Questions about Carnival cruise line?

Question

Hi. Ive never cruised before so Im new to all of it. It will be me, hubby and 3 kids cruising. Ages:12, 10 and then 6 months. The only cruise ship that is available to us is Carnival because they have babysitting. Royal Caribbean only has babysitting for a year and over and Disney is too expensive. Anyways, we are wanting to go in April. Our concerns are: Are there going to be drunk spring breakers partying all over the ship? Will there will nudity or showing of anything inappropriate for our kids? We originally wanted to go to Mexico but then realized that was a bad idea because of Spring break, so we are going to the Bahamas. Any advice or suggestions? Please tell me your experiences with and without kids during spring break on Carnival. Thanks so much :)

Answer 1

You will have drunks, but that will be the same w/ any line and at all times of year.  Usually the drunks will be in the bars and clubs.  You may find that some hang out by the pool, but they will probably all mainly stick to the same pool, so you and the kids should find the quieter less rowdy pool  I have never seen much nudity or anything.  Possibly late at night when they get wild, but I would assume the kids would be in bed.  There are some shows that are for adults (comedians), but they are usually later at night and will say adult shows.  When I was on Carnival, I was suprised how laid back it was.  We had always heard it was the party cruise, and I did not see that at all (it was in Dec).  I think you will be fine w/ kids, I would just stay out of the heavy drinking areas.  By the way, most college's will be done w/ spring breaks by the end of March.  You will probably run into more high school age students and younger.

Answer 2

I know for sure you will have a much better cruise on Royal Caribbean.  Carnival is the "fun ship" and they mean just that.  If it is spring break time I will guarantee that you will have a lot of kids on this ship.  And the teens tend to get a little loud in the evening.  Be sure you do not get a cabin by the elevators.  That is where the kids hang out at night and it  can get loud there also.

Royal Caribbean is a more family oriented cruise line.  Your kids could go to the Adventure Seas (kids camp on ship).  There may even be a program for children 6 months and up.

And you may not be able to get a cabin for 5 on Carnival.  I know Royal Caribbean has family cabins that fit 5.

Nudity is only allowed on the very top deck.  You cannot see it from the other decks and you won't find the stairs to this deck unless you really look for it.

Royal Caribbean is more expensive but it really is worth the money.Food is much better and the entertainment is definitely a notch above Carnival.

Which ever you choose, I wish you a great cruise.  My advise is to be sure to use a travel agent, she can advise you what is beat and most economical for you.

Answer 3

i went to the bahamas on royal caribbean, and it was amazing. you said it wasn't an option for you to go with royal caribbean, but i strongly recommend that you do not sail with carnival. it isnt half as good, and although i had fun on both, i cant even compare carnival to royal caribbean. Either way, have fun on your cruise! The two best weeks of my life were on cruises and I am dying to go for a third time. Sorry I couldn't be more help with the whole spring break thing, I went to Canada so that really wasnt an issue for me

Answer 4

We took the Carnival Conquest on Spring Break last year...the Spring Breaks for Texas is March.

Yes, there were some folks that were really enjoying their trip. But we did not see any nudity...although Carnival still has a topless deck.  But the only topless folks up there were the old, fat bald guys!

We actually had more issues with the younger kids (early teens and pre-teens) running around the ship like crazy people.  

Hints for traveling with your 6 month old...take the small, umbrella stroller.  Leave the 4-wheel drive model at home.  Bring your own playpen to use as the crib.  The Carnival cribs are not so great plus you don't know how well they have been cleaned.  Bring along some small Tupperware containers to score snacks for the little one from the breakfast buffet for later in the day.

Encourage your older children to sign up for the Camp Carnival.  This is the kids club.  This is where they can meet vacation friends and learn about events for the kids.

We take along 2-way radios to keep in touch with our girls (13 and 10) while on board.