Explore the Best Cruises for Kids and Families
No one does fun like Carnival. So, when you’re thinking about your next family holiday, cruising should be top of mind. Carnival offers the best cruises for kids, hands-down, from the bucket list destinations and shore excursions to all the fun onboard. .
Your children will talk about this holiday for years. They will remember the thrill of racing down a waterslide, the giggles during a Seuss character parade, and the easy way the whole family could simply be together without anyone feeling left out. That is the magic of a Carnival family cruise.
Why cruising is perfect for families with kids
A cruise takes the stress out of family holidays. There’s no cooking, no long drives, no airport transfers and no packing and unpacking at every stop. Accommodation, entertainment, kids’ clubs and most dining are all included in one upfront fare.
While the kids are making friends and enjoying supervised activities, parents can unwind knowing everyone is having a great time.
It’s a holiday that truly works for the whole family.
Why Carnival is the ultimate cruise line for kids
Waterslides, pools, outdoor play and activities at kids cruises for children of all ages.
Dozens of restaurants serve delicious meals that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Age-specific kids clubs are included in your kids’ cruise fare. A dedicated program for little ones under two. Enriching experiences, you will not find anywhere else, such as Seuss at Sea with its whimsical parades, story times and character breakfasts. Spacious staterooms where everyone can relax and recharge.
Carnival has every ingredient for an unforgettable family holiday. No matter which ships you choose, the crew will go out of their way to ensure you and your travellers have the time of your lives. They will suggest the perfect shore excursions, share insider tips on the best activities, and make sure every member of the family feels looked after.
Top cruise ships for kids
A Carnival cruise is all about fun, and fun looks different for every family. That’s why our ships are carefully designed to feature amenities, entertainment and restaurants to suit every type of traveller, especially kids. For kids as young as two and teens up to 17 years old, there’s plenty to love about our iconic FunShips.
Carnival Luminosa
A true gem in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Luminosa has something for every traveller, no matter their age or interests. Kids can catch a movie in the pool (yes, in the pool too if they want to), hit the arcade, flex their creativity with arts and craft sessions and spend some time in the kids’ club, leaving parents free to holiday their way.
Carnival Splendor
Waterslides, splash parks, outdoor games, kids’ clubs and all the treats a kid could want, Carnival Splendor is 14 decks worth of pure, family-friendly fun. Choose from dozens of room types and configurations to suit your crew, set the kids free with age-appropriate kids’ club options and enjoy all the live entertainment and daily activities on offer.
Carnival Adventure & Carnival Encounter
Both ships feature two waterslides, kids’ clubs, and a huge range of Edge adventure activities like Walk the Plank and Flying Fox. The young (and the young-at-heart) will feel right at home onboard Carnival Adventure, sailing from Sydney, and Carnival Encounter, sailing from Brisbane.
All of these ships sail from convenient Australian ports, so families can enjoy shorter, more affordable cruises that fit perfectly into school holidays without the stress of long-haul flights.
Kids’ clubs and teen hangouts
Ever wonder why cruising is so popular among families? For one, it’s hard for kids to get up to too much mischief when they’re surrounded by, well, the ocean. Another reason is that there are stacks of onboard activities and entertainment to make sure they have just as much fun as the adults.
And Carnival cruise ships are no exception. Beyond the epic waterslides, movies and outdoor games, there are dedicated kids-only spaces where young travellers can hang out and have some safe, supervised, age-appropriate fun. Our epic kids’ clubs are what make us one of the best cruise lines for kids.
Camp Ocean
Camp Ocean is Carnival’s kids’ club for travellers aged 2-11 years. It’s an ocean-themed space where kids can choose from a range of daily activities, from designing their own aquarium to creating a huge ocean mural as a group. Camp Ocean is run by experienced counsellors with a background in education or childcare. Children are grouped by age and supervised at all times.
Circle “C”
Circle “C” is the go-to spot for teens aged 12-14. The lounge area is perfect for hanging out, listening to music and playing games. There are dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more. The Circle “C” space is supervised by trained counsellors who keep an eye on kids at all times.
