NCL's Kid crew changed program drops 2 years from included drop off program?

[smeyer418]

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html?storyCode=PR_032212b

 

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

 

emphasis supplied.

 

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html?storyCode=PR_032212

 

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html?storyCode=PR_010512

 

I emailed one of the counselors on the Gem(we were on the Gem both in October of last year when the younger one wasn't three and in January when he was) where this was rolled out and haven't got a response.

 

Its pretty unclear to me anyway if this is what they are doing but I though people with under three's should be aware that this may be a major change. Both of our grand kids have been on NCL before they were three. for the most part they loved the programs they would spend a few hours each day to give us or their parents a break....its too bad they made this change as they don't provide nursery care either.

[NJ Johnny]

Please let us know when you have a response. I'm calling my PCC Monday to see if she can get some info on the Star. The announcement states it will be rolled out on the Star on May 6 and our cruise is July 15. I'm hoping all this confusion will be settled by then and that they will rethink the breakdown and that the almost threes will still be included in the drop off program as in the past. As I said on another post, this is the main reason many have booked an NCL cruise-- knowing that there is a drop off program for those children over age two.

[NJfoodie]

Has anyone gotten any news about whether there will be any for-fee babysitting for the younger kids then if the 2 yr olds are being cut out of the kids program?

 

Also will the 3-5 yr olds then need to be fully PT'd to participate? This is where I'm especially concerned since we're still working w/ DS and we chose NCL because they didn't require him to be able to completely independently use the toilet. He'll be 3 for our cruise in May, but I don't expect that he'll be accident-free by then.

[smeyer418]

Has anyone gotten any news about whether there will be any for-fee babysitting for the younger kids then if the 2 yr olds are being cut out of the kids program?

 

Also will the 3-5 yr olds then need to be fully PT'd to participate? This is where I'm especially concerned since we're still working w/ DS and we chose NCL because they didn't require him to be able to completely independently use the toilet. He'll be 3 for our cruise in May, but I don't expect that he'll be accident-free by then.

unfortunately no one knows. The previous rule is that if they weren't potty trained no matter what age they just gave you a ship's cell phone and you came when needed.

It worked well. I am not sure why they made this change...if its a change at all or just ad speak confusion

[smeyer418]

fyi I emailed the pr people at NCL

 

Good afternoon:

 

 

 

 

There is some confusion on the cruise critic boards about whether there has been a change in the Kid's crew program for the 2 and over and under 3 year olds. In the past we could drop them off at the program, subject to the issue of being toilet trained where we would be on call. Now its unclear to me and others as to whether that will still be the case.

 

 

As an example from the March 22, press release..

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

It would be helpful if this was clarified. You could either post it on the Cruise critics threads as you sometimes do, or I would be happy to post if you wish.

Thanks so much

[NJ Johnny]

Really got the grand run-around today from different department phone transfers at NCL, trying to find out some info regarding the 2 - 3 year olds. All I got from NCL was conflicting info from other cruise critic posters regarding the implementation of the new program and now I'm more confused then ever regarding where the almost three year olds will be and what is already set up or isn't set up. NCL is saying that the ships will be fully implemented at their launch dates including the Gem right now and that there is no nursery program or dropoff for almost three year olds on any ship. Can't someone give all of us some straight answers? Preferably before our final payments!!!!!

[angelndscz]

NCL is saying that the ships will be fully implemented at their launch dates including the Gem right now and that there is no nursery program or dropoff for almost three year olds on any ship.

.

 

So, NCL (official source) said there is no nursery program or dropoff for almost three year olds on any ship.

That is a straight answer from an official source. It just isn't the answer you want to hear.

 

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

 

So a supervised (by parents) play area is what I am reading.

[smeyer418]

.

 

So, NCL (official source) said there is no nursery program or dropoff for almost three year olds on any ship.

That is a straight answer from an official source. It just isn't the answer you want to hear.

 

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

 

So a supervised (by parents) play area is what I am reading.

