The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘carnival sensation’

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

As our regular readers know, we’ve spent the better part of May sailing onboard the Carnival Sensation, Disney Wonder and Norwegian Jewel in search of the most family friendly cruise line.  Having sailed on 25 cruises before having kids, our perspective was just a bit different once we had little ones in tow.  Up until this point we had only sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas and Celebrity’s Mercury with the kids, so we thought it might be time to broaden our horizons and see which cruise line really provides the best cruise experience for families.

It was an interesting journey, but we discovered lots along the way.  We’ve exposed the good, the bad and the downright ugly for each of the three cruise lines in our competition and in the end have chosen the best cruise line (among Carnival, Disney and NCL) in several different categories.  Now, on to the awards!

Most Family Friendly Dining Experience

Disney Cruise Line

Disney does an amazing job of not only entertaining kids during mealtimes, but the staff is attentive and are always available to assist with whatever you may need.  Disney provides sophisticated upscale choices for parents and simple but tasty foods for kids.  An excellent experience all around!

Best Children’s Program

Disney Cruise Line’s Oceaneer Club/Lab

Disney knows how to entertain kids!  With extensive, well equipped play areas, a nursery and a dedicated space on Castaway Cay, Disney goes beyond any other cruise line in offering a complete experience for your kids.  Professional, well-trained counselors are focused on making your child’s experience comfortable, fun and something that they will always remember.

Most Family Friendly Shipboard Amenities

Carnival Cruise Line’s Waterworks™ and Mini-Golf

Carnival has made a concerted effort to appeal to families.  This is obvious in their recent additions onboard, replacing underutilized public spaces with fun areas that have broad family appeal.  The ship never felt crowded and there were plenty of play areas for the kids as well as the family.  Two thumbs up for Carnival’s investment in families.

Best Embarkation and Disembarkation Process

Disney Cruise Line

You might ask why this is even an award category – well, if you’ve ever waited in long lines with screaming kids, you understand.  Disney has taken its well-developed process that it uses on land and transformed that into the best embarkation and disembarkation process at sea.  They will zip you on and off the ship without so much as a blink…and when you’re waiting, you’ll be well entertained.

Most Family Friendly Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line

This is a tough category to award because we’ve never really found a perfect cabin over the course of 30 cruises.  However, when it comes to families, Disney has made larger rooms with sitting areas and bathtubs standard.  An inexpensive upgrade will get you a deluxe cabin (214SF) with split bath and porthole mirror.  Disney was able to make our family of four comfortable in an inside cabin – that is an accomplishment!

Most Family Friendly Entertainment

Disney Cruise Line

I suppose to most that Disney was the obvious winner in this category; however, NCL with its Nickelodeon themed programming came close.  At the end of the day, Disney won out though because of its quality of entertainment.  Thank you Disney for understanding that quality is better than quantity.

Family Value Award

Carnival Cruise Line

The Family Value Award recognizes a cruise line for its appeal to families while creating an affordable experience for all to enjoy.  Carnival Cruise Line has made significant strides in creating a family friendly atmosphere while keeping fares low.  When cost is a limiting factor, Carnival is the cruise line of choice for family friendly cruising.

Most Family Friendly Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Disney has done a tremendous job of perfecting its product on land and now at sea.  Providing superior food quality, service, entertainment and activities, Disney Cruise Line is not only for families, but also for adults who like to have fun.  Once you’ve cruised Disney, you too will discover the Disney Difference!

For more information, please read our full reviews of the Carnival Sensation, Disney Wonder and Norwegian Jewel.

If you have enjoyed our tips, tricks and reviews, you’re sure to love our book that will be coming out this fall.  Focused on cruising with kids, this publication will take what we’ve done this month and expand it to cover all of the major cruise lines with a ship by ship recap of family friendly amenities and even more tips for selecting, reserving and sailing on your next family cruise.

Oh, and be sure to be on the lookout for our reviews of Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas and Celebrity Mercury coming soon!  Bon Voyage!

