Camp Carnival - Be Warned!

[Andoria]

Our DD 14 never really got into any of the kids camps on any ship. Sure, she would go for a couple of hours here and there but it was never like we had to drag her out kicking and screaming.

 

My DH and I gave up on "adult time" a long time ago. It is what it is.:mad:

 

The three of us have a great time together and before we know it she will be in college and we will have all the adult time we can stand. :D

 

At 12 my son LOVED CC. He loved the freedom and the other kids. At 14 it got to the point during our 7 night cruise that we had to say point blank to him "Go get a few slices of pizza and walk around the ship a few times. Here's a watch, don't come back for a half an hour."

 

My son is an only child, his dad is now retired and I work three days a week. We have *plenty of quality family time together so I don't feel the need to spend every waking vacation hour with him.

[Cruznjuly]

Their only a year apart, I'm sure they can make an exception and put them in the same camp. Just ask the Camp Director, I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem...:D

 

 

Nope.

Our son was turning 9 the day after we disembarked and they would not let him join his brother in the 9-11 group.

 

 

 

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[skoi13]

We cruised Carnival the first time as a family last Fall. We were Disney cruisers before that. Our oldest two were never much into the clubs/lab/whatever at Disney. They would go when we sailed without relatives to watch them if we wanted to do spa or adult dining. Other than that-- not much interest. Our youngest two loved the clubs-- but it was a big change from when oldest two went-- you could do whatever activity you wanted from age 3-10, or not-- you could just do arts and crafts, watch TV or play video games. They never took them out of the club for activities, etc. So youngest dd did arts and crafts and danced with princesses (even though the activity was recommended 3-6 years old and she was 8) and youngest ds sat in front of the Wii or a computer terminal.

 

I was worried when I read that on Carnival they expected the kids to participate in the activities scheduled-- if not-- they were booted. This was a cause of concern for us because youngest ds is developmentally delayed (has a rare genetic disorder), speech delayed, etc. But the staff on the Dream handled it perfectly. He loved Camp Carnival. They adapted to his needs-- just letting him be and not participate but do his own thing if it wasn't disruptive, and they managed to get him into activities he'd never do otherwise.

 

The only thing I didn't like about CC v Disney-- after ten you had to pay for time in the club/camp. On Disney-- it's free until they close. There were nights on many a Disney cruise with the younger kids where we had to set a wake up call so we could get them out of the club after we were asleep.

 

All this said- the kids' programs don't work for every kid. Our highly sociable older kids hated them (though as a teen oldest ds liked the Carnival program better than Disney-- he said the counselor was better because she didn't try to be like a cool, hip friend but acted more as a chaperone/activities director-- and the kids were down to earth and not trying to be cool). Our more sheltered, younger kids loved them.

 

You never know what kids will like, so be prepared either way.

[pmang]

We cruised Carnival the first time as a family last Fall. We were Disney cruisers before that. Our oldest two were never much into the clubs/lab/whatever at Disney. They would go when we sailed without relatives to watch them if we wanted to do spa or adult dining. Other than that-- not much interest. Our youngest two loved the clubs-- but it was a big change from when oldest two went-- you could do whatever activity you wanted from age 3-10, or not-- you could just do arts and crafts, watch TV or play video games. They never took them out of the club for activities, etc. So youngest dd did arts and crafts and danced with princesses (even though the activity was recommended 3-6 years old and she was 8) and youngest ds sat in front of the Wii or a computer terminal.

 

I was worried when I read that on Carnival they expected the kids to participate in the activities scheduled-- if not-- they were booted. This was a cause of concern for us because youngest ds is developmentally delayed (has a rare genetic disorder), speech delayed, etc. But the staff on the Dream handled it perfectly. He loved Camp Carnival. They adapted to his needs-- just letting him be and not participate but do his own thing if it wasn't disruptive, and they managed to get him into activities he'd never do otherwise.

 

The only thing I didn't like about CC v Disney-- after ten you had to pay for time in the club/camp. On Disney-- it's free until they close. There were nights on many a Disney cruise with the younger kids where we had to set a wake up call so we could get them out of the club after we were asleep.

