Youth Programmes FAQs

Youth Programmes is the umbrella of programmes for children 6 months to 17 years old which consists of:

Guppies Programmes The Guppies Programme offers parents many opportunities to interact with their infants/babies/toddlers and promote growth and development of infants/ babies/toddlers 6 months - 3 years old. Please refer to the Guppies activity programme for the location, dates, and times. The timetable varies per ship and itinerary. The programmes are:

1. Guppies Open Play: A play space for parents and babies to play together with a variety of toys, balls, interactive games, and blocks. This is offered across the fleet and is not a drop off programme.

2. Guppies Hosted Activities: Activities are hosted by the Early Years Coordinator (or Nursery Attendants on the Norwegian Escape) for parents and babies. This is offered across the fleet and is not a drop off programme.

3. Guppies Nursery: Only on the Norwegian Escape, a fee based drop off nursery for children 6 months to under 3 years old. The Guppies Nursery requires an onboard registration per child and reservations for available time blocks throughout the sailing. The programmes are created and implemented by certified Nursery Attendants and offers infants/babies/toddlers a wide range of toys, and engaging, sensory, and developmental activities linked to a daily theme.

Splash Academy is a drop off programme for child ages 3 - 12 (Turtles, Seals, Dolphins) offering high energy, interactive, themed based programming.

Entourage is the teen hang out for 13 -17 years old Refer to Entourage FAQ What does Entourage have to offer teens 13 -17 years old?

For Guppies Nursery, 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. Guppies Nursery also requires reservations to secure a time block session throughout the sailing.

GUPPIES NURSERY
Guppies Nursery: 6 months to under 3 years (Only on the Norwegian Escape)

SPLASH ACADEMY
Turtles: 3* - 5 year olds Seals 6 - 9 year olds Dolphins: 10** - 12 years old (6 - 12 year olds in low season)

ENTOURAGE
Entourage: 13* - 17 year olds

*The minimum age eligible for Splash Academy is 3 years old at the time of sailing, based on the child's date of birth, according to their birth certificate or passport reflected on the ships manifest.

**Refer to FAQ: What do I need to know about the 10-12 year old parent sign-out authorisation?

On all ships, one-time registration is to be completed by a parent or guardian (if child is not travelling with their parent) for each child/teen age 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose. Norwegian requests that you let the Youth Staff know if your child has allergies and/or is taking any medications by noting this on the Registration Form.

On the Norwegian Escape, any parent wanting to use the Guppies Nursery is required to complete a one-time registration for children ages 6 months - under 3 years old along with securing a reservation for desired time block session. Be sure to register your child and make reservations for the desired time block once onboard with the Nursery Attendant.

Please refer to the Guppies Nursery FAQ for additional information.

Splash Academy and Entourage are complimentary programmes, but there is a port day Meal Fee of $6.00 USD per child/per meal, which applies for the supervision of children during meal times. Depending on the arrival of the ship into port, Port Day Meals may include a combination of breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. Please check the activity programme on board for the Port Play Meal(s) time slots.

Late Night Fun Zone is a group-sitting, drop off, fee-based service for children ages 3 - 12 years old. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff inside Splash Academy. Late Night programming continues the theme throughout the day.

Hours of Operations
Nightly: 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Fees
$24.00 USD per session for the 1st child, $20.00 USD per session for the 2nd child. Fees are charged to the guests onboard account.

Parents are encouraged to register in advance. The Late Night fee is charged to your on-board account. Sign out authorisation for 10 - 12 year olds does not apply during Late Night Fun Zone. If no children are registered or dropped off by 11:30 p.m., the youth centre will close for the evening.

Refer to FAQs Are there any fees I should be aware of?

Norwegian Fleet Embarkation Day
8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Port Days
Port Arrival Time - 10:30 p.m.

Sea Days
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Late Night Fun Zone
10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. nightly

The centre closes at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children must be picked up at these times. Pick-up late fees may apply.

Please refer to FAQ Are there any fees I should be aware of?

Yes, unless you are given a handy phone* at least 1 authorised pick up person must remain onboard in case the staff or child needs your assistance.

