Choosing the best cruise line for families starts with understanding Cruise Kids Clubs programs—the supervised activities that keep children engaged while parents relax. This guide compares top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruise Line, covering age groups, activities, safety, staff, and real parent reviews. Whether you’re cruising with toddlers, teens, or in between, discover which line offers the best kids clubs, childcare options, and family-friendly features for your vacation.
📋 Section 1: Cruise Kids Clubs Programs Overview
Choosing the right **Cruise Kids Clubs** is the most important decision when planning a family vacation at sea. Below, we compare the top cruise lines sailing from the USA and their dedicated children’s programs. This helps you find the perfect fit for your family’s needs. According to recent data, cruise industry traffic is experiencing record growth. This highlights the need for this comparison. (Source: Cruise Market Watch)
| Cruise Line | Club Names | Age Groups | Program Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Camp Ocean Circle C Club O2 |
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Marine-themed program with Dr. Seuss partnership featuring character appearances and Seuss-a-palooza parades. Kennedy Space Center “Space Cruisers” program with NASA-approved activities. Drop-off care available until 10 pm (complimentary). |
| Royal Caribbean | Adventure Ocean Teen Lounges |
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Award-winning program with Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio. Multi-deck facilities on newer ships. Late-Night Party Zone available (fee applies) 10pm-2am for ages 3-11. |
| Disney Cruise Line | It’s a Small World Nursery Oceaneer Club/Lab Edge Vibe |
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Premium immersive themed spaces (Marvel, Star Wars, Toy Story). Complimentary, secure main club hours (3-10 yrs) often run until midnight. High staff-to-child ratio is maintained. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Splash Academy Entourage |
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Interest-based stations: Creative & Chill Zone, Gaming, sports. Programming often available on port days when other lines close. Note: Norwegian does not offer drop-off service for the 6mo-3yrs Guppies program. |
| MSC Cruises | Doremiland Baby Club Chicco Teen Club |
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Features LEGO partnership and MasterChef at Sea Juniors. High-tech activities (VR, F1 Simulators, Drone Academy) are primarily on newer ships. Complimentary baby care is available (hours vary). |
| Celebrity Cruises | Camp at Sea |
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Customizable program with 500+ activities catalog including art workshops, culinary classes, STEM activities. Focus on educational enrichment alongside entertainment. Note: Full drop-off care starts at age 3. |
| Princess Cruises | Camp Discovery |
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Partnership with Discovery Channel featuring Animal Planet programming and wildlife-themed activities. JrChef@Sea cooking classes available. Outdoor-inspired themed spaces with nature focus. Note: Full drop-off care starts at age 3. |
🏆 Section 2: Best Cruise Kids Clubs by Category
🥇 TOP OVERALL PICK: Disney Cruise Line
Why Disney Wins: Disney Cruise Line offers the most immersive, highest-quality Cruise Kids Clubs experience in the cruise industry. The combination of elaborately themed spaces (Marvel, Star Wars, Toy Story), professional character interactions, premium facilities, and exceptionally trained youth counselors justifies the higher price point for families seeking the ultimate cruise experience. This is reflected in annual awards from sources like Cruise Critic.
Best For: Families with children ages 3-14 who want the “Disney magic” experience. The option is perfect for multi-generational cruises where grandparents help offset costs. Families who prioritize kids club quality over price will also love it. The Oceaneer Club’s themed areas and character meet-and-greets create memories that last for years.
The Trade-off: Expect to pay 30-50% more than mainstream lines. However, you’re getting hotel-level service, better staff training, and facilities that rival theme parks rather than traditional daycare.
Expert Analysis by Category
Best Value for Money: However, Carnival Cruise Line delivers exceptional value with Camp Ocean’s extensive programming and Dr. Seuss partnership. For more details on the Dr. Seuss offerings, check the official Carnival page. At significantly lower prices than Disney, families get complimentary Cruise Kids Clubs access (until 10pm). They also receive character experiences and age-appropriate activities across six age groups. This makes Carnival perfect for budget-conscious families who want quality Cruise Kids Clubs programming without premium pricing.
