Norwegian Cruise Line has selected new names for its youth and teen programmes. Splash Academy is the new name for its enhanced youth programme and Entourage is the new moniker for its revitalised teen programme.
Names were also selected for the four age groups in the youth programme: Guppies for ages up to 2; Turtles for ages 3 to 5; Seals for ages 6 to 9; and Dolphins for ages 10 to 12. The company announced its new enhanced youth and teen programmes earlier this year that launched on Norwegian Gem in February and are currently being rolled out to all the ships in the Norwegian fleet.
“We introduced our new youth and teen programmes on Norwegian Gem to rave reviews from parents and kids alike,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The new names capture the spirit and fun-filled nature of the new exciting programmes that are designed to be educational and interactive.”
The enhanced curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skill. With activities that are tailored specifically to each age group, the new youth and teen programmes focus on creative and unique activities, along with more sporting events, through a partnership with King’s Foundation and Camps. A highlight of the programme is a circus school in partnership with Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour, a New York-based company that specialises in teaching children real circus skills. The overall curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills.
Both Splash Academy and Entourage will feature a different theme every day. Whether it’s ocean-related, pirates, space cowboys, jungle fever or circus, every day will offer a new surprise that is tailored to the individual age groups with a variety of themed activities. Specific emphasis is being placed on sports through the partnership with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a UK-based organisation that provides high quality sport and activity programmes designed to make a positive impact on children. A large variety of sports activities and workshops are being offered including football skills; physical challenges; and icebreaker action games. For teens, bowling tournaments, football challenges and dodge ball under the stars are just a few of the active offerings. There is also a chance for the whole family to play along with a variety of sports including dodge ball, sports court fun, tug-of-war and King’s Camps’ family challenges.
Creative arts also play a big role in the programme. With a focus on theatre and the arts, young cruisers will have the chance to participate in puppet shows, mini improvisational acting classes and the ability to act out their favourite spy or survivor in themed activities such as Superspy Mission Impossible and Desert Island Adventures.
Through the partnership with Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour, Norwegian is offering circus workshops for the whole family teaching a variety of skills such as balancing feathers, juggling, plate spinning and even stilt walking. Classes will take place within the youth programme and there is also a family circus school performed in a circus ring, hosted by a ringmaster. Hilario Productions Cirque du Jour was established by a team of performers from the famed Ringling Brothers, so kids and parents can learn from some of the best circus entertainers.
Additional offerings for families to participate in together include cupcake decorating; pizza making; a variety of family game shows; family charades; Family Deck Party; and a special Family White Hot Party.
Splash Academy also offers activities for cruisers under three and their parents who can enjoy sensory play classes which include baby art featuring “Wee Can Too” organic art products. There are also fun events such as parent and baby “Rhyme Time” where a storyteller recites popular nursery rhymes featuring puppets or “Motion in the Ocean,” a parent and baby mini workout.
Norwegian’s youth counsellors have a degree or relevant qualification in child care or sports education. The company has recruited staff with leadership qualities and those who can serve as positive role models. The counsellors will continue to use cute, catchy nicknames which the children enjoy.
Splash Academy and Entourage are currently available on Norwegian Gem and are rolling out to all of Norwegian’s ships between April and the end of August. Norwegian Breakaway launching in April 2013 will also feature the new youth and teen programmes.