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Disclosure

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

In our reviews, we will attempt to cover all aspects of the cruise in a fair, but candid manner, pointing out the good, the bad and the ugly.  Each category will earn a Rating from A+ through F; our overall score will reflect a weighting of each category score.  Each review and rating is done from a families point of view, so if you are single or a couple traveling without kids, your priorities may differ.  At the conclusion of our Cruise Views Marathon, we will crown the most family friendly cruise line (only Carnival, Disney and NCL are being evaluated) in several categories and then overall.  At some later date, we will be posting reviews from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity that were not part of this event.  Now, on to the review.

Ever since our first child was born four years ago we’ve been on a quest to find the most family friendly cruise line.  Having sailed on 30 cruises (as of next week), we had a few ideas of where to start, but it would be an interesting journey.  This was our 4 year-old’s fourth cruise and our 19 month old’s second cruise.  Only I had sailed on Carnival before and that was over 20 years ago, so we didn’t really know what to expect.

At one time, Carnival Cruise Line was branded as the Fun Ships.  Known for its young crowd and party atmosphere, it earned a reputation that lived up to its branding.  Well, all of that has changed.  Carnival, like much of the industry has begun to target families, which can be seen in its new slogan – Fun For All. All For Fun.

Reservation/Documents

Rating:  A

We reserved our 4-night Bahamas cruise through our normal online travel agency where we were able to get a 10% discount off of the base cruise fare.  We opted for an Outside Guarantee, which netted us an upgrade to category 6B (cabin M57  - convenient to the elevators).  We took advantage of one price guarantee, which reduced our total cost by $30.  Our total cruise fare after discounts for a family of four was just over $1,000.

The online check-in process went smoothly and we were able to print all necessary documents (ie Fun Pass and luggage tags) prior to sailing.  If you print luggage tags on a standard printer, they will need to be taped of stapled to your bag, but wait until you get to the pier as the porters have staplers and will complete that task for you. 

Pier Check-in/Embarkation

Rating:  B

We arrived a day early and rented a car from Budget, which has an office just a few miles from the port.  We were dropped off at the terminal around 11:30AM where the porters checked our three bags and pointed us in the direction of the terminal building a couple of hundred feet away.  Although there are signs stating that the porters are salaried and tips are not required, if you want to see your luggage on the ship, I would tip them a dollar a bag. Besides, they did help us to staple our luggage tags onto the bags.

There was a line stretching outside of the terminal building to get through security.  If you are a VIP or past passenger, you can use a special dedicated line, which is quite a bit faster.  Shore side cruise line staff will check your ID prior to the actual security check.  We were surprised to learn that the kind PR rep that we had been dealing with had placed our names on the VIP list, which would entitle us to a speedy private check-in upstairs…this was a great start.

Going through security was much like going through airport security – you know the drill.  When we arrived into the terminal building, it was not busy as boarding had commenced.  As part of VIP check-in we were ushered into a small room where we received personal attention.  Once we were done, we would be escorted to the ship.  This is where the service that we would see from Carnival started to go downhill.

It was getting a bit crowded at the VIP desk, so we were asked to wait on the side for our escort.  Unfortunately, a very rude and miserable employee began harassing us because she thought we should be somewhere else.  She proceeded to get into an argument with another employee (who had previously helped us); finally, they sorted it out and we were on our way.  There was no line, so VIP boarding was useless at that point.  Boarding was fast and we were able to sneak down to our cabin to drop our bags without being scolded.

Accommodations

Cabin Rating:  B-     Cabin Service Rating:  A+

On this sailing we opted for an outside cabin so that we could enjoy the natural light and sea views.  Carnival’s standard cabins measure about 180 square feet, which allows for a queen-sized bed (or two twins), a desk, closet space, a chair, end table and a rather large bathroom (by cruise ship standards).  We had two pull down berths to accommodate four people.  Although the size of the room was acceptable for a family of four when the berths were up, once they were lowered, the room became claustrophobic.

The bathroom was roomy and had plenty of space for two people, which is unusual on a cruise ship.  The cabin was also equipped with a small flat panel television, wall mounted telephone, ample toiletries (including toothpaste and razors) and a safe.  Noticeably missing was a hair dryer.  There was adequate storage space for a 4-night cruise.

