Cruising with kids has never been easier on a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation. Voted "Best Family Vacation" by Travel Weekly, Norwegian Cruise Line features exclusive activities just for kids as well as can't-miss experiences for the whole family.
Norwegian's Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class of ships feature three vessels that cater to a family cruise experience. Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Escape include several kids' club activities and kid-friendly facilities. These vessels also boast rock climbing activities and onboard waterparks complete with water slides and kids' pools.
Let’s dive into our top five tips for getting the most out of your family cruise experience:
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Family-friendly fun is the name of the game on Norwegian Cruise Line with a host of activities to keep kids and families entertained. The popular Splash Academy gets kids involved in youth programs, while adults can soak up some sun, head to the spa, or take part in a fitness class.
Youth programs are complimentary and supervised by trained staff members, so parents can rest assured that their kids are in good hands. (Port day meals are $6 per kid, per meal.)
Splash Academy is for ages 5 to 12. Under the Splash Academy umbrella, there are distinct programs by age group. Turtles is for five-year-olds and activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, circus school, and sensory play. Seals is for six- to nine-year-olds. Activities include circus skills like scarf juggling and plate spinning as well as team-building exercises, sports, and themed nights. Dolphins is for 10- to 12-year-olds and features similar activities to those in the Seals program, plus advanced circus skills.
Entourage, for ages 13 to 17, is where teens go to hang out in a lounge space just for them. Here teens can play video games, watch movies, dance, and meet other teens.
Families can participate together in game shows, trivia challenges, or special events like Family Glow Day. Aqua Park boasts waterslides like Free Fall and The Whip. Kids can host the ultimate showdown against the adults with a best-of-three round of air hockey.
From pool time to scavenger hunts, an afternoon at the Sports Complex, or a round of mini-golf with the family, there's always something to do onboard. Plus, families are welcome to enjoy the complimentary entertainment at night.
Pro Tip: When adults want alone time, there is supervised group babysitting available (at an additional cost) for kids ages 3 to 12. Please see availability per cruise.
With Freestyle Dining, families can eat whenever and wherever they want. It's perfect for even the pickiest of eaters with so many options available.
The main dining room allows everyone to enjoy any meal of the day, including a more formal four-course menu. Their 24/7 buffet options include Action Stations which feature options like made-to-order waffles and pasta.
Have a night in with a movie and enjoy your stateroom with around-the-clock room service for the whole family. Also, kids 12 and under can eat for free from the complimentary kids' menu at specialty restaurants.
Pro Tip: Families won't want to miss out on the soft-serve ice cream machines for a cool treat.
Norwegian Cruise Line takes families around the world for unforgettable experiences onboard and on shore. Take in a whale-watching tour in Alaska, hop on a trolley bus for a city tour in Mexico, or snorkel in the turquoise waters in the Caribbean.
Bring out the kids’ adventurous side and explore the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, swim with the dolphins in Akaroa Harbor, New Zealand, or be wowed by the breathtaking Iguazú Falls in northeastern Argentina. Kids and parents won't be disappointed with the variety of excursions available that will make for a memorable family cruise vacation.
Pro Tip: Norwegian Cruise Line recommends closed-toed shoes for shore excursions.
Every guest can bring two pieces of checked luggage. Each piece of luggage has a 50-pound maximum limit, so families should have no trouble bringing the essentials and a few extras onboard.
For everyday onboard wear, comfortable clothing is a must. Swimwear is essential for waterpark or pool time. For dining in any of the onboard restaurants, kids are welcome to wear nice shorts, and adults are requested to wear smart-casual attire. For footwear, consider bringing multiple options from flip flops or sandals to closed-toed tennis shoes.
Charging cables, power banks, and headphones are all must-have items for any electronic devices like phones and tablets. Playing cards, small workbooks, and easy-to-carry board games are perfect for downtime in the stateroom or while waiting for meals.
Also, don’t forget your passports, identification cards, cruise tickets, and credit cards. Check out our downloadable packing list here to help you ensure you have what you need for your family cruise.
Pro Tip: Consider having a lanyard with a card slot to hold each child’s identification and emergency contact for them to always wear while on the cruise.
When it comes to experiencing the perfect family cruise, Norwegian delivers with its extensive range of accommodations including multi-room suites, family mini-suites, balconies, and oceanview staterooms.
- Family balcony staterooms sleep up to four guests and are conveniently located near the youth activities area and the pool deck.
- Family suites sleep up to six guests and boast a living and dining area, as well as a double bed, double sofa bed, and a Murphy bed. A two-bedroom family suite adds a little more privacy between the adults and the kids.
- The Haven Garden Villa sleeps up to eight people and is the most luxurious and spacious accommodation available onboard.
Pro Tip: Norwegian Cruise Line features interconnecting staterooms, perfect for keeping larger families or families traveling together close by. Ask your Travel Advisor in the Avoya Network for this option or to learn more. Availability may be limited, so book early!
Families cruising with kids can set sail with Norwegian Cruise Line by contacting Avoya Travel to be connected with an Independent Travel Advisor who is available to help with the booking process from start to finish.
Call the number at the top of this page to be connected with a Travel Advisor in the Avoya Travel NetworkTM who can help you get the best price, navigate COVID-19 restrictions, and answer any questions you have about Norwegian Cruise Line.
