Carnival is a fine family-friendly cruise line (it carries 525,000 children each year), and the young are provided with very good facilities. “Camp Carnival”, the line’s extensive child/youth program, is well organized and extensive. There are five age groups: Toddlers (ages 2–5); Juniors (6–8); Intermediate (9–11); Teens (12–15) and late Teens (15–17, with a specially created Club 02). Soft-drinks packages can be purchased for children (adults, too). Even the under-twos are now being catered to, with special programs aboard each ship. Meanwhile, Family Fun Nights are all about reconnecting parents to their children (something many can do only on vacation). Note that a babysitting service is not available after 10pm.

Best ships for children: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Victory. Ships with fewer facilities: Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation. Ships with almost no facilities: Celebration, Holiday.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008