MINIMUM AGE TO SAIL: 4 months
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: Parents of children younger than 5 receive a pager for use during the cruise in case they need to be contacted. Toddlers don’t have to be potty-trained (parents supply diapers and wipes) to participate in Camp Carnival’s free program for 2- to 5-year-olds.
Here, kids can play picture-bingo to win prizes, finger-paint, put on puppet shows and listen to stories. Mascot Fun Ship Freddy (modeled after Carnival’s trademark ship’s funnel), poses for photos and joins dance parties (plush Freddys are for sale in the gift shops).
Children younger than 2 can take a turn with the toys during designated Family Play Times, when accompanied by a parent.
Baby-sitting services for children younger than two are available at Camp Carnival during limited hours (check when you board, rates are $6 for the first child/$4 each additional). Activity books and crayons are available in dining rooms.
MINIMUM AGE TO SAIL: Varies by itinerary: 6 months for some sailings, 1 year for transatlantic and many of the exotic itineraries.
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: On Queen Mary 2 and new ship Queen Victoria, nannies take care of children age 1 and up. Onboard nurseries are stocked with everything from Lamaze toys to Fisher Price Little People and Little Tikes Light and Sound Toys. Diaper changing and naps in the nursery’s full size cribs included (the program is gratis for all ages).
Preschoolers can go on treasure hunts, jump around in a soft play area, and attend a pirate party.
Queen Mary 2 has a 3-4 foot deep Minnows pool for families, plus a 6-12-inch-deep splash pool for smaller sailors. (QV has no children’s pool, but the Play Zone for ages 1-6 features a nursery for infants/toddlers, video games, arts and crafts, a large plasma screen for videos and movies and a secure outdoor area with climbing.)
Be sure to escort your little one to the Children’s Tea, served in King’s Court every evening with balloons, artwork place mats, crayons and kid-friendly treats.
Queen Mary 2 has the largest library at sea with more than 8,000 books including a well-stocked children’s section.
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