FaMily CruiSinG | Carnival STyle
Shore eXCurSionS:
The KidS are all riGhT How to keep them (and yourself) happy in port
CLOCKWiSE FROM TOP: dining on the Lido deck; Lido pasta buffet; softserve ice cream.
TaKe TiMe To reFuel Hungry campers have a lot of options for lunch, including that great Lido buffet. The whole family can find something they love. The menu includes plenty of made-to-order favorites such as burgers, sandwiches and pizza. International options such as Indian cuisine will satisfy more-adventurous palates. When dinner rolls around, head to the Lido buffet with your family or Camp Carnival friends, or have a seat in a main restaurant and let the professional wait-staff team serve you. Here, the first “course” for kids is a box of crayons and festive menus that double as activity sheets. Snacking between meals means free soft ice cream and frozen yogurt, 24-hour pizzerias and optional “Bottomless Bubbles” that give everyone the green light to enjoy unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise. TiMe To relaX — or rev uP Carnival’s roomy standard staterooms are always a welcoming retreat at the end of a long, fun day — and if you realize you’ve forgotten to pack something for your little ones, rest assured Carnival is there to help. The Fun Shops have sundries like toothpaste, and guests can rent strollers (although supplies may be limited). After a day on board or in port, mom and dad may want a guilt-free evening hitting the ships’ entertainment venues. no problem. The kids will be just fine in Camp Carnival’s night Owls program (fees apply). With games, movies, snacks and special parties throughout the cruise, kids have a lot to keep them busy at night. All you have to do is ask. On a Carnival cruise, families rule. 32
CArnIvAL CruISe LIneS FuN ASHORE
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Get active. A kayaking, biking or trekking tour lets them expend their seemingly unlimited reserves of energy while all of you can enjoy the breathtaking sights along the way. Some kids’ excursions cost about 10 to 25 percent less than their adult counterparts. Check for a minimum age (which often is about 8 years old). Have lunch. Exposing your kids to the local cuisine of a port is an easy way to teach them about the region’s ABOVE, FROM TOP: Jungle trekking; a Mexican feast; mom and culture. In Mexico, sample son take in the sights in Rome. the homemade fajitas, guacamole and salsa; while in Key West, go for the conch fritters; and in Europe, savor gelato, pizza and pasta. You get the picture. Ask questions. Depending on the age and disposition of your offspring, before choosing an organized tour for your family, find out how long the bus ride will be to the main points of interest. Most kids can easily handle 30 or 40 minutes at a stretch, but an hour or more on the road may be too much to handle for some. Luckily, plenty of ship tours don’t require long drives. Pack smart. When heading into port, be sure to carry a couple of bottles of water from the ship (the local water may not be drinkable), as well as sunblock, cash (some local currency if that’s necessary) and something to deal with motion sickness (the winding hinterland roads your motor coach tour or taxi may traverse might take their toll on your kids’ tummies).
Teen SPa ServiCeS Mother/daughter pedicure
Teens ages 13 to 17 can book relaxing spa treatments, from massages to manicures and pedicures. Carnival also packages these spa services as mother/ daughter and father/son combos as well, giving the whole family an excuse for a little stressfree togetherness.
all photos this paGe: carnival cruise lines eXcept For (MeXican Feast) Garren/shutterstocK.coM; (MoM/son on tour Bus) losevsKY pavel/shutterstocK.coM; (Mother/dauGhter pedicure) Brian chase/shutterstocK.coM.
10/6/11 10:58 AM