7-night Western Caribbean From Galveston, TX

Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm”.

So maybe you’ve had sushi on a cruise before, but you’ve never had it like Bonsai Sushi, the onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot. Dine amidst expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable catches… plus soups, sides, sakes and desserts. So the next time you’re taking an onboard stroll, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe a whole ship — it feeds two, and keeps them satisfied.

Say arrivederci to ordinary and ciao to an exciting dining experience at the restaurant that pays homage to a unique heritage. Italian-American dishes inspired by the recipes from our Italian captains’ and officers’ childhoods are served up family-style in a comfy, eclectic environment decorated like an Italian country home. Vintage images of captains and ships adorn the walls, and there’s even a Captain’s table where you just might see the man himself dine.

Carnival has teamed up with best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to our toppings bar and truly make it your own.

A modern dining spot inspired by a millennia-old society, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen serves up enticing dishes in an eclectic space that brings not just good food, but good fortune — and perhaps a surprise or two — to the table. You’ll enjoy your meal among Asian prayer rolls and Mongolian-inspired fabrics that infuse northern-country style into this unique culinary experience. Ji Ji offers a full-service menu featuring a mix of exotic and familiar dishes designed to challenge and delight your senses.

Featuring a nice variety of casual dining options like Mongolian Wok, Chef's Choice, Salad Bar, Carnival Deli and more, the Lido Restaurant has something — or more likely, at least a few somethings — to satisfy your craving. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and food options for everyone, you can enjoy your personal favorites while dining in the company of family and friends. It’s also where you can find the pizza station and soft serve and frozen yogurt… both open 24 hours a day, which ought to be enough for anybody.

If the Lido Deck is the center of fun, Pizzeria del Capitano is good taste central. Having taken the Italian mojo of Cucina del Capitano and extended its delicious skills to pizza. Featuring piping hot slices right out of the oven, with your choice of toppings, Pizzeria del Capitano is the good kind of cheesy — the best reason to stop in for a taste of our hand-tossed specialties made with fresh mozzarella. 

Get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog Pub is our laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively Key West-inspired pub. Sample Caribbean fare, dominate at the foosball table, enjoy some sweet tunes from live musicians and sip our tasty signature private-label brew, ThirstyFrog Red. So kick back and feel the island vibe come to life. You’ll be a local here before you know it.

Forget what “they” say — the most important meal of the day is brunch. Slumberers can sleep in and still enjoy breakfast favorites, while early-risers get a head-start on lunch. And Seaday Brunch brings everybody’s favorite mid-morning meal to your Carnival cruise, and does it right. You’ll enjoy huevos rancheros, special french toast, loaded mac-n-cheese… and yes, more ways to cook eggs than we even thought was possible. Chow down and fuel up — you’ve got lots of exploring to do, across the ship, for the rest of the day.

A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll, in a salad or atop a platter — Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New-England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. On a Carnival cruise is where you’ll find this shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be!

Every night at dinner you'll find your menu featuring a selection of favorites... and perhaps future favorites, new and surprising dishes to try because your taste buds don't get a vacation. Bring all your buds and gather around a big table for a sit-down meal, complete with a fresh design twist you can't miss. Choose Your Time Dining and do dinner — plus a pre-dinner drink at Horizon's full bar — whenever the time is right

High cuisine meets great atmosphere at Fahrenheit 555, a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. This one features your choice of steak cuts, lobster, lamb and more… and inside, there’s even a full bar to pour great pairings. Outside, there’s seating for dining al fresco. They’re the building blocks of an amazing experience — delectable elements that combine with great service to offer an evening to remember.

When you cruise Carnival, take a seat at The Chef's Table. At this gathering of fellow foodies you'll indulge in a cascading series of delectable plates as the chef shows off a little, all to the delight of the discerning palates seated around the table. Dinner is the main event, but prepare to have your eyes opened as you enjoy a galley tour, for a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens.

A voyage to new destinations is the perfect time to try new things… and here’s the perfect place: The Taste Bar. Stop by for a taste of the flavors awaiting you at dining venues across the Carnival fleet. Pick up a complimentary appetizer before dinner for a taste of something different.

