Age groups for Camp Carnival

[dtdonaldsn]

Will Carnival allow a child that is 10 days away from the next age group to be placed in the older group? I know about the various age groups (i.e. 2-5 y/o, etc.) but I need to know if they allow any flexibility. We cruise on Carnival Magic next week and my 5 year old will be 10 days away from his 6th b-day and doesn't want to be placed in a room full of 2 year olds.

[askimdog]

Not sure on your question, but be warned if it is your first cruise that your child may not enjoy it. I have a niece that adores it, really craves it!!, my daughter, not so much. Both are 7. Plus time is always a factor, breakfast, a swim or walk then lunch or Port, then dinner and time is about up for wee ones it seems.Our daughter has popped in for an hour after the evening meal, but then before ya know it she has her homework time and bedtime approaching (8:00 pm).

 

I find her time is better spent with us the hours between meals, and she agrees. Good luck, just saying be prepared, CC isn't for everyone.

 

K

[dtdonaldsn]

You're correct, it's not for everyone! My boys and I cruised last year when he was 4, almost 5 and of course was put in the 2-5 y/o group. He HATED every minute of it! This year, since he will be almost 6, he has declared that he will go to the CC but only if he doesn't have to be "put with the babies (i.e. 2 y/o kiddos)! I'm so hoping that they are flexible!

[serene56]

Are you cruising during christmas week? probably not be able to move up- too many kids onboard.

On our sailing most of the kids were 4 & 5.

My GD spent 1.5 hours there and did not want to go back.

 

If there are not many kids onboard then he might be able to move up. go to the first meet and greet that first day and state your case to the counselor

Dont count on it.

[LHP]

Will Carnival allow a child that is 10 days away from the next age group to be placed in the older group? I know about the various age groups (i.e. 2-5 y/o, etc.) but I need to know if they allow any flexibility. We cruise on Carnival Magic next week and my 5 year old will be 10 days away from his 6th b-day and doesn't want to be placed in a room full of 2 year olds.

 

It truly depends on when you are cruising and how many kids are onboard.

 

They address this issue on almost every cruise and resolve it on a case by case basis....which is why it is so hard to give a definitive answer.

 

I would suggest that you attend the Orientation with your child on the first night and "nicely" (sorry not implying you wouldn't be nice, but you would be surprised at the "demands" they get) ask for your child to be moved up.

 

IF there is space available, and they see that your child is ready (which is why it is important to have the child with you)...then the answer is more likely to be yes. IF 6 -8 are already maxed out, then you may be out of luck.

 

Just understand that that Camp Carnival Counselors want this to be the best vacation it can be, so IF there is any way they can assist you...they will.

 

However, please also understand that if the answer is no...then there is a valid reason for it.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!!

[dtdonaldsn]

Thanks y'all for the replys; I appreciate your wisdom! We are not cruising Christmas week, we actually leave one week from today. I'm hoping that since school will not be out yet, that it won't be packed! Last year we cruised during Thanksgiving week and CC was absolutely a mad house!!! Regardless, I will be there with my son in tow to plead his (my) case! Wish us luck :)

[abitaturbodog]

It truly depends on when you are cruising and how many kids are onboard.

 

They address this issue on almost every cruise and resolve it on a case by case basis....which is why it is so hard to give a definitive answer.

 

I would suggest that you attend the Orientation with your child on the first night and "nicely" (sorry not implying you wouldn't be nice, but you would be surprised at the "demands" they get) ask for your child to be moved up.

 

IF there is space available, and they see that your child is ready (which is why it is important to have the child with you)...then the answer is more likely to be yes. IF 6 -8 are already maxed out, then you may be out of luck.

 

Just understand that that Camp Carnival Counselors want this to be the best vacation it can be, so IF there is any way they can assist you...they will.

 

However, please also understand that if the answer is no...then there is a valid reason for it.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!!

 

I agree with the above, but caution you about asking for your child to move up at the first night orientation. At orientation, there are hundreds of parents and kids around and the counselors are very likely to tell you "no." Instead, once you've unpacked, go to Camp Carnival and privately ask the counselors to move your child.

 

The fact that it's a week before kids get out for Christmas break will help you. Usually the less kids on board, the more flexible the counselors are.