New ncl kids camp policy (Live from the GEM)

[jbiz]

A little earlier? Do the math: if they'll only take 76 kids, and there are 400-600 kids on an average sailing, how early would you need to show up to get a spot? 8am? 7am? Are parents supposed to spend every morning of their vacation getting up at the crack of dawn and lining up at the kids club door, like those lines for new iPhones that wrap around the block?

 

 

 

Actually, I don't have any kids yet but this information would be very useful for me in planning a future cruise. The reason I read NCL boards is because every year I'm tempted to book a cruise with NCL because of all their promotions. But every time I read the reviews and look at what they're offering and I just keep thinking to myself, "that doesn't seem like fun". Now, apparently, if I decide to go on NCL, I'll have to deal with droves of kids all around the ship because NCL decided to cut kids club staff just as they pushed KSF to encourage more families with kids onboard. Good to know.

 

 

I don't get the impression staff was cut. I don't think there are any more or less visible staff. At least not as compared to my previous sailings on the jewel line.

 

And i guess my "not for those without kids" was more about the "watch your own darn kids" comments, not really the "audience" I was speaking to :-)

[jbiz]

I wonder if the number of children allowed in will change depending upon how many kids club staff are onboard during each cruise. There may be 10 staff members onboard the Breakaway (just guessing) and if they are allocated 20 children per counselor, that is 200 children. Now what happens when a counselor is sick? The number of children allowed in will drop. It's not like they can just pull a staffer from another area. All Kids Club staffers are certified in child CPR, they usually have bachelor's degree in education, and a wealth of experience working with children.

 

 

I am pretty sure the breakaway would have a higher limit, the kids club manager basically told me that different ships have different room capacities, and some like the BA are multi floor so hold more.

 

So if they are doing a staff to kid ratio they better start hiring. Also they seem more fixated on the size of the room than the number of kids. So not sure even hiring more people will actually fix the "issue" as they are operating.

[Telynau]

I'm following this thread as an "elderly" _solo_ sailor scheduled for an early December cruise on the Dawn.

 

Will I be writing a letter to NCL for clarification of the Splash Academy capacity policy? YES. I want assurances from Corporate infants, children, and young adults will have chaperoned entertainment accommodations.

 

It is good for young people to have separate areas to socialise with their peers. It is good for their self respect. It is good for their self esteem. It is good for developing their independence rather than relying upon their parents to control their every waking moment.

 

If NCL wants to promote "Kids Sail Free" and muscle firmly into the "Family Friendly" scene, NCL needs to provide enough "kid friendly" accommodations and venues. (Of course that is a properly punctuated, although run-on sentence [emoji6].)

 

I can cancel my cruise easily and find another locally ported line. Most families don't have this option. We all want answers.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

[LrgPizza]

Did I read somewhere early in this thread that this started in March? It seems like I saw that, but there is too much to go back over again. Anyone know?

 

If so, I am wondering on how many cruises it has ended up being an issue? I don't think I've heard/read anything about it until this post, and over the course of 2 months, if loads of kids were being turned away, surely someone would have mentioned it already. I am wondering if the capacity thing causing problems is the exception happening just on some cruises (like the OP's, for whatever reason). ? I'm just throwing it out there.... Or maybe I didn't even read March, and I'm remembering wrong...

 

There have to have always been capacity controls in place, whether or not we are aware, or whether or not the ships were adhering to them. Maybe they have now been decreased, or maybe it's just a focus on enforcing them, or maybe something else. I dunno...

 

Some here will misread this to think I'm doubting the OP. I absolutely am not! I believe 100% all that he said. I am just trying to figure out why there aren't these problems on every single cruise. If it's a rare thing for this new policy to actually cause problems, then maybe people don't need to worry so much. I guess we will all see.

Edited May 25, 2015 by LrgPizza

[swedish weave]

No because I remember the very first Cruise I went on I walked up to an employee and said wow all this free food how do you people make your money? and he pointed at the bar

 

How can NCL be making money at the bar when they give the UBP as a booking perk FREE ????