I had the opportunity to tour other cabins throughout the ship.  Unfortunately, the Verandah cabins are not much larger (other than having a verandah – try U230 or U243).  The largest suite, the Grand Suite is approximately 300 square feet and provides a large sitting area with a balcony (8 have extended balconies), which would provide ample space for a family.  Overall, Carnival’s cabin sizes are generous, however, configuration is a bit challenging in quad cabins and there aren’t an abundance of larger cabins onboard, which does make it a bit more difficult for families.

Cabin service was excellent during our cruise.  Our cabin steward kept the room clean, never bothered us to leave the cabin and left a cool towel animal every night.  He also helped us with a couple of special requests without hesitation.  One of the best experiences we’ve had.

Food/Dining Service

Food Rating:  C-     Dining Service Rating:  B-

The lunch buffet on the first day of the cruise was probably the best meal that we had the entire cruise; there was a good variety and the quality was very good.  However, it went downhill from there.  The selection at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and especially dinner was limited to about a dozen items.  The upside was that they always had a very good salad bar and deli and pizza (24 hours) were available during meal times.  There was also a grill outside where the traditional fare was available in addition to some Mongolian specialties.

Topping off the buffet was ice cream and frozen yogurt that was also available 24 hours a day.  Unfortunately, the other dessert selections were cheap and predictable, with few exceptions.  Having said that, we always found something that the kids would eat, as there was a selection of 7-8 pizza choices, calzones and several hot sandwiches available most of the time.

The dining room menu was hit or miss.  There is a separate kids menu with the usual fare, but our kids ate from the regular menu every evening.  On one evening I enjoyed some amazing melt in your mouth spare ribs, but the corn and french fries that they were served with were soggy and in the case of the corn, inedible.  On another night, I left dinner after eating only half of my prime rib, because it was stringy and tasteless.  Don’t get me wrong, there were several items that we enjoyed (the kids loved their pasta and the lasagna was one of the best that I’ve ever had), but overall, the quality of the food was not what we had experienced on other cruise lines.

We participated in Your Time Dining, which was a great enhancement to Carnival’s offerings.  We got to dine between 5:45PM and 9:30PM every evening in the same dining room with the same servers, but we could arrive at any time.  With a busy itinerary and young kids, this made a great deal of sense as getting the entire family ready for dinner at a specific time is challenging.  I highly recommend this option if you have young kids.

Room service, which offers a basic continental breakfast, sandwiches and desserts during the day, is also available.  Overall, we always found something to eat that we enjoyed, however, it was a challenge on occasion.

We were also a bit disappointed in the service.  Regardless of how much we struggled at the buffet, there was never any server that offered to help us.  In the dining room, although the staff was mostly friendly, we received incorrect food on occasion and had a server argue that what he had brought was whipped cream when it was clearly cream cheese…the Maitre’d finally straightened that one out.

Having been on 10 cruise lines and over 20 different ships, we tend to be opinionated when it comes to food.  However, if you asked the kids, they wouldn’t know the difference, so you have to decide how important food quality is to you.  Note – there is no specialty restaurant on the Sensation; however, there is a Sushi bar and Joe’s Cafe (where you can get a milkshake and pastries).

Activities/Entertainment

Rating:  B-

There is only one sea day, so activities during the day are limited while in port.  Although Carnival has begun to cater more to families in many ways, activities and entertainment (outside of the kids programs) is not really one of those ways; most of the daily activities remain geared toward adults.  Although not billed as “family” activities, there are a limited number of activities that may appeal to families, especially families with teenagers.  Towel folding, karaoke, sports trivia, cartoon trivia and pool games, along with the bean bag toss, mini-golf tournament and ping pong tournament are just a few that might hold your their interest.

We tried to pick out a few family friendly entertainment venues, but unfortunately, most of Carnival’s evening entertainment is geared toward adults.  There was a magician and juggler one evening, but it was scheduled at 10:15PM, past the bedtime of any child who might be interested.  The remaining evening shows were typical cruise line song and dance productions – sure to put you’re kids to sleep.