Club O2
The coolest spot on the ship for older teens, Club O2 gives travellers aged 15-17 a place to hang out away from the adults. Experienced counsellors will always keep an eye on things, but Club O2 gives parents and teens some much-needed space. Here, teens can play sports, video games and even sing karaoke in a laid-back environment.
Best rooms for travelling with kids
Choosing your home base is critical to planning a successful family cruise holiday. There’s plenty to consider, from the room configuration to the location on the ship. . But it’s helpful to start with your priorities. Here’s what we mean.
- Affordability: If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, interior staterooms are the way to go. They sleep up to four people with connecting rooms available, and they’re the most affordable stateroom option on the ship.
- Location: Do you want to be close to the action or tucked away? If the kids are planning on waking up and hitting the waterslides every morning, choosing a room close to the waterpark means you won’t have to trudge too far in your slippers to watch them.
- Pace: If you’re looking forward to getting in some solid reading time, opting for a room with a balcony is a great idea. Sea views, fresh air and a good book? It doesn’t get much better than that!
- Space: Depending on the size of your family, Inter-Connecting rooms can be a great option. You’ll have two separate rooms joined by an interior door, giving you double the space, two bathrooms and beds for up to eight people.
Thrills and fun all day long
If there’s one thing Carnival holidays have in spades, it’s FUN. We’re talking 45+ activities every day, so there’s something for every type of fun-seeker. For splashy, outdoor fun, Carnival Splendour has two epic water slides – Green Lightning Waterslide and Twister Waterslide – plus, the Carnival WaterWorks water park. Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter each offer two waterslides and the choice of four pools. On Carnival Luminosa, staying cool is a bit more laid back with a few pools to choose from, including one with a giant outdoor movie screen!
Kids can also burn off some energy at the outdoor basketball court – you won’t find a court on land with a better view! Or you can challenge them to a game of mini golf on Carnival Splendor’s upper deck.
Fans of Dr Seuss are spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly fun. There’s the Seuss-a-palooza Parade, Seuss-a-palooza Story Time and two unforgettable Seuss-themed feasts for the family – the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast.
There are plenty more family-friendly activities to check out onboard.
How to choose the right cruise for your family
Choosing the right cruise comes down to understanding what will suit your family’s ages, interests and travel style. Here are a few key things to consider before you book:
- Consider your children’s ages and interests: younger cruisers often enjoy shorter itineraries and ships with splash zones and supervised kids’ clubs, while older children and teens may prefer waterslides, sports courts and dedicated hangout spaces such as Circle C and Club O2.
- Think about cruise length: three-to five-night sailings from Sydney or Brisbane can be a great introduction to cruising, offering enough time to enjoy the ship without feeling overwhelming. Longer itineraries allow more time to explore destinations such as the Pacific Islands or the Great Barrier Reef while still enjoying relaxed sea days onboard.
- Choose the right cabin for your family: interior staterooms are a practical and budget-friendly option, while balcony rooms offer fresh air and a peaceful retreat after busy days. Larger families may appreciate the flexibility of interconnecting rooms, which provide extra space and two bathrooms.
- Review what is included in the fare: with kids’ clubs, most dining, pools, entertainment and daily activities covered, a Carnival holiday offers simplicity and value that can make planning much easier.
Top tips for planning a cruise with kids
A little bit of preparation goes a long way – especially when you’re travelling with kids. Here are a few things to consider before setting sail on your next cruise as a family.
Look up the onboard activities in advance
With so many kid-friendly activities, events and amenities onboard, it’s almost impossible to squeeze them all in. So, sit down with the family before you depart and pick out a few activities you want to do. Many of our additional activities require a reservation, so it’s a good idea to have your list ready in advance so you don’t miss out.
