We all have either cruised with kids or wondered about cruising with our kids. It is a personal choice of how old your child is when you take them for the first time. Our youngest of four was 8 years old when we took the kids on their first cruise. I have friends who cruised when their kids were younger.
Our kids have been on 6 cruises and to over 18 countries and U.S. territories. This has been one of the easiest ways to travel with them and cover so much ground in one week. The cruise ships offer great kids activities, pools, slides, dining and nightly shows. There is something for everyone to do all the time. We have never heard I'm bored on a cruise.
As the kids have grown, the activities they do on the ship have changed but they still appreciate the friendships they have made. We have made friends on cruises that we still are in regular contact with and cruise with to this day. The gift of travel will teach your kids to appreciate different cultures, people, food and everyday life.
We decided a few years back to give experiences and not things at Christmas. It has been the best choice we have ever made for our family. The kids do not remember what they received the previous year for gifts, but they will tell you something from every trip they have been on.
There is no right or wrong age to take your kids, it is a personal choice. The older they are, the easier, but if they travel from a young age it's just normal life. We have always traveled with our kids since they were young, they were just a little older when they started cruising.
Most cruise lines have a family dining, which is earlier and depending the cruise line the kids club staff will come in midway and take the kids to the club. This allows for them to be a part of dinner, but also let the parents enjoy the full dining experience. The kids club staff for most cruise lines must have a 4 year degree in Education, Physical Education, Child Development or related activity. The kids are in great hands! Always check with your travel agent or the cruise line before planning to bring little ones. The kids clubs are ages 3-17. Also minimum age to sail is 6 months, but 12 months on select sailings and ships.
Are babysitters available?
No, Norwegian doesn’t offer babysitting but instead offers Group Sitting Services for children ages 3-12 years old every night from 10:30pm - 1:30am (Late Night Fun Zone) and on port days while the ship is docked.
On Port Days, a minimal fee is charged only during scheduled meal time per the activity booklet.
Nightly at Late Night Fun Zone, there is an hourly fee of $6.00 USD per hour, per child and $4.00 USDper hour, per child for each additional sibling.
Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance for both services. If no children are signed up or dropped off by 11:30 pm for the nightly service, the youth center will close for the evening. The fees are charged to your on-board account. Fifteen minute transition time is offered before charges apply from Splash Academy to Late Night. Both services are run by the Youth Staff in the Splash Academy Facility.
Hours of Operations Port Day: Arrival into Port – Departure from Port Overnight In Port: Arrival in Port – 8:00 pm
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