Why should you eat on anyone’s schedule but your own? Munch to the beat of your own clock at the dining room — sit-down dinner service is available daily to early birds at 6 pm and to night owls at 8:15. More of a free bird? Take the Your Time Dining option and come in for dinner when the mood strikes — get seated and feasting in no time. (Just a reminder: casual food options are always available around the clock.)

You don’t have to leave behind your desire for great barbecue when you cruise. Fat Jimmy, the resident expert, simmers, sauces and serves up backyard-and-beach-cookout fare like Italian sausage, barbecue chicken breast, and of course the classic pulled pork sandwich. He hasn’t forgotten the details either, the sides that get your barbecue juices flowing: baked beans, cole slaw, and potato salad, to name a few. Bring everyone, because like any great family gathering, the food’s awesome, free… and there’s plenty of it.

Maybe you take your coffee straight-up, or perhaps you prefer your pick-me-up with an upgrade. From the simply caffeinated to the simply sublime, nothing satisfies your coffee craving like JavaBlue Café, featuring fun twists on the hot and cold drinks you enjoy. While the coffee is the main event here, there’s more to JavaBlue — enjoy the baked treats we like to call “comfort snacks”… which you’ll call “delicious!

Or why not grab something downright refreshing at Shake Spot- where they offer more than just your average shake. Of course, they’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a classic, but since you’re cruising, why not go for something tropical… or for the adults, maybe even spiked? With a variety of tempting, handcrafted shakes and indulgent floats, Shake Spot is your cool spot for something sweet.

There's chuckle-funny, then there's laughing-so-hard-you-can-barely-breathe funny. To take our Punchliner Comedy Club talent way over the top, having teamed up with renowned comedian and TV personality George Lopez. George is the 'curator of comedy,' the 'finder of funny,' the… 'locator of laugh-out-loud' (sorry, we'll leave the jokes to him), helping select talent for the fleet wide Punchliner Comedy Clubs.

A spot that's intriguing by night and friendly anytime, step into the Havana Bar and be transported to antebellum Cuba preserved today in old postcards, vintage literature… and classic delicacies. Take in great ocean views as you taste something authentically Cuban: café Cubano (that’s Cuban coffee!), handcrafted cocktails of Cuban origin (think daiquiris, mojitos and more), or mouth-wateringly fresh — and wallet-wateringly free — Cuban pastries. And this spot definitely doesn’t cool down when the sun goes down, with music and dancing keeping things hot well into the night.

You don’t need to be a mix-master to appreciate Alchemy – you just have to be up for trying something new. We’ve been stirring up some magic behind the scenes at Carnival to produce a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this unique vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.” Let cocktail specialists prescribe you something from the bar, with both nonalcoholic and alcoholic elixirs to remedy what ails you. Or, create your own custom concoction from a variety of unique ingredients.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the onboard spot to chill and enjoy a slushy tequila drink or an ice-cold Mexican cerveza. The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a lineup of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or by the pitcher, and even a special Mexican beer cocktail (yes, really). Where can you find this little slice of Mexican paradise? Next to the pool, of course. So stay cool and take in the bar’s vacation vibe while you kick back on your cruise – that’s what official bar mascot Blue the Iguana would tell you.

Night time isn't the only time to see stars on your cruise. Day or night, find a spot on deck and check out the huge poolside screen — it's Carnival's Seaside Theatre! Hit movies, live sporting events, concerts and even cartoons for the kids are just some of what you'll find featured at this large-scale outdoor entertainment zone. Grab a copy of the Fun Times and check the day's listings... then grab a friend or three and get ready to kick back and enjoy.

A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you!

Ready to see stars? Park yourself in front of the big screen — the really big screen — and settle in for a night at the cinema… under some real stars. From the comfort of your poolside lounge chair, or even the pool itself, you'll enjoy the most recent blockbuster movies from categories like Comedy, Action & Adventure and Date Night. And don't think that being in the middle of the sea means going without the usual comforts. There's not only popcorn — who could forget that? — but blankets! So lounge around, snuggle up and try to remember the last time you truly enjoyed a night at the movies.

