How is a Carnival cruise with kids?

Question

Me and my wife are interested in taking a carnival cruise but we have three kids that will be at the time of the cruise 2,3 and 4. Will we still be able to have fun ourselves? Do they have babysitting? Has anyone traveled with kids on these cruises if so let us know your experience. Thank you

Answer 1

You would have to be insane to take children of that age on a cruise.  Go to Disneyland, or better yet, pay a family member to watch them for a weekend, and go relax at a bed and breakfast with the wife.  The kids are too young to appreciate the lavish vacation, and it's nothing but stress for you.

Answer 2

Well you can take them but there is not Camp Carnival for the two year old. The other two can go in to Camp Carnival during the day and give you some free time.  At night like after 10 they have baby sitting.  It does cost.  We went on a cruise with a 18 month old and there was really not alot for him to do.  but if you are willing to pay for a sitter at night you would be able to do things then.  Well I just read they have Camp Carnival for two year olds on some ships I would check the ship you are going on.

Answer 3

For children as young as 2, 3 and 4, you should consider the Disney cruise.  They offer many more services and option for children that young.  Little ones of those ages are not going to have much to do on the Carnival line.

Carnival is better when the kids get older, about 7 and older.

There are so many teens and young adults on Carnival that the really young kids get lost in the rush.

Also, consider the sleeping arrangements for 5 in a cabin.  At least one and maybe two of your little ones will have to sleep in an upper berth.  This could be an issue if they are scare of high places or are very active at night.

The little ones have to be potty trained to attend Camp Carnival.  The camp events for the very young ones ends early in the evening so if you want to go to the shows or casino, you will have to hire the babysitting service.  As I recall, it was near about $10 per hour per kid.  Plus, your trusting your kids to someone you know nothing about.

We introduced our kids to cruising at ages 5 and 7 on the Disney cruise and then graduated them to Carnival and RC.

Answer 4

Yes carnival has babysitting. It costs extra. They  also have a "camp carnival" which has activities for the kids to do while parents are off doing whatever. They will give you a beeper ( you need to put a cash depost on it) And it will go off if the kid is sick or the are having problems. But the kids are a bit young to get what is going on a big ship. You may want to wait until they are older.

Answer 5

I just got back yesterday from a Carnival Cruise, and while I didn't have any children in my group, I can assure you I saw many children there having a blast!

While on a cruise, you meet many people during mealtimes, during activities, and even lounging around. Many people I met had children with them and not one person complained. Everyone had positive things to say about Camp Carnival and also said how much fun they had doing things with their kids.

The people on board were very kid-friendly and it was nice seeing the Camp kids having fun with the staff members (which for the 6-7 year olds I saw a few times eating at the buffet).

I even met one woman who came with her whole family of 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and she said every single family member of hers had a great time. She even said one of her grandkids begged to go to Camp Carnival every day because she loved it so much (a 4 year old).

So I definately think if a Carnival cruise is what you want to do, you will be well accomidated.

And just as a sidenote, just because Disney has cruises which I assume have more kid options than other cruise lines, doesn't mean you should feel guilty about taking your kids on another cruise line. Disney cruises are outrageously priced and the average family (especially one with three young kids) can't afford something that extravagent.

Good luck on planning your trip and I hope things go well!

Answer 6

One advantage of Carnival is that they accept two year olds in their Camp Carnival and they will change diapers.  

Is there a program for my children?

Camp Carnival is a year-round, fleet wide program that provides daily fun-filled and age appropriate activities for children and teenagers between the ages of 2 and 14 years old. In addition, there is supervised "free play" and babysitting service. Scheduled activities are planned for the following age groups:  

    * Toddlers 2 - 5 years old

    * Juniors 6 - 8 years old

    * Intermediates 9 - 11 years old

    * Teens 12 - 14 years old

Camp Carnival is not a "Day-Care" but an activity based program. The program is designed so that kids have the choice of being with peers of their own age, whenever desired, but also give families the chance to enjoy "quality family time" together.

On Sea Days Camp Carnival’s hours vary with activities starting at 9am and finishing at 10pm. Camp Carnival will close during the day to allow for Under 2’s. The closing times for 2-11 year olds will be 12-2pm/1pm-3pm and again for an hour before the dinner session (this will vary depending on the ship and the run). Activities for 12-14 year olds will vary from ship to ship, but on a typical sea day it will run 10am-12pm, 2-5pm and 8pm-1am.

Babysitting is provided for ages 0-11, nightly, from 10:00pm to 3:00am. There is a charge for this service (see "Babysitting").  

Click on the link below for more information ...

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Camp_Ca...