Camp Carnival, Circle "C," and Club O₂ are year-round, fleet-wide programs that provides daily fun-filled and age appropriate activities for children and teenagers between the ages of 2 and 11 years old. In addition, there is supervised "free play" and babysitting service in Camp Carnival. Scheduled activities are planned for the following age groups:  

•  2 - 5 years old
•  6 - 8 years old
•  9 - 11 years old
•  Circle "C" 12 - 14 years old
•  Club O₂ 15 - 17 years old

Our Youth Programs are not a "Day-Care" but an activity based program. The program is designed so that kids have the choice of being with peers of their own age, whenever desired, but also give families the chance to enjoy "quality family time" together.

On Sea Days Camp Carnival’s hours vary with activities starting at 9am and finishing at 10pm. Camp Carnival will close during the day to allow for Under 2’s. The closing times for 2-11 year olds will be 12-2pm/1pm-3pm and again for an hour before the dinner session (this will vary depending on the ship and the run). Activities for 12-14 year olds will vary from ship to ship, but on a typical sea day it will run 10am-12pm, 2-5pm and 8pm-1am. Activities for 15–17 year olds will also vary from ship to ship, but on a typical sea day it will run 1-6pm and 9:30-1pm.  

Babysitting is provided for ages 0-11, nightly, from 10:00pm to 3:00am. There is a charge for this service (see "Babysitting"). 

Camp Carnival Hours on Port Days: Supervised free play begins 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled ship tour to approximately 12:00pm; lunch will be offered and after the lunch an afternoon movie/ cartoons will be shown. Scheduled activities resume at 2:00pm until 10:00pm with a break before dinner. This service is complimentary. For ships that arrive in port later in the day supervised freeplay will be offered in the afternoon (each ship will vary so check with your Youth Staff when you are onboard).       

Children under 2 years old will be offered babysitting services from 12pm-2pm on sea days (Babysitting fees apply). During this time parents can leave their child with the Camp Carnival staff or they are welcome to stay with their child free of charge. Infants under 24 months (2 years) may not participate in any scheduled activities taking place in Camp Carnival. THERE ARE NO AGE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.               

Children aged under 2 years old will be offered babysitting services on sea days during the supervised freeplay times (Babysitting fees apply).  On port day mornings, infant care begins 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled ship tour to 12:00 noon, or port day afternoons during the scheduled freeplay times (for specific times check with your Youth Staff when arriving on board).

How do I sign my children in and out of activities?                

Children 8 YEARS OLD AND UNDER must be signed into Camp Carnival by a PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN who must be over the age of 18. Authorization for another adult over the age of 18 can be granted to pick up the child only, provided this is done each time you sign in your child. The adult responsible will be required to present his/her Sail & Sign Card each time he/she drops off and picks up the child. For the safety of the children, there are no exceptions to this rule.

Children 9 YEARS OLD AND OVER are free to sign themselves in and out of Camp Carnival as they choose for any time and for any reason. Camp Carnival is not responsible for children 9 years old and over once they have signed themselves out of a Camp Carnival Activity. Children are not permitted to sign themselves out after 10pm. Parents that do not want their 9-11 to sign themselves in & out of our activities MUST sign their child in & out when attending Camp Carnival.

There is no sign in and out policy for the teens 12 – 17 years old. They are free to come and go as they choose.

What are the beeper/phone polices onboard? How can you contact us?                                    

Parents with CHILDREN 5 or UNDER will be provided with a beeper/phone for the duration of the cruise. Beepers/phones will be provided for those parents with children 4 and 5 years depending on the ship availability. Beepers/phones must be returned to Camp Carnival BEFORE 10:00pm on the last night of the cruise or you will be charged for it. There is no charge for this service, but there will be a charge for the beeper/phone on your Sail and Sign if the beeper/phone is lost or not returned in good condition.

Parents will be beeped/called if the child is misbehaving, ill, seriously unhappy, asking continuously for their parents and in case of an emergency. The beeper/phone is used for ship-use only; the range does not extend beyond the ship.                          

What will happen to my children in case of an emergency while they're attending Camp Carnival?                                  

All children 11 years of age and younger must wear a muster station wristband throughout the cruise. Wristbands are available from the Youth Staff. In the event of an emergency, children participating in Camp Carnival activities will be taken to the assembly area (this will vary from ship to ship). They will be divided into the appropriate groups according to their muster station by the Youth Staff. During an emergency situation, the parents should collect their own life jackets and their child's life jacket from their stateroom and proceed directly to their muster station. The Youth Staff will deliver all children to their parents muster stations according to their muster station wristbands. 

Do you provide meals & snacks?

Camp Carnival will be closed every sea day for lunch; hours may vary from 12pm-2pm or 1pm-3pm. On port days, children who's parents are off the ship may eat with the Youth Staff. Camp Carnival will ask parents to pick up their children for lunch if they are on board the ship.

Camp Carnival will be closed for dinner on the first night of each cruise (this may vary depending on the ships itinerary). If you choose, we will provide dinner for the children in the Lido Bar and Grill. Check your Camp Carnival capers for the specific time and place. A variety of foods will be offered for the children consisting of different menu each evening. Some of the selections are: spaghetti & meatballs, fish fingers, tacos, chicken nuggets, fried mozzarella, macaroni & cheese, chicken tenders, French fries, cheese & pepperoni pizza along with cookies, fruit, Jell-0 and ice cream. Check your Camp Carnival Menu for each night's specific menu.

Within the Dining Rooms the children's menus feature a wide variety of kids' favorites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, French fries, pepperoni pizza, and banana splits, along with a "daily junior special" offering something new and different each day. The menus are included on the back page of a fun coloring/activity book featuring word finds, mazes, tic-tac-toe, crossword puzzles, connect the dots and other games. Crayons are also provided.        

Due to severe food allergies and USPH requirements no food can be brought into the Camp Carnival facility. Light snacks may be provided by the Youth Staff, some activities will involve food products, this will be clearly indicated in your Camp Carnival Capers.                      

Do you take children who are in diapers?                                       

It is not mandatory for toddlers to be potty-trained in order to participate in the Camp Carnival Program. Parents must provide the youth counselors with diapers and toiletries to be used for their child. 

Do you administer medication?                                     

The Camp Carnival Staff may not administer any medication and/or needles to any child participating in the Youth Activity Program.  Additionally, no medications with the exception of epi-pens, diabetic testing equipment & inhalers are permitted in the playroom. If your child requires regular medication while attending Camp Carnival, parents must return to administer that medication.                     

What are the Staff Qualifications for Camp Carnival?                               

Our Youth Programming Staff is friendly and experienced and want to enhance your child's vacation experience.

Carnival knows the importance of providing your children with top-notch care and supervision. Our Youth Staff has to meet important educational and professional requirements, as well as pass an extensive background check. All of our Youth Staff members are college educated in Education, Youth Recreation, or has professional experience (teaching, daycare, camp) with children. Our Youth Staff is an international array of professionally trained counselors in CPR and basic First Aid. Additionally, should there be a medical emergency; all staff are instructed to contact the parents immediately, as well as the shipboard infirmary.