 

All this said- the kids' programs don't work for every kid. Our highly sociable older kids hated them (though as a teen oldest ds liked the Carnival program better than Disney-- he said the counselor was better because she didn't try to be like a cool, hip friend but acted more as a chaperone/activities director-- and the kids were down to earth and not trying to be cool). Our more sheltered, younger kids loved them.

 

You never know what kids will like, so be prepared either way.

 

And what was the price difference between Disney and CCL? I'm sure even after you paid for after 10pm babysitting and a soda card, it was much less on CCL..... apples and oranges.....

[jlindemer]

 

The only thing I didn't like about CC v Disney-- after ten you had to pay for time in the club/camp. On Disney-- it's free until they close. There were nights on many a Disney cruise with the younger kids where we had to set a wake up call so we could get them out of the club after we were asleep.

 

 

Ok, I'll be the first to ask...

 

Why wouldn't you get them before you went to bed?

 

 

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[jlindemer]

And what was the price difference between Disney and CCL? I'm sure even after you paid for after 10pm babysitting and a soda card, it was much less on CCL..... apples and oranges.....

 

 

That really depends on a lot of factors.

 

You can also bring your alcohol on board.

 

 

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[Naomi John]

Nope.

Our son was turning 9 the day after we disembarked and they would not let him join his brother in the 9-11 group.

 

 

 

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It depends on how many children are within a certain age group at the time of the cruise. My DD was a month from being 9 and they allowed her to move up a level. This was in January when there were maybe 50 kids in Camp Carnival total. Over a Thanksgiving break, they would not allow my DD friend who was also almost 9 move up, more kids, so the girls skipped camp.

[CatlinSTJ]

My 5, 13 and 16 year olds had to be forced to leave their groups and spend time with us. The little one LOVED Camp Carnival even though she was a few weeks away from being in the next group up. It was one constant party in there! It may depend on the ship, number of kids, etc. We had a great staff on the Ecstasy and the kids are all plotting out the possible activities on the Breeze this summer. I don't think there's a need to "beware" of the youth programs at all - just be aware and prepared that not all kids enjoy the activities and you may be entertaining your own kids and spending time with them.

[minerva78]

It depends on how many children are within a certain age group at the time of the cruise. My DD was a month from being 9 and they allowed her to move up a level. This was in January when there were maybe 50 kids in Camp Carnival total. Over a Thanksgiving break, they would not allow my DD friend who was also almost 9 move up, more kids, so the girls skipped camp.

 

I'm not planning on getting them in the same group because my youngest will turn 5 on the first day of the cruise while my oldest will be 6 1/2. My youngest will be too young for the older group and I doubt my oldest would fit in the younger group, especially with 2 year olds in there. We're traveling at the beginning of May, so I have no idea how many kids to expect, I just know it should be less than during summers and holidays. I'm just going to hope they won't mind being separated from each other, which they might not since they're used to being in separate classes at school. And they spend so much time together at home they can get on each other's nerves so some separate time may be a good thing. :)

[Cruise life]

At 12 my son LOVED CC. He loved the freedom and the other kids. At 14 it got to the point during our 7 night cruise that we had to say point blank to him "Go get a few slices of pizza and walk around the ship a few times. Here's a watch, don't come back for a half an hour."

 

My son is an only child, his dad is now retired and I work three days a week. We have *plenty of quality family time together so I don't feel the need to spend every waking vacation hour with him.

 

Our kids have heard us ask for private time so much that they have begun asking for their OWN private time! I have been a sahm since our twins were born preemies, and hubby still travels a lot with the job, so when we are together it is precious time for all of us. I can see us doing this in the future...handing them watches and sending them to get pizza and visit the arcade before all snuggling in a quad together for the night, LOL.

[Purvis1231]

The camp seems geared toward girls who are generally more passive, enjoy crafts and things.

 

The education system today is designed for girls.

[skoi13]

Ok, I'll be the first to ask...

 

Why wouldn't you get them before you went to bed?

