Camp Carnival

[carnicrew]

Many thanks to all of your help Carnicrew! It's people like you who take pride in your job, and make these cruise boards and planning your vacation so much better. Great answers!

 

On last year's cruise, we went without the kids, but we asked all the families who had kids, and they unanimously said the kid's absolutely loved it!!! My 10 year old daughter is already chomping at the bits to go to Camp Carnival. My 13 year old son is not so sure, but he's at that goofy age, but he'll give it a go I hope.

 

Couple Questions:

1. Do you work all day and night, or more likely get a "breather" from all the kids? God bless you with kids! :rolleyes:

2. What time does Camp Carnival start?

3. I know you don't know all the ships per se, but how's the program on the Conquest?

4. How many camp counselors are there or I guess assigned to a group of kids?

Well I notice that I was on the Elation when you were!!So who knows, maybe we have crossed paths!

#1: We rotate through the age groups and their schedules, so although we work 7 days a week, we usually work 8-10 hours a day. We may have the morning and afternoon off and work only at night, or may work the morning have the afternoon off and work the evening...there are many combinations of shifts. But we do get time to get off the ship and relax, with out kids!!

#2: Camp carnival starts at 9am on sea days and regular activities go until 10pm babysitting goes from 10-3am. So no counselors have to work ALLLL night!we do get to sleep on occasion!!On port days we open as early as the ship docks!

#3: The programs are virtually the same on all ships since certain activities are fleet wide and have to be incorporated into the schedule. There will of course be slight variations as each counselor has her (or his) own style of doing things! But basically there should be no difference of the program on the cinquest. It should be great!!!!

#4: It depends on the age group as to how many counselors are with a group of kids. On the average team there are between 10-15 counselors. Now not all of us are working 24 hours a day so it is broken up, Generally on the 2-5 age group you have 3 or 4 counselors on at a time, 6-8's have usually 2-3 and 9-11's have 1-2 and 12-14's have 1...These numbers all differ as well depending how busy the cruise is, if there are a lot of kids then more counselors will be around to help out. If there are very few kids then there would be less counselors. But we are all on call 24hours a day just incase we get swamped with kids!!

[BRC6C]

Thanks for all the great information! I have one more question about tipping, I read about giving phone cards to staff and was thinking abou taking some for the CC staff who will be with my DS3 on our trip on the Fantasy in March. What are your thoughts? Are these useful or is simple cash the best way to go?

[soocruise]

Wow, I'm very impressed with what I'm reading!

 

We're planning to go on the Triumph with my 'Special Needs' 11 year old daughter.

 

She has mild Asperger's, very friendly and outgoing until something goes wrong. Then she needs a 'safe' person to go to for a hug. She has a hard time understanding non verbal language and will misunderstand jokes and other things people say sometimes. She can get a bit bewildered with all that's going on and needs to know she can go somewhere to get a hug without being told she's silly. This grounds her and gives her the ability to carry on. I'm going to ask her that she does not sign herself out and also talk to the counsellors each time I drop her off to find that special 'safe' person. Adults and teenagers usually adore this child. Is there anything else I should be doing? Will I be able to get a pager for her at age 11?

 

She also has a heart defect, I don't expect it to cause any problems or concerns in any way. She does wear a medic alert bracelet stating WPW, cardiac arrymethia. Is this something I need to mention every time I drop her off or will they just go by the medial papers we fill out at the start?

 

I had many other questions but you've done a great job of answering them in advance.

 

Thanks so much for your reply.

[carnicrew]

Wow, I'm very impressed with what I'm reading!

 

We're planning to go on the Triumph with my 'Special Needs' 11 year old daughter.

 

She has mild Asperger's, very friendly and outgoing until something goes wrong. Then she needs a 'safe' person to go to for a hug. She has a hard time understanding non verbal language and will misunderstand jokes and other things people say sometimes. She can get a bit bewildered with all that's going on and needs to know she can go somewhere to get a hug without being told she's silly. This grounds her and gives her the ability to carry on. I'm going to ask her that she does not sign herself out and also talk to the counsellors each time I drop her off to find that special 'safe' person. Adults and teenagers usually adore this child. Is there anything else I should be doing? Will I be able to get a pager for her at age 11?