Best for Teens (13-17): Royal Caribbean excels with teen programming on larger ships like Icon, Oasis, and Wonder of the Seas. These multi-story teen-only spaces feature the latest gaming technology, escape rooms, and outdoor teen patios. The club provides mocktail bars and supervised late-night activities. For a full list of teen activities, visit the Royal Caribbean Teen Zone. Teens get independence within a safe environment. Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Kids Clubs programming rivals land-based teen centers.
Best Innovation & Technology: MSC Cruises brings cutting-edge experiences with LEGO Robotics and MasterChef at Sea Juniors. The technology-focused activities, such as VR, F1 Simulators, and Drone Academy, are primarily on newer ships. Furthermore, the complimentary baby care (8 hours daily on World Europa) is industry-leading. This European-style Cruise Kids Clubs programming emphasizes structured activities and competitions.
Best for Tweens (9-12): Norwegian Cruise Line’s interest-based station approach lets tweens customize their experience. They can enjoy gaming one hour and fashion design the next. This flexibility strongly appeals to the hard-to-please tween demographic. Also, Splash Academy’s two-deck layout provides space for various simultaneous activities. This makes it one of the best Cruise Kids Clubs options for tweens.
Best Facilities & Space: Royal Caribbean (tied with Disney) dedicates enormous square footage to youth programming on newer ships. Adventure Ocean facilities span multiple decks. They feature dedicated science labs, art studios, and theaters. In short, the sheer volume of activities and space means kids never get bored in these large Cruise Kids Clubs facilities.
Best for Infants/Toddlers: MSC Cruises wins for families with babies and toddlers due to complimentary Baby Club Chicco services. Most lines charge $10-15/hour for under-3 childcare. MSC, however, offers 8 hours daily free on select ships. Conversely, Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery is excellent, but it costs $9-12/hour. For planning your cruise, remember that choosing the right Cruise Kids Clubs can be the most crucial step.
Detailed Star Rating Comparison
| Cruise Line | Program Quality | Facilities | Staff Training | Age Coverage | Value | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Cruise Line | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ (4.8) |
| Royal Caribbean | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ (4.7) |
| MSC Cruises | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★½ (4.5) |
| Carnival Cruise Line | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ (4.3) |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ (4.0) |
| Celebrity Cruises | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ (4.0) |
| Princess Cruises | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★½☆ (3.6) |
🎯 Section 3: Top-Rated Activities from Real Cruisers
Based on reviews from Reddit, Cruise Critic, Disney forums, and family travel blogs, these are the most talked-about activities found in Cruise Kids Clubs.
🏴☠️ Ages 3-6: Pirate Night & Character Appearances (Carnival & Disney)
What Makes It Special: Kids dress as pirates for an elaborate treasure hunt with maps and clues. Disney’s version features Captain Hook. Carnival’s version includes interactive games and prizes.
Real Cruiser Review (Reddit): “My 4-year-old talked about the pirate treasure hunt for MONTHS. She still wears her pirate bandana to preschool and tells everyone about finding the treasure chest. Worth every penny of the cruise just for that experience.” – u/FamilyCruiser2024
Where: Disney Dream, Fantasy, Wish | Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras
🎨 Ages 7-11: MasterChef at Sea Juniors (MSC Cruises)
What Makes It Special: Kids receive mystery ingredient boxes. They work in teams to create dishes judged by actual ship chefs. Winners receive certificates and chef hats to take home.
Real Cruiser Review (Cruise Critic): “This was the highlight of my 9-year-old’s entire cruise on MSC World Europa. She came home and actually cooked dinner for the family using techniques she learned. The confidence boost was incredible!” – CruiseMom2023
Where: MSC World Europa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape
🔬 Ages 9-12: Adventure Science Lab Experiments (Royal Caribbean)
What Makes It Special: Dedicated science lab with volcano eruptions, slime creation, and dry ice experiments. The kids wear lab coats and goggles for authenticity.
Real Cruiser Review (Royal Caribbean Blog): “The volcano experiment in Adventure Science had my 10-year-old twins completely mesmerized. They did the dry ice bubbles and made ‘space slime’ that glowed in the dark. Best educational activity at sea by far.” – RCBlogReader
Where: Harmony, Symphony, Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum of the Seas
🎮 Ages 12-14: VR Gaming Tournament & F1 Simulator (MSC & Norwegian)
What Makes It Special: State-of-the-art VR stations are used for multiplayer racing, sports, and adventure games. Leaderboards are displayed on big screens with prize ceremonies for winners.
