We chose the Carnival cruise line for our anniversary getaway because it was the least expensive and their children\’s program takes children at age 2, and they do not need to be potty trained. I read many reviews and it seemed Carnival was one of the best cruises for children.
To their credit, the program was organized and they had many fun things planned. It was safe, the parent who signed in the kids was the only one who could sign them out. They did not allow parents beyond the gated sign-in point (which proved to be a big issue for us), and they gave out beepers to reach you at any time (proved to be an issue once more!).
They emphasized at the orientation that their program was NOT a childcare program. Oh really. It didn\’t say that on the website. It touted all the experience and education the workers had, but never eluded to the fact that one should sign-up your child(ren) according to the different activities planned. They encourage parents to only bring their children according to the themes each child would enjoy. Sounds acceptable, but…
Because it was \”program\” based rather than \”childcare\” it proved difficult for them to comfort the child that needed some \”encouragement\” (like mine did). They said that they had a program to run and didn\’t have the resources to comfort or help a child adjust (despite having 3-4 adults for 12 kids - good ratio, and the cruise had very low attendance for kids). I realize I can sound like an insensitive parent, neglecting the \”needs\” of my kids, allowing them to cry. But you know, I \”stay at home\” and give them plenty of time. Mama needed a break (Daddy too), and the way we saw it — we were paying for it… My kids didn\’t understand, but they needed me to have a break too!
To make matters worse, the policy was to not allow parents past the gate — safety. Alrighty, but how many 2 year olds just let ya pass \’em over, no questions asked - especially in a new, strange place??? We were finally allowed 2 times, and it was helpful in getting Livi \”warmed up\”.
Our overall experience with Carnival Cruise Line\’s \”Camp Carnival\” — we were made to feel like we were \”bad parents\” for wanting to leave our kids in their very special, highly acclaimed kids\’ program. On the very first night during orientation, before we had taken the kids in, we already felt like we were mean and neglectful. It almost felt like they were discouraging us from utilizing the program. They tell the story of many parents leaving their children for hours on end, and the kids not wanting to return. Geese, from the way they tell it online, that\’s how the kids would want it! Funny little twist.
We just wanted a nice balance of family time and down time. We ended up getting some of both, but we really could have used a bit more down time… with a lot less guilt.
[…] ;s program. He then chided me, even taunted as my daughter (who wouldn't go into the childrens program) wandered beyond some obscure point in the lobby and he egged, “You'd […]