 

She also has a heart defect, I don't expect it to cause any problems or concerns in any way. She does wear a medic alert bracelet stating WPW, cardiac arrymethia. Is this something I need to mention every time I drop her off or will they just go by the medial papers we fill out at the start?

 

I had many other questions but you've done a great job of answering them in advance.

 

Thanks so much for your reply.

Your daughter sounds really sweet. This definitly won't be an issue, but what youre going to need to do is when you get the schedule take a look at it because this age group has a few partially unsupervised scavenger hunts which means they sign themselves out and run around the ship collecting things for the hunt and then return and sign back in. So you would either keep her from camp at those times, pick her up when one starts, or speak to the counselor to see if it is ok if she just stays behind with the counselor during the hunt. The medical issue you don't need to mention everytime because we will have it written down on our list of special needs and allergies, if something were to happen we would pull the form and get her to the infirmary. You can definitly sign out a beeper for her as well, thats actually a very good plan! I hope you guys enjoy your cruise and that the program will be accomodating to your daughter!!

[carnicrew]

Thanks for all the great information! I have one more question about tipping, I read about giving phone cards to staff and was thinking abou taking some for the CC staff who will be with my DS3 on our trip on the Fantasy in March. What are your thoughts? Are these useful or is simple cash the best way to go?

Phone cards are a great idea, I had never thought of that, we are always calling home! The only thing with this is camp carnival pools all of their tips and splits them up every couple weeks, but if you feel there were a few counselors who really stood out in your mind as doing a great job you could do the phone card thing, im sure they'd appreciate it, and maybe would not have to split it with anyone!!

[bookworm61]

Carnicrew,

My son is allergic to peanuts. Will he still be able to participate in the camp activities?

Thanks!

[carnicrew]

Carnicrew,

My son is allergic to peanuts. Will he still be able to participate in the camp activities?

Thanks!

Yes! camp carnival is a peanut free zone, this allergy will be marked on his name tag as an extra precaution. Just make sure to mention the severity of the allergy as we can not make sure that other children have not had contact with peanuts/peanut butter before coming to camp carnival. For example specify if your son actually has to eat the peanut product, or if he just touches something that has trace amounts of peanut butter. Also, read the schedule for any activities that may include a snack just to be sure to remind counselors. But we ALWAYS check nametags first before serving food.

[bookworm61]

Carnicrew,

You are very speedy with your reply! Thank you so much! It really gives me peace of mind to know that the camp is peanut free. Does this mean that you don't serve peanut products at the camp meals too? If not, he could always just skip those activities. :)

[carnicrew]

no peanuts at dinner either. If we suspect room service has for some reason brought us cookies or something that may have nuts we send them back!!They sometimes "forget" or something! we have sent back may plates of cookies/brownies that were definitly not nut-free.We will never serve them to the kids!

[bookworm61]

Carnicrew,

It sounds like you are all very careful about the allergies. That is great to hear. We are looking forward to our (safe) trip.

Thanks again, Bookworm

[kabux]

Wow -- Thanks carnicrew!! I am travelling with my 2 sons (4+6) in April, you have answered all my questions and more, how nice of you to provide this info to us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[soocruise]

Your daughter sounds really sweet. This definitly won't be an issue, but what youre going to need to do is when you get the schedule take a look at it because this age group has a few partially unsupervised scavenger hunts which means they sign themselves out and run around the ship collecting things for the hunt and then return and sign back in. So you would either keep her from camp at those times, pick her up when one starts, or speak to the counselor to see if it is ok if she just stays behind with the counselor during the hunt. The medical issue you don't need to mention everytime because we will have it written down on our list of special needs and allergies, if something were to happen we would pull the form and get her to the infirmary. You can definitly sign out a beeper for her as well, thats actually a very good plan! I hope you guys enjoy your cruise and that the program will be accomodating to your daughter!!

