Carnival Cruises

[REH]

Has anyone been on a Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral/ Tampa? If so are they suitable for children? - Are lots of the entertainment rooms restricted to over 21's? Any advice, hints or tips would be appreciated!!
Or would it be better to leave my DD with the Grandparents in Orlando??


Thanks

Rachael

 

[Dizholic]

There is a board www.CruiseCritic.com, where you can find out anything you want to know about any cruise.

 

[REH]

Thank You!!

 

[markey]

We have sailed DCL 7 times with our 6th booked for August. This Dec, 05, DH and I took our first Carnival cruise out of PC, the Glory. We did not have any kids with us, however I did check out the kids areas. They were bright areas, not as big as DCL. There were a small number of kids, this was the first week of Dec. But there kids I did see seemed to be having a great time. There were groups of kids all over the ship in little groups doing things and all seemed to be having a good time, so I think there are activities planned not in the rooms. The ship was beautiful, clean, and friendly staff. There was a table with kids next to us and the waiters paid a lot of attention to them. Did not see any mis conduct with people having too much to drink, and while the shows weren't as good as DCL but there was nothing small children could not attend, even the comic. There is a remark in the programs saying that Vegas style custumes are worn, but nothing any kid would not see at a pool. Anything else just ask, will answer if I can.

 

[REH]

Thanks

 

[DVC Sadie]

Just be prepared that there is a lot of drinking on board and a lot of games by the pool area. Some of the games at the pool can be a little risque for younger children. Just my observations which is why we do not cruise on Carnival Cruise Line anymore. CCL is known by the cruise line industry that it is "the party" cruise line. Just wanted to give a heads up so you wil know what to expect.

 

[JenniferW]

I've been on Carnival several times, a few before I had a child but recently with. It is not just for adults only at all. They have lots of kids programs and choices, in fact some of the best in my opinion. I took my 2 year old last year and she LOVED it!

If you want a more family feel don't cruise over spring break time. Other than that, I find Carnival to be fine for families. I have also sailed Princess, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Cunard, etc. I can't say I have a favorite since it depends on where I want to go, how much I want to spend and what type of boat, etc.

I have a few more links to add that may help you figure things out. Depending on your child's age and your level of comfort there are many different cruise lines/styles.

http://www.cruisereviews.com/

reviews of cruises/lines


http://www.cruisemates.com/

Click under family crusing and the lady reviws the child friendly options in lots of detail.

http://www.portreviews.com/

This will help you review the ports you are considering.


http://www.cruisecompete.com/

This is the best deal in my opinion for booking on the web, but it's only really when you are ready to book. No real service, just best price. I like to play around with http://www.vacationoutlet.com to find out boat info/prices when I am deciding.

If you haven't cruised before you may want to book with someone with a more personal touch and knowledge. Not sure who to recommend for that.

Jenn

 

[PattiPB]

Doing our second Carnival out of Tampa this summer. The kids rooms are significantly smaller than on DCL, but my kids enjoyed the activities they provided. They move around the ship a lot to compensate for not having the space. For example, cookie decorating was in the casual dining area as opposed to be in the kids playrooms.

Biggest difference: After 10 pm you pay per hour on Carnival.

My kids can't wait to get back on the Inspiration this summer. Last summer, we won the family scavenger hunt---the trophy ("ship on a stick"!) is in the family room.

Any other questions, just ask away! Cruise Critic boards are fabulous, and very active. BTW---no problems with "partiers" on our cruise. We do the Mon-Sat Western itinerary, not the weekender. Strictly families. Lots of large family groups, too. This summer our family group will be 27 people!

 

[disneysteve]

We've sailed Carnival 3 times. DD was 6, 8 and 9. Carnival is fantastic for families and kids. There is an excellent kids program, Camp Carnival, that has activities for all ages. I have heard that for teens it isn't the greatest, but for younger kids it is great. DD loves it.

I disagree with JenniferW regarding sailing at spring break time. We sailed spring break last year and there were more kids than ever since they were all off from school. Of the 3,200 passengers, about 1,000 were kids.

Carnival used to have a reputation as the "party" cruise but that reputation died out years ago. They attract a much different crowd now than they used to. Lots of families with children. Lots of older couples. Much less of the wild singles and heavy drinking crowd.

I'd also recommend cruisecritic.com. Lots of helpful people there, just like here.