Why a Carnival Cruise is great for families: a teen’s perspective

14-year-old Luka Jackson takes a Carnival Cruise to the South Pacific and discovers that a cruise makes for a perfect teen holiday.

“Will there be Wi-Fi?” is the most popular four-word phrase that a teen can use. In my case it was before a cruise, annoying my mum and dad. Over a week later, the cruise ended with, “Will I see my cruise friends again” or “ When’s our next cruise! “ begging my mum to take me on another cruise as I got off on my way to school.

We embarked on our Carnival Cruise from Sydney Harbour for an 11-night cruise, I was lost for words regarding what to do first because there’s so much for teens to do onboard. I’d never been to the South Pacific before but I was so thrilled. Each cabin gets a pamphlet provided to them every day called ‘Fun Times’ to indicate all of the activities for the day including shows, trivia, games and the time and location where this each is occurring. This can also be accessed on their Fun Hub app offline. If you have an obsession for Wi-Fi (like me) it can be included as an additional fee as well as a communication scheme on the app to speak to others needed for an additional cost as well.

The kids’ club is fun for everyone

As a teen, we love to have fun and enjoy life while we’re young so the kids’ club is the number one stop for me.

Skipping up to deck 7 from lying at the pool with my parents after stealing my mum’s Wi-Fi (every chance I could get), I got lost a few times, not knowing which way was forward but finally made it to the kids’ club. Camp Ocean is split into three rooms to maximise the time spent with people around the same age group as you, which I think is fantastic. I fell into the 12-14 age group and there is also a 15-17 group.

For the younger groups, the staff can look after your children while you hop into the adults-only spa and relax with a cocktail, kids-free. I was petrified to meet new people but the staff were lovely and introduced me to everyone. I encourage all teens to come and give it a try. I went frrom not knowing anyone to making 10-15 friends in one hour. As all of us went around and explored the ship, getting the endless ice creams and soft drinks up on the top deck.

The pool area has two waterslides and kids’ movies

Whether I’m splashing through the end of the water slide or rushing to get a deckchair by the pool in the morning. All the water features on Carnival are exceptional and offer endless fun.

Outdoor movies play each day, and the Fun Times sheet each day will tell you what movies are on. Grab a drink beforehand and have a seat in the pool and enjoy the family movies, the screen is immense too.

There are two main water slides, and even though the ship sleeps 2,124 passengers, the lines never appear to be long.

The Green Thunder Waterslide was a fan favourite for many, with a pace of 65 kilometres an hour. They say hold on, but in reality, there’s nothing to hold on to after being dropped horizontally from so high up, ironically a breath taker, literally!

Not to mention the splash zone side of things, typically made for younger kids while you have a snooze at the pool, but who says a teen or adult can’t join in for some fun? Carnival Cruises have everything for every age, which is why all 23 ships are so friendly for families.

Most of the food is free

The product that keeps us alive is food. Carnival truly took a step up the ladder with food options, either included or for that extra luxury, a small price comes into play, either way, both are spectacular. My two personal favourites that were included are Guy’s Burger Joint and the buffet, Lido’s Marketplace.

Guy’s Burger Joint burger specialises in well … burgers. The 100% beef patties and hand-cut fries are something you can’t just say no to at lunch especially after sunbathing during those sea days. The topping options are mouth-watering. I never had to wait long before I was collecting my burger and heading over to the toppings bar where you can fill your burger with tomato, onions, lettuce and pickles (if you like that sort of stuff, I don’t).

My other favourite was the buffet at Lido’s Marketplace with its endless options. You don’t know whether you should start at the front, middle or end, whichever spot you choose you are in for a treat. I enjoyed the omelette station where you chose your toppings and watch the staff make it in front of you, giving you a show. I went so much that they knew my name by the end, safe to say I appreciated it. The buffet also serves classics for younger kids and teenagers, highlights were the nuggets, chips, rice and noodles. For the parents, there is quality soft meat and vegetables. I haven’t even mentioned the desert bars, the endless options of deserts drive you insane. Tiramisu, chocolate fountain, cakes, jellies and the list piles on. What could go wrong?
The buffet also has additional dining options for a fee, my parents and I were lucky enough to try it one night. I enjoyed every bite, ending off with ‘art at your table,’ the detail was spectacular!

End your meals off with some ice cream from Swirls open from 11am to midnight, sounds like kids galore!

There are many shows and activities on board

Figuring out what to do is pretty easy with two to three shows happening each night. Referring to your pamphlet will guide you through the shows for that night, whether that be aerobics, musicals, game shows or comedy. There is one main theatre on Carnival so it isn’t hard to find after a couple of nights.

I sure enjoyed the aerobics and gymnastics show with my friends from the kids’ club after dinner. For the older bunch, the 18+ shows such as stand-up comedy are a must (according to my parents, I wouldn’t know). Some of the game shows such as trivia and bingo are sometimes held in bars and large seating areas. Don’t be shy to join in because the crew will make you feel welcome, no matter your age. I wasn’t particularly the best at trivia or the 80s music.

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The shore excursions were unforgettable

Steering away from the ship for now, when we docked at around 6am at each port, people were lining up to get off the boat to go onto land. There are many onshore activities at each port. My family and I went to Amedee Island to swim in crystal clear blue water after being taken on a catamaran.

Port Vila, Vanuatu was high up in my onshore highlights of this trip, we embarked on a small boat to Iririki Private Island where we bought a day pass and sat by a little beach with just the three of us, had some drinks, a bite to eat and a swim. It’s worth the relaxation!

Hot teen tip about cruising

If I had to give one tip to any teen out there who is afraid of going on a cruise: Don’t be afraid, try new things, no one is there to judge you, and you might enjoy it. I sure was afraid and didn’t want to try new things and now I’m here writing this article about how much I enjoyed it and how worth it, it is.

From a teen’s point of view, I highly recommend the Carnival Cruise line for families particularly teenagers because there’s so much to explore on and off the ship.

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