Remember, our ratings are based upon a family’s perspective.  Ship amenities and non-scheduled activities are covered below.

Onboard Amenities/Features

Rating:  A

Refurbished in 2009, the Sensation sports many new features that are also being rolled out throughout the Fantasy Class fleet of ships.  The best and most amazing of these is Carnival Waterworks™.  Situated up on Verandah Deck (11), this play area is really geared toward the entire family.  With two parallel deck-high slides and a winding (partially enclosed) water slide stretching two-deck high, this was the most popular feature for our kids (and us, truth be told).  Kids must be 42″ to ride the slides and they do enforce that requirement.  Our 4 year-old was 1/2 inch short and they wouldn’t let him go…he was sad, but the squirting, dumping and showering water features soon made him forget.  He loved it so much that when we were on the Disney Wonder (docked next to the Sensation), he emphatically told us that he wanted to go back to the squirters – over there.  We just laughed.

There is also an easy to navigate 9-hole mini-golf course up on Sun Deck (14), a Resort-style pool area (complete with fake palm trees and hot tubs) where our son went in “alone” for the first time, a Virtual Reality room (read video games) and plenty of deck sports like ping pong and shuffleboard.  Our one disappointment was that the library had very limited hours (only about 3-4 during the entire cruise), so we were unable to get any games or kids books.

For mom and dad, there are several shops with the usual trinkets, an internet cafe (Bow2Stern wireless also available), art gallery (only one auction on this cruise), a spa, gym (mainly treadmills and weights with a few elipticals) and best of all, Serenity, Carnival’s exclusive adults-only retreat nestled on the Promenade Deck Aft.  There are plenty of lounge chairs, but only one hot tub.  It does adjoin the Plaza Lounge and is overlooked by the outdoor eating area at the rear of the Seaview Bistro, so privacy can be elusive during mealtimes.

Overall, Carnival has done a great job of putting together a ship full of popular amenities for families.  There is no doubt that your kids can entertain themselves for days without ever getting bored.

Camp Carnival/Circle C

Rating:  B-

Carnival has completed a major overhaul of its kids programs in recent years as part of its focus on appealing to families.  Camp Carnival caters to kids aged 2-11, while Circle C focuses on those tweens, 12-14.  There are also group teen activities, including an exclusive hangout, shore excursions and late night parties.  For a more in-depth review, read our recent article on Camp Carnival.

Camp Carnival activities are extensive and varied, beginning as early as 7:45AM and lasting until 3AM the next morning (after 10PM there is a fee of $6/hr).  Circle C offers evening activities on port days and activities beginning in the afternoon on sea days.  Although very limited, there are also designated times when you can bring children under 2 into the club for free play.  They are also eligible for late night babysitting…and good news, Carnival counselors do change diapers!

The size of Camp Carnival is a bit small, but there are lots of basic toys and fun activities to keep your kids busy.  There aren’t any special features and there is no splash pool or outdoor play area dedicated to the kids club (other than Waterworks), which is why we feel that the offerings are basic, although the amount of activities is significant.

Although security and safety was good, we were not impressed with the youth staff overall.  In one particular encounter, I was with my 4 year-old and one of the youth counselors was short, rude and couldn’t wait to close the door in my face.  Having a shy child, we were disappointed in their lack of ability to deal with children who were unsure of being left alone at the club.  We spoke to many parents onboard and this was a common sentiment.

A few of our readers have commented that their children loved Camp Carnival and that indeed makes lots of sense because there is literally a ton of cool stuff to do, but on this particular ship with these particular counselors, our child and many others would have nothing to do with Camp Carnival.  Conversely, our son has participated in the programs on both Disney and Celebrity, so we cannot determine if it was the club itself, the counselors or some other reason.

