We have just returned from a 5 day Carnival Cruise out of New Orleans, LA, with stops in Cozumel and Progresso. Although Ken and I usually cruise on another line we joined most of our family to celebrate a milestone birthday for our son-in-law. Carnival offered everything that a multi-generational family holiday would want, making this a perfect family vacation.
Planning and communication were the key ingredients in our decisions about where and when to travel. Here are nine reasons why you and your family should consider a cruise vacation.
- Price Point
Carnival offers exceptional value so that it will fit into every members budget. If someone in your group has cruised with them before the offers can be even more enticing.
- Length of Cruise
Carnival offers shorter duration cruises of 3 – 5 days. Although it wasn’t enough time by any means it did allow us to find an itinerary that fit into everyone’s available vacation time and busy lives.
- Youth Programs
Most of our granddaughter’s best memories were of her time with the youth program. Camp Ocean for ages 2 – 11 offered a diverse program of activities that engaged the children in a safe and well supervised arena. For more information check out their information page at https://www.carnival.com/onboard/camp-ocean.
- Ship wide activities that appealed to all of us
From the production shows with early performance times, PG rated comedians, all age inclusive family friendly games and movies on the big screen on the Lido deck there was always something to do.
- Onboard Self Service Laundry Facilities
Every other deck or so featured laundry facilities. For a small fee you could wash, dry and iron your own clothes. Maybe not top of your list on vacation but when you are travelling with children it can be a life saver.
- Lot of Food Choices
Main dining room and buffet aside there were a number of specialty food kiosks offering everything from burgers and hot dogs to pizza and burritos. The children’s menu in the main dining rooms were extensive as well so that there will be no issues if your child is a picky eater. And lots and lots of ice cream!
- Carnival is affiliated with Dr. Seuss, Build a Bear and NASA.
There was plenty of events and themed camps featuring these recognizable and comfortable brands that every child will know and enjoy. Some were an additional cost but not so much that it became prohibitive.
- Shore Excursions
We were able to find shore excursions that satisfied all of us. Our first was a beach day that allowed us to swim in the
Gulf of Mexico for the first time and the second a bus tour that included Mayan ruins, a visit to a Spanish Hacienda (for the history and culture buffs), and a cenote swim (for the adventurous) that everyone agreed was the highlight.
- Jude’s Research Hospital Charity Event
Carnival Cruise Line supports St. Jude’s Research Hospital by fundraising on their ships. You can do something as simple as donating your unused ship credits to making a monetary donation. It was wonderful to share giving with the whole family. If you would like to read more about this initiative please go to https://www.carnival.com/content/st-jude.
Whatever cruise line or destination you choose it is now obvious to us the importance of sharing travel and the love of adventure with your whole family, from the very young to the very old.