Edited May 25, 2015 by swedish weave

[Telynau]

SwedishWeave, December will be my first commercial cruise; I have no "loyalty" to any lines. I honestly feel bad for people who have sailed NCL for years, receiving a certain level of service, suddenly finding that service is no longer available... after booking another cruise.

 

It will be interesting to hear what NCL Corporate has to say about Splash Academy and their policies.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

[bangzoom6877]

I normally defend Ncl a lot, but I agree I hope this fails. I cruise to get away from the little brats, I've always said I should extend the hours of the kids club to keep them away from the rest of us lol

 

I suggest then that you try an ADULTS ONLY all-inclusive resort. But make no mistake, it doesn't guarantee that your vacation will allow you to get away from the brats, as I've seen many adults act like spoiled brats all over the place too.

 

FYI not all children are brats...but you stick with the 35-year-olds that still don't know how much liquor they can handle, or know but choose to ignore their limits and act like jerks.

[bangzoom6877]

This will definitely affect us if it is in place when we cruise on the Breakaway in July. We have a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old, and while we enjoy doing many activities together on our cruises, our children also look forward very much to doing children's activities and meeting other children in their age group. I will have some disappointed children if they never get to use the facilities. More money in my pocket as we always tip them generously at the end of the week, but sad for my children who would definitely feel like they're missing out.

[swedish weave]

SwedishWeave, December will be my first commercial cruise; I have no "loyalty" to any lines. I honestly feel bad for people who have sailed NCL for years, receiving a certain level of service, suddenly finding that service is no longer available... after booking another cruise.

 

It will be interesting to hear what NCL Corporate has to say about Splash Academy and their policies.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

 

Don't feel bad for us !!! In the many years of cruising NCL and other lines, I have learned to work around "management imposed problems".

 

We are trying to get the new NCL managements attention, and if that fails, alternative measures are in place to avoid a ruined cruise.

 

I learned long ago that when faced with adversity, turn it into a positive. Try it --- It works !!!

[russianmom]

 

It will be interesting to hear what NCL Corporate has to say about Splash Academy and their policies.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

 

NCL corporate will give their same standard canned response that "this is for our safety, health and convenience"

 

This is the final nail in the coffin for me with NCL. My kids love Splash Academy and really enjoy interacting with other kids there as part of their vacation. There is NO way I will spend MY hard earned vacation standing in line to get a deli number to then be told the room is at capacity.... :mad::mad:

[NLH Arizona]

Did I read somewhere early in this thread that this started in March? It seems like I saw that, but there is too much to go back over again. Anyone know?

 

If so, I am wondering on how many cruises it has ended up being an issue? I don't think I've heard/read anything about it until this post, and over the course of 2 months, if loads of kids were being turned away, surely someone would have mentioned it already. I am wondering if the capacity thing causing problems is the exception happening just on some cruises (like the OP's, for whatever reason). ? I'm just throwing it out there.... Or maybe I didn't even read March, and I'm remembering wrong...

 

There have to have always been capacity controls in place, whether or not we are aware, or whether or not the ships were adhering to them. Maybe they have now been decreased, or maybe it's just a focus on enforcing them, or maybe something else. I dunno...

 

Some here will misread this to think I'm doubting the OP. I absolutely am not! I believe 100% all that he said. I am just trying to figure out why there aren't these problems on every single cruise. If it's a rare thing for this new policy to actually cause problems, then maybe people don't need to worry so much. I guess we will all see.

There was chatter about capacity controls in March. One post copied the email that they got and others had said they got the same email over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here is the part of the email that pertains to capacity controls: 3: Splash Academy and Entourage are offered on a first come, first served basis yet strictly follows fire code capacity protocols. In the event, maximum capacity is reached, drop off cannot be guaranteed. We apologize for the inconvenience however the safety of all guests is our top priority.

 

The report from the Gem is the first I read here, possibly other ships never complied with the capacity protocols or on the Gem they had a by the book overly conservative Security Officer or folks just didn't comment on it or put it in their reviews until now.