Handy phones or pagers will be given out for the following reasons:

*Pagers and handy phones do not work in port whilst the ship is docked. Therefore, on port days pagers and handy phones will be issued if your child is in nappies or needs assistance with the bathroom and at least one parent/authorised pick-up person is required to stay on board.

Youth Programme Manager reserves the right to issue a handy phone or pager to parents if the situation with the child requires parent/pick-up person assistance.

If a handy phone or pager is issued to you and your child is signed into the programme, not responding to a page or call within 15 minutes will result in a $75.00 fee and your child will be dismissed from the programme.

If a handy phone or pager is issued a fee of $150.00 will be applied to your onboard account if the device is not returned or if it is returned broken.

This policy is in place for the safety of your child and not to cause any inconvenience.

Parents can allow their 10 - 12 year old to sign themselves out of Splash Academy after two hours of participation.

The authorisation ends nightly at 10:30 p.m. Therefore, at 10:30 p.m., the 10 -12 year old will be signed out from Splash Academy, unless the parent registers the child for Late Night Fun Zone.

If the child does not wish to remain in Splash Academy for the two hours, the parent or another authorised guardian can pick up the child at any time.

Please refer to FAQ regarding authorised pick up people.

The sign out authorisation does not apply on Port Days.

It is recommended that parents decline the authorisation if they do not want their 10 - 12 year old unattended 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 old who are given the sign out authorisation so you are aware of where they are when not in the programme.

Most drop offs will take place in the Splash Academy; however due to high counts the 10 - 12 year old programme may be in a different location. This is not meant to cause inconvenience as it allows us to take in more children.

It is recommended that you check the Dolphins Activity Programme for all drop off locations.

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

• Bracelet Reprint Fee: $5.00 USD
• Pager/Handy Phone Fee: $150.00 USD for damage and replacement.
• Splash Academy and Guppies Nursery Nappy Changing Fee: $75.00 USD and programme dismissal
• Splash Academy Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting at the 16th minute and the child can be dismissed from programme for excessive late pick-ups.
• Guppies Nursery Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting at the 11th minute and the child can be dismissed from programme for excessive late pick-ups.

It is not advised for a child to bring in electronics or personal items to Splash Academy. In the event the child does bring in an item, the child is fully responsible for the item if lost or damaged. In addition, whilst in programme, the device should be used on a limited basis as to not distract other children from the programme. We also reserve the right to remove the item in attempt to control shared content that may be inappropriate for all ages.

Children are registered for and placed in the appropriate age group based on their date of birth at the time of sailing for quality programmes. Certain hours within the programmes, called Freestyle Free Play, are designated for friends and siblings to play together. When Freestyle Free Play is not in session, children are placed in their appropriate age groups for programming. No exceptions will be made to age bump to a different age group. Please check the Splash Academy Activity Programme for the Freestyle Free Play activities and time slots.

Freestyle Free Play are designated time slots scheduled by the Youth Programme Manager within the Splash Academy programmes, which allow friends and siblings to play together. Although we advertise that children 3 - 12 can play together, the Youth Programme Manager still reserves the right to keep 3 and 4-year-olds separate for the overall safety of the entire group. Please enquire with the Youth Programme Manager with any questions. Freestyle Free Play may vary per ship and itinerary.

Children must be at least three (3) years old to participate in Splash Academy based on date of birth at the time of sailing according to the ships manifest. No exceptions can be made. Children under 3 and their parents are welcome to participate in the Guppies Programme.

Children turning three (3) years old during the cruise are welcome to register and participate on their birthday.

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

Children turning ten (10) years old during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the 10-12 year old age group beginning embarkation evening. Sign in and out privileges* only apply after the child turns 10 years old.

Children turning thirteen (13) years old during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the Entourage Programme beginning embarkation evening.

If a 12 year old is registered for Splash Academy, it is understood that 12 year olds need special attention and programmes; therefore the Dolphins Youth Counsellors offer more mature games/theme nights and timetable Entourage Take-Overs allowing the Dolphins to enjoy the lounge, video games, air hockey, foosball, music videos and much more.

