Norwegian Gem Children's/ Teens' Programs & Babysitting
Norwegian Gem offers kids' programs for ages 6 mos-17 years. The children's program facilities for children (12 years and under) and teens (13- 17 years old) are in their own separate areas on Deck 12. Youth groups on NCL are divided based on age:
-
Guppies: 6 months- 3 years
The Guppies program on the Norwegian Gem includes up to two hours per day of sensory activities. Little ones may also participate in Colors of the Rainbow and Music and Movement Activities.
-
Turtles: 3 - 5 years
Storytelling, sensory play, Circus lessons (Tiger Act and Feather Balancing), Arts & Crafts including painting, Parades, Developmental Activities, and Treasure Hunts comprise the scheduled activities for Turtles!
-
Seals: 6 - 9 years
Video Games, Sports, Parades, Painting, Circus School (Plate Spinning, Scarf Juggling, Rope Spinning, Devil Sticks), Team Building activities, Treasure Hunts, and Theme Nights are all on the Seals' schedule.
-
Dolphins: 10 - 12 years
Dolphins' activities are Sports, Video Games and Challenges, Themed Nights, Team Building, Circus School (Chinese Yo Yo, Devil Sticks, Ball Juggling, Plate Spinning, and Stilts), Scavenger Hunts, and Entourage Take-over.
-
Teens: 13- 17 years
Teens have their own lounge (Entourage) that includes large TV screens, gaming stations, a dance floor, and comfy lounge about furniture! Dance parties, movies, art classes, and video game competitions are among teen activities.
Each youth group on NCL has their own Camp Director and dedicated space. Splash Academy is for children younger than 13 years of age. Teens, ages 13-17, have the Entourage Teen Club. Teens are free to come and go to activities as they please. There is a camp director for teens, but this person is more of a coordinator than a supervisor. Both the Splash Academy and Entourage are conveniently near the Garden Cafe, which includes a Kids' Cafe.
Babysitting on Norwegian Gem
There is no in-cabin babysitting service on the Norwegian Gem. However, there is an after-hours Late Night Fun Zone program after 10 PM that will take care of the kids and allow parents to enjoy the ship. Parents can also opt for Port Play group sitting as well!
Norwegian Gem Children's Program Tips:
-
On NCL, the age groups policy is fairly strict. If you have a couple of kids that are close in age but fall into different groups, chances are that's where they will be for the cruise. This varies with the amount of kids on each cruise, but don't plan on being able to get around this rule.
-
Freestyle Daily kids' version is handed out by their respective Directors. This lets you know about all the activities for kids during your cruise.
-
Sign up for all kids' groups is on the first night of the cruise. Parents must sign up for Port Play no later than 8:00 PM the day before.
-
At least one parent must attend with the Guppies Program.
-
Be aware that the kids' program is only free during the day while the ship is at sea. In port, there is a charge of $5.00/hour or $8.00/hour for two during the day.
-
Kids who are not potty trained are welcome. Parents are given a beeper and when it's time for a change, they are notified to do diaper duty.
Helpful Resource: Detailed overview of the Norwegian Cruise Line Kids' Programs. Article includes what to expect with NCL Children's program, including, costs, late night babysitting services, slumber parties, child care and more.