Pick an itinerary with family-friendly shore excursions
There’s plenty of fun to be had on the ship, but it’s always nice to visit new destionations and see the sights. While most of our itineraries visit locations that offer fun for the whole family, it’s worth checking out the shore excursions in advance.
Opt for a family-friendly room
Depending on the size of your crew, you’ll have plenty of room types and configurations to choose from. Most Carnival staterooms sleep up to four people, but for families of more than four (or those who want a bit of extra space), we recommend choosing interconnecting rooms.
Get to know the kid-friendly dining options
One of the best parts of a Carnival cruise is the food! The sheer variety will have you counting down the clock to mealtimes every day. Kids will love the cheesy goodness served up at the pizzeria and Lido Marketplace of The Pantry is the perfect place to sample a bit of everything. The dining rooms all feature kids menus, ensuring mealtimes are always smooth sailing.
Check out Carnival’s childminding services
Why shouldn’t parents get a few moments to indulge on their own? For a small fee, the Night Owls team will look after your little ones (aged 11 and under) while you wine, dine, dance and relax.
Pack strategically
As with any family holiday, nailing the packing list is crucial. Sunscreen, hats, toiletries, swimmers, undies… you know the drill. A good tip is to pack enough clothes to last the trip and organise them into outfits, so they’re easy to throw on as you’re heading out the door. That said, we offer a Laundry Service on all ships and there are self-service launderettes onboard Carnival Splendor.
Prepare for safety
A safe holiday is a successful one. So, we always encourage families to keep safety top of mind. Pay attention to the safety briefing video when you board the ship, always keep an eye on kids in the pool and waterpark, and encourage safe, sensible play with others.
Get ready to set sail
All this talk of family holidays, we think it’s high time you booked one. Check out the extensive range of itineraries and departure dates, and prepare for an adventure the whole family will love.
Explore family-friendly cruise itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for children to join kids’ clubs on Carnival ships?
Camp Ocean welcomes children from two years old. Younger guests can enjoy the under two programs with their parents, and Night Owls babysitting is available for infants from six months.
Is there babysitting available in the evenings?
Yes, Night Owls provides supervised group babysitting for children aged six months to 11 years so parents can enjoy a date night or a show.
How does Carnival cater for picky eaters?
The main dining rooms and casual eateries offer plenty of child-friendly options every day, including pasta, burgers, pizza and fresh fruit. The 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream are favourites. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Which itineraries work best for families with young children?
Short three-to-seven-night cruises from Sydney or Brisbane are ideal. They offer just enough time for everyone to settle in and enjoy the ship without long stretches at sea. Popular family routes include the Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Island escapes and coastal Australian destinations.
At what age do kids sail for free?
Carnival does not offer a standard “kids sail free” program. All guests, including children, require a booked fare. From time to time, special promotions may be available, so it is always worth checking current offers when planning your cruise. Even without a kids sail free offer, families often find great value in cruising thanks to the wide range of activities, dining options and entertainment included in the fare.
Are kids’ clubs included in the cruise fare?
Yes, Carnival’s supervised kids’ clubs are included in your cruise fare for children aged two to 17. Camp Ocean caters to younger cruisers aged two to 11, while Circle C and Club O2 provide dedicated spaces for teens. Each program is run by trained counsellors and offers age-appropriate activities in a safe, welcoming environment. Evening childminding through Night Owls is available for a small fee for children aged six months to 11 years.
Do Carnival cruises cater to dietary requirements?
Carnival offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The main dining rooms and casual eateries provide a wide selection of family-friendly favourites each day, including pasta, burgers, pizza and fresh fruit. If you or your children have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, you can notify Carnival in advance so the team can assist with appropriate options onboard. The crew are always happy to help make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family.
Are there school holiday cruises available?
Yes, Carnival offers a wide range of cruises during Australian school holiday periods, including popular three-to seven-night sailings from Sydney and Brisbane. School holiday cruises are a favourite among families, so it is a good idea to book early to secure your preferred sailing and cabin type. You can browse departure dates online to find options that align with your family’s holiday schedule.
