Cruising in 2023 - What Families Need to Know about Carnival Cruises

Families are ready to get out and explore once again. Cruising is back, and it’s better than ever. With new onboard activities, bucket list-worthy ports of call, and ships designed with kids and adults in mind, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Carnival carries more children than any other cruise line. In 2022, they celebrated their 50th birthday and debuted the brand-new ship, Celebration, the line’s first roller coaster at sea, and much more.

Cruising with Carnival

While many things have changed since your last cruise, one thing remains the same: cruising with Carnival is the perfect way for families to create lasting memories together.

Here’s what families need to know about cruising with Carnival in 2023.

Multi-Generational Family Vacations

Multi-generational families love cruises—and many sail Carnival year after year. It’s because these cruises are affordable and there are activities on and off the ship for all ages. There’s no arguing over where to go or what to do as families can split up during the day, gathering for dinner to talk over their adventures.

Carnival’s Youth Program is one of the best at sea, offering age-appropriate activities for kids from 2 to 17. While some activities are à la carte, most are included in the price of your cruise. Activities include arts and crafts, sports tournaments, scavenger hunts, dance parties, talent shows, and more.

Carnival also has an excellent teen program. With new friends, teens can explore the ship and take part in activities like pool parties, dance clubs, video game competitions, trivia contests, and more.

For the adults in the family, Carnival offers a wide range of activities as well. Adults get time together to relax at the spa, enjoy a cocktail by the pool, or take dance classes. Carnival also offers adult-only dining and entertainment options. There’s an adult-only Serenity area (ideal when vaccinated kids are busy with organized programming) and plenty of evening shows.

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Family Cruise Itineraries:

There are many great itineraries to choose from when cruising in 2023. Families can cruise to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, and more.

In California, Princess Cruises is touting its first summer season to Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast. Holland America has more cruises from San Diego, including up the California Coast in the fall, an extended Alaska season, and then the new itineraries down under.

In 2022, Holland America’s 75th season in Alaska debuted with “Alaska Up Close” programming onboard. Among HAL’s authentic experiences on land, FOOD & WINE shore excursions encourage guests to chow down at a crab feast or sample Anchorage’s craft beer.

Related: Before leaving on an Alaska Cruise, find out What to Pack for An Alaska Cruise with this + Printable Packing List

Opt for a short 2 to 4-day getaway to Ensenada, Mexico from Long Beach, or to the Bahamas from Miami on Carnival. These “Fun Ship” cruises are great for first-time cruisers or families short on vacation time.

Carnival offers longer 6 to 9-day cruises to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and more. These cruises are great for families who want to explore a destination in depth. With more time in port, families can take part in shore excursions, visit local attractions, and more.

For something truly special, consider a longer cruise. Carnival offers cruises that are 10 days or longer to destinations like Europe. These cruises are perfect for families who want to explore multiple countries and experience the cultures of Europe.

Drive-To Options Near You

There are now more than two dozen ports from which to depart on a cruise, thanks to the growing interest among passengers. Most Americans can reach a Carnival cruise in around 5 hours.

What’s New for Families

There are many new and exciting things for families to enjoy when cruising in 2023. Families can now enjoy private family cabins, interactive kids clubs, new attractions, and more.

Apps make planning on board easier. With Princess’ wearable Medallions, you can make reservations, check in with your kids, and order food delivered wherever you are on the ship. Use the Carnival Hub App to check in to dine. The App tells you when your table is ready as well as what’s open when, the menus and the scheduled for activities (maybe a Thriller Dance Class, Trivia, Family Feud Live or an acupuncture demo).

Carnival Cruise Kids Activities

Carnival, which carries more children than any other cruise line, boasts plenty of activities for all ages. Depending on which ship you choose, you’ll find planning activities like cooking lessons, video games, laser tag, and water parks for kids.

Carnival Panorama has the first-ever SkyZone at Sea (an indoor trampoline park and challenge zone. SkyRide lets you zip safely around a two-line suspended course.

Love Roller Coasters?

Here’s your chance for bragging rights on one of the newest roller coasters— though not in a theme park, but on a cruise ship. Specifically, on Carnival’s newest ship Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida.

Her sister ship, Celebration, which also will have a Bolt Coaster, sets sail in November, in time for the cruise line’s 50th birthday.

Onboard Activities

Take your pick of mini-golf, basketball, the jogging track, soccer, volleyball, foosball, and ping-pong at SportsSquare. SkyCourse is a ropes course high above the sea. Seuss at Sea is a family-friendly program with activities, events, and characters from the Dr. Seuss book series.