[Telynau]

SwedishWeave, LOVE your attitude [emoji4]. But... I do feel bad for kids; especially when they've either had it "talked up" in pre-cruise expectation or experienced Splash Academy first hand.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

[dna529]

There was chatter about capacity controls in March. One post copied the email that they got and others had said they got the same email over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here is the part of the email that pertains to capacity controls: 3: Splash Academy and Entourage are offered on a first come, first served basis yet strictly follows fire code capacity protocols. In the event, maximum capacity is reached, drop off cannot be guaranteed. We apologize for the inconvenience however the safety of all guests is our top priority.

 

The report from the Gem is the first I read here, possibly other ships never complied with the capacity protocols or on the Gem they had a by the book overly conservative Security Officer or folks just didn't comment on it or put it in their reviews until now.

 

I remember reading about this also back in March. Interesting that they supposedly started this "new policy" in March (and I'm not doubting the OP for a second), because we were on the Sky in April (spring break week for us, right after Easter Sunday). This was also a kids sail free cruise for us (booked over a year ago). We NEVER encountered any problems with getting into Splash Academy with two kids, ages 8 and 11 that week. I have no idea how many were on board that week. This new policy just really confuses me and makes me wonder if this is fleetwide or in response to the drowning on the Gem, who knows?? As many have said though, I have never had a problem with my kids being turned away on NCL, Carnival, or RCI in the past five years.

[Cel_cruise]

The kids venues with stuff and activities are one of the main reasons my kids want to cruise. They don't want to spend another day at the pool with me (we have a 35,000 gallon pool/hot tub in our backyard). The other reasons they say they want to cruise is to enjoy awesome dinners with amazing waitstaff that loves to care for them and lastly to visit other places/countries they haven't been to. They want to spend their time with other kids playing kids games and doing sports and science experiments...I want to relax in the sun with a book....it doesn't leave us with a very compatible vacation plan if there is not a reliable kids club option (that also doesn't involve me skipping breakfast with the family to get tickets!).

 

We are Disney DVC members and were considering NCL escape for our non-Disney Parks trip in 2016....we will be watching this closely to see how it develops...I would rather be walking 10 miles a day and planning out every minute of my time at Disney than have to be trapped on a boat having to occupy and motivate cranky kids....nevermind not getting to enjoy the casino with my DH vs separately, or ever enjoy date night dinners, or getting my exercise in without kids in toe (are they even allowed in the gym? Ugh..)

[Homosassa]

As someone who has cruised with my daughter from the time she was 18 months old, I think limiting the number of children in a child care facility is a well thought out plan for the safety of the children and the sanity of the staff.

 

If a cruise is a family vacation, then one spends time with the family (the kids). If the idea of together time is not appealing to all, then a cruise may not be the vacation for the family.

 

Perhaps NCL can make making reservations and paying a fee for this optional service part of the pre- cruise reservation system.

 

Before the screams of outrage start occurring, the children's camp is as much an optional activity as eating in the specialty restaurants. Those who want the specialty restaurants foot the bill, why should the parents not foot the bill for the daycare program?

 

Another option is to limit the number of children allowed to be booked on board so that the facilities will match the population on board.

[bangzoom6877]

As someone who has cruised with my daughter from the time she was 18 months old, I think limiting the number of children in a child care facility is a well thought out plan for the safety of the children and the sanity of the staff.

 

If a cruise is a family vacation, then one spends time with the family (the kids). If the idea of together time is not appealing to all, then a cruise may not be the vacation for the family.

 

Perhaps NCL can make making reservations and paying a fee for this optional service part of the pre- cruise reservation system.

 

Before the screams of outrage start occurring, the children's camp is as much an optional activity as eating in the specialty restaurants. Those who want the specialty restaurants foot the bill, why should the parents not foot the bill for the daycare program?

 

Another option is to limit the number of children allowed to be booked on board so that the facilities will match the population on board.

 

Everything a passenger does on a cruise is an option, including eating in the MDR, eating in the buffet, attending a show, going to a lounge, lounging out on deck, using the fitness center, utilizing sports facilities like basketball, etc. There is no additional fee for anything I mentioned.