Nobody can get the party started like a great DJ, right? That's why DJ IRIE is in the mix (pun intended) to make the nightlife on board Carnival hotter than ever. He'll be heading up "DJ IRIE's Spin'iversity," a program designed to train DJs to keep their spinning skills sharp and their personalities party-ready. Oh, and as for music, graduates will be spinning expanded musical catalogs in clubs across the fleet for maximum guest body-rocking.

"Shop 'til you drop," right? Wrong — you still have a lot of vacation fun ahead of you! Get your shopping done without dropping at the convenient — and hey, fun — Fun Shops, located aboard your next Carnival cruise. With some of the greatest deals you'll find anywhere on jewellery, watches, beauty products and liquor... plus unique Carnival products you definitely won't find anywhere else.

To compare the IMAX experience to “just seeing a movie” is like calling a Carnival cruise “just a vacation.” It sounds about right… but experienced folks know better. That’s why stepping into the IMAX Theatre you’ll find on a Carnival cruise is more like taking a brief escape from life. On the other side of the amazing screen you’ll find a world of first­-run Hollywood blockbusters, recent hit films and IMAX shorts, all in a huge format that makes normal theatres look like your smartphone screen.

Internet cafés harken back to kinder, simpler times — bygone days when the Internet was a place you would visit and stay a while, before returning to your “real life.” These days, with the whole Internet always right there in our pockets, we’ve forgotten the simple pleasures of surfing in moderation. A Carnival cruise is the perfect place to return to a (mostly) disconnected lifestyle — visit the onboard Internet café to check in with the outside world now and then. Perhaps do it over a cup of coffee, maybe send a photo home… but definitely don’t spend your vacation answering boring work emails. They’ll be there when you get home.

Grab the mic and channel your inner rock king, pop princess or disco queen, when you join in the karaoke fun aboard a Carnival cruise. Choose from traditional karaoke or the Superstar Live Karaoke, where you don’t just pick the song you want to sing — you perform it backed by a live band playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and, yes, even your own back-up singers! Whichever karaoke experience you choose, choose from hundreds of titles that span a wide variety of genres, from Motown, country and rock classics to today's pop hits.

With wall-to-wall activities, most people wouldn’t think of their cruise vacation as a great time to read a book, but you’ll find the bibliophilic faithful stretched out on deck chairs, enjoying the sun, sea breeze… and a page-turner. Forgot to bring a book? E-reader battery just died? Every Carnival ship features an onboard library stocked with the good stuff. For the silent types, it’s a great place to read, but if the roar of the ocean is more your soundtrack, the library is a great place to find a good read to devour, al fresco.

Want to rock 'n' roll every night and every day? Well, you've come to the right ship. Bringing some of the best performers on land out to sea for an ambiance that can't be beat. From happy-go-lucky island rock at RedFrog Pub to sing-alongs at the piano bar to let's-get-this-party-started jams on Lido deck, chances are you'll find a live performance on board that gets your hands clapping and toes tapping. And for the ultimate concert experience at sea, check out Carnival LIVE.

Get up and get down at the most happenin' club in the Caribbean. Our DJs are spinning today's hottest hits and yesterday's golden oldies, guaranteed to get you out of your seat and tapping your feet. (Hey, that rhymed!) Whether you're doing the robot or the worm or just swaying to the music, you'll want to dance 'til the sun rises. Or at least 'til last call. Oh yeah... the themed parties are pretty fun too.

Ocean Plaza’s where it all comes together — and all in all, it’s all kinds of delicious. Enjoy live music, coffee and snacks, dancing… and best of all the outdoors are right next door, so expect extra helpings of sunshine and sea breezes, simply ripe for the sitting and savoring. Oh, and when nature’s all done sunning for the day, Ocean Plaza transforms into a spot that’s seriously stunning for the night. Get your nightlife — not to mention your daylife — done at Ocean Plaza.

Play it again, Sam. Or Diana. Or whatever your name is. Because this is the bar where you call the shots – and the songs. Pull up a seat, order your favorite cocktail, and let your friendly piano player know the songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don't feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries. Shy songbirds are welcome here, too. And since it's open from early evening to late at night, it's the perfect spot for a before-dinner drink or singing 'til the wee hours of the evening.

