Norwegian Cruise Line is revamping its children's program with a new curriculum for youngsters up to age 17. The program, currently called Norwegian Kid's Crew, will be renamed.

The cruise line will begin offering structured programming for infants and babies up to 2 years old.

The youth program is being created in partnership with the King’s Foundation and Camps, a U.K.-based organization that develops sports and activity programs for children. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theater and technology, the line said.

The Norwegian Gem will be the first in the fleet to introduce the new activities, starting in mid-February. It subsequently will be rolled out across all Norwegian vessels. Neither the implementation timetable nor the name of the new program has been revealed.

“More and more families are choosing a cruise for their vacation since it represents such a good value and offers so much for the entire family. In fact, close to 150,000 children sailed on our ships in 2010 and that number continues to rise,” said Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan. He said the line would invest “millions” in the revamp of the kids' program.

The line also has engaged Cirque Du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children circus skills such as juggling, clowning and acrobatics. Circus workshops and shows will be offered for the entire family, said Norwegian.

The line’s current youth program was put in place in 1999.

SOURCE

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