Guppies Nursery*, Splash Academy, and Entourage are adult free zones (18+) regardless of what programme is taking place.

Parents/guardians/adults are only allowed in the Guppies Nursery, Splash Academy and Entourage facilities on embarkation day during the registration process.

Any parent with a special needs child that would like additional information, please contact the access desk in advance of sailing by calling toll free 0333 2412319 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.

*Guppies Nursery is only offered on the Norwegian Escape

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 Guppies Nursery (Escape) and from Splash Academy (Fleetwide).

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

1. His/her 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

4. Essential items if using the Guppies Nursery on the Norwegian Escape: nappies, wipes, bottle, approved snack or drink, change of clothes, non-spill sippy cup. All items as applies to the child's age and needs.

If the person does not have the key cards or password, this will delay the drop off and pick up process for Guppies Nursery and Splash Academy age groups. At pick up, the child will not be released until proper keys and information is provided.

On port days, children ages 3 - 12 are combined for programming from arrival into port to departure from port or 6:00 p.m.., whichever comes first. Please know that children under 12 always have proper supervision when in Splash Academy.

Children should never be left by parents unattended on the ship during a port day.

The Norwegian Escape offers a fee based Guppies Nursery for children 6 months - under 3 years old. Otherwise, Norwegian Cruise Line does not provide one-on-one care or babysitting on any ship.

Identification bracelets are issued to children ages 3 - 12 when registered for the youth programmes and worn for the entire cruise. The bracelet is colour coordinated for each age group, displays the child's safety muster station and any allergies. Medical conditions are coded privately for internal use.

Guppies Nursery, drop off, fee based service, on the Norwegian Escape will accept children in nappies 6 months - under 3 years old. All parents are given a handy phone. Certified Nursery Attendants change nappies.

Splash Academy will accept children in nappies who are eligible to participate in the complimentary, drop-off programme. However, Youth Counsellors in Splash Academy on any ship are not able to change nappies or pull-ups. The parent or primary guardian is responsible to assist their child and will be given a pager or handy phone to alert them when their child needs assistance and must respond to the page within 15 minutes.

For either service, Guppies Nursery or Splash Academy, any parent or at least one authorised pick up person of a child in nappies using the drop off service, on sea days or ports must be reachable and remain on board as pagers and handy phones do not work.

A $75.00 USD fee will apply and the child will be dismissed from the programme if:

1. A parent does not respond to a page within 15 minutes.

2. A parent or authorised pick up person does not remain onboard during port day services.

Parents should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counsellors in Splash Academy on any ship are not able to assist children in the washrooms. This includes pulling up/down pants, buttoning/unbuttoning pants and/or wiping assistance. A pager or handy phone will be issued to alert you when your child needs assistance. Any parent or at least one authorised pick up person of a child needing assistance in the washroom and using the drop off service, on sea days or ports must be reachable and remain on board as papers and handy phones do not work ashore. A $75.00 USD fee will charged to the parent's onboard account and the child will be dismissed from programme if the authorised pick up people leave the ship and/or cannot be reached.

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.

Nursery Attendants on the Norwegian Escape will call the parents for pick up their child after 10 minutes of continuous crying. The step process for care is as follows:

• Step 1: Comfort and Redirect the child
• Step 2: Check for nappy change, hunger, thirst
• 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.

Yes, detailed activity agendas are available on embarkation day, which advertise the timetable of activities that take Guppies Programmes (Hosted Activities/Open Play) and Guppies Nursery (Escape), Splash Academy and Entourage for each age group.

Guppies Nursery activities are run under the supervision of the certified Nursery Attendants, Guppies Hosted Activities (all ships) are run under the Early Years Coordinator, Splash Academy activities are run under the supervision of the Youth Counsellors, and Entourage activities are run under the supervision of the Teen Counsellor(s).

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

For overall safety, children should pack and be expected to wear to closed toe sneakers when participating in activities on the Sports Court. In addition, children can decide to pack items that match with the common themes; but please know that items will also be created and made onboard for each theme for the children. We focus on creativity, self-expression, and engagement.