 

 

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Honestly, we would have late dinner with the kids, drop them at the club, walk around the deck, and then I would fall asleep watching cartoons. Husband would go get them around midnight, and in case he feel asleep, would always put in for a wake up call. I'm out by ten-thirty most nights because we're very early risers.

Edited February 1, 2014 by skoi13
added "with the kids" in first line

[hotburner]

Nope.

Our son was turning 9 the day after we disembarked and they would not let him join his brother in the 9-11 group.

 

 

 

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Wow that sucks big time. On our last cruise they made an exception for another family. I guess it all depends on the Camp director.

 

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[skoi13]

And what was the price difference between Disney and CCL? I'm sure even after you paid for after 10pm babysitting and a soda card, it was much less on CCL..... apples and oranges.....

 

We don't buy the soda cards.

 

Also don't know why you've singled the one "negative" out after I posted a very positive view of the clubs on CCL. You're right in that it is comparing apples and oranges. They are different products with different services and different price points. DCL was worth it for us for a while, now it's not.

 

I actually preferred the club on the Carnival Dream for our son because the counselors took the time to engage him and involve him in things he wouldn't have even tried otherwise. On Disney, they didn't do that.

[saharaga]

Sorry your boys didn't like Camp Carnival, pecan. Our now 4 yo little boy's first visit to Camp Carnival did not go well either but he has really taken to it the last 2 cruises. I think the key for us is dropping him off when there are things on the schedule that he likes. I love that they give us the schedule for the whole cruise in advance because we get to plan our adult time ahead. He even picks some of the activities that he wants to do. As a general rule, we don't leave him there for more than 2 hours at a time, we eat all meals together, my husband and I take turns going to adult events in the evening (would be great to go together but I am not paying extra for Carnival staff to watch my child sleep), and we just plan for him to be with us most of the time...it is a family vacation after all

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

My daughter was never interested in going to kids clubs anywhere we've been -land or sea. Frankly, I was never interested in her going either because for me a family vacation is about spending our time together as a family.

When you mention you had to take turns going to the casino etc. it sounds like you had more of a couples vacation in mind. Nothing wrong with a couples vacation, but seems to me you are more critical of the camp because since your kids wouldn't go, you couldn't do the things you wanted to do as a couple.

Any camps I've ever seen Carnival run does not have kids sitting around reading books and watching TV. We just got back from a cruise and several times saw the Camp with groups of kids (all boys incidentally) doing all kinds of activities. One night they all attended the musical show as a group. We saw them doing some sort of a basketball tournament and running around doing what appeared to be a scavenger hunt. Sounds like your kids got stuck with bad Camp staff or they were exaggerating to get out of going. Not all kids are into camps.

[cruise_gal21]

My daughter was never interested in going to kids clubs anywhere we've been -land or sea. Frankly, I was never interested in her going either because for me a family vacation is about spending our time together as a family.

When you mention you had to take turns going to the casino etc. it sounds like you had more of a couples vacation in mind. Nothing wrong with a couples vacation, but seems to me you are more critical of the camp because since your kids wouldn't go, you couldn't do the things you wanted to do as a couple.

Any camps I've ever seen Carnival run does not have kids sitting around reading books and watching TV. We just got back from a cruise and several times saw the Camp with groups of kids (all boys incidentally) doing all kinds of activities. One night they all attended the musical show as a group. We saw them doing some sort of a basketball tournament and running around doing what appeared to be a scavenger hunt. Sounds like your kids got stuck with bad Camp staff or they were exaggerating to get out of going. Not all kids are into camps.

