Carnival Cruise Line offers kids and youth program across their fleet of Fun Ships. Since the cruise line accommodates more than 750,000 kids annually, Carnival has to be able to cater to families exceptionally well.
Family activities the cruise line offers include events on the decks or other spots on the ship, family oriented live entertainment, and pay- for activities for any age.
One of the most appealing and beloved aspects of a family cruise is the kids and teen clubs. Catering specifically to the two to 17-year-old guests, these spaces entertain, teach, and engage children and teenagers on their level.
Carnival Kid’s Programs
Photo via Carnival Cruise Line
While most cruise lines have some sort of place for the kids to go and have fun, some say that Carnival does it best.
Carnival’s kid and youth programs are broke down into three sections:
- Camp Ocean is for the 2-11-year-olds
- Circle C is for those 12-14
- Club O2 for older teens
Each group has its own space on the ship separated from the rest, so teens won’t feel like they are being sent to a babysitting camp and younger kids will also feel comfortable with children of similar ages.
None of the groups are additional costs and are included in the base cruise fare.
While Camp Ocean has lots of guided activities such as crafts, movies, and with plenty of staff, Circle C and Club O2 are more “hang out” spaces with organized activities such as scavenger hunts, movies under the stars, dance parties, and karaoke.
Camp Ocean (Ages 2 to 11)
Photo via Carnival Cruise Line
The primary kid’s activity on Carnival is Camp Ocean (formerly known as Camp Carnival), which is a part of every ship in the fleet. When you first board the vessel, the camp area will be open for you to meet the counselors and let children become acquainted with the area and activities.
This is a great time to ask any questions that you might have. Some kids will have butterflies about going to the camp, but once they see the fun activities planned, the crafts, and the gaming systems, those usually disappear.
The activities in Camp Ocean change constantly and are always fresh. There is a different craft project every day in which the kids can take with them and proudly display in the cabin.
Photo via Carnival Cruise Line
Books are read, with a special emphasis on the Dr. Seuss series. Lots of games, puzzles, leggo, and other fun playthings are available. Sometimes age-appropriate movies are played in the evening; parents are always informed ahead of time of which film is to be shown.
Dr. Suess’ Bookville on Carnival Freedom. Photo via Carnival Cruise Line
If a child becomes upset or injured, families are called back to the camp with a portable phone which is given when the children are dropped off. Kids cannot leave without being signed out with a staff member and the adult must be on the pre-approved list.
Older children can be given the privilege of signing themselves out, but this must be set-up ahead of time when you register for your cruise, or discussed with a counselor on embarkation day.
Camp Ocean is not open all day and night, but instead has set hours.
Standard Camp Ocean hours:
- 10:00 am -1:00 pm
- 2:00 pm -5:00 pm
- 7:00 pm -10:00 pm
Even though many families drop off their kids right when they open and pick up right at closing time (often at the request of the kids themselves!), you are welcome to do that at any time the camp is open.