 

Thank you so very much for the information!! {hugs to you}

I will make alternate arrangements for the scavenger hunts, if she really likes the councelors she may want to stay with them. I'll sign out a beeper as well.

She is so excited about going to camp carnival! You've eased my mind greatly. Thanks again!!

[College kid cruiser]

I am going on the spirit 2-12-2006, I hope to see you there. I have a few questions?

 

1. I am 18 and I like to hang out with younger people,16-18. Would it be a problem if I hung out with the 15-17 group?

2. What activities are there for 2-5, and 9-11 year olds?

3. When I was on another ship there was an 18-21 group, does the spirit have that?

4. When are the formal nights?

5. What time is the disco open and how old do you have to be for that?

 

We have a group of about 27 going. We have 12 or 13 kids. From ages 3-18. What age do you work with, and what is your name?

 

See ya next week!

 

Megan

[txmomto1]

I can't thank you enough for volunteering to answer questions. I will be cruising for the 2nd time in May on the Ecstasy, the first time with my 3 year old son. I'd like to spend time each day with him.. at the pool, etc... but then have time without him as well.

Do you drop them off at anytime, or do you need to make a reservation? Are there time frames, like they are only there for a specific period of time or activitiy.. or can you leave them there for an hour or two at a time?

[carnicrew]

I am going on the spirit 2-12-2006, I hope to see you there. I have a few questions?

 

1. I am 18 and I like to hang out with younger people,16-18. Would it be a problem if I hung out with the 15-17 group?

2. What activities are there for 2-5, and 9-11 year olds?

3. When I was on another ship there was an 18-21 group, does the spirit have that?

4. When are the formal nights?

5. What time is the disco open and how old do you have to be for that?

 

We have a group of about 27 going. We have 12 or 13 kids. From ages 3-18. What age do you work with, and what is your name?

 

See ya next week!

Megan

1. It should not be a problem for you to go with the younger group, but it is up to the club o2 director on that ship which i can not vouch for because I have not met them yet!

2. There are tons of activities for 2-5's/9-11's which I have covered in earlier posts, but include arts and crafts, video games, scavenger hunts, special parties, shows, sports games.....etc.....

3. There is no 18-21 group that I know of. This is because they are technically adults and are allowed to go to the disco's and casino just as all adults over 21.(Just not allowed to drink).

4.Formal nights are usually the first seaday and the second last night of the cruise. It will probably be that way on the spirit.

5. The Disco opens at 11 pm, usually, and you have to be 18. There is a teen disco held for 12-14's and one for 15-17's

Look forward to seeing you..My name is Lori..not sure which age group I'll be with that cruise, we work for all ages 0-14!

[carnicrew]

I can't thank you enough for volunteering to answer questions. I will be cruising for the 2nd time in May on the Ecstasy, the first time with my 3 year old son. I'd like to spend time each day with him.. at the pool, etc... but then have time without him as well.

Do you drop them off at anytime, or do you need to make a reservation? Are there time frames, like they are only there for a specific period of time or activitiy.. or can you leave them there for an hour or two at a time?

You can leave him there for whatever activites you want, several in a row, or just one, it's up to you! You don't have to make a reservation, all you have to do is follow the activity schedule because camp does close for a couple short breaks each day and you have to pick up your children at this time. But any time camp is open is fine, beginning of an activity, the middle of one....whenever!!

[CRUISIN FROM INDIANA]

Hello! We are sailing the Fantasy on March 26, 2006 with a 15 and just have turned 18 year old. We hear some reps at Carnival tell us that the 18 year old can go with the 15 year old and others say it is up to the O2 Director. Do you know if this would be a problem? These girls are cousins but are more like sisters in that being very close and wanting to do things together. Also, I have recently received Capers from the Fantasy from a very recent sailing and even though they are the adult capers it does list a small section regarding the Camp Carnival and O2 activities which do not appear to be alot to do. Are there more than what is listed or is this it? Do you know if this 15-17 year old group has a coketail party as I see it is listed under the Camp Carnival section and not the O2? We just want them to have fun too and have a variety of activities to choose from and be able to be together. Any info is appreciated.