When was the last time you got up and danced… at the theater? Playlist Productions takes tunes you know and presents them like you’ve never experienced before — past favorites become full-blown musical productions featuring singers and dancers bringing down the house. Enjoy the spicy sounds of Latin Nights, or the larger-than-life favorites (and personalities) of Divas. Don't forget Motor City — which will have you dancing in your seat — or even The Brits!, a swingin’ revue of your across-the-pond favourites. Enter the center of groove with the passionate Heart of Soul. Rounding out the lineup is the anything-but-square Getaway Island, the arena-shaking sounds of Epic Rock, the piano-pounding 88 Keys, the totally bad-meaning-good 80s Pop to the Max, plus the funky, sophisticated... and not at all exclusive Studio VIP, where everyone’s welcome to come and get down!

Try to keep your excitement under control — at least for the time being — because you're gonna need a steady hand and a little luck to win at the casino prize games. There are cash prizes and awesome electronics at stake, so when you win, you win big. At that point, feel free to go a little crazy, jump up and down if that's your thing… because you and your steady hand are winners!

Or why not try your hand at Roulette, Blackjack, Slot Machines, Poker or some of the Casino Tournaments!

Taking the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.

Get hands-on with a game, a drink… and high-fives galore! SKYBOX Sports Bar gets you right onto the 50-yard line of onboard sports action. Grab a drink or order some snacks — they’re great while kicking back and watching your favorite teams on one of the big screens, or just dropping by to check out real-time scores and headlines on the panoramic ticker. And if you’re feeling lucky, feel free to grab a controller and get a little competitive with the latest sports game titles. They’re free to play, so find a friend or three and get set for some serious play-action.

You may think basketball is all about the hoop and getting the ball in there, but you may not have ever played on a Carnival ship. Here, it’s all about the journey to the hoop: the view and the sea breeze you take in as you drive your way past defenders to put the rock in the bucket. Say, that actually reminds us of cruising — the destinations may rock, but it’s all about getting there. (Be warned, though — on our court, strange as it may seem, traveling is still considered a foul.)

Sometimes you just need to get away… from all that vacation. Seriously? Look, we know that sitting at home now, it’s hard for you to imagine wanting a vacation from your vacation, but trust us — it’s nice to have a place to unwind after the day’s excitement, to escape to a world designed from the ground up for relaxation. Cloud 9 Spa staff are masters — no, artists — trained in the craft of simply helping you chill. What’s their secret? Massages, facials, body wraps and more — these are the tools of the trade… and the trade is ultimate relaxation.

For a game called dodgeball, everyone sure seems to focus on the throwing, when the real story is in the — pardon us for being blunt — the dodging. The skillfully evasive maneuvers. The best defense that is actually the offense. Anyway… where were we? Oh yeah, just thought we’d remind you that you’ll find this veritable sport of kings aboard your next Carnival cruise.

We have some bad news for you — your ship has a gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that vacationing pumps directly into you. Why not treat yourself to some of the fitness classes — you might even have a little fun while you do something great for yourself!

You can have all the will in the world, a great attitude that keeps you working hard at the gym, but still not see the results you’re hoping for. If that’s the case — or you’re just looking to shake things up with a little extra fun or challenge in your workout — check out Carnival’s selection of onboard fitness classes. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, indoor cycling or boot camp, there’s a fitness class that’ll get you the workout you need, and the instruction you need to do it right. Looking for a little extra attention? Look to personal training for a workout with that personal touch.

A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land. And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great!’ smiles to the next level.

Jogging may not immediately come to mind when you think of things to do at sea, but it probably should. You don’t have to walk on water, you just have to get on a Carnival cruise. After all, if you’re going to jog, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place to do it with a more scenic view, or a more refreshing breeze — both of these are available in abundance when you go for an open-air jog on the upper-deck. Jogging tracks are available on all Carnival ships, and are even padded for long-distance comfort.

Ah, imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! That's precisely why you'll find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect, like the sights and the sounds... plus the seagulls.