 

Why don't we just go all the way and make cruise fare dirt cheap and customize everyone's trip by having passengers pay for everything they want to do a la carte? Because that would be madness that's why!

[bangzoom6877]

The kids venues with stuff and activities are one of the main reasons my kids want to cruise. They don't want to spend another day at the pool with me (we have a 35,000 gallon pool/hot tub in our backyard). The other reasons they say they want to cruise is to enjoy awesome dinners with amazing waitstaff that loves to care for them and lastly to visit other places/countries they haven't been to. They want to spend their time with other kids playing kids games and doing sports and science experiments...I want to relax in the sun with a book....it doesn't leave us with a very compatible vacation plan if there is not a reliable kids club option (that also doesn't involve me skipping breakfast with the family to get tickets!).

 

We are Disney DVC members and were considering NCL escape for our non-Disney Parks trip in 2016....we will be watching this closely to see how it develops...I would rather be walking 10 miles a day and planning out every minute of my time at Disney than have to be trapped on a boat having to occupy and motivate cranky kids....nevermind not getting to enjoy the casino with my DH vs separately, or ever enjoy date night dinners, or getting my exercise in without kids in toe (are they even allowed in the gym? Ugh..)

 

If DH and I are worried about there being a strict limit that is too small for the amount of children on our BA sailing in July, we will not risk buying spa passes for the week. We go to the thermal suite while the kids enjoy the activities. Not spending that money if the boys can't go to the activities. That's $398 less that NCL would get from us.

[abbyar]

The kids venues with stuff and activities are one of the main reasons my kids want to cruise.

 

Ditto here. We are doing Disney this Thanksgiving after sailing the Gem next week. If there aren't adequate kids staff for this off-season sailing, I'll assume there won't be adequate staff for our currently scheduled 2016 sailings (Feb/Thanksgiving 2016) and will make alternative plans. I love my kids, but the most relaxing vacations for me are those that give them activities for a few hours a day without me worrying about limits io kids clubs.

 

And I do understand that all lines have limits - we've sailed Disney and they are very upfront about limits and accessible check in and out times. But the proportions of open spots:kids on ship were reasonable. 76:300-500 is not by any means reasonable.

[motleyfan]

As someone who has cruised with my daughter from the time she was 18 months old, I think limiting the number of children in a child care facility is a well thought out plan for the safety of the children and the sanity of the staff.

 

If a cruise is a family vacation, then one spends time with the family (the kids). If the idea of together time is not appealing to all, then a cruise may not be the vacation for the family.

 

Perhaps NCL can make making reservations and paying a fee for this optional service part of the pre- cruise reservation system.

 

Before the screams of outrage start occurring, the children's camp is as much an optional activity as eating in the specialty restaurants. Those who want the specialty restaurants foot the bill, why should the parents not foot the bill for the daycare program?

 

Another option is to limit the number of children allowed to be booked on board so that the facilities will match the population on board.

 

Agree ; )

[djmess]

This is an issue that affects all cruisers. Even those of us who no longer have young children.

 

The second the kids club turns away families, that means more kids dispersed through the ship for the rest of us to enjoy. As in...more kids in Cagney, more kids for the hot tubs, more kids playing on the elevators.

 

NCL surely will spin this into a safety issue.,....You know, the room can't accommodate any more than 76 safely. My thoughts on that are, if the childcare room is full, you take groups of kids on excursions to other parts of the ship. You take them to make pizzas, you take them on a tour of the bridge, or on a scavenger hunt, you have them put on a talent show in the theater, etc. Just because there are more than 75 kids doesn't mean you turn them away. It means you get creative.

 

As I said before, I will bring my kid to the bar, he will take up a seat while I'm doing a martini tasting or whatever else I may enjoy while he is in kids club. I won't be in the casino as he is not allowed to do any more than "walk through" I won't get a spa treatment, he can't get a massage with me and I doubt my boy wants at manicure or pedicure.

 

 

As someone who has cruised with my daughter from the time she was 18 months old, I think limiting the number of children in a child care facility is a well thought out plan for the safety of the children and the sanity of the staff.

