Carnival Cruise Lines excels in family-friendly cruising, offering robust programs for children and teens ages 6 months to 17 years old.  These programs are included in the fare, ensuring fun, safe, and engaging experiences while allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy supervised activities. The Carnival Hub App streamlines registration and schedules.

In this Article:

  1. The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Cruise Lines
  2. What’s Included with Your Carnival Cruise
  3. Accommodations on Carnival Cruises
  4. Dining and Bars on Carnival Cruises
  5. Entertainment and Activities on Carnival Cruises
  6. Available Packages on Carnival Cruises
  7. Loyalty Program on Carnival Cruises
  8. Kids Programs on Carnival Cruises
  9. Destinations and Itineraries on Carnival Cruises
  10. Payment Policy on Carnival Cruises

Youth Programs

Carnival’s youth programs are broken down into specific age groups as follows:

  • Turtles (Ages 6 months to under 2): Designed for Carnival’s youngest cruisers, the Turtles program provides a safe, nurturing environment with age-appropriate toys, sensory play, and gentle interaction led by trained staff. Parents can enjoy time to themselves knowing their little ones are engaged and cared for in a cozy, climate-controlled space tailored to early development needs.
  • Camp Ocean (Ages 2 to 11): Split into Penguins (2–5), Stingrays (6–8), and Sharks (9–11), this marine-themed program offers activities including arts and crafts, science experiments like volcano-making, and games like pirate treasure hunts. Penguins enjoy storytime and cupcake decorating, while Sharks participate in sports and video game tournaments. Connecting activities foster bonding across age groups.
  • Circle “C” (Ages 12 to 14): Pre-teens enjoy dedicated lounges with video games, dance parties, and outdoor activities like pool games and mini-golf. Scavenger hunts and trivia contests encourage friendships, with supervised shore excursions for added adventure.
  • Club O2 (Ages 15 to 17): Teens relax in exclusive lounges with music, movies, karaoke, and gaming consoles. Activities include themed parties, sports tournaments, and teen-only excursions like snorkeling or beach outings, fostering independence in a safe environment.

Special Programs

Seuss at Sea is a hit with kids of all ages
  • Seuss at Sea: Included in the fare, this Dr. Seuss-themed program features the Seuss-a-palooza Parade, where kids join characters like The Cat in the Hat on deck. Interactive storytime brings Green Eggs and Ham to life, while the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($10 per child) offers whimsical dishes.  
  • Night Owls: For ages 6 months to 11 years, this late-night program (until 1 a.m.) offers movies, karaoke, and games, priced at $8.85 per hour per child, including 18% gratuity, providing parents evening downtime.
  • Zumbini: Included for ages 2–5, this 30-minute music and dance program combines singing, dancing, and educational play, fostering creativity and bonding.

Facilities

Youth centers feature game rooms with arcade machines, craft stations, and outdoor splash zones. Teen lounges include tech zones with PlayStations and chill spaces with board games. Supervised activities run daily, with extended hours on port days. Night Owls extends care for younger kids.

Planning Considerations

Register kids on embarkation day via the Carnival Hub App or youth centers. Most programs are free, but Night Owls and select activities like Build-A-Bear incur fees. Early sign-up is advised during peak seasons. Trained staff ensure safety, with app notifications for parents.