This year, I took my family on a Carnival cruise to Alaska, and it turned out to be one of our most memorable vacations ever! As a parent, I know how important it is to find a trip that keeps everyone happy, especially the kids. After researching several cruise lines, Carnival stood out for its family-friendly atmosphere and impressive lineup of kid activities. I thought I knew what to expect, but the actual experience exceeded all our expectations. I hope sharing our journey helps other families choose the right cruise for their next adventure.
Why We Chose Carnival
When planning our Alaska trip, I wanted a cruise line that truly catered to families. Carnival’s reputation for fun, age-appropriate activities was a big draw. Their website listed tons of options for kids, but seeing them in action onboard was even more impressive. The staff’s enthusiasm and the variety of activities made every day exciting for our son and for us!
Age-Appropriate Fun: Carnival’s Kids Clubs
Carnival divides children into specific age groups to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience:
- 0-1 years: Tiniest travelers have their own play spaces.
- 2-5 years: “Camp Ocean Penguins”-where our 3-year-old son spent most of his time.
- 6-8 years: “Stingrays” group.
- 9-11 years: “Sharks” group.
- 12-14 years: “Circle C” for preteens.
- 15-17 years: “Club O2” for teens.
Our son absolutely loved Camp Ocean Penguins. The counselors were warm and attentive, and the daily schedule was packed with crafts, games, and music. It gave us peace of mind knowing he was having fun in a safe environment while we enjoyed some adult time.
Highlights of Our Onboard Experience
Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea
I was surprised and delighted to find a Build-A-Bear Workshop onboard! It’s a familiar brand, but having it on a cruise made the experience extra special. Our son got to choose, stuff, and dress his own plush animal-a perfect souvenir from our trip. The workshop was lively, with friendly staff guiding the kids through every step.
Zumbini: Music and Movement
One of our favorite activities was Zumbini, a music-and-movement class designed for young children and their parents. Picture a room filled with bubbles, colorful scarves, drums, and lots of laughter! The sessions were energetic and engaging, helping our son burn off energy while learning new songs and dances.
Seuss at Sea Parade & Story Time
Carnival’s partnership with Dr. Seuss brings beloved characters to life through the “Seuss at Sea” program. The parade started in the main lobby, where kids received bells and flags before marching through the ship. Staff dressed as Dr. Seuss characters led the way, creating a festive atmosphere. The parade ended in the theater, where a lively storytelling session took place-complete with costumes, music, and interactive performances. Calling it a “storytelling session” doesn’t do it justice; it felt like a mini Broadway show!
The Arcade
The ship’s arcade was another big hit. During “power sessions,” all the games were half price, making it easy for kids to rack up points and win prizes. Our son was thrilled to exchange his tickets for a zebra and tiger ring, plus a finger puppet. The arcade was a great place for family fun, especially on sea days.
Dr. Seuss Character Breakfast
This was a highlight for the whole family! The Dr. Seuss Character Breakfast is a ticketed event, and it’s well worth the extra cost. The dining room was transformed with red tablecloths, colorful runners, and a giant Cat in the Hat ice sculpture. Characters like Thing 1 and Thing 2, Cat in the Hat, and Sam-I-Am made appearances, posing for photos and entertaining the kids. The menu featured whimsical items like green eggs and ham, making breakfast an adventure in itself.
Beyond the Kids’ Activities
While the children’s programming was the star of the show for us, Carnival also offers plenty for adults: relaxing spas, specialty dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife. We enjoyed exploring ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, but it was the onboard experience that made the trip truly special for our family.
Camp Ocean and Night Owls: In addition to daytime kids’ clubs, Carnival offers the Night Owls program-an evening childcare service with themed parties and activities, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time while kids have their own supervised fun
Final Thoughts: Would We Cruise Carnival Again?
Absolutely! Carnival’s commitment to family fun, safety, and creativity made our Alaska cruise unforgettable. If you’re planning a family vacation and want a cruise line that goes above and beyond for kids, I highly recommend Carnival. From the moment we stepped onboard, we felt welcomed, entertained, and cared for.
I hope our experience helps you plan your own unforgettable family adventure!
Did your kids enjoy the cruise? What were their favorite activities or parts of the trip?
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