Kids & Family Cruising Guide
Everything families need to know about cruising with children on NCL — youth programs, teen lounges, family attractions, and tips for a smooth voyage.
Family Cruising with NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line offers complimentary youth programs for children aged 6 months to 17 years. From supervised drop-off care at Splash Academy to the exclusive Entourage teen lounge, NCL ensures every age group has dedicated activities — while parents enjoy adult time guilt-free.
Youth Programs by Age Group
NCL divides its youth programming into three main age tiers. All programs are complimentary and run by trained youth counselors.
🐠 Guppies — Ages 6 Months to 3 Years
The Guppies program is designed for parent-accompanied play — it is NOT a drop-off childcare service. Parents interact with their infants and toddlers in a supervised play space.
- ✓ Sensory toys, blocks, and soft play areas
- ✓ Hosted music and movement activities
- ✓ Safe, cushioned environment
- ⚠️ Parent/guardian must remain present at all times
🐬 Splash Academy — Ages 3 to 12
Splash Academy is NCL's main supervised drop-off program. Children must be at least 3 years old and fully toilet-trained to participate. Kids are divided into age-appropriate sub-groups:
| Group | Ages | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Turtles | 3 – 5 | Arts & crafts, storytelling, character meet-ups |
| Seals | 6 – 9 | Sports challenges, scavenger hunts, themed parties |
| Dolphins | 10 – 12 | Video games, team challenges, science experiments |
💡 Tip: Register your children on embarkation day as early as possible. Spaces fill up on sea days.
🎮 Entourage — Ages 13 to 17
Entourage is NCL's exclusive teen hangout. It's a supervised but relaxed space where teenagers can socialize without their parents.
- ✓ Video game consoles and movie screenings
- ✓ Teen-only pool parties and dance nights
- ✓ Sports competitions and team challenges
- ✓ Music, karaoke, and social events organized by staff
Family-Friendly Attractions
Beyond the youth clubs, NCL ships offer a huge variety of attractions the whole family can enjoy together:
Go-Kart Racetrack
Multi-level racetracks at sea. Available on Breakaway Plus, Prima, and Prima Plus class ships.
Laser Tag
Open-air laser tag arenas on the top deck. Family-friendly during the day, competitive at night.
Bowling Alleys
Full-size bowling lanes available on Jewel class ships and Norwegian Epic.
Water Slides & Aqua Park
Multi-story water slides, splash zones, and kids' aqua parks on most ships.
Mini Golf
Outdoor mini-golf courses on the top deck with ocean views.
Galaxy Pavilion
Virtual reality arcade with VR rides, escape rooms, and simulator games. Per-activity pricing.
Important Notices for Families
- ⚠️ Norwegian Spirit Exception: The Norwegian Spirit does not offer Splash Academy, Guppies, or Entourage. It is generally considered an adults-focused ship.
- 🧸 Toilet Training Required: Children must be fully toilet-trained and at least 3 years old for Splash Academy drop-off.
- 📱 Check the App: Download the NCL mobile app to check daily youth program schedules and virtual queues.
- 🍕 Kids' Menus: Most NCL restaurants offer dedicated kids' menus with familiar favorites. The Garden Café buffet is always a safe bet.
- 🛏️ Connecting Cabins: Book connecting or family staterooms early. These sell out very quickly, especially during school holidays.