How to keep kids entertained on a Carnival cruise

Whether you’re cruising with toddlers or teens – or any age in between – cruising might just be the perfect holiday thanks to the variety of activities, entertainment and dining available onboard. There really is something for everyone.

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the world’s most popular cruise brands. Known for its fun, friendly atmosphere and wide variety of onboard activities, it’s an especially great choice for families and kids. Expect exciting activities such as waterparks, mini-golf, supervised kids’ clubs and family-friendly entertainment, including comedy shows and movie nights. With diverse dining options to please every palate and itineraries to exciting destinations, Carnival Cruise Line makes it easy for families to enjoy a memorable vacation together – and these are the best ways to keep the kids entertained while onboard.

Camp Ocean: ages 2 to 11

Camp Ocean is divided into activities for three age groups: two to five, six to eight and nine to 11. Camp Ocean age groups are called Penguins, Stingrays and Sharks. For the youngest cruisers, there are arts and crafts, lots of toys, games, a play igloo and sing-alongs. The six to eight-year-olds might design an aquarium, play ocean-themed memory games and learn spin art. The nine to 11-year-olds can join scavenger hunts and have their own pool parties. Scheduled activities run from 9am to 3pm and 6:15pm to 9pm on sea days. On port days, supervised activities begin when the ship arrives in port until 12:00pm, followed by a Kid’s Only Lunch and scheduled activities from 1pm to 9pm.

Circle C: ages 12 to 14

Young teens have their own hangout. The ‘C’ stands for chill, connect and cool. This is the spot where 12 to 14-year-olds can get together for movies, do sporty stuff around the ship, go swimming, play video games and have dance parties in the evenings. Youth staff supervise without spoiling the fun.

Club O2: ages 15 to 17

The older teens can kick back in Club O2 and watch movies, listen to music, play sports and video games, or join karaoke jam sessions. Around the ship, teens can go to pool parties, hang out in hot tubs and play organised sports.

Night Owls: ages 1 to 11

So mum and dad can go ‘out’ in the evening, the Night Owls* program offers group child-minding and activities for kids aged one to 11. It’s available every night from 9pm until 12am.

*Charges apply 

Family time together

There’s a smorgasbord of activities for kids onboard Carnival’s fun ships, but it’s not just about kids – there are plenty of games for the whole family to play together. On Carnival Splendor, you’ll find a nine-hole mini-golf course and the famous Green Lightning waterslide – just follow the sound of excited screams. Families will also find a sports court for basketball, a jogging track, SplashZone and Carnival’s Twister Waterslide. There’s two swimming pools, including one for adults only in the Serenity Retreat.

Indoors, the family-friendly entertainment continues, including the Dr. Seuss character parade known as Seuss-A-Palooza, Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfasts* with Cat in the Hat and Friends, Build-A-Bear*, towel animal workshops, a video arcade*, plus more.

*Charges apply

Of an evening, the whole family will enjoy getting dressed up and joining in the fun at one of the many theme nights. It could be ’80s Rock-n-Glow, Elegant Night or the Silent White-Hot Night. There are also family-friendly stage shows, comedy acts, movies and more to enjoy.

Family Dining

Carnival Cruise Line has all the ingredients to make family meal times smooth sailing. From delicious, freshly made pizza and burgers to something for everyone in the buffet, even the fussiest eaters will be satisfied on their cruise. Head to the main dining room for a la carte dining in an elegant, relaxed setting. It’s an experience that’s filling but never stuffy — you’re just as likely to catch waiters table-dancing as you are to order dessert!

Keep reading:

• Six reasons why Carnival Splendor is the cruise ship for you
• Seven reasons to sail with Carnival Cruise Line
• The best cruises for kids

*Please note: onboard offering is subject to change. Venues, services and offerings vary by ship and charges apply to some venues, activities and entertainment. Please see www.carnival.com.au for more information.

This article was produced with content supplied by Carnival Cruise Line. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter below.

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