Real Cruiser Review (Reddit): “My 13-year-old son is OBSESSED with gaming and was skeptical about the cruise. The VR tournament on MSC Seascape changed everything. He placed 2nd in the racing competition and made friends with kids from 5 different countries. Now he wants to cruise every year.” – u/TechDad
Where: MSC Seascape, MSC World Europa | Norwegian Prima, Viva
🎤 Ages 13-15: Mocktail Mixology & Silent Disco (Multiple Lines)
What Makes It Special: Teens learn to create elaborate non-alcoholic cocktails with garnishes and presentation. Then, they enjoy them at a silent disco with wireless headphones featuring multiple music channels.
Real Cruiser Review (Cruise Critic): “My shy 14-year-old daughter finally came out of her shell at the mocktail party on Royal Caribbean. She learned to make a ‘Virgin Mojito’ and won the presentation contest. The silent disco afterward was AMAZING – she danced for 2 hours straight!” – ProudCruiseMom
Where: Royal Caribbean Icon, Oasis, Wonder | Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebration
🎭 Ages 15-17: Ship-Wide Scavenger Hunt with Behind-the-Scenes Access (Royal Caribbean)
What Makes It Special: This is a multi-day scavenger hunt. The final challenge takes teens to restricted areas, including the bridge, engine room, galley, and crew quarters. This makes teens feel like VIPs with special access.
Real Cruiser Review (Royal Caribbean Facebook Group): “The scavenger hunt finale on Oasis of the Seas blew my 16-year-old’s mind. They got to see the bridge controls, meet the captain, and watch the galley prep dinner for 6000 people. He’s now considering maritime academy!” – CruiseFamilyAdventures
Where: Royal Caribbean Oasis Class and Icon Class ships
🌟 Ages 3-10: Marvel Super Hero Training & Character Meet-and-Greets (Disney)
What Makes It Special: Kids train at the Marvel Super Hero Academy, learning “powers” and teamwork. They then meet actual Marvel characters (Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel) in full costume for photos).
Real Cruiser Review (DisBoards): “My 6-year-old completed ‘Super Hero Training’ and got to meet Spider-Man one-on-one for 5 minutes in the Oceaneer Club. Spider-Man remembered his name and talked about his favorite villains. My son cried happy tears. Pure Disney magic.” – DisneyDreamer789
Where: Disney Wish, Treasure, Fantasy, Dream
🎬 All Ages: Movies Under the Stars with Popcorn & Blankets
What Makes It Special: The pool deck transforms into an outdoor theater with loungers, free popcorn, hot chocolate, and blankets. Disney shows premieres, while Carnival shows family classics.
Real Cruiser Review (Family Travel Blog): “Movies under the stars on Disney Wish is MAGICAL. We watched Encanto while sailing under actual stars, wrapped in blankets, eating unlimited popcorn. The kids were mesmerized, and my husband and I got to snuggle with them. Best family moment of the entire vacation.” – AdventureswithKids.com
Where: All Disney ships, Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee
🛡️ Section 4: Cruise Kids Clubs Safety & Vigilance
Vacation mode doesn’t mean safety off-duty. Cruise ships are statistically very safe for children. However, staying vigilant is essential. Modern cruise lines maintain high safety standards. Parents must be proactive throughout the voyage. Remember: you know your children best. Also, your instincts are your most valuable safety tool. Note: Lifeguard availability on pool decks can vary by ship and sailing. Always check signage or with crew.
The Rule: Children under 12 must have an authorized adult sign them in and out of **Cruise Kids Clubs**. Never assume your child “wandered off safely.” Always know their exact location.
How It Works: Most cruise lines photograph authorized adults during registration. Disney uses MagicBands with photos for verification. Royal Caribbean and Carnival use medallion/card systems that log who dropped off and picked up each child with timestamps.
Action Items: Establish a secret family password for pick-up situations. Only adults on your authorized list can collect your child. For instance, if grandparents or older siblings will do pick-ups, add them to the authorized list on embarkation day. Also, review the **Cruise Kids Clubs’** specific policies. Some lines allow 11-12 year-olds to self-sign out with parental permission.