Ports Of Call

Rating:  B+

This 4-night sailing called at Freeport and Nassau.  If you haven’t cruised before, these really are two great ports for kids.  We ventured out on our own in both ports, so we cannot comment on the cruise line offerings, however, for both of these ports, doing it on your own is almost always less expensive.  You can read our articles on Freeport Excursions and Lucayan National Park.  Stay tuned for articles on Nassau Excursions and Blue Lagoon Island coming up next week.

Getting on and off the ship was easy, there were no lines and the security staff was fast, efficient and pleasant.

Crew/Cleanliness

Crew Rating:  B     Cleanliness Rating:  A-

In general, most of the other crew that we encountered were friendly, however, we did share an elevator with a particularly grouchy crewmember and the crew staffing the guest relations desk could have used a lesson in congeniality (although the Guest Services Manager, Marcus was awesome).  We also encountered one of the activity staff who lied and when later confronted with it, she was quite embarrassed.  With few exceptions, we found much of the crew to be cordial, but very few went out of their way to provide truly excellent service.

We found the ship to be very clean and sanitary.  There were no dirty dishes, food or other trash collecting in public areas (although they were slow to remove trays in the Seaview Bistro) and the ship overall was well maintained, with the exception of the windows and surrounding paint, which are in dire need of rehabilitation.

Disembarkation

Rating:  B+

The disembarkation process was the traditional chaos, starting with the fact that we never received a sheet telling us the actual process.  I had a meeting with Marcus at 8:30AM, so we left the luggage in our stateroom and our cabin steward was just fine with that.  They want everyone off the ship by 9AM, so it was a rush, but there were no lines and our bags were easy to find, as was a kindly porter who helped us to a taxi for the 3-minute trip to the Disney Wonder.

Conclusion

Overall Rating:  B-

Positive – Great onboard features and amenities (Waterworks, mini-golf, Serenity), fun ports of call, excellent cabin service, lots of kids program activities and a very affordable price.

Negative - Mediocre food and dining service, lack of family entertainment and activities, lack of kids program amenities and oddly configured cabins. 

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Carnival Cruise Line has provided giveaway items to our readers in conjunction with this event.  That participation had no impact on our review.

Disclosure

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Camp Carnival isn’t a traditional camp nor is it considered babysitting, although that is available too. Offered to kids ages 2-11, Camp Carnival is Carnival Cruise Lines answer to keeping your kids busy at sea. On the Sensation, it is located on Verandah deck overlooking the pool. This secluded “club” offers activities and sitting for your youngsters from early morning until 3AM. You will have to pick them up sometime as Camp Carnival does close on most days around mealtimes. However, they even offer group meals for the 6-11 age groups, so your kids really don’t have to leave their new found friends and you don’t have to leave Serenity (Carnival’s secluded adults-only retreat).

The programs are broken down into 3 age groups – 2-5, 6-8 and 9-11, each with their own schedule of activities and counselors. With activities that are tailored to their needs and interests, kids can enjoy play time while mom and dad enjoy quiet time. Activities include arts and crafts, painting, games, free play, group dining, music, age appropriate exercise and even Playstation/Wii for kids 6 and up.

Sound too good to be true? Well, it might be – you’ll have to actually get your kids to participate in the program. Although our 4 year-old has participated in the past, it wasn’t without a great deal of tribulation. This time around, he lasted about 10 minutes. Unusual? Nope – the same story can be heard again and again from parents onboard. So, as I always say, you know your child best. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to drop your youngster off for several hours. If you do, you might be in for an unwelcome surprise.

Well, you’ll never know if you don’t try, so go ahead and try. You can enroll them online prior to your cruise, or visit Camp Carnival on sailing day to sign them up. You’ll be asked to provide a bunch of information, including special needs or allergies. At that point, you’ll be good to go. When dropping off you’ll need to sign them in and take a “phone” in case the counselors need assistance with your child. The good news is that they do change diapers, so you’ll be off the hook for that. There are strict safety protocols, so when you pick up your child, you’ll need your cruise card. Your child can attend as many or as few activities as they like, but if you decide to leave them during port babysitting hours or after 10PM, you’ll pay a $6/hr fee for the first child and $4/hr for each child thereafter.

