Holidays tend to fulfil one of two of life’s cravings; fun or relaxation. It’s pretty rare that a family holiday can tick both of those boxes (particularly for parents!) but cruising with kids is pretty much the perfect family getaway – with huge amounts of fun and as much relaxation as you can handle!

And there’s one cruise line that has captured the hearts of thousands of Australian families, thanks to its reputation for fun – with a capital F. But if you’ve never been on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, you’re probably wondering how a holiday that’s endless entertainment for kids can possibly be relaxing for parents.

Allow us to reveal all!

Fun On Carnival

Let’s start with the fun – because watching our kids have fun is one of the most beautiful parts of parenthood. And with Carnival, there’ll be endless squeals of delight, wide-eyed wonderment and pure joy.

The kids will literally be spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment and fun, whether they’re thrill seekers or enjoy more quiet activities.

For those who are into some fast fun, the waterslides are a must. Carnival Splendor’s Green Lightning has an 11.3 metre free-fall drop and plenty of twists and turns. There’s also the Twister Waterslide, with its epic turns.

And there’s also water fun for the smaller members of the family, with Carnival Waterworks – a family-friendly waterpark, and Dive-In Movies (Splendour ships only) where you and the kids can watch the big screen under the stars in a lounge chair or from the pool.

Of course the kids can also choose to chill out with art and craft activities, which change throughout the cruise. Or they can have fun with Seuss At Sea (and so can you – it’s fabulous for the whole family!), with a Seuss-A-Palooza character parade, activities and character breakfast.

There are also kids clubs for different age groups, which will keep the kids busy – Camp Ocean is designed for children between two and eleven years-old, Circle C is for 12 to 14 year olds, and there’s even Club 02 for teens to hang out. And all of these are included in the price of your cruise!

And if you have teeny kids, the Turtles Program is the perfect place! For kids two and under this program provides exciting and educational marine adventures on the high seas.

Playing a round of Mini Golf on the Splendor on the high seas is an experience the kids won’t forget. All the fun of mini golf with incredible views! And if they’re not into mini golf, there are also basketball hoops!

Think that’s enough to keep the kids busy? But wait, there’s more!

If the kids need to burn off some energy, there’s Zumbini, with children between two and five years old able to enjoy a free 30 minute Zumbini class (think Zumba for tots!) on every sailing.

Think the kids are tired yet?!

Pampering & Relaxation On Carnival

It’s pretty obvious that Carnival is a mountain of fun for kids (and adults!), but we did also promise some relaxation for mums and dads.

The Serenity Adults Only Cruise Retreat is a mum’s dream come true. It’s sort of like being on an adult-only cruise, but your kids are still onboard!

The Cloud 9 Spa facilities at Serenity are the ultimate in pampering, from spa treatments, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage and hair and beauty. Or if you need to stretch your legs there’s outdoor fitness, a fitness centre and jogging track.

If you’re just keen for some time together, the entertainment is second-to-none. From productions to the Punchliner Comedy Club, stage shows, bars, karaoke, live music, nightclub, game shows – you can relax and be entertained, without having to worry about the kids – who are having the time of their lives at kids club!

If you have kids under 11, they can head off to the Night Owls program for a nominal fee and stay as late as midnight. They will be having a ball – playing games, enjoying music and taking part in giveaways at supervised parties, while you enjoy a relaxing evening.

Some of the activities do attract an additional cost, but it’s the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself!

Value For Money On Carnival

Family holidays can be a huge outlay, and that’s before you factor in food and entertainment. Carnival is brilliant value for money, with a huge amount of eateries and entertainment options already included in your cruise fare. There are optional extras, but your holiday will be just as memorable if you choose to stick to what’s covered as part of your fare. Promise!

What we love about Carnival is that it’s fun for everyone in the family. So often holidays end up being lots of fun for the kids, but the same (if not more) work for parents as being at home. You don’t need to lift a finger! The beds are made every morning and the room tidied. You don’t have to cook a thing – not even snacks! There’s always somewhere open for you and the kids to get something to eat or drink.

And there’s a whole other part of your family holiday – the destinations! There’s no need to pack and repack when you visit new places on Carnival Cruise Line. It’s so amazing waking up and being at a new destination, and just taking a backpack with you to go exploring!

Ready for a sea of fun? Head to Carnival to explore the upcoming cruises. Carnival Splendor is sailing from Sydney all year round, and the Carnival Luminosa is sailing from Brisbane annually from October to March.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Carnival Cruise Line to bring you this article. Carnival Cruise Line is the World’s Most Popular cruise line, with some five million guests travelling every year.