Best Cruises for Kids Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate family cruise vacation that combines relaxation, exploration, and excitement, then you’re in for a treat.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best cruises for kids onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, where every moment at sea becomes an unforgettable adventure for your little ones.

Norwegian Cruise Line has long been known for its dedication to delivering memorable experiences for guests of all ages, and their family-friendly cruises are no exception. From thrilling water parks and engaging kids’ clubs to delectable dining options and captivating entertainment, NCL has crafted the perfect recipe for a cruise that keeps kids (and parents) smiling from port to port.

If you’re a parent in search of the ideal cruise that caters to the needs and desires of your young adventurers, look no further. Get ready to discover why NCL cruises are not just vacations; they’re extraordinary journeys that will leave your kids with lifelong memories and you with a sense of relaxation and satisfaction like no other.

Here are some reasons why Norwegian Cruise Line is often considered as an exceptional cruise line for families and kids:

Freestyle Cruising:

NCL coined the term “Freestyle Cruising,” which means that they offer a flexible and casual onboard experience. This is particularly appealing to families, because it allows them to dine when they want and where they want, rather than adhering to strict dining schedules.

Family-Friendly Staterooms:

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of family cabins that are designed with families in mind. These can include larger family suites, connecting staterooms, and even some with private balconies for the whole family to enjoy.

Entertainment:

The best family cruises have many entertainment options. NCL provides a wide range of entertainment suitable for all ages. From Broadway-style shows and comedy acts to live music, and dance parties, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Aqua Parks:

Many NCL ships feature water parks with exciting slides, a hot tub and pools that are perfect for kids and families looking to cool off and have some fun in the sun.

Family-Friendly Dining:

NCL offers a wide range of dining options, including family-friendly restaurants with kid-friendly menus. You can also find special dining packages designed for families.

Shore Excursions:

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of shore excursions at each port of call, including family-friendly excursions like beach trips, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences that can be enjoyed together as a family.

Spa and Fitness:

While kids have their programs, parents can enjoy the spa, fitness facilities, and even some adults-only areas on the ship for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Flexible Itineraries:

With NCL, you can choose from a variety of cruise itineraries and durations, allowing you to find a trip that suits your family’s schedule and interests.

Youth Programs

Norwegian Cruise Line offers excellent age-specific kids clubs for kids of all ages. These supervised programs are tailored to different age groups and provide a safe and fun environment for kids to socialize and engage in age-appropriate activities.

Splash Academy (Ages 3-12)

Splash Academy is NCL’s kids’ club program for young children between the ages of 3 and 12. It provides a supervised and engaging environment for younger kids to make new friends and enjoy age-appropriate activities while parents have some free time.

Activities: The activities offered in the Splash Academy can vary by cruise ship, but typically include arts and crafts, games, storytelling, sports, dance parties, and educational kids programs. The kid-friendly activities are designed to be both fun and educational.

Age Groups: The program is divided into age groups to ensure that activities are suitable for different developmental stages:

Turtles (Ages 3-5)
Seals (Ages 6-9)
Dolphins (Ages 10-12)

Supervision: Trained youth counsellors oversee the activities and ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

Entourage (Ages 13-17):

Entourage is NCL’s teen club program designed for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. It’s a cool hangout spot where teens can socialize, play video games, watch movies, and participate in various themed parties and events.

These teen clubs are designed for older kids and teens who want a space of their own to relax and have fun.

Activities: Older kids can expect video game tournaments, dance parties, movie nights, and other age-appropriate activities. The program provides a space for teens to meet and connect with peers their age.

Supervision: While the program is designed for independence, trained youth counselors are available to supervise and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Port Play and Late Night Fun Zone

Port Play

Port Play is a program offered during port days, allowing parents to explore onshore excursions while their kids enjoy supervised activities onboard the ship. It’s typically available for children ages 3 to 12.

Late Night Fun Zone

This program offers evening and late-night childcare services for children ages 3 to 12. It allows parents to enjoy some adult time in the evenings, such as dining, attending shows, or simply relaxing, while knowing their kids are safe and having fun.

These kids’ and teen programs provided by NCL are designed to cater to different age groups, ensuring that children and teenagers have a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience.

