Carnival Cruise Youth Programs
As we know Carnival Cruise Line is among the best luxury cruises for families and so it has fun activities for its passengers of all age groups. Carnival Cruise Youth Program are completely for kids and teens aged 6 months to 17 years. This youth program has several fun-filled activities to keep your children engaged throughout your luxury cruise vacation. Let’s dive into this article to get complete knowledge about Carnival’s Youth Program and learn about each category. Read our article to know more about the youth programs for kids and teens on Carnival Cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line offers the following youth programs for children of different age groups –
- Camp Carnival (2-11 years)
- Circle “C” (12-14 years)
- Club O2 (15-17 years)
Things to keep in mind while opting for Carnival's Youth Program
- Age: Carnival Cruise Youth Program is completely dedicated to children whose ages are in between 6 months to 17 years. Different categories have been created to group children that will build up their spirit and interests. Therefore, it is mandatory to keep the authorized documents of your children while you onboard the ship.
- Pre-registration: Due to limited capacity on some cruises, it is mandatory to complete the pre-cruise registration process. Also, medical care consent is required while participating in any youth program.
- Embarkation Day: Embarkation Day is the Youth Program Open House that is organized in the youth facilities of all carnival cruise ships to guide parents and children about the activities, policies, and procedures. The time and place for this can be known during the registration process.
- Youth staff: All youth program activities are organized and guided by well-educated and well-trained youth staff who specialize in youth recreation and child psychology. Your children are completely safe in these youth programs as the youth staff is trained in CPR and basic first aid.
- Leaving children on board: You can leave your children in youth programs while you enjoy your shore excursion. In case of any emergency, the tour operator will inform the parent/guardian.
- Getting of the ship: While debarking the ship, only children above 16 years of age and older are allowed to be on a port without a parent/guardian.
Learn more about Carnival Cruise Youth Program
1. Turtles (Infants under 2 years)
The Turtles is a carnival cruise youth program specifically for children of age 6 months to 2 years. This program has several fun activities and games that are perfect for your tiny tots. However, if your child is about to get 2 years old during your cruise vacation, then it is mandatory to register your child under the Camp Ocean “Penguins” program.
- The child must be pre-registered due to limited capacity in the carnival cruise youth program on some cruises.
- Parents can authorize onboarded visitors above 18 years visitors to sign in/out their children for their scheduled activities. This needs to be done during the online registration process.
- The Sail & Sign card will be provided to each parent/guardian who has registered their kid, and this card needs to be shown each time the kid is dropped off and picked up from the program.
- Complimentary phones can be accessed by parents/guardians depending on the situation, priority goes to young kids. This service can be availed throughout the journey and can be accessed for ship use only. However, if the phone is lost, the charge will be applied to the guest’s Sail & Sign card.
- It is mandatory for all children aged 12 years or younger to wear special wristbands, indicating their muster station. These wristbands are distributed by the Youth Staff and parents are responsible for checking that their kid is wearing it throughout the cruise vacation.
- Replacement wristbands are available at Youth Facilities or Guest Services in case of damage or loss.
- In the event of any crisis on the off chance that your kid is there in any administered “sign-in” action, after the “Team Alert” declaration movements of every sort will be halted and they will be brought together with their children at their relegated summon station alongside their life coats (which are accessible in their staterooms).
- Potty trained – We recommend parents to handle diapers and toiletries for their kids to the Youth Staff as kids don’t need to be potty trained for this program.
- Carnival cruise youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
- During the cruise, “Under 2” time is only available for a limited amount of time. Parents and guardians have the option of staying and using the camp facilities for free or leaving their children in the care of the Youth Staff for a fee of $8.85 USD per hour, which includes an 18% service charge per child. Only kids under 2 years of age and their parents/guardians can use this time. Check the schedule on board for available times. Timings may vary depending on the cruise itinerary.
- Parents and guardians have the option to leave their children in the care of the Youth Staff while they are in port (fees apply: $8.85 USD per hour, plus an 18% service charge per child). However, we do not provide care for children “under 2” during meal times; parents and guardians must return from the port at this time.
- Night Owls (babysitting charges apply: $8.85 USD per child, plus an 18% service charge).
