Norwegian Re-Brands Children and Teens Program

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) has re-branded it's on-board kids and teen activity program. The details (including new program name) will be released in the coming months.

The new program will be launched next month on the Norwegian Gem - and eventually the entire NCI fleet will feature the new activities.

One of the main features about the new program is new age groups will be defined. The new groups will consist of 3-5 years; 6-8 years; 9-12 years and two groups of teens - 13-14 and 15-17. In addition to the new breakdown of these age groups, there will also be new programs for babies and toddlers 6 months old to 2 years.

The focus of the new program will be sporting activities, arts/crafts, theater and technology. Depending on the age group the activities will change every 30 to 60 minutes, and set within blocks of programming time in the morning, afternoon and evening.

New creative themes include circus day, theater/technology/sports and port of call day. NCI is teaming up with Cirque Du Jour is a company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills such as scarf juggling, ball juggling, plate spinning, clowning and acrobatics has also been hired. It will create circus workshops and shows. Family friendly events will include parades and scavenger hunts.

And the new programs expand beyond the dedicated children's facilities into other areas of the ships.Kids and teens will have new activity options at the on-board sports courts, rock walls, theaters and lounges.

In order to successfully implement these programs, NCI will increase the ratio of staff to children, as well as establish new criteria for hiring of counselors. Counselors will have to have a college degree in recreation or child care (or the equivalent experience).

 All the new programs will supplement the exclusive Nickelodeon family events, shows and activities that Norwegian already has on several ships: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel and, starting in mid-February, Norwegian Gem.

Nickelodeon activities include pool games, breakfast with the characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with Nickelodeon characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and many more.

In addition, there are also other family activities offered, including Nick Jr. story time, family trivia and special arts and crafts sessions.

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