Please let me start by saying that I am not the type of person that will complain about every little thing. However, we took this trip for one reason and one reason only - access to Camp Carnival! My husband and I traveled with 2 kids (ages 5 & 2). We chose Carnival because Camp Carnival advertises that it will take special needs kids (our 2 year old has autism) and will change diapers (he isn't potty trained yet). The only serious complaint about the cruise was that the hours that Camp Carnival operates will severely limit your activities should you choose to keep to a normal schedule. The Camp does not open until 10am on sea days. Therefore, you won't be enjoying any elaborate breakfasts in the dining room or early morning aerobic classes unless you have children that can sit quietly during a 2 hour service with glassware on the table. I wish my 2 boys could handle that but we know better. Also, you are in the same boat when it comes to enjoying a lunch in the dining room because it is impossible to get seated and finished in order to pick them up at 11:45 when they close for 2 hours. The only dining room experience we got was a couple of evenings and even one of those they paged us because the 2 year old wouldn't stop crying.

We were very happy with the fact that they keep the children during port days and that is the only time that we got any time to ourselves that didn't severely limit our plans. In my opinion, they need to operate a full day program or give parents the opportunity to choose to pay for babysitting during those day hours that they close. Some of us that travel as a family do not intend to party all night long. Also, there is a really rude worker in Camp Carnival that was rude to most parents. I really think they need to find her a spot in the kitchen where she doesn't come into contact with other people. The Carnival Director was amazing and always reassured us that our autistic child was doing well. The 5 year old loved it and would have lived there all week.

My husband and I will travel on Carnival again but won't be bringing the kids with us until they change the schedule. Read more