10 Best Cruises for Families
Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom
Where They Cruise: Alaska, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Central America, South America, Transatlantic.
Kids Will Love: Giant waterslides, big video arcades, outdoor movie screens.
The “Fun Ship” line is well established in catering to the younger set. The current Camp Carnival program was started in 1991, but the line has welcomed kids onboard since it started operation in 1972. On these newer (less than three years old) 2,974-passenger ships, kids’ clubs are equipped with gaming consoles (think PlayStation 2 and Xbox), candy-making machines, computer labs, and spin and sand art for the bigger kids and a soft play area and outdoor wading pool for toddlers. Teens get a hip disco complete with DJ. Big video arcades have the latest and greatest, and there are 214-foot waterslides and poolside movie screens. Activities from finger-painting for toddlers to late-night parties for the older kids are offered for five age groups: 2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17.
Insider Tip: Ages 2 and up are allowed in the Camp Carnival program, with potty training not required.
Deal: 12-day Mediterranean cruise on Carnival Freedom, from $1,619, May-October; weeklong eastern or western Caribbean on Carnival Liberty, year-round, from $679.
