Changes to Kid's Program

[kenteecruisin]

We're booked to cruise in June. Our twins will turning 3 while aboard and our oldest is 4 1/2. I'm really curious as to what the kids program will be!:confused:

[KerCar]

Wow! I haven't been on CC since my cruise last year, so this is the first I'm hearing of this! 14 of us are sailing on the Gem in September for my in-laws 40th anniversary. My niece will be 3 weeks shy of being 3 when we sail. When we booked several months back, I can say with 100% certainty that the NCL site stated that 2 year olds could be dropped off at the kid's crew. When I heard they were "enhancing" the program I checked again to make sure they didn't change their policy regarding 2 year olds and it still said drop off for ages 2 and above. If they really have discontinued the drop off program for 2 year olds and don't inform people who are booked (since the majority of cruisers don't read these boards) there are going to be A LOT of angry parents on board NCL ships in the coming months!!!!

 

Smeyer~Have they responded to your email yet?

[NengEuis]

I have many many cruises under my belt, first time using kids club was when my son was 5..and only put him there from 7:30p to 9:30p....

 

Probably the best two hours of his whole week.......

[crusinmama06]

On the other thread there has been responses and its not good

 

Basically, once the ship implements the program, it is parent supervision only for the Under 3's

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1581703

[smeyer418]

Wow! I haven't been on CC since my cruise last year, so this is the first I'm hearing of this! 14 of us are sailing on the Gem in September for my in-laws 40th anniversary. My niece will be 3 weeks shy of being 3 when we sail. When we booked several months back, I can say with 100% certainty that the NCL site stated that 2 year olds could be dropped off at the kid's crew. When I heard they were "enhancing" the program I checked again to make sure they didn't change their policy regarding 2 year olds and it still said drop off for ages 2 and above. If they really have discontinued the drop off program for 2 year olds and don't inform people who are booked (since the majority of cruisers don't read these boards) there are going to be A LOT of angry parents on board NCL ships in the coming months!!!!

 

Smeyer~Have they responded to your email yet?

 

no response yet and I emailed them twice.

[dutchess43]

Here is what I found regarding the Kids Programs

New Norwegian Youth Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, 22 March 2012

 

 

 

 

Following the “Up2YOU” naming contest that received entries from thousands of cruisers, Norwegian Cruise Line has selected the names for its new Youth and Teen programs. Splash Academy is the new name for its enhanced Youth program and Entourage is the new moniker for its revitalized Teen program.

 

Names were also selected for the four age groups in the Youth program: Guppies for ages up to 2; Turtles for ages 3 to 5; Seals for ages 6 to 9; and Dolphins for ages 10 to 12. The company announced its new enhanced youth and teen programs earlier this year that launched on Norwegian Gem in February and are currently being rolled out to all the ships in the Norwegian fleet.

 

The grand prize contest winners are Misty Horning of Princeton, Kentucky who first submitted Splash Academy and Lili Kabelitz of Sag Harbor, New York who first submitted Entourage. Each will receive a seven-day Caribbean cruise for a family of four. Those who submitted the winning names for the age groups will each receive a $100 American Express gift card.

 

“We introduced our new Youth and Teen programs on Norwegian Gem to rave reviews from parents and kids alike,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The winning names capture the spirit and fun-filled nature of the new exciting programs that are designed to be educational and interactive.”

 

The enhanced curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills. With activities that are tailored specifically to each age group, the new youth and teen programs focus on creative and unique activities, along with more sporting events, through a partnership with King’s Foundation and Camps. A highlight of the program is a circus school in partnership with Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills. The overall curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills.

 

Both Splash Academy and Entourage will feature a different theme every day. Whether it’s ocean-related, pirates, space cowboys, jungle fever or circus, every day will offer a new surprise that is tailored to the individual age groups with a variety of themed activities.

 

Specific emphasis is being placed on sports through the partnership with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a United Kingdom-based organization that provides high quality sport and activity programs designed to make a positive impact on children. A large variety of sports activities and workshops are being offered including soccer skills; physical challenges; and icebreaker action games. For teens, bowling tournaments, soccer challenges and dodge ball under the stars are just a few of the active offerings. There is also a chance for the whole family to play along with a variety of sports including dodge ball, sports court fun, tug-of-war and King’s Camps’ family challenges.

 

Creative arts also play a big role in the program. With a focus on theater and the arts, young cruisers will have the chance to participate in puppet shows, mini improvisational acting classes and the ability to act out their favorite spy or survivor in themed activities such as Superspy Mission Impossible and Desert Island Adventures.

