Onboard programming for your children (ages 0-20)
First, check to make sure that your child is the appropriate age to attend the youth programs available. Each cruise line has different ages of entry, but you can be sure that all only offer youth programs until age 17. No company is going to allow 18 year olds to hang out with 14 year olds. So, be prepared if you are cruising with someone between the ages of 18-20 they are pretty much lost in between the ages of programming. They are too old for youth programs and too young to be permitted into the evening clubs and/or served alcohol. All cruise ships (regardless of where they are cruising) go by the U.S. Drinking age of 21. For young people from most countries other than the U.S. this is a big shock.
Some cruise lines offer daycare/youth programming for tiny infants, but very few do (Disney may be the only one). Carnival begins youth programming at 2 years of age, but most cruise lines begin at 4. Some lines will change diapers of young children, others will not. Check their information online or consult with your travel agent to ensure you have all of the information you need.
Another piece of information to note is that ages of different programming are set by the cruise line and are very rigid. So, if you have a 5 year old and a 7 year old you will not be able to have them in the same program regardless of whether or not they are siblings.
Prior to boarding I highly recommend that you either pre-register your children, or print out and fill in the registration forms. There is often one time on the first day that you can enrol them and there are long line ups. Having your paperwork done means you will be able to get through the process quicker. On our most recent cruise with Carnival, we were assigned a cell phone on the night of registration that we needed to show the staff every time we dropped off our children to ensure that we were reachable while our children were in their care.
Programming for children is really well done. Activities change frequently and kids have options to participate in as much or as little as they’d like. Some children are hesitant to join, but if encouraged usually love the experience. Think of it as dropping your children off with a babysitter. While they might cry at first, by the time you are 5 minutes away they are engaged and happy. My philosophy is that kids get bored doing what adults want to do all the time and vice versa. So, we make sure that we drop them off on the first day at the program so that they can get used to it, make new friends and mom and dad get some adult time.
Looking for nighttime babysitting? Cruises offer programs that allow kids to come to their program late into the night so you can revel in the ships’ nightlife. There is an additional charge for this that will be billed to your onboard account. On Carnival, this program is called the Night Owls program. Kids get a fantastic little bag filled with really great items – a stuffed pillow, watch, toothbrush, pen, insulated lunch bag, and a nightlight.
Our boys loved Camp Carnival and were excited to be dropped off everyday. The Youth Staff were fantastic, and with a cell phone on us at all times we felt safe, secure and confident that our boys were taken care of. Most days we could barely tear them away from the center so we could spend time together on the ship.
The most important part of youth programs on cruises is to make sure that you know what is available, what suits your son/daughter and get your kids registered as early as possible. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise!
Camp Night Owls! Love it. My girls would be all over that. I love when cruise ships and resorts do kids clubs right. It can make a world of difference for the parents.
Candace recently posted..Triscuit. Your Stage is Set.
Candace – it so does! Carnival did such a fantastic job of making the kids feel right at home and special for being there in the late night program.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Youth Programs on Cruises Ages 0-20
Are there many parents who’d drag their 18-20 year old kids on trips with them? When I was 19, I would have refused to go along.
Cynthia recently posted..Fall Previews: Yay for Danier, Meh for EDIT
BTW: I just checked… Norwegian Cruise Lines will allow 18-20 year olds to purchase beer and wine with permission from parents/guardians (and they must be on board) when the ship is on international waters.
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=37
Cynthia recently posted..Fall Previews: Yay for Danier, Meh for EDIT
Cynthia – unfortunately Cruise Critic does not display the correct information. It’s always best to get the information straight from the source.
Norweigan’s website states
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION POLICY
Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol.
http://www.ncl.com/faq#alcohol-consumption
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Youth Programs on Cruises Ages 0-20
Actually, this is what NCL says:
“With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, Norwegian permits young adults to purchase and personally consume wine and beer only while onboard and with the consent of an accompanying parent. Authorization will be given only when the accompanying parent completes the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form. This form can be obtained and completed at the Guest Services Desk upon embarkation of the vessel. However, passengers 18 years of age or older are permitted to consume alcoholic beverages when sailing on round-trip European voyages without having to complete the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form”
Note the last sentence. And according to NCL, a young adult is: “an individual between the ages of 18 and 20.”
http://www.ncl.com/faq#age-requirements
Cynthia recently posted..Equinox Lands North of the Border with a Big Party
Cynthia, lots of teens and early 20’s go with their family’s on cruises. It’s a great vacation for all age groups and an opportunity for family’s to be together. Sorry to hear that you didn’t want to be with your family at that age. I’d never turn down a vacation with my parents no matter my age!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Youth Programs on Cruises Ages 0-20
When I was around 15 or 16, I was very grouchy when my parents wanted me to come along and I’d have to leave my friends. But by the time I was 18, 19, and in my 20s, I jumped at the chance to join them any time I could! Vacations memories are awesome.
Coffee with Julie recently posted..Can Gadgets Help Kids Be More Active Or Are They Just Gimmicks?
Oh that Camp Night Owls sounds awesome, most kids, particularly the adventurous ones would be all over that. :) I always wondered what parents were to do to experience an entire cruise with their kids around, it makes sense though to have a childcare service! Thanks for the info! :)
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This is great information. We haven’t gone on a cruise yet but hope to in the near future. My kids do like to stick together so looking into the age divisions is a good tip. It sounds like they’d have a blast no matter what.
