Carnival Cruise Lines has expanded and upgraded its kid-friendly activities to complement the line’s ongoing initiatives. Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements. Carnival Fantasy, one of the oldest ships in the fleet, received a major upgrade, including a water slide, putt-putt course and age-specific clubs. For children under two years old Carnival offers limited services, including stroller rentals, family playtime and late-night babysitting.
Carnival Fun for Kids and Parents
Putt Putt –Located in the Sun Deck. Putt Putt was very popular during my cruise. Even the cold wind could not keep children away. A little girl with chubby preschool legs pulled her father back to the putt-putt course. He said it was too cold. The kids were unanimous in their opinion that it was fun.
Water Slides —The whole Carnival fleet offers water slide, which is much appreciated by children and kids at heart. The temperature on my cruise barely reached 70 degrees, but that didn’t stop the kids. I asked a mom who was huddled in a lounger if her kids liked the slides. She replied, “If the kids weren’t so happy no one would pay me to sit here. I’m freezing!” The kids, immune from the cold, continued to climb the stairs and slide.
Note: To use the water slide, children must be at least 42″ tall and fully potty-trained. They also need to be able to swim.
Camp Carnival Fun For Kids 2-11
Camp Carnival offers kids aged 2-11 an environment that is safe and suitable for younger children. The camp is divided into three groups of age: 2-5, 6- 8 and 9-11. The Fantasy has limited space, so 6-11-year-olds are often grouped for activities. Staff at Camp Carnival stressed that age is determined by the child’s birthdate, and that they cannot “join” a group older than them.
Children aged 2-5 years have their own area on the Promenade Deck. They can play games and do crafts that are suited to their abilities. The space is clean and safe. The kids were enthralled and did not want to leave. One mother said that Camp Carnival was a great experience for her children and exceeded her expectations.
6-11 year olds are often grouped for activities on Carnival Fantasy and will meet in the conference room on the Promenade Deck. This age group can enjoy board games, dancing classes, putt-putt golf excursions, bingo, and “Cruiser Choice”, which is supervised free play. The reviews from kids aged 6-11 are mixed.
Caleb, Caleb is 11 years old. He said that Camp Carnival was too childish. The kids were too whiny. He recommends instead the hot tub and pool, as well as dance classes and shows. He says that the food is also really, really delicious on Carnival Fantasy.
Matthew said that Camp Carnival was more for girls. He did not like the crafts they were doing and wanted to hang out with 12-14-year-olds. He will be 12 in a couple of months.
Carleigh is 8 years old and she also thinks Camp Carnival is boring. Camp Carnival, she said, can’t compare to the karaoke sessions, hot tubs and pools. Carleigh suggests that children attend the shows, particularly the Motown show and join the Carnival Fantasy Dance Team for dance classes. Carleigh says that it is fun to watch the wave action in the pool without anyone in it.
Camp Carnival received mixed reviews from parents as well. Parents also thought that a bigger space would have been better for the younger and older children to be able to have their own space. One person said “There is a huge difference between a child who has just turned six, and one who is about to turn 12.” (NOTE: the Carnival Fantasy was retrofitted in order to create Camp Carnival from the conference rooms. It may not be a problem on all ships. If this is a concern for you, research deck plans before making a booking.
Carnival Fun For 12-14 Year Olds In Circle C
Circle C, Carnival’s “club” of recreation for children aged 12-14 years old, is located on the Atlantic Deck. Circle C was always packed on my cruise! Circle C has clearly been a hit. Video games, pizza parties and ice cream parties are popular activities for 12-14 year olds. Scavenger hunts on the ship (which generate a lot of laughter) and dance parties and movie nights are also available.
Ethan said that Circle C was a lot of fun. He was giggling as he ran to Circle C.
Carnival Fun For 15-17 Year Olds In Club O2
Carnival’s Teen Hangout is Club O2, located on the Promenade Deck. Club O2 also offers themed dance parties, games and movies.
Bryce (16),, said the Club O2 team is great fun. He recommends 15-17-year-olds attend the first Club O2 to meet people. It’s difficult to get to know someone after they have already made friends. He said that kids should be sure to attend the Club O2 Wall of Fame group photo.
Brittany (15) says it is important to be involved. Do not just wait in the corner for people to come and talk to you. The new kid is in a similar situation to you, so make friends and meet other people the first day. She also recommends dance parties which she says are “a lot of fun.”
Enjoy Family Fun with These Tips
1. Larger ships have more amenities and attractions. Make sure to do your research before booking a cruise.
2. Arrive early. Arrive early. Get to know your ship by boarding early.
3. Attend the parent info session. Learn what is available for children and get the schedule for the week.
4. Register your child for the first activity offered. The first day is designed to get kids to know one another. This is important to their enjoyment.
Carnival Fleet to undergo More Changes
Carnival Cruise Lines will launch the Seuss At Seuss Sea Program in February 2014, with the Carnival Splendor. Seuss at Sea will feature special menus inspired by Seussical food (green eggs and Ham anyone? Quiet reading spaces, character interactions and Seuss-inspired events will be part of the Seuss at Sea program. Carnival’s commitment “Fun for All and All for Fun” starts with the youngest passengers and their families.
I was surprised by the Carnival Kids’ Program (as with most things on Carnival). What about you? Did you know that the Carnival fleet has changed so much since its inception?