3-5 year olds: Prince and Princesses, Pirate, Superhero, PJ Party

6-9 year olds: Pirate, Superhero, Spy Night, Survivor, PJ Party

10-12 year olds: Spy Night, Survivor, Hollywood, Dance Parties

• Step 1: Warning - The Youth Counsellor addresses the child and it is explained that his/her behavior is unacceptable and needs to be improved immediately.
• Step 2: Reflection Time - If the child continues to disobey the Youth Counsellor, 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 programme for 24 hours. The child is then welcomed back, but if there is any reservation on the part of the Youth Counsellor, a parent may be required to attend with their child.
• Step 4: Dismissal - Once the child is allowed back into the programme after the initial dismissal, if any disobedient behavior continues, the child will no longer be allowed to participate. More severe behaviours may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Youth Programme Supervisor.

• Step 1: Warning: The Nursery Attendant addresses the child and it is explained that his/her behavior is unacceptable and needs to be improved immediately.
• Step 2: Second Warning: If the behavior continues, the Nursery Attendant addresses the child and it is explained that his/her behavior is unacceptable and needs to be improved immediately.
• Step 3: Reflection Time: If the child continues to disobey the Nursery Attendant, reflection time is issued and the parents are notified at pick-up time.
• Step 4: Suspension: If a time out is not effective in eliminating the inappropriate behavior, the parents are located and the child is grounded from the programme for 24 hours. After 24 hours the child is welcome to return to programme.
• Step 5 5: Dismissal: Once the child is allowed back into the programme after the initial dismissal, if any disobedient behaviours continue, the child will no longer be allowed to participate.

Depending on the nature of the behavior, the more severe behaviours may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Nursery Coordinator or Youth Programme Manager.

Entourage combines the hang out 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.

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.

Yes. All teens are responsible for any personal items brought to activities and events. Teens participating in our programmes are prohibited from smoking, drinking alcohol and using profanity. Violence and vandalism will not be tolerated. Teens should be advised that all public areas, including the Teen Centre, are under 24-hour surveillance. All crew members are instructed to report inappropriate behavior to Ship Security. Norwegian strongly discourages teens from travelling ashore alone in the ports of call.

• Step 1: Verbal Warning - Teens exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to stop immediately.
• Step 2: Parent Notification - If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, parents will be notified of the inappropriate behavior and informed that if the behavior doesn't change the teen will be dismissed for 24 hours or programme dismissal depending on the severity.
• Step 3: 24-Hour Dismissal with Parent/Ship Notification - If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, he/she will be dismissed from the Teen Centre and Teen Programme 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 Programme or using the Teen Centre will result in immediate dismissal for the entire sailing. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

If a child/teen of any age is not feeling well, he/she should visit the medical centre. Before returning to the programme, he/she must be cleared by the doctor. Please refer to Childhood Exclusion Policy that is posted outside all Youth Programme facilities. A standard medical centre charge may apply.

To ensure that children/teens and parents have an enjoyable holiday, and to assist those children/teens that require a little extra care, it is recommended that parents contact the access desk in advance of sailing for any medical special needs request by calling toll free 0333 2412319 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.

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

It is recommended for parents to contact the access desk for any severe allergies, medical conditions or specials needs by calling toll free 0333 2412319 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.

In the event of an emergency during Splash Academy and/or Guppies Nursery (Escape) hours:

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.

On the order from the Captain, all unclaimed children at the Child Pick-Up Point will be accompanied by the Child Care Team to an assigned lifeboat.

No child will be left unattended.

Youth Programmes and Youth Programme facilities adhere to fire code safety and maximum occupancy* guidelines outlined per vessel based on Fire Safety Standard Code. In the event the facilities reach maximum occupancy, there could be delayed wait times for drop off.

*Maximum capacity refers to the maximum number of children and staff allowed inside the Youth Facilities at any time to provide safety and prevent overcrowding. 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 serve basis.

Yes. 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 for your child to have access, please visit the reception desk and deactivate your child's card.

Great family fun is offered throughout the cruise. Activities are subject to change per ship/itinerary but may include shipboard challenges, a circus show, a movie night, pizza making, scavenger hunts, building block hour, game show challenges and poolside challenges.

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