Cruise Operators

Specialist Reports Styles of Holiday Cruise Holidays Cruise Operators Carnival Cruises 

	Carnival Cruises
(020) 7729 1929 but generally sold as part of a package, for example by Virgin (0870) 990 4204 (dedicated brochure), Unijet (0870) 533 6336, and Airtours (0870) 608 1954 (dedicated brochure)

Based in Miami, the world's biggest cruise line. An American line, calls the vessels Fun Ships and reckons to lead the way in catering to families, carrying near 200,000 children in 1998.

Ships

15 ‘Superliners' with between 1,400 and 3,350 berths with two more launching 2002.

Where

The majority sail in the Caribbean, with others sailing to the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and the Canadian Maritimes, options ranging from three to 16 nights. Or three to six nights on cruise and stay holidays.

UK Departures

Some from 2002.

Style

Informal but with lots of glitz and facilities like retractable dome over a swimming pool and the world's longest waterslide at sea. A big emphasis on Broadway, Las Vegas and Nashville-inspired shows and entertainment. Also health and fitness facilities, in-cabin Hollywood movies, a casino, midnight comedy shows, an array of themed bars and lounges, a night-club, organised children's activities. Live music, casual and elegant dining, 24-hour pizzerias All ships have at least three swimming pools.

Accommodation

Cabins with twin beds and two upper beds are ideal for families. A rollaway bed or crib can also be requested. Quadruple cabins are available on most decks. (Destiny and Spirit Class ships offer Family Staterooms near the Children's Playroom.)

For Children

On request cots are provided in cabins and highchairs in the restaurants. (Baby food is not available). Not just for children but relevant, The Paradise is one of the first cruise ships to ban smoking anywhere on board.

Children's Facilities

A children's wading pool, and usually water slides. Additional playrooms have been added to the six Fun Ships with separate areas for 5-12-year-olds with air hockey and video games, and for 2-4 years with Little Tikes toys and equipment, areas for arts and crafts, sing-alongs etc.
On the Carnival Destiny there is a two-level 1,300 sq ft children's play area. On the Elation the Children's World is 2,500 sq ft with a computer lab, an arts and crafts centre, and a climbing/adventure/activity area. There is also an outdoor play centre in the shape of a schooner and an arcade with state of the art virtual reality games.

Food for Kids

Kids' menus. There are buffet style snack bars and bistro, plus 24-hour pizzeria.

Babysitting

10pm-3am for under 12s and during mornings in port for under 2s. Evening babysitting includes late night movies and pool parties and children can enjoy dining under the stars with members of the youth staff, US$5 per hour per first child, US$3 for each subsequent one.

Children's Activities

Camp Carnival is the supervised programme for children in dedicated rooms 9am to 10pm or only mornings when ships are in port - reported the most extensive children's programme afloat. Activities include:
2-4 years with cartoon time, hand-painting, colour time, indoor beach parties and story time.
5-8 years, with face painting, cake decorating, board games, videos, treasure hunts, talent shows, kids' formal dinner, pool games, cookie decorating, beach parties and Coketail parties.
9-13 years, competitions, movies, treasure hunts, ice cream eating contests, board games, talent shows, and Coketail parties.
14-17 years, pool games, beach parties, computer games, kids' formal dinner, treasure hunts, and discos.
In addition children can take backstage tours to meet the ship's entertainers and there are options like family arts and crafts, and photography workshops.
There are local charges of US$18 per child on a seven nigh cruise of US$11 per child on a four-night cruise.

Staff

All college educated in a related field and/or have professional childcare experience.

Security Measures

Children signed in and out and parents' whereabouts recorded.

Port Calls

Children can only be left on board without parents for the morning.

Prices

Around £2,000 per adult for a week's cruise plus week's stay in Florida, children half price. Prices include port charges taxes and tips except for beverage bills where a 15% charge is added.