Cruising With Kids: Carnival or Royal Caribbean?

So, you have decided to take the family on a cruise for your next vacation. Why not? After all, cruises have so many exciting things going on for cruisers of all ages, from dancing through each decade, to Pilates, to singles meet and greet for adults, and from sports trivia, to a "Survivor"-like contest, to candy bingo for the kids. How could you possibly choose which cruise line is best for your kids? Will Royal Caribbean fit the kids better, or will Carnival provide just what they are looking for?

First, let's look at some of the activities that each ship has available for kids of various ages.

Ages 2-5

Carnival: They're in their own well-protected area of the ship known as Camp Carnival where they get to play such games as "Become a Prince or Princess", "Bob the Builder", "Down on the Farm", "Monster Mania, "Bug Hunt", and they even have a Camp Carnival Talent Show! And, of course, lots of cartoons.

R. C.: The 3-5 yer olds have their own group entitled Aquanauts, and stay in the Adventure Ocean area of the ship to enjoy such activities as "Under the Sea Morning", "Animal Actions", "Pirate Transformations-Face Painting", "Guido's Pit Row Race", "Sesame Street Afternoon", and "Pass the Parcel."

Ages 6-8

Carnival: Staying in Camp Carnival, their activities include "Human Knot", "WaterColors-Mood Painting", "Puzzle Races", "Water Wars", "Edu-Cruise--Camouflage", and "The Hunt for Fun Ship Freddy".

R. C.: They're known as Explorers and participate in such things as "Contract for Fun", "Secret Handshake", "Circle of Ten", "Bomp", "Adventure Theatre: Circus on the Seas", and "Bingo".

Ages 9-11

Carnival: They're still at the Camp Carnival section, but at least with their own age group. Activities include board games, sports, outdoor fun, and computerized game systems.

R. C.: "Crazy Tag", "On the Beach Afternoon", "Boys vs. Girls Night", "Steal the Coconut", "Bury a Youth Staff", and "Carnival Night" which includes the Explorers.

Ages 12-14

Carnival: This group gets to attend "Circle C" to hang around kids of their own ages. They seem to enjoy "Welcome Aboard Disco" with the 15-17 year olds, "Ping Pong Tournament", "Head to Head and Song Stumpers", "Chess Tournament", "Teen Hang", "Dollar Challenge", and "Teen Feud."

R. C.: Break out the "Nintendo Wii" game system! Also included are "Apples to Apples", "Name That Tune", "Teen Skate", "Gamers Choice" where they play against teens worldwide, "Foosball Tournament", and "PJ Dance Party."

Ages 15-17

Carnival: This group goes to hand in O2 with their like-aged peers for day and night movies, pool parties, dance parties, theme parties, sports, and they even get to play those computerized game systems too!

R. C.: "Amazing Race", "Twister", "Majority Rules", "Texas Hold 'Em", make your own jewelry, and "Most Likely" where they vote for someone most likely to do something special.

As you can see, there really is something for all ages onboard each cruise line. However, there is one major difference that I came across on each cruise line.

Carnival has a special distinctly separated area for the kids (except when doing specific activities around the ship such as a hunt) and they do not allow adults into the areas. Also, they do not allow the kids out of the area unless with a parent or guardian, and even then only at certain times.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, takes the opposite approach and leaves the kids areas wide open to allow easier passage from all areas to the kids' sections. Parents and children (except for the 3-5 year olds) are allowed to come and go as they please at whatever times they please.

So, it basically comes down to this. If your kids can be trusted to not run all over the ship when they are left alone, and actually enjoy playing games with their peers, Royal Caribbean is the one for your family. However, if your kids need that extra bit of structure and protection, and can't be trusted to not run all over the ship, Carnival is the one on your side.

Either way, Carnival or Royal Caribbean, your kids will have a wonderful time, and so will you and the rest of your wonderful family on a greatly exciting cruise.

Now, all you need to do is book that cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and start packing!