Susannah recently posted..Yeehaw Cowboy Roundup Game – It’s a Western Cowboy Party
They’d have a great time Susannah – definitely a perfect vacation for families.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..New Music for Kids #Giveaway
Great information! I honestly had no clue that regular cruise ships had programs for kids. I thought it was just Disney for some reason.
Elizabeth L recently posted..(April) Stork Stack Review
I have never been on a cruise before but we are likely planning one for next year…these are invaluable tips! Thank you!
Kelly @ City Mom recently posted..Kaliyoga France: Your Home Away From Home
I’ve never traveled with my kids but I’m glad to hear they have programs like this for kids. It’s sad that they don’t have a special teens program though.
Kathleen recently posted..Inspired by TEDTalks #1–Teach Every Child About Food
My girlfriend took her family on a Carnival cruise and her little guy (3ys) LOVED camp carnival
Little Miss Kate recently posted..Locals Lounge – Mastermind Toys Warehouse Sale
Very interesting! I’ve never been on a cruise myself before and if I were to go now, the kids would definitely be joining us if we did go. I never thought of this situations! Thanks for sharing! Love the camp loot bag!
Jenn` recently posted..A Kitchen MUST HAVE! Ozeri #review
Our family has cruised 6 times (twice on Disney, twice on Princess, on Holland America and on Celebrity) and the youth programs have been different on all of them. I would definitely agree that the most important thing is to check the website of the particular cruise line that you will be sailing to find out what their policies are so that there are no surprises once aboard. An 8 year old, for example, would be in the 3-8 year old group on Princess but in the tween 8-12 year old group on Celebrity – two very different experiences!
We have had very positive experiences with the youth programs on all of the cruise lines that we have sailed. Interestingly though, on our most recent cruise on Disney my 9 year old hardly attended the youth program at all whereas on other ships she has begged to go. The difference being that the Disney program is much more crowded making it difficult to make friends as the same kids were rarely there at the same time. On other ships she has made new best friends by the second day and spent lots of time together to the point that they cried when saying good-bye.
Okay, I’m babbling now but my point really is just that my kids love to cruise and the youth programs are a big part of the reason why! :)
Lisa Goodmurphy recently posted..Old-Fashioned Fun at Avonlea Village
I’ve never cruised but I REALLY want to one day, especially because of the programming. I figure it is a way for parents to go on holiday and actually get a few little breaks here and there! Otherwise, a family holiday sometimes requires a recuperation holiday for the adults! :) I think my kids would have a blast! They have a 6 year age gap, so it would allow them to make friends and hang out with kids with similar age interests.
Coffee with Julie recently posted..Can Gadgets Help Kids Be More Active Or Are They Just Gimmicks?
We just took our teenagers on a cruise last winter. They were absolutely NOtT allowed to purchase alcohol, including my almost 19 year old who looks 25. They were extremely strict on this. Also, any teen / young adult who turns down a trip from their parents is crazy. Even when you’re married, it’s so much fun to travel with the whole family. I’m 44 and if my parents offered me a trip, I’d be like ‘When do we leave?”
mara recently posted..Comment on What Does 20 Years of Marriage Mean? by Do You Travel Without Your Spouse?
Mara – I’m the same way. I wish my parents would invite me on a vacation :)
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..New Music for Kids #Giveaway
I love this. As a mom who usually travels alone with the kids (4 with various ages) I would think this is fab. Thanks
gingermommy recently posted..Wanna be Redhead
I am currently working as a medical officer onboard a Holland America Line cruise ship. I have both my boys, ages 4 and 7 in Club Hal. As a fulltime traveler, my wife and I rarely have babysitters available. That means we don’t get much time alone. On the ship, we can regularly get at least an hour or two in the evenings thanks to the kids club. They have it divided into 3-7,7-11 and teens with separate areas for each. They alternate between lots of indoor and outdoor, planned activities and free time. The kids club has worked very well for us.
Eric, what a great perspective and a wonderful opportunity for you and your wife to spend some time together. I’ve never cruised Holland America but would love to. Sounds fantastic!
I’ve heard so many great things about Camp Carnival (online and from friends) but have yet to sail with Carnival with my kids – hopefully it’ll happen soon than later. I love how so many cruise lines offer activities for kids – it’s a great way for them to socialize and make new friends and also gives parents a bit of a break to relax and have an adults only meal during the vacation.
Cheryl @ Kids On A Plane recently posted..The Butterfly Conservatory – Niagara Falls, Ontario
SOLD!!! hahaha! we don’t have any family to babysit so allll of our holidays have to be together. this seems like a great compromise to get some adult time in and still have fun as a family. Is the kids club all inside? it seems sad to go to great weather and leave them inside to play for the morning. and the age splitting would be really hard on my kids who kind of travel as a pack most of the time. sounds amazing though! wonder if the hubs can get over his motion sickness to cruise…….
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@Jennifer The kids programs are inside a lot of the time for the little kids. Older kids do a variety of activities around the ship but the youth centre is their home base. It is secure for them to keep the kids in one place. That said, you can choose how long they are there for. Could be just an hour or more. We liked it because we didn’t want our kids in the sun that many hours a day. They got lots of outdoor time on our beach days :)
Thanks for the tips. We planning on taking our first cruise with our 5 year old son next year. This info will certainly come in handy!
I have done a lot of cruises but one one with my kids when they were 4 and 3 which was a Disney Cruise. We love it and the kids did too. They did join in some of the kids club activities but we didn’t leave them.