POOL DAY! Whether today's the day for a bit of a dip, a dash of splash or even some swimming — or just a serious poolside lounging session — your Carnival cruise has the just pool for you. In fact, pools are so important to a great cruise that they have designed many of the ships to have two of them. At an aft pool you'll catch a breeze, plus a sea view featuring the ship's wake, while midship pools have an grand view of a different kind: the big screen's right there for the viewing. And no matter which you find yourself chilling in, the sunbeams are yours for the soaking.

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes, swaying hammocks and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all.

The chance to complete an awesome challenge, high above it all… now that's what you want in a good ropes course. An awesome ropes course, however, will let you do all that with a cool sea breeze and a view to match! Not sure that navigating a high-up-there challenge is for you? On SkyCourse you'll be safely strapped in, emboldening you to take on the kinds of challenges you may not normally feel up to? Here everyone — even kids — become thrill-seekers, testing their ability to make their way around the course. The course features two levels of challenge, and you can increase or decrease the toughness as you go. So take to the sky... SkyCourse that is.

Your Carnival cruise may take you far, far away from the competitive daily rat-race, but you'll find an oasis of friendly competition at SportSquare. Take on friends at mini-golf, battle strangers at basketball, or push yourself to new heights at SkyCourse... or to record-setting lows at the jogging track. SportSquare gets you in the game with soccer and volleyball (the b-ball court converts!), brings pool, foosball and ping-pong to the table, and rounds things out for shaping up with your choice of stationary bikes, elliptical machines, weight-lifting equipment and punching bags. Are you game? 

A Carnival cruise is all about service. There’s usually someone to take your dinner order, make your bed, bring you drinks, give massages at the spa, and so on. In fact, there’s actually very little aboard where you’re left to fend for yourself. Volleyball is an activity we’d definitely term to be — pardon the pun — self-service. That said, whatever your serving style happens to be — overhand, underhand, sidearm — you can take to the court and get the play started your way.

Wanna splish — and splash — the day away? Head on over to WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark. First up, there's the Twister Waterslide, hundreds of feet of spiraling awesomeness that starts you off high in the air and gets you down low with one of the fastest, wettest rides you'll find anywhere. Select ships have side-by-side racing slides, which make serious competition seriously fun. Wear your speed suit for Speedway Splash, which features hundreds of feet of racing action, plus special lighting effects you'll experience on the road to victory. DrainPipe ends with one major swirl of a finish, while PowerDrencher takes soaking seriously — imagine the biggest bucket of water you've ever seen, raining down on you from above. And this isn't just kids' stuff — the young at heart are encouraged to zoom and splash around too!

Has anyone told you lately that you’re a beautiful person? Now, with that said, they want to let you know that your Carnival cruise contains a Medi-spa. They’re certainly not saying that you need them, but if you’ve been thinking about Botox or Dysport treatments, this spa is a good place to do them. Get them on vacation and they’ll always be administered by our onboard Medi-spa physician, a licensed medical doctor. These are non-surgical, anti-wrinkle procedures that show results in days, and last for months, so you can keep enjoying the benefits even after you’re back home.

Hey man, been to the spa lately? Well, why let the ladies have all the fun? You can actually enjoy a lot of the same stuff they do, plus manly services like razor-close barbershop-style shaves — pair one with a facial to really get a good thing going up top. Speaking of the barber, a cruise is a great time to rock a whole new hairstyle, a quick grey-hair darkening, or even just a fresh trim. And what guy wouldn’t go for a little extra relaxation with a massage? Exactly, bro.

When families cruise Carnival, even the smallest fish in the pond have a big, awesome time. Okay, so it’s actually way more than just a pond — it’s Camp Ocean. At Camp Ocean, 2–11 year-olds stay busy, keep active and have fun as they enjoy all new ocean-themed activities and entertainment made for kids. Campers are put into supervised, age-based groups and each are given a cool marine-life label that’s sure to raise the sails on camaraderie at sea. The littlest little ones — ages 2 to 5 —join the Penguin colony and engage in activities like Musical Icebergs and Ocean Bingo… even learning a thing or two about buoyancy! The little-biggers, 6 to 8, are the way-cool Stingrays, who might be found enjoying Pirate Game Night, making sea salt art or even designing their own aquarium. The big fish are the Sharks — ages 9 to 11 — who really sink their teeth into playing Marine Life Trivia, creating a giant ocean mural, and scoring big with sea-themed volleyball or soccer. The counsellors, each with education or childcare experience, are there to make sure everyone in these small groups has an amazing time.