- In the Camp Ocean facility, there is a “slumber party” atmosphere every night from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with movie time, toys, and room service snacks. During this time, there will be kids from other age gatherings (ages 2-11) taking part in Evening People. If necessary, cribs are available.
- There are various activities for infants like playdates, dancing, arts & crafts, educational games, sensory activities, storytime, and many more.
2. Camp Ocean "Penguins" (2-5 years)
The Carnival Youth Program is specifically planned for children aged 6 months to 11 years. In the Camp Ocean “Penguins” program children aged 2-5 years must be registered pre-cruise, only those who want to be a part of this program. In this program, children can explore all sorts of adventures like dancing, singing, and many more.
As this program is for kids, some special services are provided to both children and their parents/guardians.
- Parents can authorize onboarded above 18 years visitors to sign in/out their children for their scheduled activities. This needs to be done during the online registration process.
- Complimentary phones can be accessed by parents/guardians depending on the situation, priority goes to young kids. This service can be availed throughout the journey and can be accessed for ship use only. However, if the phone is lost, the charge will be applied to the guest’s Sail & Sign card.
- For Camp Ocean and Night Owls services, we recommend parents to handle diapers and toiletries for their kids to the Youth Staff. Only children above 5 years of age or over 50 pounds have to be potty-trained and parents are responsible for changing them.
- It is mandatory for all children aged 12 years or younger to wear special wristbands, indicating their muster station. These wristbands are distributed by the Youth Staff and parents are responsible for checking that their kid is wearing it throughout the cruise vacation.
- Replacement wristbands are available at Youth Facilities or Guest Services in case of damage or loss.
- In case of any emergency if your child is there in any supervised “sign-in” activity, then after the “Crew Alert” announcement all activities have to be stopped and parents will be reunited with their children at their assigned muster station along with their life jackets (which are available in their staterooms).
This youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
- In Sea Days, supervised complimentary programs are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls.
- However, in Port Days, supervised complimentary programs Kids’ Choice start right from the moment the ship arrives at the port until 12:00 PM. Kids’ Only Lunch is then offered at 12:00 PM, post which activities resume from 01:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls. Between 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM, family programs might be scheduled.
A schedule of all the fun activities is provided to parents via their respective modes and the activities may vary as per the cruise itinerary.
- To keep kids engaged and active, games like Parachute Fun, Ball Games, and Fun with balloons are scheduled.
- Activities of Kid’s Choice
- Movies, Toys, Books, Video Games and Board Games
- DIY projects related to science and discovery
- Arts & Crafts activities like handprint crafts, messy mania, DIY creations, and play dough.
- Themed activities and face painting
- Build a Bear Workshop® at Sea
- Family games like trivia, scavenger hunts, dance parties, bingo, and Arts & Crafts activities.
- Seuss-a-palooza™ Parade & Story Time
- Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast™
- From 10:00 PM to 01:00 AM, Night Owls activities like toys, snacks, games, and movies are offered for a charge of $8.85 USD + 18% service charge per child per hour.
- For an additional charge of $20.06 USD + 18% service charge, each child is allowed to attend an additional party on some selected evenings of the cruise, called Owls Jams.
Generally, kids are picked up by their parents for meals as per the time and location of that particular cruise.
Kid’s Only Lunch and Dinner –
- Lunch – From 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM in the Lido Restaurant, only on Port Days.
- Dinner – From 6:00 PM – 6:50 PM in the Lido Restaurant, offered every evening except on embarkation day.
Note that the time and location may vary.
Sample menu: Fruits, french fries, pizzas, baked broccoli and cauliflower, bacon, mac n cheese, mini burgers, chicken tostadas, hot dogs, etc. Ice cream, banana rainbow mousse split, cookies, and Oreo chocolate milkshake for desserts.
3. Camp Ocean "Stingrays" (6-8 years)
To keep these growing kids near fun and creativity, the Carnival cruise youth program has a Camp Ocean “Stingrays” that organizes various activities to keep them engaged. From watching movies to performing some amazing science experiments and playing legit video games, this program has everything for these kids to enjoy on their luxury cruise vacations.
As this program is for kids, some special services are provided to both children and their parents/guardians.
- Parents can authorize onboarded above 18 years visitors to sign in/out their children for their scheduled activities. This needs to be done during the online registration process.
