Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a Kids Sail Free limited time offer giving children 17 and younger, sailing in third and fourth berths, the chance to cruise for free when their parents make a new reservation on select fall sailings to Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Europe or Hawaii by July 7, 2012. In addition, select sailings are also eligible for up to $500 in air credits, Military and AARP discounts.

Families who sail through Hawaii between Sept. 29 and Dec. 15, 2012 can explore four Hawaiian Islands on a seven-day cruise on board Pride of America, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, with fares starting at $1,299. In Europe, Norwegian Jade offers seven-day Greek Isles and Adriatic itineraries from Venice from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2012, with fares starting at $479 for seven-day sailing.

For a longer vacation, families can sail on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise from either Barcelona or Venice from Sept. 7 through Oct. 13, 2012. This itinerary features five different countries. Norwegian Spirit also offers nine-day Canary Islands cruises from Barcelona from Nov. 6 through Dec. 12, 2012.

Onboard Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic, families can set sail on seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries through Oct. 14, 2012 from Barcelona. Norwegian Epic also begins sailing seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning Nov. 3, 2012.

Families also can book a seven-day cruise to King’s Wharf, Bermuda from New York City on board Norwegian Star from Sept. 9 through Oct. 14, 2012 or on board Norwegian Dawn from Boston on either Sept. 7 or Sept. 14, 2012, with fares starting at $449.

Families also can cruise from New York City to the Bahamas and Florida on board Norwegian Jewel between Oct. 14 and Sept. 16, 2012, with fares starting at $449, or on Norwegian Gem on a nine-day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean between Oct. 20 and Dec. 13, 2012. Families sailing on Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jewel will also get Nickelodeon programming.

In the Western Caribbean, families can sail a seven-day cruise from three different departure ports starting at $439. Norwegian Pearl sails from Miami between Oct. 21 and Nov. 25, 2012; Norwegian Star from Tampa between Oct. 26 and Dec. 9, 2012; and Norwegian Dawn from New Orleans between Nov. 4 and Dec. 30, 2012.  For a longer Southern Caribbean cruise vacation, families can choose a 10- or 11-day cruise on board Norwegian Sun from Miami between Oct. 14 and Dec. 16, 2012.

Families also can take advantage of fall foliage sailings on Canada and New England itineraries, with fares starting at $549. Between Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, 2012, families can sail on a seven-day cruise from Boston on Norwegian Dawn to Quebec or from Quebec to Boston. For a longer Canada and New England experience, Norwegian Gem offers families a 10-day sailing round trip from New York City.

Families also can experience Alaska before the Alaska cruise season ends on board Norwegian Pearl or Norwegian Jewel, on a seven-day cruise from Seattle between Sept. 1 and Sept. 16, 2012, starting at $599. For a quick family getaway, kids sail free on three and four-day Bahamas cruises on Norwegian Sky from Miami between Sept. 3 and Dec. 28, 2012, with fares starting at $179.

Norwegian recently enhanced its fleet-wide youth and teen programs, Splash Academy and Entourage. Both Splash Academy and Entourage feature a different theme every day tailored to their specific age group; 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 enhanced curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills.

The new youth and teen programs focus on creative and unique activities, along with more sporting events, through a partnership with King’s Foundation and Camps. Another highlight of the program is a circus school in partnership with Hilario Productions’ Cirque du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children real circus skills. 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.