The Danger: Cruise ship railings are 42 inches high with glass barriers. Children should NEVER climb or sit on railings. Balcony incidents, while rare, are tragically 100% preventable.
The Reality: Even brief unsupervised moments can be dangerous. A child can climb a railing in under 10 seconds. Wind conditions at sea can create unexpected gusts. These gusts can unbalance even older children. Therefore, continuous supervision is vital.
Action Items: Have a serious, non-negotiable conversation before boarding about railing safety. Consider booking interior or oceanview cabins without balconies if you have very young children or risk-takers. Request childproof locks for balcony doors from your stateroom attendant. Never leave children unattended in a balcony cabin, even for “just a minute.”
Critical Information: Royal Caribbean and Disney often have lifeguards at main pools. Conversely, many other lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, and Princess, typically do NOT staff full-time lifeguards. You are responsible for supervising your children 100% of the time. This policy can vary by ship and location, so always verify on board.
Hidden Hazards: Cruise ship pools are deeper than they appear (often 4-6 feet throughout). Hot tubs can reach 104°F, which is dangerous for children under 12. Pool decks become extremely slippery when wet. In addition, pools are often unheated and can be shockingly cold.
Action Items: Verify lifeguard availability for your specific ship before sailing. Bring Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (not pool toys) for young swimmers. Enforce the rule that an adult must be in the water with children under 8. Never allow children in hot tubs unsupervised. Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming.
The Conversation: Teach children to never enter someone else’s cabin or invite others into yours without explicit parental permission. While cruise staff undergo background checks, exercise the same caution you would on land. Always maintain awareness.
Special Concern for Teens: Teens need to understand the “buddy system.” Never go anywhere alone, especially at night. Teen-only areas are supervised. However, hallways and public spaces are not. Teach teens to never accept drinks from strangers, even other passengers.
Action Items: Establish a family rule: if anyone makes your child uncomfortable, they should immediately find a uniformed crew member or call you on the cabin phone. Teens should know your cabin number by heart. Also, they must understand that crew members are safe adults to approach for help.
What to Ask: During **Cruise Kids Clubs** registration, ask about background check procedures, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. Reputable cruise lines require youth counselors to have childcare or education degrees plus 3-5 years experience. Note: Staff ratios (e.g., Disney’s 1:8 ratio for ages 3-4; mainstream lines’ 1:15-1:20 ratios) are guidelines that can fluctuate based on attendance. Confirm exact ratio policies upon boarding.
Staff Ratios: Disney maintains a 1:8 ratio for ages 3-4, and 1:15 for older kids. Most mainstream lines run 1:15-1:20 ratios. If your child has allergies, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, discuss accommodations with youth staff privately before their first visit. Planning ahead is key.
Action Items: Attend the mandatory kids club open house on embarkation day. Meet counselors and observe interactions. Always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, use alternative childcare or skip the club entirely. For special needs children, bring a one-page information sheet with triggers, calming techniques, and emergency contacts.
Identification: Many cruise lines issue wristbands with Muster Station information. Disney uses MagicBands for electronic tracking. Carnival and Royal Caribbean use medallions that can locate passengers on ship maps via the app.
Getting Lost Protocol: Children should know their cabin number and parents’ full names. They must know how to ask crew members for help. Establish meeting points for different ship areas (main dining room for Deck 3, **Cruise Kids Clubs** for Deck 12, etc.).
Action Items: Take a photo of your children each morning showing what they’re wearing. This is crucial if they get lost. Program important numbers into older kids’ phones. However, warn them about international roaming charges ($2-5/minute). Teach younger children to approach any crew member in uniform if separated from family.
Ship Medical Centers: All cruise ships have medical facilities. However, they are expensive ($150-250 for basic visits). They may not stock your child’s specific medications. They can handle emergencies, but they are not full hospitals.
What to Bring: You should pack a First-aid kit with band-aids, children’s pain reliever, motion sickness medicine, and a thermometer. Bring any prescription medications. Always pack 2x the amount you think you’ll need. Plus, keep extras in your carry-on.
