I'm new to ncl and was just asking a few questions... Of course I would never leave my kids unsupervised on the ship while I went ashore - but many cruise lines, including ncl, (usually) allow parents to check their kids into the kids' programming for the day before going ashore - parents are contactable, allergies noted, forms signed... We did it on rcl may 2019 when our older one had just turned six and it was totally fine- ncl notes it on their FAQ- "Splash Academy is offered on port days for children 3-12 years old. Currently not being offered. " (Doesn't say why it's currently not offered)
In another part of the FAQ it goes further and says "Note to parents:
If parents go ashore, it is recommended to use the Splash Academy services for children under 12 year old."
And here is another quote from ncl website (my friend who will be travelling with us sent me a screenshot of this):
Port Play
Want some alone time? Then drop off the little ones at Port Play for free. Only a small fee applies for the supervision of your child(ren) during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours.
Meal times are based on ship and itinerary.
Temporarily Not Available
As for when we are all on the ship, I was just asking what the rules are - and the culture of NCL- given the possible clash between the harsh warnings that can be found on ncl.com (and here in this thread) and the rule that allows 10-12 year olds to check themselves out. That rule seems to give some freedom to 10-12 year olds that is less than teens but more than younger kids.
Again - I was just curious and looking for some advice. Last time we cruised with kids was almost five years ago so our kids were much younger and last time I was on ncl was 1995 and my cousins and I were the kids and teens! (I was 16.)
Please don't call me insane. We've never met. It didn't feel very nice and I usually think I'm quite a loving and caring and sane parent.
Adam