Trained staff members create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, making it easy for kids and teens to make friends and create lasting memories while cruising with the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Guppies (Ages 6 months- 3)

For the youngest cruisers, Guppies Guppies Open Play provides a play area where parents can interact with their newborns, babies, toddlers, and children in diapers ages 6 months to 3 years old. The area has toys, balls, and sensory objects available. Each ship and itinerary has a different schedule.

Please Note: Guppies Open Play is not a drop-off program.

The Norwegian Spirit does not offer Youth Programs.

To participate in the onboard aquatic activities, children must be potty trained and out of diapers. Water slides and other activities have age, weight, and size restrictions.

The Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for Families

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers several family-friendly ships with a variety of exciting amenities and activities, including water slides, rock climbing, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and more.

Here are some of the best cruise ships in Norwegians fleet for families:

Norwegian Getaway

The Norwegian Getaway is considered a great family ship for several reasons, thanks to its wide array of family-friendly amenities and activities.

Aqua Park and Water Slides:

The Norwegian Getaway boasts one of the most impressive water parks at sea. The Aqua Park includes 5 water slides, such as the “Free Fall,” which are two fast free-fall slides which take riders on a scream-inducing drop. There’s also a dedicated kids’ aqua park with a pool and splash areas for younger children.

Entertainment Options:

The ship offers a variety of entertainment options suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, live music, and themed parties. The entertainment program ensures there’s something exciting to do every evening.

Please note: Not all of the shows are family friendly.

On-Board Dining:

NCL offers a variety of complimentary dining options, including three main dining rooms, a buffet, casual cafés, grills, and on-the-go options. These options serve a wide range of delectable dishes to suit every palate. In order to ensure a distinctive dining experience at each visit, the Main Dining Rooms also offer a daily-changing menu, Chef’s Signature Dishes, and carefully chosen wine choices.

Sports and Recreation:

The Norwegian Getaway features a variety of sports and recreational activities, including a rock-climbing wall, ice rinks, ropes course, mini-golf, sports courts, and fitness facilities. These options provide opportunities for family members of all ages to stay active and have fun.

High-Quality Accommodations:

The ship offers a range of family-friendly staterooms and suites, including connecting rooms and spacious family suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring everyone has comfortable accommodations.

Norwegian Escape

The Norwegian Escape is an excellent choice for the best family cruise, offering a wide range of family-friendly amenities and activities.

Aqua Park:

The ship features one of the biggest water parks at sea. The Aqua Park includes thrilling water slides such as the Aqua Racer and Water Loops, providing excitement for kids and adults alike. There’s also a dedicated kids’ splash area and a multi-story water play structure.

Dedicated Family Staterooms:

The Norwegian Escape offers a variety of family-friendly stateroom options, including spacious family cabins and connecting staterooms, providing ample space for families of all sizes.

Family-Friendly Dining:

The Norwegian Escape offers a wide variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and kid-friendly menus. Whether you’re in the mood for a formal dinner or a quick bite by the pool, there’s something for everyone.

Entertainment:

The ship hosts a diverse range of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows, and enjoy arcade games to comedy acts, live music and dance parties. There’s always something happening to keep the entire family entertained.

Sports and Recreation:

The Norwegian Escape has a lot that the Norwegian Getaway has like the rock-climbing wall, rope course, mini-golf, basketball courts, fitness facilities and even an ice-skating rink!

Norwegian Prima

The newest ship in the Norwegian fleet! Norwegian Prima is designed to offer high-end family vacation experiences with innovative amenities and entertainment options. The Norwegian Prima is a new ship that is intended to surpass all expectations!

Staterooms for Families:

The Prima offers a large family suite that sleeps four people and has a primary bedroom and balcony. The Family Balcony and Family Inside also fit four people, albeit more constrictedly. Even more options at The Haven can accommodate more guests, but they come at a premium price.

Entertainment:

The Galaxy Pavilion offers 13 virtual reality games, including shooters, driving simulations, and flight simulators. Play in the Stadium, which features numerous built-in games, such as a pickleball court, tube ping-pong, mini-soccer table, foosball, table shuffleboard, and beer pong. Tee Time offers mini golf, which the whole family can enjoy.

