“We want everyone to enjoy what we’re famous for — FUN!”
After going on our first ever Carnival Cruise on board Carnival Spirit , the ship that will call Australia home from October 2012, it’s hard to argue with Carnivals tag line...
Fun for all. All for fun.
There was heaps of fun on offer on this cruise ship holiday for our four year old daughter Kalyra, and for kids of all ages at all times of the day.
When you’re on a ship that’s the length of three footy fields and 12 decks tall, there’s never a shortage of things to do, see, taste and try for the kiddies.
There were two things we were really excited about going on the cruise as a family; the opportunity to participate in tons of fun activities, and for Kalyra to have lots of kids her own age to play with.
In no particular order, here is our list of kids activities…
1. Mini-Golf
Kalyra had so much fun playing the 9 hole mini-golf course, and she was really good at it for her age, even getting a hole-in-one. On Carnival, you have unlimited time and games to enjoy with the whole family…
Kalyra teeing off
Daddy and Kalyra
2. Hit the Pools
It wouldn’t be a cruise without hanging by the pool. And if your kiddies are anything like Kalyra, then there will be plenty of pool action. With two family friendly pools and spas on board, your kids can swim and play till their hearts are content…
Kalyra lovin the pool
Kalyra and Daddy in the pool
3. Youth Programs
One of the great things about Carnival Spirit was the kids club (youth programs). Not only will your kids love the activities and hanging out with other kids their own age, but it’s a welcome time out for us busy parents.
There are three different youth programs catering to different ages:
- Camp Carnival where kids ages 2-11 have their own space, games, paints, crayons, scavenger hunts, and pool area. Kalyra loved her time at Camp Carnival and the counselors were fantastic.
- Circle “C”. Teens 12–14 hang out for late-night movies, night time swims, sports, latest video games and dance parties.
- Club 02. Teens 15–17 gather in their own lounge area to play the latest video games, dance on the state-of-the-art dance floor, or just relax and chat with friends at the non-alcoholic drink bar.
4. The Waterpark
What will be the largest waterpark at sea in Australia was a “splash” with Kalyra. This area is more for the younger kids and it includes a mini-slide and giant splash bucket. And with an elevated position on the ship parents can relax with a book and an awesome ocean view whilst your kids have fun in the sun…
Kalyra on the left
Daddy and Kalyra
5. The Water slides
Twister
Twist your way down in the yellow twister water slide that’s great for all kids, but especially the younger ones. A fun way for them to cool off and be drenched in fun…
Daddy and Kalyra
Green Thunder
The older kids will love Green Thunder, the fastest water slide in all of cruising. Your adrenaline starts pumping as the count down begins to the floor beneath you dropping away as you shoot vertically downwards at high speed, twist over the edge of the ship, and then shoot out the other end…
Green Thunder
6. Eat Yummy Food
With food options galore for breakfast, lunch, and dinner your kids will not want for anything. In particular, the La Playa Grille is an international food court with a plethora of options.
But if the four restaurants are not enough, the 24 hour Pizza and Ice Cream in the Lido is a hit and the room service in your cabin or on your balcony makes for a fantastic experience…
Empire Restaurant
Spaghetti
mini desserts
Chocolate melting cake
Kalyra having pancakes for breakfast
Kalyra’s favorite – Blueberry Pancakes
ice cream
7. The Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet
Your kids will not won’t to miss this. It’s a chocolate lovers heaven. Just think chocolate and they can create it…
chocolate smorgasborg
chocolate fountain
so many cakes
so yummy
8. Enjoy Quality Time with Mum and Dad
Are you a busy family? Do you struggle to spend quality free time with each other? We really enjoyed a few opportunities to just “do nothing” but sit around, take a sunset walk on the deck, and some family pictures. For us, life is all about the memories…
mummy and Kalyra take a sunset walk
Kalyra and mummy take time out
Kalyra and Daddy’s sunset photo
9. See a Family Friendly Show
From family friendly comedy shows to live entertainment of singing, dancing, and games throughout the day and after dinner, your kids will love all that is on offer.
10. Land Based Activities
Not only is there unlimited fun on board for the kids, but take advantage of the land based activities at your port of call. Our Carnival Spirit cruise was to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and we enjoyed a 4×4 jeep adventure, family time at the beach, and yummy food options from the locals…
Now just imagine doing this in the Pacific Islands or New Zealand…
Jeep adventure in Cabo
fun at the beach in Cabo
fun in the sand
Kalyra admiring her ship
fun in the Mexico sun
Daddy and Kalyra
yummy nachos in Cabo
delicious fish tacos in Cabo
The Facts
Carnival Spirit will call Sydney, Australia home from October 2012 with various cruises throughout the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.
Website: www. Carnival.com.au
Question….Is a Carnival Spirit Cruise on your bucket list? What are you most excited about?
Disclaimer: Our cruise on Spirit was courtesy of Carnival Cruises, but all opinons are our own.
