NCL Gem Kids Club Review Tweens

[crzgrl66]

We just returned from our cruise on the Gem 6/12 - 6/18. We have two sons (15 & 12) Our boys have been on five cruises and this was our first time on NCL.

 

The 10-12 year olds are part of the "Splash Academy" program. They are called the "Dolphin" group. Here is the huge problem on the Gem. They are too young to go to Entourage (13+ group) and that is understandable, but they are too old to be with the younger kids in Splash Academy. The Gem solved this problem by sending the tweens to a conference room on Floor 6 right by the Casino. They are no where near the other clubs and it's not an appropriate space for kids.

 

 

During the Kid Club events, they slap a laminated sign on the conference room door.

 

There are certainly many other things for this age group to do with their families but as far as a kids club goes this was not a quality experience.

[darla250]

I have two boys. One who just turned 13 and another who is almost 15. How did they like the cruise and the Entourage lounge?

[crzgrl66]

I have two boys. One who just turned 13 and another who is almost 15. How did they like the cruise and the Entourage lounge?

 

Entourage was fine. Your sons will have a good time especially since the two of them will be together. If they are outgoing, then they will especially enjoy it. It's a good place to hang out. The most important part is for them to go to the first meet up so that they can make some friends.The counselors were fun.

 

Just an FYI, the arcade is right next door to Entourage and they can drop more money in the arcade in an hour than you do at the casino. The games are $1.50 - $2.00. We gave our kids a budget and they stuck to it. However, I can imagine a parent getting a shocking statement after a little fun in the arcade. Have a great time!

[dijid]

I have to agree that 12 is a pretty bad age for Splash Academy. I really wish NCL would make a 12-14 age group like Carnival. My 12yo found a friend that would also roll her eyes at how "babyish" everything was, which greatly helped her enjoyment of the program. My older two complained about the 13yos in Entourage (but that didn't stop them from having a fantastic time that week) and I don't think in two months my youngest would really be happy there either, even though she'd be 13.

 

And, TBH, the space they had for the 9-12yos on the Gem looks nicer than the actual Splash Academy space on the sun. That place is just a hard floor with white walls. Almost depressing. It was a good thing the counselors really worked hard to get activities going.

Edited July 11, 2016 by dijid
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[conandrob240]

9-12?!? I though age groups were 3-5,6-9, 10-12, 13-17 (split for some activities). Did this change and 9 yr olds are now lumped in with 10-12?!?