Once they’ve graduated from Camp, they can still participate in Carnival’s Circle C program that is geared toward 12-14 year-olds. Offering mostly evening activities, Circle C provides your young teens with a place to hang out and participate in cool activities like dance contests, a scavenger hunt, an ice cream eating contest and Sensation Idol. Of course, there is Wii, Playstation and a video arcade to keep them busy too.

Older teens have their own place to hang out too – Club O2. A teen disco and hangout, Club O2 gives your teenager a place to socialize and enjoy their cruise their way. The Youth Staff also organizes teen tours in port so that your teen can enjoy an outing with new found friends.

Carnival also offers free play (with an adult) for toddlers under the age of two. These pre-scheduled events occur throughout the cruise and can be a great way to entertain your toddler. Unfortunately, only one parent can attend and siblings over the age of two are prohibited, making it difficult if you have more than one child.

As compared to other programs, Carnival offers a great deal of activities and late babysitting. Unfortunately, the facilities on the Sensation were rather basic and dreary. Facilities will vary from ship to ship, which can make a difference, so be sure to check in advance. The counselors also seemed a bit less friendly than those we’ve encountered in the past. We perceived them to be indifferent and cold at times, which is in stark contrast to our last experience on Celebrity Cruise Line. Nonetheless, there were many happy children and satisfied parents on this cruise, so they must be doing something right.

Camp Carnival has a great deal of potential and certainly offers one of the best kids programs at sea. I mean, where else can you build a volcano…and explode it? I also love the fact that they incorporate exercise into their schedule. It really is one of the most comprehensive programs that I’ve encountered. Check back next week when we’ll be posting activity schedules for our readers to review.

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Disclosure

Carnival Sensation’s Youth Director, Carla, along with Cruise Director, Skip and Guest Service Manager, Marcus sat down with us for an interview about family cruising onboard Carnival.

What are your duties here onboard ship?

Carla: I oversee the Youth Program for passengers aged 2-17.

Skip: I oversee the onboard entertainment and activities.

Marcus: My staff and I attend to guest questions or problems that arise during their cruise.

What is the most unusual question you’ve even gotten from a passenger?

Marcus: “Where is the information desk?” as they were standing in front of it.

What types of questions do families ask the most?

Marcus: Many questions from families are regarding the family friendly nature of shore excursions.

How long have you been with Carnival?

Carla: 6 Years

Skip: 14 Years

Marcus: 15 Years

How has family cruising changed since you first started?

Skip: With the adoption of new programs, like Camp Carnival, Circle C and O2 Carnival has attracted more families. Dedicated space makes families feel like there are organized activities and that they are no longer left out. Carnival has transitioned from a party ship to a family oriented cruise as evidenced by the slogan – Fun For All.

What priorities do you see when catering to family cruisers?

Carla: Educating families and providing information.

What does each of your kids programs have to offer?

Carla: Camp Carnival for ages 2-11 is more structured. We offer activities, crafts and playtime for the 2-5 group. Ages 6-11 are a bit more advanced with activities like Playstation, making a volcano, an art program phys-ed and group dinner programs. The teen program provides more independence with the most attended activities occurring at night. We also offer teen tours as an alternative to them going ashore with their parents.

Skip: We offer trivia, towel folding, family karaoke, family bean bag toss, family ping-pong and many other family oriented activities.

What type of activities are most popular with kids?

Carla: With teens it’s the dance parties For the 6-11 age group it is Wii/Playstation. With the 2-5 age group it’s the toys, like geotrax and arts and crafts.

Do you have a philosophy or protocol when dealing with kids?

Carla: Have a good time and have fun.

How do you handle kids with special needs?

Carla: On a case by case basis. We review the needs with parents and make a decision based on their abilities. We pick and choose certain activities.

How do you deal with controversial situations and kids who are shy?

Carla: We don’t have much trouble. Children will be excluded if there are behavioral issues. Icebreakers and fun games are some of the tools we use to introduce kids who might be shy.

You are one of the few cruise lines to change diapers – is this a good policy?

Carla: The Youth Staff come from a childcare background, so it really is not a problem. As the Program starts at age 2, it is almost a necessity.