What does the “C” in Circle “C” stand for? Well, “chill,” “connect” and “cool,” just to name a few. It’s where young teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities like dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, in the special Circle “C” area or around the ship. It’s all supervised by friendly and fun-loving counsellors who want your young teens to have the best vacation ever.

Your parents deserve a nice vacation… but then again, so do you. So let’s let them go do their thing while you do yours. Where to? Club O2. Hang out and do stuff like watch movies, listen to music from this decade, play sports and video games, join karaoke jam sessions… maybe even have a pool party or two, all with other teens between the ages of 15 to 17.

Let’s use your imaginations — just think what would happen if Carnival took a normal library and put it through one of Dr. Seuss’s wacky contraptions… set to maximum fun, of course. It would probably come out looking much like Dr. Seuss Bookville, which as you can imagine, is exclusively aboard Carnival! The room is all decked out in bright colors, fun and whimsical furniture and even has some of your all-time favorite Dr. Seuss characters on the walls. But let’s not forget that this space is all about the books — the shelves are filled to the brim for hours of fun reading.

Think back — as a kid, was there anything better than times you got to stay up late? Even as an adult, nighttime is funtime, especially with all there is to do on your Carnival cruise. The perfect thing for you AND for your kids is called “Night Owls”! For a nominal fee, kids 11 and under can fun it up with others their age until as late as 1 a.m. They’ll enjoy music, activities, games and giveaways at supervised parties while you enjoy… whatever it is you do at night these days, all without a worry.

Camp Carnival offers tons of activities designed for children in three different age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. The counsellors, each with education or childcare experience, are on the clock making sure everyone in the small groups of kids are having fun. When it’s mealtime, kids get their own menus, with favourites like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and more.

Everybody’s got their game — the one they’re just made to play — and teens are no exception. On a Carnival cruise, teens can show ‘em how it’s done back home in a wide variety of sports games and activities. Whether it’s big-fun classics like basketball and dodgeball, precision pastimes like foosball and ping-pong or get-up-and-move active video gaming, they’ve got as many ways to win as there are to play. 

Teens know that gaming isn’t the antisocial activity it’s sometimes thought to be. Gaming is about cooperation and competition, not to mention the perfect way to sharpen and showcase skills like problem-solving and goal-oriented thinking. And — duh — having fun with others, which we do all the time at Circle "C" and Club O2. Have a seat, grab a controller and journey your way through vivid electronic worlds, whether you’re flying solo… or with a new friend as your ‘Player 2.’ 

To you a cruise may be just the time for chilling, but “relaxing vacation” certainly isn’t on a kid’s bucket list! Slow-time for you is go-time for them, and we’re glad to accommodate the little adrenaline junkies with a range of activities that get them up and, of course, having an absolute blast. Age-appropriate stuff like treasure hunts, obstacle courses, sports competitions and playground outings at sea are all a step up from similar stuff back on land… both because we’re talking Carnival here, and because uptime for them means well-deserved downtime for you.

Parents can be concerned — and rightly so — about the time kids spend in front of a screen. But this time isn’t wasted — it’s just one of the ways that they learn about the world around them. Movies entertain by giving viewers a “slice of life,” fostering empathy as they show how people live. And video games have a host of benefits, from simple hand-eye coordination to promoting problem-solving skills and goal-oriented thinking, to of course the yin and yang of cooperative and competitive play, which helps youngsters learn to relate to one another. These activities aren’t all the kids will be doing — screen time accounts for just part of a balanced play-time that’s always age-appropriate, and definitely about more than just the high score.

There’s a lot to being a teen — they need to kick back, chill and sometimes even indulge just as much as adults… if not more! Carnival understand them, which is why they’ve tailored their onboard ZSPA treatments to their unique needs. ZSPA keeps teens looking their best from head to toe, with everything from trendy hairstyles to pedicures. Okay, so it’s not all about looking good — it’s about feeling great too. We make that happen, whether they want to do more for themselves with specialised fitness classes, or perhaps do a little less with relaxation and indulgence programs worth ‘ooh’ing and ‘ahh’ing about. So whether it’ll be your teen’s first time, or they’re already a seasoned spa pro, they speak their language at ZSPA. 

