We would like to travel with some of our kids, ages ranging from 7 to 17. Has anyone had any experience with the kids program on the Ecstasy...or any other Carnival ship?
Camp Carnival is great. Our kids like it. They keep them entertained and provide a means for them to meet other kids their age on the ship. The 17 year old may be too old for Camp but from my experience the teenagers tend to figure out where to meet up anyway so that shouldn't be a problem.
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
The first time we cruised with my daughter she was 9. There was enough to do at Camp Carnival that I wondered if I would get to see her at all during our cruise. She was kept occupied, and well entertained. At age 9 she could sign herself in and out of "Camp", but we had an agreement that she would always let me know where she'd be (Camp, arcade, pool/slide, etc).
As she's gotten older, she spends more time poolside, but there are camp activities that she still wants to do, mainly the late night party (costs extra, look for it in the caper). Do you have any idea what kids will eat in ice-cream??? They have this "fear factor" game they play... Sheesh!
Also, it seems the counsellers get more "hip" and less matronly as the kids increase in age.
Hope this helps, and HAPPY CRUISING!!!
I was curious about the same thing. My kids are well will be 8, 13, & 14. They are very excited to go on a cruise but I haven't decided which Island is best for them to see. My husband and I are going to the Bahamas next month for our 1st cruise
1-28-07 will be cruise #3 for my 15 year old, #2 for my 12 year old & #1 for my 8 & 10 year olds. The older two loved their cruises SO MUCH that they have the other two soooo excited about this cruise!! And I don't force them to go to Camp Carnival.
One recommendation, don't miss the initial parent info night about Camp Carnival even if you don't think the kids will participate. We found out about more activities by going to that meeting, and the kids will join in on the activities that interest them & spend the rest of the time sliding the slide and eating ice cream cones!
I think it's the best family vacation! Once you board the ship you're not worried about driving anywhere, catching planes, buses, etc. You can kick back and truly enjoy your kids.
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Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean 11-17-03
Fascination, CCL 2-14-05
Fantasy, CCL 2-05-06
Elation, CCL 9-24-06
Carnival Victory, CCL 1-28-07
Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, 9-24-07
Mine have been to Nassau, Freeport, Key West & Cozumel. They have loved everything so I don't think the kids would care We're going to Costa Maya, Grand Cayman & Jamaica next week
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Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean 11-17-03
Fascination, CCL 2-14-05
Fantasy, CCL 2-05-06
Elation, CCL 9-24-06
Carnival Victory, CCL 1-28-07
Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, 9-24-07
Our son's been cruising with us since he was 11 months old. That was 12 years, and 20+ cruises, ago.
I agree with Marty Clowers' excellent advice that the Camp Carnival orientation is not to be missed. It's held the first night of the cruise, usually between the two dinner times.
As for what kids will enjoy, a lot depends on their interests, obviously, but our son has always enjoyed time at the beach.
Candy Girl, what are some of your options for islands? We can help you narrow them down.
We're going to Costa Maya, Grand Cayman & Jamaica next week
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