[Darkkskyzz]

How nice to have all our questions answered! Thank you very much! :)

[hawaiideb]

On the Spirit in '01 and NCL in '03~getting the two kids programs confused in my memory. Does Camp Carnival have an orientation/sign in time right after sailing?? Okay, found that answer just a second after I posted this, but what time is orientation? What kind of information will you request during that time?

 

Thanks for you willingness to answer all our questions on your vacation! If your from Nova Scotia I bet your ready to ready to get back to warmer climates! Thanks alot!!!

 

Debbie

[katiesmom327]

My daughter will turn 8 while on the Triumph in March. I know about the cake and room decorations we can order but is there anything special that they might do for her birthday in Camp Carnival?

[carnicrew]

Hello! We are sailing the Fantasy on March 26, 2006 with a 15 and just have turned 18 year old. We hear some reps at Carnival tell us that the 18 year old can go with the 15 year old and others say it is up to the O2 Director. Do you know if this would be a problem? These girls are cousins but are more like sisters in that being very close and wanting to do things together. Also, I have recently received Capers from the Fantasy from a very recent sailing and even though they are the adult capers it does list a small section regarding the Camp Carnival and O2 activities which do not appear to be alot to do. Are there more than what is listed or is this it? Do you know if this 15-17 year old group has a coketail party as I see it is listed under the Camp Carnival section and not the O2? We just want them to have fun too and have a variety of activities to choose from and be able to be together. Any info is appreciated.

It is up to the Club o2 director on board each ship as to how strict they are with 18 year olds being allowed to join. There are more camp carnival and club o2 activities than are listed in the adult caper... each program has their own caper to follow. On some ships there is a coketail party for the club o2 as they may combine it with camp carnival , but each club o2 directors caper is going to vary slightly, they choose their activities, so there may not be one on that ship when you go.

[carnicrew]

On the Spirit in '01 and NCL in '03~getting the two kids programs confused in my memory. Does Camp Carnival have an orientation/sign in time right after sailing?? Okay, found that answer just a second after I posted this, but what time is orientation? What kind of information will you request during that time?

 

Thanks for you willingness to answer all our questions on your vacation! If your from Nova Scotia I bet your ready to ready to get back to warmer climates! Thanks alot!!!

 

Debbie

The Registration meeting is usually shortly after setting sail between 5&7:30- ish most often.You will be asked for your childrens names, ages, allergies, special needs, dining room seating (found on your sail & sign card) and parent signatures for that information as well as a medical release form on the back in case of an emergency.

And yes, although we've been having a very mild winter this year I will be happy to get back in the southern heat! (2 whole winters in the carribbean have spoiled me!!)

[carnicrew]

My daughter will turn 8 while on the Triumph in March. I know about the cake and room decorations we can order but is there anything special that they might do for her birthday in Camp Carnival?

If you let the counselors know ahead of time they can do something special for her. Just be sure to tell someone what day it is!!

[katiesmom327]

If you let the counselors know ahead of time they can do something special for her. Just be sure to tell someone what day it is!!

 

Thanks for your quick reply! I have another off topic question...do you have any input on kid friendly shore excursions? I am traveling with my 8 year old daughter and my parents (in their 60s). They are pretty conservative so we want to avoid the nude beaches and the "wild" scene. I guess I should add that we are going Eastern...San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten.

[carnicrew]

Thanks for your quick reply! I have another off topic question...do you have any input on kid friendly shore excursions? I am traveling with my 8 year old daughter and my parents (in their 60s). They are pretty conservative so we want to avoid the nude beaches and the "wild" scene. I guess I should add that we are going Eastern...San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten.

No i have nothing to advise for excursions, i always just hit up the mall in San Juan, and the beaches in the other 2 ports. The beach just near the ships in st maarten is not a nude beach and is pretty fun, with all of the downtown shops starting on the street directly behind the beach. You'll want to avoid one of the beaches over on the french side, as it is definitly a nude beach!!