 

 

that is from the March 22 press release. If its the decision is a step backwards in my opinion...

 

Sid

[angelndscz]

I don't think it is a step backwards, but I am sure I am in the minority.

I am sure the cruise line did the research on statistics of kids in the program, where the target ages were, etc. I also think they had to look at what was best for the majority of the children who cruise. The old age groups were not broken out very well. A 3 year old and a 5 year old are way too different in age and development to be together. I see this as they have targeted ages and arranged programs to give them the best experience.

Again, I will be in the minority but the under 3 crowd is very difficult to set in a program for this age. I am sure they also talked to staff on the under 3 kid’s behaviors. I know that kids in this age range when dropped off to a daycare that is unfamiliar to them are going to have reactions such as crying and withdrawal. I also feel this is the biggest risk group for liabilities to happen while in kids programs. (i.e. kids getting hurt, employees being accused of improper behavior/care. Then you have diapering and feeding issues

I think it was a smart decision for liability reasons, marketing and program reasons. I see a cruise line would rather have their employees in an action packed kid-friendly environment that is marketable as action, fun, and excitement, over a nursery.

If they do have an under 3 program, it should be a pay by the hour nursery. Hey, just bring your nanny with you! I know people who do that.

[chrisc71]

I don't think it is a step backwards, but I am sure I am in the minority.

I am sure the cruise line did the research on statistics of kids in the program, where the target ages were, etc. I also think they had to look at what was best for the majority of the children who cruise. The old age groups were not broken out very well. A 3 year old and a 5 year old are way too different in age and development to be together. I see this as they have targeted ages and arranged programs to give them the best experience.

Again, I will be in the minority but the under 3 crowd is very difficult to set in a program for this age. I am sure they also talked to staff on the under 3 kid’s behaviors. I know that kids in this age range when dropped off to a daycare that is unfamiliar to them are going to have reactions such as crying and withdrawal. I also feel this is the biggest risk group for liabilities to happen while in kids programs. (i.e. kids getting hurt, employees being accused of improper behavior/care. Then you have diapering and feeding issues

I think it was a smart decision for liability reasons, marketing and program reasons. I see a cruise line would rather have their employees in an action packed kid-friendly environment that is marketable as action, fun, and excitement, over a nursery.

If they do have an under 3 program, it should be a pay by the hour nursery. Hey, just bring your nanny with you! I know people who do that.

 

The 3 and 5 are still in the same group.

 

And besides the actual change, a lot of people are upset that NCL really has not informed anyone of the change. A lot of people have booked thinking there is a program for 2-3 and if they do not read this board they will be very upset when then board.

[NJ Johnny]

I guess you don't understand that people have already booked under the age requirements of the old program. They are expecting a dropoff program. Should an almost three year old be placed with six month babies. I think not!!!

[Pikaia]

So, NCL (official source) said there is no nursery program or dropoff for almost three year olds on any ship.

That is a straight answer from an official source. It just isn't the answer you want to hear.

Well, it may be official, but it is also inaccurate.

 

Recent Gem passengers have confirmed there's been no change made to the age groupings...yet. Two year olds were included in drop off programming on recent Gem sailings, even after the official launch date of the new kids' program on the Gem.

[angelndscz]

I see 3 and 5 are together, my mistake in the post. I still think 3 & 5 are very different regardless. 5 is school aged and should be bumped up into the next higher age group. This is just my opinion. Honestly, if I have a kid who was a couple months under age 6, big for his age, mature, and physically capable of keep up in the older age group, would the cruise line deny me if I tried to sweet talk him into the next age group? I am sure it has been done before. Just saying...

 

All my kids are athletic, but I don't have these concerns anymore as my youngest is 9. Maybe when I have grandkids... but I would not personally cruise with an under 3 year old and if I did, I would not put them in the kids program at all. I don't trust people I don't know with kids that age who can not verbalize if any incidents happened.