To kids, arts and crafts is a fun way to spend an afternoon. To a parent, on the other hand, it’s something much more. From their earliest fingerpaintings onto macaroni art and beyond, the stuff they bring home is more than just stuff — it’s art — and every last scrap of it is nothing short of precious, the work of a master. Your Carnival cruise presents plenty of opportunities for your budding Picassos to express themselves, from refrigerator hangables to less traditional media like sand art, hand-decorated t-shirts, pirate treasures and beyond. You know, future living-room-museum pieces. 

Most kids have a favourite teddy bear, that one stuffed buddy they remember with the fondest of cuddly memories. They don’t usually have a concrete reason for choosing a fave — it just kind of happens, but their devotion to that lucky bear is unshakable. Their favourite bear yet may very well be the friend they don’t just design, but bring to life at Beary Cuddly Workshop aboard their Carnival cruise! It doesn’t matter if the new addition gets lovingly dragged all over town or simply enjoys a quiet life on the shelf — by creating a bear on your cruise, Carnival and your kids are teaming up to support the kids of St. Jude! 

Toss it, stretch it, sauce it, cheese it — kids take control during this fun-filled pizza-making experience. Spread some sauce, pile the cheese on high, throw on some toppings… then they get ready to munch on their work of art. Since this is a kids-and-teens-only event, they decide which toppings go on and which stay off — sorry parents, for once, you don’t get a vote.

From the whimsical and always wonderful world of Dr. Seuss comes Cats in Hats, Fish Red and Blue, and both kinds of Things — 1 and 2. And they’re all coming to a Carnival cruise near you as the world of Dr. Seuss leaps off the page and onto Seuss at Sea.

Dr. Seuss’s timeless stories are the kind kids memorise, and this is the kind of cruise you’ll remember for a lifetime. The whole family will still enjoy all the classic Carnival activities, but the littlest ones, and their families, will also enjoy an all-new, extra-special experience as the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life around them.

Enjoy a special onboard character parade, interactive story time, arts & crafts activities, character breakfast featuring their favourite Dr. Seuss friends and more. Seuss at Sea truly brings your child’s favourite books to life.

Even if you don’t “know” much about art, of course you can still tell when you like something — who needs a refined palette to know when a piece is good? Carnival leaves snobbish cultural pretensions ashore, and makes art something that everyone can enjoy with a series of events designed to bring great art where it belongs — to the people. Take part in an art-themed battle of the sexes or check out showcases highlighting the best of, say, European artists or world-famous pop artist Peter Max. You can’t get any closer to great art… without buying it.

When you’re on a Carnival cruise, there are plenty of places to bust out your moves when the mood strikes: in the dance club, at a deck party, in line for tandoori. Some people are born with all the right moves, but the rest of us need a little instruction to smooth the sharp edges off of ours. That’s why you’ll find a host of free dance classes that sail along with you, helping you make the most of your cruise… which is perfect because a cruise is just the kind of vacation that puts you in the dancing mood!

Learn to cook, Steakhouse-style from the team of chefs as they demonstrate the tricks of the trade used to make those multi-course dinners everyone loves so much. Carnival take the joy of cooking and transform it into a delightful hour-long presentation of kitchen skill and ingenuity… where taste tests are always included.

Tip: This fun-for-the-whole-family event fills up fast, so get there early.

Are you known back home as the cocktail captain; raising spirits, mixing it up and pouring it over ice… pleasing the palates of friends and family, alike? Come cruise and show them what you’ve got. The onboard competition may be stiff, but don’t let that shake you — stir up your signature concoction and make flavour worth a savour using spirits from all over the map. Throughout the cruise, everyone will be able to enjoy this winning cocktail at bars throughout the ship.  

They've hand selected the best local providers at every port of call so you can relax and focus on having fun on your shore excursions. They take care of all the details and wait for all excursions to return before departing. A detailed list of relevant excursions can be given by your travel operator.