Youth Programs FAQs
Note: Youth program operations may vary by ship and sailing based on local regulations and continued return to service efforts.
Youth Programs represents are 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 brings 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 child ages 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 Counselor on board the ship is available to assist.
Splash Academy drop off services are offered while sailing for children 3-12 years of age. Splash Academy drop off services are not available when the ship is in docked in port or anchored. Late Night Services are offered nightly from 10p – 12a for an hourly fee. Hours of operations and sessions are subject to change without notice.
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.
On all ships, a one-time digital registration form is to be completed by a parent or guardian (if child is not traveling with their parent) for each child/teen age 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose during operating hours with 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 traveling with a Legal Permanent Guardian or a Legal Temporary Guardian please click here for more information about required documents 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 noting the information on the Registration Form to allow the Youth Staff to provide the best services for your child(ren) while in our care.
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 ages 3 - 12 years old. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff inside Splash Academy.
Late Night Fun Zone Hours of Operations
Nightly: 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Late Night Fun Zone Fees
$6.00 USD per hour/per child, $4.00 USD per hour/per child per hour siblings; 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 - 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 10:30 p.m., the youth center will close for the evening.
Opening hours and closing hours are posted onboard and noted in the Splash Academy Program and/or via the Freestyle Daily.
Parents can allow their 10 - 12 year old to sign themselves into Splash Academy during operational hours and sign themselves out of Splash Academy after two hours of participation.
It is recommended for parents to 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 program, the 10-12 year olds must have their key cards and their parents location.
The authorization ends nightly at 10:00 p.m. Therefore, at 10:00pm, the 10 -12 year old will be signed out from Splash Academy, unless the parent signs up the child for Late Night Fun Zone. Due to the Late Night Fun Zone charges, the parent is required to pick up the child.
If the child does not wish to remain in Splash Academy for the two hours, the parent or another authorized guardian can pick up the child at any time. Please refer to FAQ regarding authorized pick-up people.
It is recommended that parents decline the authorization if they do not want their 10 - 12 year old unattended around the ship after the two hours 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 program.
Overall, there are very few fees associated with the Youth Programs.
Splash Academy Bracelet Reprint Fee: $5.00 USD USD
Entourage Wristband Replacement Fee: $20.00 USD USD
Non-Response to Page Handy Phone/Pager Fee: $75.00
Pager/Handy Phone Fee: $150.00 USD for damage and replacement.
Splash Academy Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting on the hour, if the parent/authorized pick-up person arrives 15 or more minutes after closing time. The child can be dismissed from program for excessive late pick-ups.
It is not advised for a child to bring in electronics or personal items to Splash Academy. Photos and/or Videos are strictly prohibited in 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, while in program, the youth staff can limit or use to not distract other children from the program. Youth staff also reserves the right to remove the item in attempt to control shared content that may be inappropriate for all ages.
Yes, if they choose to. Children 3-12 are able to 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.
Interest Based, Flexible Programming allows for the children to choose. There will be many options for them to explore from including: Dynamic (5-12yrs), 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.
Splash Academy does not allow sleeping children to be dropped off into the program. The children must be able to enter the program willingly. If a child falls asleep during complimentary sessions, the staff is directed to call or page the parent for pick up.
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.
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 that 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?
Parents or Primary Guardian (if children are not traveling 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?
The drop off/pick up person must always have the following:
- His/her key card and the child’s key card
- Noted password; share the password with all pick-up and drop-off people.
- 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 pickup person is confirmed, and proper keys and information is provided. 10-12 year olds with sign out authorization must have their key card with them and the location of their parents.
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 ages 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 ages 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 wrist band?
Eligible children in diapers are welcome to register and participate in drop off services. Parents/authorized drop off people are required to take 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?
Parents should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counselors 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. All children must be fully potty trained.
In the event there is an immediate health and sanitary concern to the child, facility, or other children, the child will be assisted into clean clothes until the parents arrive or can be reached.
Yes. Since Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counselors 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.
Yes, detailed activity agendas are available on embarkation day which 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.
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: Reflection Time - 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 - 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.
More severe behaviors may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Youth Program Supervisor.
Entourage combines the hang out zone, dance zone, game zone and party zone. The Teen Counselors 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 Counselors. However, when activities take place around the ship, Entourage may be unsupervised.
Yes, all registered teens must wear and 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. Replacement wristband will require parent acknowledgement and a replacement fee will apply.
Refer to FAQ What other fees should I be aware of?
In an unlikely event of an emergency, if teens are in Entourage, the Teen Counselor 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. Teens are expected to be courteous and respectful at all times. Upon coming to Entourage, Teens should be wearing their wristband and have their key card available. 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 behavior to Ship Security. Curfew for all teenage guests is 1:30am. Teens must proceed to their staterooms unless they are accompanied by their parent/guardian.
Norwegian Cruise Line strongly discourages teens from traveling 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.
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 program 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 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.
If a child/teen of any age is not feeling well or is exhibiting symptoms of sickness, he/she will be required to visit/call the medical center. Before returning to the program, he/she must be cleared by the doctor with written authorization to the Youth Program Manager. Please refer to Childhood Exclusion Policy that is posted outside all Youth Program facilities. A standard medical center charge may apply.
To ensure that children/teens with special-needs as well as parents have an enjoyable vacation, 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.
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 for the epipen to 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 for parents to contact the access desk for any severe allergies, medical conditions or specials needs by calling toll free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.
In the event of an emergency during Splash Academy 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.
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.
Yes. 24-hour Internet service, arcade games and 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.
Great family fun is offered throughout the cruise. Activities are subject to change per ship/itinerary but may include shipboard 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.