 

If a cruise is a family vacation, then one spends time with the family (the kids). If the idea of together time is not appealing to all, then a cruise may not be the vacation for the family.

 

Perhaps NCL can make making reservations and paying a fee for this optional service part of the pre- cruise reservation system.

 

Before the screams of outrage start occurring, the children's camp is as much an optional activity as eating in the specialty restaurants. Those who want the specialty restaurants foot the bill, why should the parents not foot the bill for the daycare program?

 

Another option is to limit the number of children allowed to be booked on board so that the facilities will match the population on board.

 

I've traveled with my now 12 y/o since he was 2. I always pay the full 2nd passenger fare for him. There are many areas of a ship he is not allowed because he is under 18. I've never complained and always have said it was fine that I paid a full fare for him because he had the kids club. If they cut the one thing he is allowed to do that adults are not, then why should I pay any attention to the posted signs that say adult only. I've paid for his the same as any adult and he needs to be with me, so that is the way it would be.

 

So yes, this affects EVERYONE on the cruise, not just those with kids.

[SissasMomE]

What I look for is top quality broadway-style entertainment. it's awesome to see a Broadway caliber show for free that I would have to pay a lot of money for if I was in New York.

 

It's not even close. Not by a long shot!

[SissasMomE]

Actually according to Kingofwylietx others do: We had this happen on Disney during an Easter cruise. We once had to wait until a child left before we could drop off our child. If it's for safety, I'm all for it.

 

See post #26: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2186719&page=2

 

I have never had this happen, on any cruise line. Not Princess, Not RCCL, not NCL ... not during Easter, in the summer, or over new year's.

[coldflame]

This is an issue that affects all cruisers. Even those of us who no longer have young children.

 

The second the kids club turns away families, that means more kids dispersed through the ship for the rest of us to enjoy. As in...more kids in Cagney, more kids for the hot tubs, more kids playing on the elevators.

 

NCL surely will spin this into a safety issue.,....You know, the room can't accommodate any more than 76 safely. My thoughts on that are, if the childcare room is full, you take groups of kids on excursions to other parts of the ship. You take them to make pizzas, you take them on a tour of the bridge, or on a scavenger hunt, you have them put on a talent show in the theater, etc. Just because there are more than 75 kids doesn't mean you turn them away. It means you get creative.

 

You are _willfully_ travelling in a family-oriented, kids-travel-free (sometimes) cruise line. Having kids all over the place is a possibility even if they have the youth clubs open beyond max cap. If you do not like that possibility/scenario, I kindly ask you to rethink your cruising choices.

[SissasMomE]

SwedishWeave, December will be my first commercial cruise; I have no "loyalty" to any lines. I honestly feel bad for people who have sailed NCL for years, receiving a certain level of service, suddenly finding that service is no longer available... after booking another cruise.

 

It will be interesting to hear what NCL Corporate has to say about Splash Academy and their policies.

 

 

***Not my rodeo. Not my bulls.***

 

I don't have a dog in this fight anymore either. Mine are too old for Splash Academy, but i feel bad for those that do. Cruising has been a wonderful family vacation for us for years. It allowed the best of both worlds - family time, and husband/wife time. If they are truly limiting the kids now, which they have not done in the past, then that's a shame.

[cadien]

I remember reading about this also back in March. Interesting that they supposedly started this "new policy" in March (and I'm not doubting the OP for a second), because we were on the Sky in April (spring break week for us, right after Easter Sunday). This was also a kids sail free cruise for us (booked over a year ago). We NEVER encountered any problems with getting into Splash Academy with two kids, ages 8 and 11 that week. I have no idea how many were on board that week. This new policy just really confuses me and makes me wonder if this is fleetwide or in response to the drowning on the Gem, who knows?? As many have said though, I have never had a problem with my kids being turned away on NCL, Carnival, or RCI in the past five years.

 

On the other hand, we were on the Star the same week you were on the Sky and kids were turned away every day. Especially in the 6-9 group.