Action Items: If your child has allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other medical conditions, notify kids club staff AND the ship’s medical center on embarkation day. Bring extra EpiPens, inhalers, insulin, or critical medications. Request refrigerated storage for medications if needed. Finally, Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Official Curfews: Most cruise lines enforce curfews around 1 AM after late-night events end. Children found roaming alone after hours will be escorted back to their cabin by security. This potentially wakes sleeping parents.
Realistic Expectations: Teens want independence. However, ships are semi-public spaces with thousands of strangers. Hallways, elevators, and outdoor decks can be deserted at night. This creates safety concerns.
Action Items: Review your cruise line’s curfew policy with your teens before sailing. Establish check-in times via text or phone. This may cost extra. Set consequences for breaking rules—one violation means the next 24 hours are spent entirely with parents. Use the “Find My Friends” feature on phones when in port with wifi.
Lost in Port: Getting separated in a foreign port is more dangerous than getting lost on the ship. Language barriers, unfamiliar locations, and distance from the ship create serious safety issues. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Ship Departure Times: Ships WILL leave without you if you’re late. Missing the ship in a foreign port creates an expensive, stressful nightmare. You may need flights, hotels, and expedited visas.
Action Items: Keep children close in port. Use wrist lanyards for young kids. Carry a card with the ship name, cabin number, and port agent contact info in each child’s pocket. Set phone alarms for 90 minutes before ship departure. Book shore excursions through the cruise line (they wait for their excursions; they won’t wait for independent tours). Teach children that if they are lost in port, they should find a police officer or return to the pier.
🔐 Bottom Line on Safety: Cruises are incredibly safe when families stay vigilant and prepared. The best defense includes: discussing safety rules before boarding and understanding your ship’s layout and emergency procedures. Also, supervise children age-appropriately and trust your parental instincts. You know your children best. Don’t sacrifice safety for vacation relaxation. For a comprehensive list of family safety guidelines, review our essential guide on Cruise Safety Tips and Tricks.
💡 Section 5: Insider Tips to Maximize Cruise Kids Clubs
Lesser-known perks and secrets help regular cruisers maximize their Cruise Kids Clubs experiences. Knowing these insider tips makes choosing the right Cruise Kids Clubs even easier.
The Adventure Ocean club closes at 10-11 PM. However, Royal Caribbean offers group babysitting in the kids club area until 1-2 AM for ages 3-11. The fee is $8/hour for the first child ($5/hour for each additional sibling). This is perfect for parents wanting adult-only entertainment or romantic dinners. Availability of this late-night service may vary by ship and sailing. Booking is essential for this Cruise Kids Clubs service.
Insider Tip: Book late-night babysitting EARLY. It fills up fast on formal nights and show nights. You can reserve up to 48 hours in advance through the Royal Caribbean app or at the Adventure Ocean desk. Bring pajamas and a comfort item. Then, kids can watch movies and have snacks.
Disney designates open house times, usually embarkation day 2-4pm. During this period, adults can tour the Oceaneer Club themed rooms. These rooms include Star Wars Millennium Falcon, Marvel Academy, and Toy Story’s Andy’s Room. This is the ONLY time cameras are allowed in the Disney Cruise Kids Clubs.
Insider Tip: Bring grandparents during the open house for multi-generational photos in the themed spaces. These make incredible keepsake photos. Since adults cannot enter kids club areas after open house for child safety reasons, make sure you don’t miss this opportunity!
Most competitors charge $10-15/hour for childcare for children under 3. In contrast, MSC offers complimentary Baby Club Chicco service (ages 6 months-3 years). MSC World Europa, for example, offers up to 8 hours per day of free baby care—a savings of $80-120 per day! This service is subject to availability and ship policy at their excellent Cruise Kids Clubs.
Insider Tip: Baby Club availability varies by ship and itinerary. World Europa consistently has the most extensive program. Reserve time slots on embarkation day as they fill quickly. Bring diapers, wipes, bottles, and comfort items. Chicco-branded baby amenities are provided.
Most cruise lines close their kids clubs on port days. However, Norwegian keeps Splash Academy open so parents can enjoy shore excursions child-free. The kids get special port-day programming and lunch in the Cruise Kids Clubs.
Insider Tip: Pre-register for the port day kids club 24 hours in advance with youth staff. Don’t wait until that morning. This service is complimentary but space-limited. It is great for expensive excursions like helicopter tours or SCUBA diving where children cannot participate.
