 minutes of the scheduled activity.

Fire Code Maximum Capacity refers to the maximum number of children and staff allowed inside the youth facilities at any time to provide safety, prevent overcrowding, and allow for safe facility exit in the event of an emergency.

Due to Fire Code Maximum Capacity, Splash Academy offers service on a first come, first served basis. Time slots cannot be held in advance of the session.

Youth Programs and Youth Program facilities adhere to fire code safety and maximum occupancy guidelines outlined per each vessel based on Fire Safety Standard Code. In the event the facilities reach maximum occupancy, drop-off is suspended resulting in wait times for drop-off at Splash Academy.

Splash Academy and Entourage staff are required to enforce the set limits and reserve the right to temporarily suspend drop-off service to registered guests once the maximum capacity has been reached.

Access to facilities will be granted once children/teens are signed-out or picked up and space becomes available. The service is available on a first come, first served basis.

To ensure that children/teens with special-needs as well as parents have an enjoyable holiday, it is recommended that parents contact the access desk in advance of sailing for any special needs request by calling toll free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com. Requests made onboard are subject to delays.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not provide one-on-one care or babysitting on any ship.

For Splash Academy, including Late Night Fun Zone, identification bracelets are issued to children aged 3 - 12 when registered for the youth programs and worn for the entire cruise. The bracelet displays the child's safety muster station. Allergies and medical conditions are coded for internal use.

For Entourage, an Entourage VIP Wristband is provided to teens aged 13-17. The teens must wear their wristband and show it along with their key card upon entering the facility.

Refer to FAQ What other fees should I be aware of? Refer to FAQ Do teens need to wear a wristband?

On all ships, a one-time digital registration form must be completed by a parent or guardian (if the child is not travelling with their parent) for each child/teen aged 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose during operating hours, subject to space availability.

The registration form requires a primary parent or guardian to be named for the child(ren). This primary person is the only person who can make any changes to the child’s registration form.

If the child is travelling with a Legal Permanent Guardian or a Legal Temporary Guardian, please click here for more information about required documents and the NCL-issued Legal Guardian form.

Norwegian Cruise Line requests that you let the Youth Staff know if your child has any food allergies and/or noted medical conditions by entering the information on the Registration Form to allow the Youth Staff to provide the best services for your child(ren) while in our care.

Overall, there are very few fees associated with the Youth Programs.

• Splash Academy Bracelet Reprint Fee: $5.00 USD USD
• Entourage Wristband Replacement Fee: $10.00 USD USD
• Non-response to Page Handy Phone/Pager Fee: $50.00
• Pager/Handy Phone Fee: $150.00 USD for damage and replacement.
• Splash Academy Late Pick-up Fee: $1.00 USD  per minute, per child, will apply starting on the hour if the parent/authorized pick-up person is late for pick-up.

Yes, all registered teens must wear an Entourage VIP wristband for the duration of the cruise. Teens need to bring their key card and be wearing the wristband to enter Entourage and participate in the programs. A replacement wristband will require parent acknowledgement and a replacement fee will apply.

Refer to FAQ What other fees should I be aware of?

Yes. 24-hour Internet service, arcade games and the Galaxy Pavilion (on ships with these facilities) are available on the ship and are accessible with your child’s stateroom key card. Fees are charged directly to your onboard account. Parents, if you do not wish for your child to have access, please visit the Guest Services Desk to deactivate your child's card.

Splash Academy and Entourage are complimentary services and are only offered when the ship is sailing.

Late Night Fun Zone is a group-sitting, drop-off, fee-based service for children aged 3–12 years. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff inside Splash Academy.

Late Night Fun Zone Hours of Operation
Nightly: 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Late Night Fun Zone Fees
The Late Night Fun Zone fee is $10 per hour per child. Fees are charged to the primary guest’s onboard account. Late pick-up fees will apply.
Parents are encouraged to sign up for LNFZ in advance.
Sign out authorization for 10- to 12-year-olds does not apply during LNFZ due to the fees associated with the services. Therefore, parents must drop off and pick up the child to ensure correct charges are made to their onboard account.

If no children are dropped off by 11:00 p.m., the youth centre will close for the evening.

Yes, if they choose to. Children 3-12 can choose the activities they want to participate in by themselves or with other children. Splash Academy offers flexible program options where children can choose games and activities from four different stations: Dynamic (5-12yrs), Creative & Chill, Gaming, and Younger Ones’ Choice. The Younger Ones’ Choice offers a variety of interest-based and age-appropriate activities for the younger cruisers designed to keep them active, engaged, and safe. Stations are subject to change without notice.

• Children turning three (3) years old are welcome to register and participate on their birthday.
• Children turning thirteen (13) years old during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the Entourage Program beginning embarkation evening.

It is not recommended for a child to bring electronics or personal items to Splash Academy. Photos and/or videos are strictly prohibited in Splash Academy. In the event the child does bring an item, the child is fully responsible for the item if lost or damaged. In addition, while in the program, the youth staff can limit use so it does not distract other children from the program. Youth staff also reserve the right to remove the item in an attempt to control shared content that may be inappropriate for all ages.

• Yes. Teens are expected to be courteous and respectful at all times. Upon coming to Entourage, Teens must be wearing their wristbands and have their key card. Teens are also responsible for any personal items brought to activities and events. Teens participating in our programs are prohibited from smoking, drinking alcohol and using profanity. Violence and vandalism will not be tolerated.
• All crew members are instructed to report inappropriate behaviour to Ship Security. Curfew for all teenage guests is 1:00 a.m. Teens must proceed to their staterooms unless they are accompanied by their parent/guardian.
• Norwegian Cruise Line strongly discourages teens from travelling ashore alone in the ports of call.
• Children under the age of 17 are never to be left alone without adult supervision on the ship while the ship is docked in port.

Eligible children in diapers are welcome to register and participate in drop-off services. Parents/authorized drop-off people are required to take a pager or handy phone at drop-off.

If a child not in diapers has a bathroom accident, parents will be located/called for pick-up to assist their child into clean clothes. To avoid future accidents, the child is still eligible for the program but must return in diapers/pullups and a handy phone/pager will be issued.

If the parent or authorized drop-off person refuses a handy phone/pager, the child will be ineligible for the service. Refer to FAQ What other fees should I be aware of?

Guests/Parents/Guardians/Adults are only allowed in the Splash Academy and Entourage facilities on embarkation day during the registration process.

Otherwise, Splash Academy and Entourage are adult-free zones (18+) regardless of what service is being offered (Complimentary or Late Night Fun Zone).

Any parent with a child who has special needs and would like additional information or would like to make a request, please contact the access desk in advance of sailing by calling toll-free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com. Requests made onboard are subject to delays.

Refer to FAQ Is special needs care provided in Splash Academy or Entourage?