 

I'm sorry, but just because someone expected to be able to spend one hour or two a day with their DH in the casino, a show, dinner, etc. does not mean they wanted a couples vacation. I wanted one or two hours with my DH on our first cruise because we have older parents who can't/won't watch our daughter for us to even go on a date once a year! Some families are more lucky than others and get a date night a few times a year at least. So, when I read all the rave reviews of camp, and not one single bad one, I thought, "This is our opportunity to spend some adult time together for the first time in almost 4yrs!" No, didn't happen. But, that's fine. We rolled with it and had a great vacation, but never intended it to be a couples vacation. We had many plans to do things as a family onboard and on shore. Just because every family doesn't want to spend 24/7 with their children, instead 23/7 or 22/7, does not make them want a couples only vacation. I feel for OP, and don't get why y'all have to be so judgemental for her wanting a few hours away from the kids. I don't judge you for wanting to spend 24/7 with your kids, why should it be any different for those of us who want an hour or two with our DHs doing adult stuff?

 

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[Phlybice]

Our whole cruise plan was changed by the fact that our kids did NOT like the camp. We thought we'd have time for relaxing, casino, 'couple time', etc. but our whole experience was shifted.

 

Our boys are 6 and 8 and their group activities (6-8 year olds) was very immature IMO.

 

They came out the first time and said "They made us sit down and listen to a story!!!". Even I thought that was ridiculous. They are not 3 year olds.

 

They are confined to a room - no outside or sports activities - and the most excitement I could imagine is the Wii and Playstation games for kids that like that kind of thing. My kids are active and love sports or age appropriate games. The camp seems geared toward girls who are generally more passive, enjoy crafts and things. They had Musical Chairs as one activity. Seriously?

 

Some kids were obviously fine with it or even really liked it, but we didn't imagine that our kids would hate it and so just wanted to plant that in people's minds so they could have a back up plan. Me and the hubby had to take turns going to the casino, etc. because the kids were with us most of the time.

 

The fact that it was cold weather and 3 days until we got to a port was very difficult. Not much to do as a family inside the boat for 3 days during the day. Nights were ok - by the time you ate there was a show or comedy show that took up your evenings.

 

We laughed when we saw the area that was set for the Camp. As such, our kids have never been to one. They made their own friends at the pools with others that weren't locked up.

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

I'm sorry, but just because someone expected to be able to spend one hour or two a day with their DH in the casino, a show, dinner, etc. does not mean they wanted a couples vacation. I wanted one or two hours with my DH on our first cruise because we have older parents who can't/won't watch our daughter for us to even go on a date once a year! Some families are more lucky than others and get a date night a few times a year at least. So, when I read all the rave reviews of camp, and not one single bad one, I thought, "This is our opportunity to spend some adult time together for the first time in almost 4yrs!" No, didn't happen. But, that's fine. We rolled with it and had a great vacation, but never intended it to be a couples vacation. We had many plans to do things as a family onboard and on shore. Just because every family doesn't want to spend 24/7 with their children, instead 23/7 or 22/7, does not make them want a couples only vacation. I feel for OP, and don't get why y'all have to be so judgemental for her wanting a few hours away from the kids. I don't judge you for wanting to spend 24/7 with your kids, why should it be any different for those of us who want an hour or two with our DHs doing adult stuff?

 

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Who is judging? I said it sounds like you were looking for more of a couples vacation and went on to say there's nothing wrong with that. And the OP did not indicate at any time she was looking for an hour of free time either.

This is what the OP said: Our whole cruise plan was changed by the fact that our kids did NOT like the camp. We thought we'd have time for relaxing, casino, 'couple time', etc. but our whole experience was shifted.. Does that sound like someone who was looking for a family vacay or a couples vacay? Their WHOLE cruise plan changed - you should really read the posts before you attack people.

[kangaand2roos]

although i think the title "be warned" is not appropriate...(there are many children that love the camp)......i really wish everyone would stop judging this lady.

 

We are all different....all families are different.

If she wanted to spend time with her hubby....i see nothing wrong with that. If one wants to spend 24/7 with their children.....i see nothing wrong with that either. It really irks me when people think they are the judge and jury in other peoples lives. Ok...i'm done. Where is my wine? :o

 

this!

[cruise_gal21]

OP has a very valid point... Not all kids "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE CC!!" I believe I had unrealistic expectations on our first cruise with my DD regarding camp. I thought since she did well with daycare at home and camp was structured similarly, plus all the rave reviews of CC, that she would enjoy it for a few activities a day. During this time DH and I would go to the casino, adult comedy, dinner, a show, sexy time, ect.