[angelndscz]

I guess you don't understand that people have already booked under the age requirements of the old program. They are expecting a dropoff program. Should an almost three year old be placed with six month babies. I think not!!!

 

I understand, but the question was not if I understood. The post was asking for an official answer. Don't attack me for pointing out the obvious in the post.

 

Reference the other reply on the info not being accurate, what is happening on NCL ships, of course I don't know, so whatever people are reporting is what it is. Perhaps because the parents expected it, the short notice, etc., the ship probably wanted to honor it. Who knows. The question also wasn't what was currently happening on ships. Again, don't attack me for pointing out the answer to a question.

[Pikaia]

Honestly, if I have a kid who was a couple months under age 6, big for his age, mature, and physically capable of keep up in the older age group, would the cruise line deny me if I tried to sweet talk him into the next age group?

Yes, they would deny you.

 

I've read at least a few reviews in which parents reported that a child whose birthday occurred during the cruise was not allowed to move up to the older group until his/her actual birthday.

 

They also do not make exceptions to keep siblings, relatives, or friends [of different ages] together.

[angelndscz]

Yes, they would deny you.

 

I've read at least a few reviews in which parents reported that a child whose birthday occurred during the cruise was not allowed to move up to the older group until his/her actual birthday.

 

They also do not make exceptions to keep siblings, relatives, or friends [of different ages] together.

 

 

Good thing it wouldn't even apply to me. As I spend my family vacation with my family.

[Pikaia]

Perhaps because the parents expected it, the short notice, etc., the ship probably wanted to honor it. Who knows.

Nah. It wasn't about parent expectations. The 2-5 age grouping was still listed in the program literature and daily schedules distributed to families during recent cruises.

 

Simply put, regardless of what the people on the phone are saying, the program had not yet been fully implemented on the Gem as of the last completed cruise. When will it be fully implemented? The best people to ask would be the Kid's Crew staff on the ship, but unfortunately they aren't available to take questions.... :rolleyes:

[angelndscz]

Also, what I understand is market research. These corporations are not dumb. I am sure they did their market research for their target market. Okay, what have I learned from Cruise Critic alone. 1) Under 3 is a discounted price. 2) Parents want full-services as if they paid full-price. 3) Parents want special accomodations not just in the cabin but in the dining rooms as well, which includes wait staff having to puree food. (not saying this is wrong, but it is extra work for staff) 4) Parents break the rules and put kids in diapers in the pool risking the health of other vacationers. I am sure I left out a tone more, not even going into nursery liabilities. I am willing to bet that if statistics were posted on families who cruise children under the age of 3, that they percentages were in the bottom or very near to the bottom. That is just a totally random guess. However, based on my guess, why would a corporation focus on this target group? Also, I am sure this cruise line won't be the last to make this change. My guess is the competitors will most likely eventually take a similar route. You don't have to agree. Strictly my opinion. Well, it's after 6 am here... I am off to work!

[Pikaia]

Good thing it wouldn't even apply to me. As I spend my family vacation with my family.

ROFL :rolleyes:

[smeyer418]

Also, what I understand is market research. These corporations are not dumb. I am sure they did their market research for their target market. Okay, what have I learned from Cruise Critic alone. 1) Under 3 is a discounted price. 2) Parents want full-services as if they paid full-price. 3) Parents want special accomodations not just in the cabin but in the dining rooms as well, which includes wait staff having to puree food. (not saying this is wrong, but it is extra work for staff) 4) Parents break the rules and put kids in diapers in the pool risking the health of other vacationers. I am sure I left out a tone more, not even going into nursery liabilities. I am willing to bet that if statistics were posted on families who cruise children under the age of 3, that they percentages were in the bottom or very near to the bottom. That is just a totally random guess. However, based on my guess, why would a corporation focus on this target group? Also, I am sure this cruise line won't be the last to make this change. My guess is the competitors will most likely eventually take a similar route. You don't have to agree. Strictly my opinion. Well, it's after 6 am here... I am off to work!

