{"id":2908,"date":"2025-08-11T11:15:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T01:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/?page_id=2908"},"modified":"2026-03-12T15:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T04:32:08","slug":"best-cruises-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/cruising-with-kids\/best-cruises-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore the Best Cruises for Kids and Families"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>No one does fun like Carnival. So, when you\u2019re 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. .<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Talk About Fun! | Family Cruising With Kids\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0vy2HhoDu5M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content1\">Why cruising is perfect for families with kids<\/h2>\n<p>A cruise takes the stress out of family holidays. There\u2019s no cooking, no long drives, no airport transfers and no packing and unpacking at every stop. Accommodation, entertainment, kids\u2019 clubs and most dining are all included in one upfront fare.<\/p>\n<p>While the kids are making friends and enjoying supervised activities, parents can unwind knowing everyone is having a great time.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a holiday that truly works for the whole family.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content2\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why Carnival is the ultimate cruise line for kids<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Waterslides, pools, outdoor play and activities at kids cruises for children of all ages.<\/p>\n<p>Dozens of restaurants serve delicious meals that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Age-specific kids clubs are included in your kids\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3042 size-large aligncenter\" style=\"font-size: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/549-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top cruise ships for kids<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Carnival cruise is all about fun, and fun looks different for every family. That\u2019s 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\u2019s plenty to love about our iconic FunShips. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carnival Luminosa<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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, <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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\u2019 club, leaving parents free to holiday their way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/cruise-ships\/carnival-luminosa\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Explore Carnival Luminosa<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carnival Splendor<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Waterslides, splash parks, outdoor games, kids\u2019 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\u2019 club options and enjoy all the live entertainment and daily activities on offer. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/cruise-ships\/carnival-splendor\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Explore Carnival Splendor<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Carnival Adventure &amp; Carnival Encounter<\/h3>\n<p>Both ships feature two waterslides, kids\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/cruise-ships\/carnival-adventure\">Explore Carnival Adventure<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/cruise-ships\/carnival-encounter\">Explore Carnival Encounter<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3328\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design-20-300x228.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1154\" height=\"877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design-20-300x228.png 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design-20-768x584.png 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Untitled-design-20.png 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1154px) 100vw, 1154px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content3\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kids\u2019 clubs and teen hangouts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ever wonder why cruising is so popular among families? For one, it\u2019s hard for kids to get up to too much mischief when they\u2019re 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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u2019 clubs are what make us one of the best cruise lines for kids.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Camp Ocean<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/camp-ocean\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Camp Ocean<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is Carnival\u2019s kids\u2019 club for travellers aged 2-11 years. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/camp-ocean\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3045 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1005\" height=\"670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CL_FD_Camp_Ocean-Penguins_201405-7926-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1005px) 100vw, 1005px\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Circle \u201cC\u201d<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/circle-c\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Circle \u201cC\u201d<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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 \u201cC\u201d space is supervised by trained counsellors who keep an eye on kids at all times.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Club O2<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The coolest spot on the ship for older teens, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/club-o2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Club O2<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content4\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best rooms for travelling with kids<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Choosing your home base is critical to planning a successful family cruise holiday. There\u2019s plenty to consider, from the room configuration to the location on the ship. . But it\u2019s helpful to start with your priorities. Here\u2019s what we mean.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Affordability:<\/strong>\u202f If you\u2019re 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\u2019re the most affordable stateroom option on the ship.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong>\u202f 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\u2019t have to trudge too far in your slippers to watch them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pace:<\/strong>\u202f If you\u2019re 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\u2019t get much better than that!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Space:<\/strong>\u202f Depending on the size of your family, Inter-Connecting rooms can be a great option. You\u2019ll have two separate rooms joined by an interior door, giving you double the space, two bathrooms and beds for up to eight people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thrills and fun all day long<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If there\u2019s one thing Carnival holidays have in spades, it\u2019s FUN. We\u2019re talking 45+ activities every day, so there\u2019s something for every type of fun-seeker. For splashy, outdoor fun, Carnival Splendour has two epic water slides \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/green-lightning-waterslide\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Green Lightning Waterslide<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/twister-waterslide\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Twister Waterslide<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 plus, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/waterworks\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Carnival WaterWorks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/pools\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">pools<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to choose from, including one with a giant <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/dive-in-movies\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">outdoor movie screen<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kids can also burn off some energy at the outdoor <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/basketball\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">basketball court<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u2013 you won\u2019t find a court on land with a better view! Or you can challenge them to a game of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/mini-golf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">mini golf<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> on Carnival Splendor\u2019s upper deck.