Pools & Splash Zones

Carnival has some of the largest outdoor spaces at sea for you to soak up the sun or take a dip in one of the family-friendly pools. Adults can also relax in the adults-only Serenity areas.

WaterWorks is an onboard waterpark. Some Carnival ships have side-by-side racing water slides and there are areas for toddlers with a splash pad, too.

Sensory Inclusive Certified

Carnival is the first cruise line to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity, a leading nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities. All of Carnival’s guest-facing crew have been trained to understand and help guests with sensory/cognitive needs.

KultureCity Sensory Bags can be checked out for the duration of the cruise (on a complimentary and first-come, first-served basis), and include comfortable noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard, to help the staff easily identify a guest.

Health Information

Families recognize that cruises are one of the safest vacation options right now. The CDC has removed COVID-19 warnings for cruise ship travelers and has now relaxed a key pandemic cruise regulation. This will allow more kids—and unvaccinated children—to sail on “highly vaccinated” ships.

For ships to be considered highly vaccinated, 90% of passengers five and older must be vaccinated. (Children under five not eligible for vaccines yet aren’t counted.) Crew vaccination requirements remain at 95%.

The Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA) said this latest CDC change recognizes protective measures the industry has taken and will allow more families with unvaccinated children to cruise.

The cruise industry has developed a multi-layer approach to health and safety including proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding; regular testing of crew; an environment where every eligible person is vaccinated; ongoing sanitation of all public spaces and guest/crew rooms; social distancing, enhanced air ventilation, and other measures that public health experts around the world have endorsed.

“Safer than going to the grocery store,” one mom with a young daughter said aboard Mardi Gras.

Food Options to Delight Foodies

There are more food options and specialty restaurants than ever – 22 dining venues (and 12 bars and lounges) aboard Mardi Gras including Chibang, a new complimentary restaurant that offers both Mexican and Chinese fare (think Chinese noodle bowls or burrito bowls).

Other Carnival favorites are Guy’s (Fieri) Pig & Anchor Smokehouse serving up BBQ and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken. It’s the star player’s first on a cruise ship that features crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders and baskets with fries, slaw and potato salad and breakfast served till 3 pm. Shaq serves as Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, by the way.

Fresh Creations (adults only) features hand-tossed salads while Street Eats is a bow to the food truck craze with changing open-air stations (Think Steam Dream for bao buns or Mad Sizzle for kebabs and satay; Time Fries is a hit with loaded French fries.

There’s Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki (at an extra charge) and Cucina del Capitano where you can dig into pizza, lasagna, pasta (choose your own sauce and toppings) and more. Some guests aboard Mardi Gras boasted there were so many choices they never ate in the main dining room.

Kid-Friendly Food Options

And the youngest foodies in the crowd appreciate they can eat whatever and whenever they want without any extra cost. No worries either if someone needs a special diet. Vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, sugar-free—can be arranged without any muss or fuss.

Reasons Family LOVE Carnival Cruises

Families love Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island in the Bahamas with beaches, horseback riding in the sand, a beached pirate ship, and more.
They also give a thumbs up to the Family Harbor staterooms and suites near the Family Harbor Lounge where families can get breakfast, snacks, and activities like movies and video games.
There are also all-inclusive options. Princess Cruises has just announced Princess Premier, a new add-on package that offers guests unlimited WIFI (for up to four devices, premium/top shelf beverage with bar charges included, photos, specialty dining, and tips for the crew—all for just $75 per person a day. A bottle of wine at dinner could cost that much!

Get Help from a Travel Advisor at no Extra Cost

Because of the bewildering array of choices, this is a time to work with a travel advisor who is a cruise expert. They can not only talk you through your options but guarantee you get the best deal—including a few extra perks. If you already have a cruise line in mind, follow them on social media where you’ll get the latest news and deals.

Consider what your family needs and wants most aboard. With adult kids, perhaps it is having a drink and Wi-Fi package. With grade-schoolers and teens, organized youth activities can be important, especially for the days at sea. A travel advisor who is a cruise expert can help you sort out the options and find the best one for you.

Bon Voyage!

Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

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Cruising in 2023 – What Families Need to Know about Carnival Cruises

Cruising with Carnival

Multi-Generational Family Vacations

Family Cruise Itineraries:

Drive-To Options Near You

What’s New for Families