 

Through the partnership with Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour, Norwegian is offering circus workshops for the whole family teaching a variety of skills such as balancing feathers, juggling, plate spinning and even stilt walking. Classes will take place within the youth program and there is also a family circus school performed in a circus ring, hosted by a ringmaster. Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour was established by a team of performers from the famed Ringling Brothers, so kids and parents can learn from some of the best circus entertainers.

 

Additional offerings for families to participate in together include cupcake decorating; pizza making; a variety of family game shows; family charades; Family Deck Party; and a special Family White Hot Party.

 

Splash Academy also offers activities for cruisers under three and their parents who can enjoy sensory play classes which include baby art featuring “Wee Can Too” organic art products. There are also fun events such as parent and baby “Rhyme Time” where a storyteller recites popular nursery rhymes featuring puppets or “Motion in the Ocean,” a parent and baby mini workout.

 

Norwegian’s youth counselors have a degree or relevant in child care or sports education. The company has recruited staff with leadership qualities and those who can serve as positive role models. The counselors will continue to use cute, catchy nicknames which the children enjoy.

 

Splash Academy and Entourage are currently available on Norwegian Gem and are rolling out to all of Norwegian’s ships. Launch dates are as follows: Norwegian Jewel on April 21; Norwegian Star on May 6; Norwegian Dawn on May 25; Norwegian Epic on May 27; Norwegian Pearl on June 17; Norwegian Jade on June 30; Norwegian Sky on July 16; Norwegian Sun on July 24; Norwegian Spirit on August 14 and Pride of America on August 25. Norwegian Breakaway launching in April 2013 will also feature the new youth and teen programs.

[crusinmama06]

Here is what I found regarding the Kids Programs

New Norwegian Youth Programs.

 

That was page 1, post #1 of this thread. ;)

 

We are trying to figure out why NCL would announce a "great improvement" when really they were taking away a program amenity for the 2 year olds.

[rvsullivan]

I think NCL may not see this as a problem until they start implementing on ships and people get upset they were not told. Not everyone reads this board and if you do not how would you know they changed the program.

 

I have a cruise booked for later this year with children. You think they would email people about this change to a major portion of the ship amenities.

 

What major portion of ships amenities? Seems to be a very small change that affects very few people. The number of children between 2 and 3 is probably less than 1% of the passengers on any given cruise. On our recent December cruise, there were a total of 90 children on the ship out of 2200 passengers. Of those 90, about 10 or less were under the age of 5. I fail to see how the change to fewer than 10 is a major change?:cool:

[che5904]

What major portion of ships amenities? Seems to be a very small change that affects very few people. The number of children between 2 and 3 is probably less than 1% of the passengers on any given cruise. On our recent December cruise, there were a total of 90 children on the ship out of 2200 passengers. Of those 90, about 10 or less were under the age of 5. I fail to see how the change to fewer than 10 is a major change?:cool:

 

You make a valid point.

 

Also when this program was first announced there were pages of those parents singing the praises of the new age categories and what was suppose to be. It was only when someone pointed out the 2 yr olds had changed groups that the ball started rolling in the opposite direction.

[KerCar]

What major portion of ships amenities? Seems to be a very small change that affects very few people. The number of children between 2 and 3 is probably less than 1% of the passengers on any given cruise. On our recent December cruise, there were a total of 90 children on the ship out of 2200 passengers. Of those 90, about 10 or less were under the age of 5. I fail to see how the change to fewer than 10 is a major change?:cool:

 

90 seems about right for an off-peak week in December. However during peak season (summer months, spring break, etc) the number of kids on the ship can be upwards of 500.

[NJ Johnny]

On our past summer cruises, there have always been 900+ children on board. This effects a lot of families.

[che5904]

90 seems about right for an off-peak week in December. However during peak season (summer months, spring break, etc) the number of kids on the ship can be upwards of 500.

 

On our past summer cruises, there have always been 900+ children on board. This effects a lot of families.

 

90 / 500 / 900. I think the point is how many are actually going to be "2". Since the rest of the program has actually been praised on CC and the benefits of those changes are well received. The chance of this one issue making a big impact would be small IMO.

 

RV was responding to "I think NCL may not see this as a problem until they start implementing on ships and people get upset they were not told."

[rvsullivan]

On our past summer cruises, there have always been 900+ children on board. This effects a lot of families.