This was not to happen. DD spent 30 mins in camp and the counselors had to call us to come get her because she would not stop crying. She was 3 1/2yrs at the time and she just wanted to spend time with us, which was fine, since we all have busy lives and don't get a lot of quality time at home. DH seemed totally prepared for this to happen and just suggested we spend alone time with DD doing kid friendly activities, or naps, while the other did "adult only" activities.

 

This worked out great! But I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in some way that camp didn't work out. This next cruise DD will be 4 1/2yrs and says she wants to try camp again. We'll see what happens, but definitely not planning any "adult only" activities together with DH until DD knows for sure. We know what to expect this go-around so there will be no disappointments.

 

My daughter was never interested in going to kids clubs anywhere we've been -land or sea. Frankly, I was never interested in her going either because for me a family vacation is about spending our time together as a family.

When you mention you had to take turns going to the casino etc. it sounds like you had more of a couples vacation in mind. Nothing wrong with a couples vacation, but seems to me you are more critical of the camp because since your kids wouldn't go, you couldn't do the things you wanted to do as a couple.

Any camps I've ever seen Carnival run does not have kids sitting around reading books and watching TV. We just got back from a cruise and several times saw the Camp with groups of kids (all boys incidentally) doing all kinds of activities. One night they all attended the musical show as a group. We saw them doing some sort of a basketball tournament and running around doing what appeared to be a scavenger hunt. Sounds like your kids got stuck with bad Camp staff or they were exaggerating to get out of going. Not all kids are into camps.

 

Sorry to take what you said so personally Boyle, but DH and I did take turns doing casino, etc. So, it felt much like a personal attack on my post as well. I'm sorry for taking it so personally, but as you can tell I can sympathize with OP because of mine and DH's personal circumstances and understand what it's like to expect one thing and receive another. Again, my apologies....

[RuthlessBoss]

Who is judging? I said it sounds like you were looking for more of a couples vacation and went on to say there's nothing wrong with that. And the OP did not indicate at any time she was looking for an hour of free time either.

This is what the OP said: Our whole cruise plan was changed by the fact that our kids did NOT like the camp. We thought we'd have time for relaxing, casino, 'couple time', etc. but our whole experience was shifted.. Does that sound like someone who was looking for a family vacay or a couples vacay? Their WHOLE cruise plan changed - you should really read the posts before you attack people.

 

This is how I read the first post too, then got flamed for it. The way it was worded may not have been what was meant, but it still was the power of the printed word. Later posts mellowed and explained more, but it was initially indicated that they were not happy being deprived of their adult time.

[PAPERBKWRITER]

It's one size fits all so the staff plans activities that most children in the age group will like. If your children are bored and too 'grown up' for the age group then you did the right thing in taking them out if camp.

[TheCalicoCat]

My son has been in "cruise camp" on 3 lines & liked most of them. On our last cruise though, there were only 31 kids, so they mixed the ages. My son was the youngest (5) & not happy for part of the time - it was a 10 day cruise. But other times he was upset that we took him out early - 11:30 instead of noon for lunch/nap.

 

So even from day to day the kids have different experiences...

[iublondie25]

One of the reasons we cruise is because of the "included" kids care. I have five kids and while I hope all of them will happily skip to the kids clubs.. I also know that my kids are kids.

 

We have sailed Disney and RCCL. Both have different issues with their clubs. None of which were a deal breaker but issues. So that being said I understand wanting "couples" time along with family time. We cannot take off for a weekend alone without a military precise execution and planning for out kids. BUT we have five kids and realized that would be an issue also. So we find a happy and affordable "middle" which is cruising.

 

No vacation is ever PERFECT but you have to look at the positives.

 

Best of luck.

 

 

 

 

 

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Marcie and Jay

Five kiddos ages 2-15

Grand Rapids,

Michigan

 

Carnival fascination 2001

Disney fantasy 2011

RCCL Allure of the Seas 2013