Activities:

Zoom along the world’s first three-level racetrack at sea. Then experience the exhilaration of the fastest slides on the high sea. Swim to the horizon at Infinity Beach. Friends can race down The Drop and The Rush, two free-fall slides that begin when the ground literally drops out from under you. Onboard Norwegian Prima, discover fresh, thrilling events for everyone.

Specialty Dining:

Bring your senses on a memorable voyage with specialty dining. Palomar, NCL’s first-ever Mediterranean seafood restaurant, offers a taste of Greece. Le Bistro, with its mouthwatering French cuisine and hand-blown chandeliers, is another fine option. Finally, Hasuki offers Teppanyaki in a brand-new way. At the Indulge Food Hall, where a range of artisanal food trucks and mini-restaurants serve everything from tacos to tandoori, enjoy made-to-order favorites.

Norwegian Bliss

The Norwegian Bliss is an outstanding choice for families seeking a cruise vacation packed with family-friendly amenities and activities. The innovative Observation Lounge on Norwegian Bliss was specially designed to allow you to take in every breathtaking scene, from bald eagles soaring above glaciers to dolphins frolicking through warm blue waters.

Come on board the Norwegian Bliss and enjoy delicious food, entertainment, and amenities available at sea within a stunning natural setting.

Aqua Park and Water Slides:

Norwegian Bliss boasts an impressive Aqua Park with a variety of water slides, including the thrilling “Aqua Racer” and “Ocean Loops”.There’s also a dedicated Aqua Park for younger kids with fun water features and a splash zone.

Family-Friendly Staterooms:

The ship offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, including connecting staterooms and spacious family suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience for families of all sizes.

Family-Friendly Dining:

Norwegian Bliss offers an array of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and kid-friendly menus. Whether you prefer a formal dinner or a quick meal by the pool, there’s something to suit every palate.

Entertainment:

The ship hosts a wide range of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows like “Jersey Boys” and “SIX” and comedy acts to live music and dance parties. There are always engaging activities to keep family members of all ages entertained.

Adventure Activities:

Norwegian Bliss features an adventure zone with attractions like laser tag, mini golf and a go-kart racetrack, providing thrilling experiences for those seeking adventure.

Norwegian Encore

Whip around the largest ocean racetrack, the Norwegian Encore Speedway. Galaxy Pavilion offers a surreal virtual reality realm. At The Choir Of Man, raise the roof every night by singing along to timeless rock songs. Give your taste buds a treat at one of the many restaurants, like Onda by Scarpetta.

Board the Norwegian Encore to do all of this and much more. The Norwegian Encore is an excellent choice for families looking for a cruise ship that offers a wide range of family-friendly amenities and activities.

Aqua Park and Water Slides:

The Norwegian Encore features a fantastic Aqua Park with pools, hot tubs, and several thrilling water slides, including the Aqua Racer and Ocean Loops. There’s also a dedicated kids’ Aqua Park that features a splash area and a fun dunk bucket.

Family-Friendly Staterooms:

The ship offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including connecting staterooms and spacious family suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience for families of all sizes.

Family-Friendly Dining:

Norwegian Encore offers an array of dining options, including specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and kid-friendly menus. Whether you prefer a formal dinner or a quick meal by the pool, there’s something to suit every palate.

Entertainment:

The ship hosts a wide range of entertainment options, from behind-the-scenes tours, Broadway-style shows and comedy acts to live music and dancing. There are always engaging activities to keep family members of all ages entertained.

Activities:

Norwegian Encore features numerous sports and recreational activities, such as a spacious sports complex, a mini-golf course, laser tag, the Galaxy Pavilion and a race track where families can enjoy go-kart racing.

When choosing the best NCL cruise ship for your family, consider the ship’s size, amenities, and itineraries available to find the one that best suits your family’s preferences. NCL strives to offer a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience for families with a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options for guests of all ages.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines that strives to provide a well-rounded cruise experience that caters to the needs and preferences of families and kids. With their emphasis on flexibility, entertainment, and age-appropriate programs, NCL can make family vacations at sea a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone making it a great choice for your next family vacation.

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