How do you handle safety and security concerns?

Carla: We have double lock gates, ample staff and an open playroom that allows us to view the kids at all times, Signout requires an ID. Out on the ship there are two chaperones at all times when participating in youth activities.

How do you handle the large number of kids that invade the ship during peak season?

Carla: We provide more staff and more patience is required during peak times. We never turn anyone away.

What percentage of kids actually enroll in the youth programs?

Carla: We get about an 80% enrollment rate.

Do you have any insider tips for family cruisers?

Skip: Gather information on Day 1.

Marcus: Be aware of where your children are at all times.

Do you have any advice for families and first time cruisers?

Carla: Use online registration for youth programs so that you don’t have to worry about it upon embarkation.

Thank you to the Carnival staff for providing us with this interview!

This post is part of our Cruise Views Marathon.  Please see special event information for details on how to enter our giveaways.

Disclosure

A thank you goes out to Aly in Carnival’s Corporate PR department and Andy Brown, Hotel Director on the Sensation for granting us the privilege of this interview.

What are your duties here onboard ship?

I basically oversee all non-technical areas, including hotel operations, food & beverage, entertainment, guest services and youth programs. 

How long have you been in this position and with Carnival?

I’ve been with Carnival for 17 years and in my current position for the last four years.

How has family cruising changed since you first started?

Camp carnival has developed and is no longer just babysitting or daycare. Carnival has retrofit many of its ships with more kid friendly features, like adding teen space, Waterworks and enlarging Camp Carnival. We’ve reallocated space to accommodate families needs.

What priorities do you see going forward when catering to family cruisers?

Making family cabins and double baths, which are being considered. The cruise needs to provide a vacation for the entire family of all ages with both alone time and family time together. Finding a balance is important.

Have you seen a significant change in multi generational cruising?

Yes, age doesn’t matter – it is no longer for the rich and wealthy. It is about options.

What are the more popular itineraries and ports with families?

Shorter cruises. The ship is a destination for families. Ports aren’t necessarily as important. We find fewer people getting off at Freeport and limiting their time in Nassau so that they can enjoy the facilities onboard the ships.

When choosing a cabin, what do you believe fits most families needs?

Space is the main thing for a larger family. Two bunks down will make it tight. Connecting doors are also important. Balcony cabins are also popular with families (104 on this ship – some with connecting balconies).

What is your maximum cabin occupancy and ship occupancy?

Most are quad, but some can accommodate 5 with a trundle bed. The original Owner’s Suites are quite large and can accommodate up to 6. Maximum occupancy for the ship is 2634.

Are families an important part of your focus when providing onboard services and accommodations?

Yes, family fun is important.

What has been your peak number of kids sailing and what seasons tend to be the most popular with families?

We’ve had over 1000 kids (under 21) onboard – school holidays and summer are the busiest when the count is typically above 800 on each sailing.

Do you have any insider tips for family cruisers?

Book your cruise and shore excursions online to take advantage of Early Saver deals.

How do you train your Staff to handle families?

There is no special training. CPR and health training are required. Of course, our Youth staff is hired for their ability to interact with children. Also, many of our staff have kids of their own, so they enjoy interacting with the families onboard.

What has Carnival done to accommodate families and dining?

Early seating is most popular, but Your Time Dining is becoming more popular. More families dine on the Lido deck and there is also Camp Carnival dining where the counselors take the kids to the Lido deck and they eat as a group. There is also a dedicated line in the galley for the kids menu.

Is there anything else that you can tell us about Carnival’s dedication to making cruises family friendly?

Kids are kids – if you don’t have kids – our job is to keep kids occupied. Families traveling together is a matter of awareness. We highlight the family fun. Entertainment does not overlap by design. There are some pilot programs, but there will never be a complete overlap. This makes an enjoyable cruise with something for everyone.

Andy, thank you for taking the time to meet with us and we appreciate your dedication to helping families to enjoy their cruise!

This post is part of our Cruise Views Marathon.  Please see special event information for details on how to enter our giveaways.

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