Family Cruising
Experience an unforgettable family holiday on The Boaty Weekender. From special The Boaty Weekender-themed kids activities to fun and games with the Splash Academy and Entourage staff, there are endless opportunities for fun all over the ship for every age group. Learn more about our complimentary youth programs and paid services that are designed to help our junior Weekenders create moments that make life rock!
Please note that we have altered Norwegian Cruise Line's youth program hours as well as some activities to better accommodate the unique nature of this event.
Kids Sail For Less
We welcome families to join us for a great holiday at sea! Children 6 months to 14 years of age at the time of sailing will receive a £99 youth discount as part of our Kids Sail for Less program.
Norwegian offers child care services where your child can meet new friends while you and your spouse go to dinner. You'll see many music-loving kids enjoying the concerts with their parents on board, so bring the whole family and have a great time on The Boaty Weekender!
Youth Programs
Splash Academy
(Ages 3 – 12)
When your wee ones are having a great time, you're having a great time. Sign them up for our complimentary youth program where they can enjoy creative play, sports, and more. From theme night fun to special The Boaty Weekender related activities, our youth staff has a knack for making your children feel safe and happy aboard the ship.
Entourage
(Ages 13 – 17)
Catch a show on the pool deck or grab a bite to eat at Cagney's while your teenagers hang out in a spot filled with video games, movies, arts, music, sports, and friends their own age. From the coolest lounge at sea to the hippest dance clubs at night, there’s always something going on at our teen center. Best of all, it’s all complimentary and supervised.
Please note the Guppies Area is not available for children under 3 on this event.
Accommodation
Whether your crew is small or large, choose from multi-room suites or interconnecting staterooms. Our ship has Family Mini-Suites, Balconies, Oceanviews and Inside staterooms and we even have 2-Bedroom Family Suites conveniently located near the kids' area. Your mini Weekenders do not have to go far to play!
Family Dining, Entertainment, and Activities
Dining
Sit down to a hot pizza. Check out our made-to-order buffet. Or make it a memorable night at a specialty restaurant. With Freestyle Dining, you can eat where you want, when you want. Plus, kids age 3 and under always eat for free and kids 4-12 can order from our complimentary kids’ menu at any restaurant. Treating the kids to soda on holiday? Soda packages are also available for all ages!
Shore Excursions
Make your holiday even more memorable with an adventure on land that is perfect for the whole family! Cagliari has several beautiful options for family fun. Whether it's a walk on the beach, or a historic sight-seeing tour, you'll find something everyone will enjoy. Learn more about excursions in Cagliari.
Activities
From The Boaty Weekender-inspired kids-only activities to Norwegian Pearl's family friendly amenities, there's no shortage of fun to be had! Throughout the year, we will update this page with more information about special activities just for the younger set!
Family Cruising FAQs
Guppies Programs: Please note the Guppies Area is not available on this event for children younger than age 3.
Splash Academy is a drop-off program for children ages 3 - 12 (Turtles, Seals, Dolphins) offering high energy, interactive, themed-based programming.
Entourage is the teen hangout for 13 -17 year-olds. Refer to Entourage FAQ: What does Entourage have to offer teens 13 -17 years old?
For paid services, refer to the FAQ: Do I have to pay for Splash Academy, Entourage or late night fun zone programs on sea days and port days?
A one-time registration is to be completed by a parent or guardian (if child is not traveling with their parent) for each child/teen age 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose. Norwegian requests that you let the Youth Staff know if your child has allergies and/or is taking any medications by noting this on the Registration Form.
Splash Academy and Entourage are complimentary programs, but there is a port day meal fee of $6.00 USD per child/per meal, which applies for the supervision of children during meal times. Depending on the arrival of the ship into port, Port Play Meals may include a combination of breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. Please check the activity program on board for the Port Play Meal(s) time slots.
Late Night Fun Zone is a group-sitting, drop off, fee-based service for children ages 3 - 12 years old. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff inside Splash Academy. Late Night programming continues the theme throughout the day.
Hours of Operations
Nightly: 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Fees
$24.00 USD per session for the 1st child, $20.00 USD per session for the 2nd child. Fees are charged to the guests' onboard account.
Parents are encouraged to register in advance. The Late Night fee is charged to your on-board account. Sign out authorization for 10 - 12 year olds does not apply during Late Night Fun Zone. If no children are registered or dropped off by 11:30 p.m., the youth center will close for the evening.
Refer to FAQs "Are there any fees I should be aware of?"
Embarkation Day
*8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Port Days
*Port Arrival Time - 10:30 p.m.
Sea Days
*9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Late Night Fun Zone
*10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. nightly
The center closes at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children must be picked up at these times. Pick-up late fees may apply.
* Due to the unique nature of this event, the youth center may operate at different times than what's listed here. Once you are on the ship, visit the youth center (Deck 12, Port, MID) for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Yes, unless you are given a handy phone* in which case at least 1 authorized pick up person must remain onboard in case the staff or child needs your assistance.