- Complimentary phones can be accessed by parents/guardians depending on the situation, priority goes to young kids. This service can be availed throughout the journey and can be accessed for ship use only. However, if the phone is lost, the charge will be applied to the guest’s Sail & Sign card.
- For Camp Ocean and Night Owls services, we recommend parents to handle diapers and toiletries for their kids to the Youth Staff. Only children above 5 years of age or over 50 pounds have to be potty-trained and parents are responsible for changing them.
- It is mandatory for all children aged 12 years or younger to wear special wristbands, indicating their muster station. These wristbands are distributed by the Youth Staff and parents are responsible for checking that their kid is wearing it throughout the cruise vacation.
- Replacement wristbands are available at Youth Facilities or Guest Services in case of damage or loss.
- In case of any emergency if your child is there in any supervised “sign-in” activity, then after the “Crew Alert” announcement all activities have to be stopped and parents will be reunited with their children at their assigned muster station along with their life jackets (which are available in their staterooms).
Carnival cruise youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
- In Sea Days, supervised complimentary programs are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls.
- However, in Port Days, supervised complimentary programs Kids’ Choice start right from the moment the ship arrives at the port until 12:00 PM. Kids’ Only Lunch is then offered at 12:00 PM, post which activities resume from 01:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls. Between 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM, family programs might be scheduled.
- Ball games, Gaga Ball, and dance class activities to keep children engaged throughout the cruise vacation.
- Spin art, jewelry making, painting, and DIY creations in arts & crafts so they can become more creative.
- Board games, toys, movies, Kid’s choices, and books.
- Games like Bingo, Speed stacking challenge, Carnival challenge, and trivia.
- Youth staff also organize science and discovery activities like goop, penny boats, and volcano making.
- Face paintings and themed activities like island time, Mexican fiesta, pirates adventure, outer space, and others.
- Build a Bear Workshop® at Sea
- Family games like trivia, scavenger hunts, dance parties, bingo, and Arts & Crafts activities.
- Seuss-a-palooza™ Parade & Story Time
- Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast™
- From 10:00 PM to 01:00 AM, Night Owls activities like toys, snacks, games, and movies are offered for a charge of $8.85 USD + 18% service charge per child per hour.
- For an additional charge of $20.06 USD + 18% service charge, each child is allowed to attend an additional party on some selected evenings of the cruise, called Owls Jams.
Generally, kids are picked up by their parents for meals as per the time and location of that particular cruise.
Kid’s Only Lunch and Dinner –
- Lunch – On Port days, lunch is available from 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM in the Lido Restaurant.
- Dinner – From 6:00PM to 6:50PM in the Lido Restaurant, offered every evening except on embarkation day.
Note that the time and location may vary.
Sample menu: The delicious Entrées includes cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and some Daily Junior Specials. Past of the Day, french fries, and fresh veggies are included in side dishes while desserts have some great options like banana split, chocolate brownies, fresh fruit cocktails, and Jell-O.
4. Camp Ocean "Sharks" (9-11 years)
For children of age 9-11 years, Carnival Cruise Youth Program are designed such that they can connect with each other. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about different cultures and languages which will help in improving their behavioral abilities.
As this program is for kids, some special services are provided to both children and their parents/guardians.
- Parents can authorize onboarded above 18 years visitors to sign in/out their children for their scheduled activities. This needs to be done during the online registration process.
- Complimentary phones can be accessed by parents/guardians depending on the situation, priority goes to young kids. This service can be availed throughout the journey and can be accessed for ship use only. However, if the phone is lost, the charge will be applied to the guest’s Sail & Sign card.
- It is mandatory for all children aged 12 years or younger to wear special wristbands, indicating their muster station. These wristbands are distributed by the Youth Staff and parents are responsible for checking that their kid is wearing it throughout the cruise vacation.
- Replacement wristbands are available at Youth Facilities or Guest Services in case of damage or loss.
- In case of any emergency if your child is there in any supervised “sign-in” activity, then after the “Crew Alert” announcement all activities have to be stopped and parents will be reunited with their children at their assigned muster station along with their life jackets (which are available in their staterooms).
This youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
- In Sea Days, supervised complimentary programs are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls.
- However, in Port Days, supervised complimentary programs Kids’ Choice start right from the moment the ship arrives at the port until 12:00 PM. Kids’ Only Lunch is then offered at 12:00 PM, post which activities resume from 01:00 PM to 10:00 PM, which is then followed by Night Owls. Between 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM, family programs might be scheduled.
- Gaga Ball, Bean Bag Toss, Dance Classes, and Ball Games activities to keep children engaged throughout the cruise vacation.
- Ship drawing, paper & glue artworks, paintings, and DIY creations in arts & crafts so they can become more creative.
- Board games, toys, movies, Kid’s choices, and books.
- Games like Bingo, Speed stacking challenge, Carnival challenge, and trivia.
- Youth staff also organize science and discovery activities like goop, penny boats, and volcano making.
- Face paintings and themed activities like island time, Mexican fiesta, pirates adventure, outer space, and others.
- Build a Bear Workshop® at Sea
- Family games like trivia, scavenger hunts, dance parties, bingo, and Arts & Crafts activities.
- Seuss-a-palooza™ Parade & Story Time
- Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast™
- From 10:00 PM to 01:00 AM, Night Owls activities like toys, snacks, games, and movies are offered for a charge of $8.85 USD + 18% service charge per child per hour.
- For an additional charge of $20.06 USD + 18% service charge, each child is allowed to attend an additional party on some selected evenings of the cruise, called Owls Jams.
However, parents/guardians can allow their kids to sign themselves in/out, but this choice is available only in this youth program. The following options are provided to parents –
- Children are allowed to sign in/out – Children are allowed to come and go as per their chosen activities and the youth staff must be informed about their destination while they sign out for the day.
- Children are not allowed to sign/out – Guest over 18 years of age are authorized by the parents/guardians of the kids to sign their kids in and out. The authorization should be given during online registration.
5. Circle "C" (12-14 years) - For Younger Teens
Circle “C” is the best place on a carnival cruise for young teens. It’s a place where children can make new friends (maybe from different cities or countries), play various games, watch movies, and relax in the Circle “C” lounge which is exclusively available for them to sit and connect with each other. The children can select the activities they love and can come and go at the scheduled time. There’s no fixed schedule for the carnival cruise youth program activities; it changes as per the cruise itinerary and season.
This youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
In Sea Days, a supervised complimentary program is scheduled from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 1:00 AM, and in Port Days, it is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM to 1:00 AM.
- Activities like Dodgeball, Bean Bag Toss, etc.
- Get creative with arts & crafts activities which include Messy Mania, Jewelry Making, and DIY Creations.
- Book reading, Movies, karaoke, and board games.
- See The World, in which teens are exposed to worldwide culture, traditions, and holidays.
- U Choose
- Video games, card games, digital scavenger hunts, carnival challenges, and You vs. staff.
- Face paintings and themed activities
6. Club O2 (15-17 years) - For Elder Teens
Keeping in mind the interests of elder teens, Club O2 is all set to provide children aged 15-17 years of age the thing they want. Yes, it completely focuses on What YOU Want To Do. Carnival Cruise has a dedicated Club O2 leader on each of its ships who organizes all the activities in this program. Children are free to watch movies, or they can sing and jam together while some may like to dance and do karaoke, and they might also get a chance to attend Carnival’s version of prom.
This youth program permits children to keep self-using inhalers or epi-pens with them only, and parents must administer their children if they are on regular medications. Keep in mind, that the child is not allowed to be a part of the program if he/she becomes sick due to lack of administration of parents in case of regular medications.
In Sea Days, a supervised complimentary program is scheduled from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM to 1:00 AM, and in Port Days, it is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM to 1:00 AM.
- Active activities like Basketball, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Manhunt.
- Get creative with arts & crafts activities which include Messy Mania, Jewelry Making, and DIY Creations.
- Book reading, movies, karaoke, and board games.
- See The World, in which teens are exposed to worldwide culture, traditions, and holidays.
- U Choose
- Video games, card games, Lyric Bee, Digital Scavenger Hunts, Human Hungry Hungry Hippos.
- Face paintings and themed activities.
Note: These activities and their timings can vary based on cruise itinerary.