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fans of Dr Seuss are spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly fun. There\u2019s the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/seuss-a-palooza-parade\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Seuss-a-palooza Parade<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/seuss-a-palooza-story-time\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Seuss-a-palooza Story Time<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and two unforgettable Seuss-themed feasts for the family \u2013 the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/fun-activities\/thing-1-and-thing-2-birthday-breakfast&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1712790671641493&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lsquJYsS3-_2iL76tPq6O\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are plenty more family-friendly activities to check out onboard.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Explore onboard activities<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3043 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/560-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content5\">How to choose the right cruise for your family<\/h2>\n<p>Choosing the right cruise comes down to understanding what will suit your family\u2019s ages, interests and travel style. Here are a few key things to consider before you book:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Consider your children\u2019s ages and interests:<\/strong> younger cruisers often enjoy shorter itineraries and ships with splash zones and supervised kids\u2019 clubs, while older children and teens may prefer waterslides, sports courts and dedicated hangout spaces such as Circle C and Club O2.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Think about cruise length:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose the right cabin for your family:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review what is included in the fare:<\/strong> with kids\u2019 clubs, most dining, pools, entertainment and daily activities covered, a Carnival holiday offers simplicity and value that can make planning much easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"content6\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top tips for planning a cruise with kids<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A little bit of preparation goes a long way \u2013 especially when you\u2019re travelling with kids. Here are a few things to consider before setting sail on your next cruise as a family.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Look up the onboard activities in advance<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With so many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/cruise-activities-for-kids\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">kid-friendly activities<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, events and amenities onboard, it\u2019s 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\u2019s a good idea to have your list ready in advance so you don\u2019t miss out.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3041 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-1536x1039.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/049-2048x1386.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pick an itinerary with family-friendly shore excursions<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s plenty of fun to be had on the ship, but it\u2019s 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\u2019s worth checking out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/shore-excursions\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">shore excursions<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in advance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Opt for a family-friendly room<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Depending on the size of your crew, you\u2019ll 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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Get to know the kid-friendly dining options<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2666 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_2220-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check out Carnival\u2019s childminding services<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why shouldn\u2019t parents get a few moments to indulge on their own? For a small fee, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/onboard\/night-owls\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Night Owls<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> team will look after your little ones (aged 11 and under) while you wine, dine, dance and relax.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pack strategically<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As with any family holiday, nailing the packing list is crucial. Sunscreen, hats,\u00a0 toiletries, swimmers, undies\u2026 you know the drill. A good tip is to pack enough clothes to last the trip and organise them into outfits, so they\u2019re easy to throw on as you\u2019re heading out the door. That said, we offer a Laundry Service on all ships and there are self-service launderettes onboard Carnival Splendor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prepare for safety<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;469777462&quot;:[220,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Get ready to set sail<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All this talk of family holidays, we think it\u2019s 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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW101001038 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/explore-carnival-cruises\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight Underlined SCXW101001038 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW101001038 BCX0\">Explore family-friendly cruise itineraries<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"EOP SCXW101001038 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"content7\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the minimum age for children to join kids&#8217; clubs on Carnival ships?<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Is there babysitting available in the evenings?<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>How does Carnival cater for picky eaters?<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Which itineraries work best for families with young children?<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>At what age do kids sail for free?<\/h3>\n<p>Carnival does not offer a standard \u201ckids sail free\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Are kids\u2019 clubs included in the cruise fare?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Carnival\u2019s supervised kids\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Do Carnival cruises cater to dietary requirements?<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>Are there school holiday cruises available?<\/h3>\n<p>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\u2019s holiday schedule.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No one does fun like Carnival. So, when you\u2019re thinking about your next family holiday, cruising should be top of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com.au\/behind-the-seas\/cruising-with-kids\/best-cruises-for-kids\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3039,"parent":107,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2908","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Explore the Best Cruises for Kids and Families | Carnival<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find the best cruises for kids with Carnival, with onboard activities, family destinations, and tips for seamless sailing. 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