Getting familiar with what cruise lines have to offer for kids


We as parents love to cruise with our kids, and for good reason. We can spend as much time together as we want. While we as parents take the opportunity to relax we can let our children loose in chaperoned programs that most cruise lines have to offer for kids of all ages.

The kids of all ages are no doubt enchanted by the elaborate programs offered onboard ship nowadays, from the children’s programs to the teens. It’s important that you know what ship has the right program to meets your family’s needs, as some programs are more comprehensive than others.

Some cruise lines particularly luxury or upper-premium companies don’t encourage children but will bring on counselors during summer, holidays and peak family times.

One rule of thumb is to find out how much time your family members want to spend together, “All families approach cruising in different ways,” some families members want to spend quality time together, while others want to spend time on their own meeting new friends.

It is very important that you book a ship that offers a wide range of activities that appeal to all age groups in your family.

Some families like to book suites or adjoining cabins, that’s why we suggest booking your cruise ahead of time to ensure you get the best possible cabin, especially during high peak seasons such as summer, spring break and around the holidays. The cruise may be available, but cabins with quads, adjacent cabins and suites may not be.

Over the next several weeks we will be spotlighting different cruise lines and their children’s programs and facilities offered.

This week’s spotlight:



Carnival Cruise Lines
With its fun twisting water slides and water parks on most of its ships, as well as facilities and programs for kids based on age.



Camp Carnival
It's all in fun...Camp Carnival includes a wide range of activities designed for children in three different age groups - Toddlers, Juniors, and Intermediates. All children are supervised by staff who have experience and/or education in child-care. You'll see your child's excitement grow as soon as they meet their counselor and get assigned to their group. And when it's time to eat kids get their very own menus, featuring all their favorites like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza, macaroni & cheese, hamburgers and more.

Toddlers
The age-appropriate activities at Camp Carnival are sure to delight your 2-5 year-olds. The smaller children enjoy many of their fun events in the Camp Carnival headquarters. From finger painting to cartoon time, arts and crafts to puppet shows, your little ones will have a blast!
They also provide babysitting services in the evenings. So plan a "date night" or "quiet time" just for two. Toddlers do not have to be potty-trained in order to be part of Camp Carnival; parents simply need to provide the youth staff with diapers and toiletries for their child.

Juniors
When our 6-8 year-old guests enter the bright and lively world of Camp Carnival they'll enjoy fun-filled and exciting activities like Spin Art, dodge ball, volcano making and more. Your pint-size cuties will also participate in a large variety of themed activities and games - including prize bingo, water colors, jewelry making, foosball, air hockey, and much more.
Your kids will have so much fun, they won't even noticed they're being supervised. They'll think of our counselors as just big kids.

Intermediates
Your 9-11 year-olds will feel a flurry of excitement every time they step into Camp Carnival. Our young cruisers will play all day long - from dodge ball and pool parties to video games and scavenger hunts. They'll also be excited about the new friends they've made.
Parents can take advantage of our evening "After Hours" services from 10 p.m. till 12 a.m. After 12 a.m., juniors and intermediate will join the younger cruisers for our Slumber Party service until 3 a.m.

Circle “C”
The ultimate spot where children ages 12-14 can cruise, chill, and connect to others. Cool activities, awesome facilities and lots of great new friends to add to their text-mail lists. The activities (think games, dance parties, outdoor movies and more) are supervised and created just for them. The friendly and experienced staff at Circle "C" wants to give your teens the best vacation experience possible. All activities are coordinated by a Circle "C" Director and dedicated to keeping the activities fun for our young guests.

Club O2
Club 02 for ages 15-17 activities are designed to be cool and a little more relaxed. Teens can hang out with their friends and watch a movie, listen to the latest music, play video games or join karaoke jam sessions. We've even set up teen-only shore excursions so your young adults can enjoy the sites and sounds of our beautiful ports with their peers.
The fleet wide club was developed by the Coca-Cola Company and includes teen directors a 1000 to 1800 square –foot teens club a dance floor, DJ, sound and lighting system, and a large screen plasma TV. There’s even a “Coke-tail” lounge that offers Coca-Cola products and non-alcoholic specialty drinks for your teens to enjoy while hanging out with the new friends they meet onboard.