 

Again, "a lot" is a relative term. 900 children on board, 10% mean 90 out of 2300-4000 depending on the ship. Pretty small number compared to total numbers. I suspect NCL had a reason for making this change. They are not in the business of making customers angry. Could be the small numbers affected were a substantial drain on resources? Too many calls for potty breaks and slow parent response? Extra care from the staff, taking away for the majority of children in the program? I can think of several reasons. None of which involve "being mean" to the 2 year olds. Seems to me if you have a child under 3 you should prepare to be your childs primary care giver on the cruise or find a cruise line that caters to 2 year olds.

Again, I fail to see how this is a "major" issue for NCL?

[KerCar]

90 / 500 / 900. I think the point is how many are actually going to be "2". Since the rest of the program has actually been praised on CC and the benefits of those changes are well received. The chance of this one issue making a big impact would be small IMO.

 

RV was responding to "I think NCL may not see this as a problem until they start implementing on ships and people get upset they were not told."

 

My kids loved going to the kid's crew when they were in the younger age bracket. Now that they are getting older they prefer hanging out with us. My daughter was 2 the first time she did the kid's crew and absolutely loved it. There were lots of other 2 yo's in the group with her and everyone seemed to have a great time. I think this is going to effect a lot more than just a few people. People booked with the understanding that their 2 yo's would have access to the kid's crew drop off program based on what was on NCL's site and printed brochures at the time of booking. When the initial press release about the "enhancements" came out back in January, there was nothing that indicated that they were doing away with the program. In fact, it appeared that they were expanding the program to children 6 months and above. It's the wording of the new press release that has people worried. If, in fact, NCL is doing away with the 2 yo program, they need to start contacting all those that are going to be effected by the change ASAP.

[NJ Johnny]

Seems to me if you have a child under 3 you should prepare to be your childs primary care giver on the cruise or find a cruise line that caters to 2 year olds.

Again, I fail to see how this is a "major" issue for NCL?

 

We did find a cruise line that catered to 2 - 3 year olds - NCL - and that is why we booked our family cruise last year for this July - three mini-suites. This new program was implimented subsequent to our booking. Without being on cruise critic, there are families that could not even know that their child will not be in a drop off program anymore until they get on the ship. I think these families should be "grandfathered" into the new program. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game. I don't want to be forced to change cruise lines at this time because I just might never go back to NCL - a line that I'm very pleased with up to this time.

[che5904]

We did find a cruise line that catered to 2 - 3 year olds - NCL - and that is why we booked our family cruise last year for this July - three mini-suites. This new program was implimented subsequent to our booking. Without being on cruise critic, there are families that could not even know that their child will not be in a drop off program anymore until they get on the ship. I think these families should be "grandfathered" into the new program. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game. I don't want to be forced to change cruise lines at this time because I just might never go back to NCL - a line that I'm very pleased with up to this time.

 

Actually they do it all the time, the same could be said for those who booked cruises before any policy/program change. ie when the smoking change was implemented. They did it again with the wine policy changed, when the latitude perks changed, the dress code, the 3% charge in the casino for cash. And who knows how many other policies have changed between people booking and sailing. NCL survived it.

 

This program was announced far enough in advance that those affected could cancel prior to final payment due. And I could almost bet that anyone within their non-cancelling date (if made a big enough fuss about not knowing) could also cancel with little or no penalty.

 

Those that do not know about the change that are not on CC would be no different that the other policy/program changes I have mentioned above that changed between the time booked and the time sailed.

 

The only thing that I think NCL is responsible for and not living up to it's customers is that this close to the implementation, all info about this program should be available to everyone and it's not. Shame on you NCL you should have that part together by now.

[KerCar]

This program was announced far enough in advance that those affected could cancel prior to final payment due. And I could almost bet that anyone within their non-cancelling date (if made a big enough fuss about not knowing) could also cancel with little or no penalty.

 

The problem is that NCL has not officially announced they are doing away with the 2 year old program. This is all just speculation based on the wording of latest press release from 3/22 and from what a few of our members have been told this week. Haven't checked today, but as of yesterday their website still said there were babysitting services for ages 2 and above. Since the program is set to be implemented fleet wide in the coming weeks and people are getting the run around when they contact NCL, this might come down to people boarding ships not knowing if their child will be allowed to use the program or not. JMHO, but if I paid peak week prices with the understanding that my child could use the crew and was told otherwise when I boarded the ship, I would be pretty angry!

[che5904]

The problem is that NCL has not officially announced they are doing away with the 2 year old program. This is all just speculation based on the wording of latest press release from 3/22 and from what a few of our members have been told this week. Haven't checked today, but as of yesterday their website still said there were babysitting services for ages 2 and above. Since the program is set to be implemented fleet wide in the coming weeks and people are getting the run around when they contact NCL, this might come down to people boarding ships not knowing if their child will be allowed to use the program or not. JMHO, but if I paid peak week prices with the understanding that my child could use the crew and was told otherwise when I boarded the ship, I would be pretty angry!