 

like the people who came out with new coke? The idea is to get the parents on board and into the casino. They will now go to carnival...my grand kids are over three

[KerCar]

Also, what I understand is market research. These corporations are not dumb. I am sure they did their market research for their target market. Okay, what have I learned from Cruise Critic alone. 1) Under 3 is a discounted price. 2) Parents want full-services as if they paid full-price.

 

Unfortunately, just because you read something on Cruise Critic doesn't always make it true;) Children UNDER 2 receive a discounted price (port charges and taxes). Those who are 2 and above pay the normal 3rd or 4th person rate, just like a 3rd or 4th adult in the cabin would have to pay.

 

People are upset about this because they've paid full price for their 2 year olds with the understanding that they would have access to the kid's crew drop off program, based on what was on the ncl site and printed in brochures at the time of booking. Now it's starting to sound more and more like they will not. If this is the case, NCL needs to start notifying people who will be effected by this change ASAP.

[gaylemh]

Also, what I understand is market research. These corporations are not dumb. I am sure they did their market research for their target market. Okay, what have I learned from Cruise Critic alone. 1) Under 3 is a discounted price. 2) Parents want full-services as if they paid full-price.

 

Once a child is 2 they pay the adult fare, either the 3 or 4th rate, or in my case the full fare as the second person in my cabin ($1500). When I booked my cruise on the Gem for 4/8 it was advertised that there was a drop off program for 2 year olds. The only time we planned to use it was for a couple of dinners in the specialty restaurants with my adult children. I expect to be able to use the drop off program, and have recent emails confirming that it will be available, for our sailing.

 

If there was any change in the program for those that have already booked, they should at least have the decency to notify everyone that have children between the ages of 2 and 3 and offer a refund if it was beyond final payment. There can't be that many children booked in that age group. I wouldn't have known anything about the change if I wasn't on CC.

[crusinmama06]

With all of the "market research" can anyone explain why CARNIVAL, the largest cruise line in the world, starts their kids club at age 2 with groupings of 2-5?

 

Followed by Royal Caribbean and Disney with 6 month - 36 month hourly nurseries. But they are drop offs.

 

There is a MARKET for it and suddenly NCL chose to ignore this market segment.

 

I have been asking for a response. I swear I have. And I have not been quiet about it ;) I got the first response to confirm that it was parent supervised only and then a listing of when it would be implemented. I didn't like that response. I would like to know WHY they took this from the 2 year olds and their parents who already paid and what we should tell those people who were planning to sail in groups - one little 2 year old could make or break a cruise line choice for the entire group ;)

[KerCar]

With all of the "market research" can anyone explain why CARNIVAL, the largest cruise line in the world, starts their kids club at age 2 with groupings of 2-5?

 

Followed by Royal Caribbean and Disney with 6 month - 36 month hourly nurseries. But they are drop offs.

 

There is a MARKET for it and suddenly NCL chose to ignore this market segment.

 

I have been asking for a response. I swear I have. And I have not been quiet about it ;) I got the first response to confirm that it was parent supervised only and then a listing of when it would be implemented. I didn't like that response. I would like to know WHY they took this from the 2 year olds and their parents who already paid and what we should tell those people who were planning to sail in groups - one little 2 year old could make or break a cruise line choice for the entire group ;)

 

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Crusinmama:D I coordinated a group cruise on the Gem for my in-laws 40th anniversary. My niece is going to be 3 weeks shy of 3 when we sail. If it turns out she will not be able to use the crew, we might need to change our plans.

 

 

 

Just posted this on the main NCL board, but thought it was worth posting here, as well...

 

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...-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".

[Pikaia]

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!

The March 22, 2012 press releases (find them here) clearly state that there will be programming for under threes and their parents.

 

Yes, NCL's website has been updated. However, the details of the press release are likely more accurate, since that is the information that was prepared for release to the media and travel industry. Yes, there are discrepancies in the descriptions on the website, and I assume this means they haven't yet finished editing the website.