Beyond group cooking classes, Princess offers private 30-minute Jr. Chef at Sea sessions. Your child works one-on-one with a pastry chef to create a special dessert. These are available for booking on embarkation day.
Insider Tip: Book this immediately at the Camp Discovery desk. Usually, only 2-3 private slots are available per sea day. The cost is around $49-69, but it creates amazing memories. This is perfect for birthdays. Ask the chef to make a custom birthday dessert! Request to have the dessert served at dinner that evening.
Camp at Sea’s STEM on Sea program includes complimentary workshops in coding, robotics, and science. Kids who complete 3 or more STEM activities earn certificates. These can be added to school portfolios or homeschool records. Celebrity Cruise Kids Clubs are known for their educational focus.
Insider Tip: Ask youth counselors about the STEM certificate program on embarkation day—they don’t always advertise it. This is great for gifted programs, college applications, or enrichment documentation. Programs include coding games, robot building challenges, and chemistry experiments.
Kids eat their main course first in the dining room while parents enjoy appetizers. Youth staff then escort the children to Camp Ocean for evening activities. Meanwhile, parents finish dining leisurely. This service is available on request through your dining room server.
Insider Tip: Request “Happy Dinners” on the first night. Your server will then coordinate with youth staff for the entire cruise. This transforms family dining from stressful to relaxing. It’s best for ages 6-11 who can handle the independence. However, it doesn’t work on formal nights when you want family photos.
On sea days, kids ages 3-11 can have lunch served in Adventure Ocean (usually pizza, chicken nuggets, or fruit). This allows parents to enjoy adult dining venues like Chops Grille or Izumi without rushing. Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Kids Clubs offer great flexibility.
Insider Tip: Sign your kids up for “Adventure Ocean lunch” by 10am on sea days at the Adventure Ocean desk. This service is complimentary. Plus, it includes lunch and 90 minutes of programming. It’s perfect for when parents want to try specialty restaurants or the adult-only Solarium Bistro.
Kids enrolled in Oceaneer Club get priority access to character meet-and-greets that happen inside the kids club. These are often exclusive characters not seen elsewhere on the ship. They offer longer interaction times and no lines.
Insider Tip: Check the Navigator app or paper Navigator for “Oceaneer Club Character Appearances.” These typically happen 2-3 times per cruise. Kids get 2-5 minutes of one-on-one time with characters like Stitch, Toy Story characters, or Marvel heroes. This is much better than the 30-second meet-and-greets in public areas with 100-person lines.
MSC’s Youth Program includes a complimentary drone flying academy. Kids ages 7+ learn to pilot drones in a controlled indoor environment. Kids who complete the course get “Drone Pilot” certificates. Note: These high-tech lessons are primarily available on newer ships.
Insider Tip: Drone academy has limited capacity, usually only 6-8 kids per session. Sign up at Doremiland on embarkation day for the best selection of time slots. Sessions run 45-60 minutes. The kids learn basic flight controls, stunts, and aerial photography. These are available on MSC World Europa, Seascape, and select ships.
While Splash Academy facilities are typically kids-only, Norwegian designates 30-minute “Family Swim” sessions. Parents can join kids in the kids club splash zone and water features during these times.
Insider Tip: Family swim times are usually early morning (8-8:30am) or late afternoon (5-5:30pm). They aren’t well advertised. Check the Freestyle Daily or ask Splash Academy staff. This is perfect for families with shy kids who want parental support before solo kids club time. Also, it’s great for toddler siblings to experience the splash features.
👫 Section 6: Making Friends in Cruise Kids Clubs
Cruising offers one of the most magical aspects of a family vacation: watching your children form friendships with kids from around the world. These “Cruise friends” create shared experiences, inside jokes, and lasting memories long after the ship leaves port. Many families report their kids stay in touch through social media. Some even coordinate future cruises together!
Why cruise friendships matter: These connections help shy kids come out of their shells. They teach social skills in a low-stakes environment. Plus, they expose children to different cultures and backgrounds. This creates a sense of belonging that makes kids WANT to go to **Cruise Kids Clubs**, giving parents more adult time.