 

That was my point to the last paragraph I wrote. That it is very close to implementation and I believe that NCL should get their act together.

[KerCar]

That was my point to the last paragraph I wrote. That it is very close to implementation and I believe that NCL should get their act together.

 

I saw that and agree 100%! :D

[KerCar]

Just checked the website and it still has babysitting for 2 and above listed. Also, the info they have on the page really makes it seem like they will be allowing kids 6 months and up into the drop off splash academy program. I don't see any fine print that says that parents need to be with them. Perhaps, this whole thing is just a big misunderstanding? If not, and are planning to do away with drop offs for 2 year olds the info online is completely misleading!

 

http://www2.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/freestyle-family-fun/kids-crew-and-teen-crew

 

"Introducing Splash Academy and Entourage. Our newly redesigned, complimentary kids and teens programs. Here, with our well-trained staff your kids will explore and experience engaging activities with kids their own age. Maybe even make a new friend or two. So enjoy a bite to eat, a relaxing massage or get a little shopping done. You can be certain your kids are having fun in a safe and supervised area".

 

And then it lists the age ranges:

 

Guppies: 6 mo. - 2 yrs.

Turtles: 3 - 5 yrs.

Seals: 6 - 9 yrs.

Dolphins: 10 - 12 yrs.

 

Here's the info on group sitting services...

 

"Sometimes you just want some adult or grown-up time together. For kids 2–12, Port Play (when ship is in port) and Late Night Fun Zone (nightly) are located at the Kids Center, supervised by our youth staff and designed so that you can have some fun. And your kids, too".

[che5904]

Just checked the website and it still has babysitting for 2 and above listed. Also, the info they have on the page really makes it seem like they will be allowing kids 6 months and up into the drop off splash academy program. I don't see any fine print that says that parents need to be with them. Perhaps, this whole thing is just a big misunderstanding? If not, and are planning to do away with drop offs for 2 year olds the info online is completely misleading!

 

http://www2.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/freestyle-family-fun/kids-crew-and-teen-crew

 

"Introducing Splash Academy and Entourage. Our newly redesigned, complimentary kids and teens programs. Here, with our well-trained staff your kids will explore and experience engaging activities with kids their own age. Maybe even make a new friend or two. So enjoy a bite to eat, a relaxing massage or get a little shopping done. You can be certain your kids are having fun in a safe and supervised area".

 

And then it lists the age ranges:

 

Guppies: 6 mo. - 2 yrs.

Turtles: 3 - 5 yrs.

Seals: 6 - 9 yrs.

Dolphins: 10 - 12 yrs.

 

.

 

You are very right if it isn't drop off for that age then it is misleading because there isn't any qualifying that the program is different for 6mos - 2 yrs than it is for 10 - 12 yrs.

 

It could just be a big misunderstanding on CC.

[KerCar]

 

It could just be a big misunderstanding on CC.

 

Wouldn't be the first time and certainly not the last;)

[Pikaia]

I don't see any fine print that says that parents need to be with them. Perhaps, this whole thing is just a big misunderstanding? If not, and are planning to do away with drop offs for 2 year olds the info online is completely misleading!

It appears the website hasn't been updated to reflect all aspects of the new program.

 

From the March 22 press release about Breakaway's kids' program:

Babies and toddlers under age three, along with their parents, will also have their own dedicated play space with activities.

Another March 22 press release, applicable to the whole line, says this:

Splash Academy also offers activities for cruisers under three and their parents who can enjoy sensory play classes which include baby art featuring "Wee Can Too" organic art products. There are also fun events such as parent and baby "Rhyme Time" where a storyteller recites popular nursery rhymes featuring puppets or "Motion in the Ocean," a parent and baby mini workout.

Link to NCL press releases: here.

[smeyer418]

I just emailed the CEO lets see if that gets a response...

[KerCar]

It appears the website hasn't been updated to reflect all aspects of the new program.

 

From the March 22 press release about Breakaway's kids' program:

 

Another March 22 press release, applicable to the whole line, says this:

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Link to NCL press releases: here.

 

That's where the conflict comes in. Their website has been updated. You get to the above page by clicking on a link that says "New Youth Program". The website is completely different from what it was a few weeks back. What's on the website contradicts the wording in the press release. Which one is accurate, NCL?!