*Pagers and handy phones will be issued if your child is in diapers or needs assistance with the bathroom.
Pagers and handy phones do not work off of the ship so while the ship is docked and your child is in Splash Acacemy at least one parent/authorized pick-up person is required to stay on board.
Youth Program Manager reserves the right to issue a handy phone or pager to parents if the situation with the child requires parent/pick-up person assistance.
If a handy phone or pager is issued to you and your child is signed into the program, not responding to a page or call within 15 minutes will result in a $75.00 USD fee and your child will be dismissed from the program.
If a handy phone or pager is issued a fee of $150.00 USD will be applied to your onboard account if the device is not returned or if it is returned broken.
This policy is in place for the safety of your child and not to cause any inconvenience.
Overall, there are very few fees associated with the Youth Programs.
- Bracelet Reprint Fee: $5.00 USD
- Pager/Handy Phone Fee: $150.00 USD for damage and replacement.
- Splash Academy Changing Fee: $75.00 USD and program dismissal
- Splash Academy Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting at the 16th minute and the child can be dismissed from program for excessive late pick-ups.
It is not advised for a child to bring in electronics or personal items to Splash Academy. In the event the child does bring in an item, the child is fully responsible for the item if lost or damaged. In addition, while in program, the device should be used on a limited basis as to not distract other children from the program. We also reserve the right to remove the item in attempt to control shared content that may be inappropriate for all ages.
Freestyle Free Play are designated time slots scheduled by the Youth Program Manager within the Splash Academy programs which allow friends and siblings to play together. Although we advertise that children 3 - 12 can play together, the Youth Program Manager still reserves the right to keep 3 and 4-year-olds separate for the overall safety of the entire group. Please inquire with the Youth Program Manager with any questions. Freestyle Free Play may vary per ship and itinerary.
If a 12 year-old is registered for Splash Academy, it is understood that 12 year-olds need special attention and programs; therefore the Dolphins Youth Counselors offer more mature games/theme nights and schedule Entourage Take-Overs allowing the Dolphins to enjoy the lounge, video games, air hockey, foosball, music videos and much more.
Splash Academy and Entourage are adult free zones (18+) regardless of what program is taking place.
Parents/guardians/adults are only allowed in the Splash Academy and Entourage facilities on embarkation day during the registration process.
Any parent with a special needs child that would like additional information, please contact the access desk in advance of sailing by calling toll free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.
Splash Academy will accept children in diapers who are eligible to participate in the complimentary, drop-off program. However, Youth Counselors in Splash Academy on any ship are not able to change diapers or pull-ups. The parent or primary guardian is responsible to assist their child and will be given a pager or handy phone to alert them when their child needs assistance and must respond to the page within 15 minutes.
Any parent or at least one authorized pick up person of a child in diapers using the drop off service, on sea days or ports must be reachable and remain on board as pagers and handy phones do not work off the ship.
A $75.00 USD fee will apply and the child will be dismissed from the program if:
1. A parent does not respond to a page within 15 minutes.
2. A parent or authorized pick up person does not remain on board during port day services.
For overall safety, children should pack and be expected to wear closed toe sneakers when participating in activities on the Sports Court. In addition, children can decide to pack items that match with the common themes; but please know that items will also be created and made on board for each theme for the children. We focus on creativity, self-expression, and engagement.
3-5 year olds: Prince and Princesses, Pirate, Superhero, PJ Party
6-9 year olds: Pirate, Superhero, Spy Night, Survivor, PJ Party
10-12 year olds: Spy Night, Survivor, Hollywood, Dance Parties
Entourage combines the hang out zone, dance zone, game zone and party zone. The Teen Counselors plan intriguing activities and challenges to keep the teens coming back for more. Activities and games may take place around the ship. Parents should know that the activities are hosted by the Teen Counselors. However, when activities take place around the ship, Entourage may be unsupervised.
To ensure that children/teens and parents have an enjoyable holiday, and to assist those children/teens that require a little extra care, it is recommended that parents contact the access desk in advance of sailing for any medical special needs request by calling toll free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.
Parents or guardians must alert the Youth Staff of any allergies, required medications or special needs of their child/teen when registering.
It is recommended for parents to contact the access desk for any severe allergies, medical conditions or specials needs by calling toll free 1-866-584-9756 or by sending an email to accessdesk@ncl.com.
Yes. 24-hour Internet service and arcade games are available on the ship and are accessible with your stateroom key card. Fees are charged directly to your onboard account. Parents, if you do not wish for your child to have access, please visit the reception desk and deactivate your child's card.
If a child/teen of any age is not feeling well, he/she should visit the medical center. Before returning to the program, he/she must be cleared by the doctor. Please refer to Childhood Exclusion Policy that is posted outside all Youth Program facilities. A standard medical center charge may apply.