Tips for Helping Kids Make Friends on Cruises
Getting to the kids club 10-15 minutes before scheduled activities start gives your child time to scout the room. They can observe other kids and find someone with similar interests before the chaos of organized activities begins.
Parent Script: “Let’s get there early so you can pick where you want to sit. Maybe you can find someone who likes the same things you do. You can always move if you want to try something different.”
Most Cruise Kids Clubs host welcome parties, icebreaker games, or ship tours on embarkation day. These structured events are DESIGNED for friendship formation. They feature name games, team challenges, and low-pressure interactions.
Why It Works: Everyone is new and nervous on day one. Therefore, there are no established cliques yet. Kids who meet on embarkation day often form groups that stick together the entire cruise.
Programs like scavenger hunts, talent shows, or team competitions span multiple days. These create natural friendship opportunities. Kids see the same faces repeatedly. They also work toward shared goals.
Best Activities for Friend-Making: Royal Caribbean’s multi-day scavenger hunts, MSC’s MasterChef competitions (teams), Disney’s Oceaneer Club adventures, Carnival’s Space Cruisers missions, and Norwegian’s fashion show productions.
Kids who meet in the kids club often ask if they can sit together at dinner. Say YES! Arrange for cruise friends to join your table, or vice versa, for at least one meal. This deepens the friendship. Also, it often leads to parents becoming friends too.
Pro Tip: Exchange cabin numbers with the other family so kids can arrange meetups. For example, some families even coordinate shore excursions together after becoming cruise friends.
Teach kids that on cruises, there’s an unwritten rule: you can join any activity or game in progress. Unlike school playgrounds where groups are established, Cruise Kids Clubs are fluid and welcoming.
Parent Script: “Everyone here is looking to make friends. If you see kids playing a game, you can ask ‘Can I join?’ and they’ll almost always say yes. That’s what makes cruises special—everyone’s in the same boat!”
Before the cruise ends, help kids exchange contact information. For younger kids, parents exchange emails. For teens, Instagram or Snapchat works. Many families create private WhatsApp groups for their “Cruise Crew 2025.”
Safety Note: For younger children, use parental emails only. For teens, remind them about online safety. Do not share last names, addresses, or schools publicly. Some families use apps like Marco Polo for video messages post-cruise.
Before the cruise, role-play introductions and conversation starters at home. Practice what to say when entering a new group. Also practice how to respond if someone asks to play. Finally, practice how to handle rejection gracefully.
Sample Script: “Hi, I’m [Name]. Is it okay if I build with the LEGOs too?” Or, “That looks fun! How do you play?” Another option is, “Want to check out the arcade together?”
Norwegian’s interest-based stations, MSC’s LEGO club, and Royal Caribbean’s science lab naturally group kids with similar interests. A child obsessed with LEGO will bond instantly with other LEGO enthusiasts. This is a great tool.
Parent Strategy: Identify your child’s passion (gaming, art, science, sports). Then, steer them toward activities that attract similar kids. Shared interests create friendships faster than random groupings.
Not every child will form a “best cruise friend.” That’s okay. Some kids prefer parallel play or smaller groups. Some need 2-3 days just to warm up. Do not pressure kids or show disappointment if friendships don’t form immediately.
Parent Approach: “You don’t have to be best friends with everyone. Just be friendly and open. Sometimes it takes a few days to find your people.” Always let kids progress at their own pace.
On the last day of the kids club, counselors often take group photos. Request copies or screenshots. These become treasured keepsakes. Many families frame these photos or create scrapbook pages.
Memory Keeper: Create a “Cruise Friends” page in your vacation album with the group photo. Have your child write what they loved about each friend. Some kids mail postcards to cruise friends when they get home. This thrills everyone.
🌟 The Magic of Cruise Friendships: Many families report that their kids’ “cruise friends” become pen pals. They follow each other on social media. They may even coordinate future cruises together! These friendships transcend geography, culture, and background. They are united by the shared adventure of sailing together. Furthermore, some of the strongest friendships form because kids are away from their normal social hierarchies and cliques. On a cruise, everyone starts equal. Friendships form based on genuine connections rather than social status. Therefore, encourage these bonds. They are one of the most precious souvenirs your kids will bring home.
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Bon Voyage! 🌊⛵