Advice and info needed.. Carnival?

[nicole276]

DH and I have been on 3 Carnival cruises over the last 6 years. I would like to take our DD (4) on a cruise this fall. I think we will stick with Carnival becuase we have a great time, and find them to be offered at a good price. (plus I was sent the casino coupon for up to 25% off cruise fare)

 

With that said, what ports and ships to your recommend?

I am thinking about the 5 day Western out of Tampa on the Inspiration. Stops in Grand Cayman and Cozmel. DH & I have actually been on that cruise. I think there would be a lot in Grand Cayman she would love! But since it was an adult vacation, I didn't pay any attention to what there was for kids to do on the ship. I know the Inspiration is an older ship, that got refurbished just right before we were on it, but are some of the newer ships better?

 

Also, I know nothing about the kids program, which I would hope to take some advantage of now and then.

 

So, I would love to hear some thoughts and experiences on Carnival Cruises for families. Thanks!

[heidikay]

As long as your dd will separate from you to go to camp carnival, there will be loads of activities. They have many fun activites. morning, afternoon and evening. She can eat dinner with you or the camp carnival. She can stay until 10 pm and later than that but then you pay.

 

My dd at the same age really enjoyed the activities. My son at around 5 would prefer to eat with the camp carnival instead of even eating dinner with us (it can be long when you are little) we had him eat with us a few times and let him eat with the camp the rest.

 

I think your dd will really enjoy as long as she will stay in the camp and try the activities. Lots of face painting and crafts and games. Some kids at that age don't want to be left and cry.

 

Heidi

[Lady_Jag]

My daughter was 3 when she sailed Carnival Glory, 4 when she sailed Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Dream, and now she's 5 and sailing on the Carnival Legend in a few weeks.

 

The Carnival Dream is her favorite so far. Her reasons:

- Waterworks area (Waterworks was not working on the Inspiration during our SPRING BREAK cruise last year.) Lots of fun for the little kiddos, with mini "racing slides" too!

- Mini golf: She loved it on the Dream, although it's a standard on all Carnival ships and enjoyable on all of them.

- Hot tubs, hot tubs, and more hot tubs: DD doesn't care much for the main pools because they're too deep. Even though she can swim, she likes the security of being able to touch the bottom. The Dream has an abundance of hot tubs that she can enjoy with just mom and dad without getting the eye-rolling, not-a-rugrat-in-here looks from strangers.

- Big screen: PG movies are shown early in the evenings.

- Funship Freddy surprise party: An activity my DD really LOVED at Camp Carnival.

 

As far as ports, DD's been to St. Thomas, St. Martin, Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya. (She stayed in Camp Carnival during our visits to Nassau, Grand Cayman, and Belize.) She like Cozumel the best, because we took her to Chankanaab and did a Dolphin Encounter when we sailed on the Inspiration. Runner up would be Roatan, because she loved the iguana farm and the monkeys, followed by St. Martin because of her day at the beach with her daddy.

 

Re: Camp Carnival - DD's first cruise (Glory), she LOVED Camp Carnival, had lots of fun, and made a lot of friends. After that cruise, she could take it or leave it, and usually asked not to go. I guess she just loved being with Mom and Dad at the pool/waterworks/etc. so much, that being couped up inside the Camp Carnival area just wasn't appealing.

 

I will advise you NOT to miss the Camp Carnival Welcome Aboard dance party in the disco the first night of your cruise. DD LOVES it, no matter what ship she sails!

 

Hope this helps. Blow-by-blow accounts of our family adventures are in my siggy if you care to browse.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

On Grand Cayman what I really enjoyed most was the beach. The one at the Westin hotel is really great. They come around and charge you for the padded beach chairs (was $25 per person). The water is crystal clear and we went out on jet skis and saw giant sea turtles. You have use of the pool too with the swim up bar. But this is not free- and you should not try to sneak in. It is worth the fee and they also serve lunch and drinks on the beach which for parents is a real treat.