Family Fun Carnival Magic

Family Fun for Everyone Aboard Carnival Magic

Disclosure: We were offered the opportunity to step aboard Carnival Magic for a few hours to have some family fun. All experiences and opinions are 100% our own.

Have you ever been on a cruise? I personally have not. Nor has Colby or our kids. So, when we were offered the chance to just step onto the Carnival Magic for a few hours on a recent trip to Galveston, you better believe we were excited!

Family Fun Carnival Magic

Family Fun for Everyone

I must say, I did not realize all that was aboard a cruise liner. I maybe had an idea.. or so I thought. When we simply drove up to the port, the kids and I were taken back by its size. Seriously. We had no idea. But in reality, wow! There really is a lot of family fun for everyone to be had aboard the Carnival Magic!

Although we were only given a small sample of the entertainment on board, we learned about all of the great family-friendly activities available. Did you know you could do each of these things aboard the Carnival Magic:

  • MiniGolf and SportsSquare (on select ships)
  • Hasbro, The Game Show
  • Beary Cuddly Workshop
  • Warehouse Arcade
  • Shore Excursions
  • Outer Decks (entertainment and views)
  • Swim and play in pools, waterslides, and WaterWorks (on select ships)

And these do not even encompass all you can do on the ship!

Plus, when it comes to taking care of the younger passengers on the ship, Carnival has you covered!

Camp Carnival

Camp Carnival is for the youngest children, from 2-11. They get to partake in arts and crafts, theme-based activities, toys, movies, board games and more. Plus, they are offered lunch on days when the ship is at port and dinner on every night of the cruise, except the first. And they offer great menu selections for the kids that include pasta, grilled cheese, turkey and cheese wraps, and chicken nuggets… along with fruits and veggies.

Camp Carnival Magic
photo courtesy of Carnival

One of the fun night activities that do for the Camp Carnival kids is called Camp Carnival Night Owls . Each night from 10pm until 3am (yes… 3 am), kids from 2 to 11 can hang out in Camp Carnival. They play games, watch movies, and sleep on pillows and blankets when they are ready for bed. There are fees that apply ($6.75/hour plus a 15% gratuity) but Mom and Dad are free to explore other areas of the ship knowing the kids are having a great time too!

Not to mention, there are even 3 special parties offered throughout the cruise that the kids can attend based on their ages:

  1. Owl Jams (2-11): Party from 10pm-12am for video games, crafts, music and more.
  2. Fun ‘Til One (6-8): Theme nights, dancing, singing, video games and more interactive activities.
  3. Fun at Sea… ‘Til 3 (9-11): The kids will enjoy friendly competitions, video games, sporting events, pizza, and much more. Plus, you can leave your stateroom key behind and the Camp Carnival Staff will bring your child back to your stateroom at 3am. Not bad for quality service… with a smile!

Alas, Carnival does not leave out the older groups.

Carnival Magic Circle C
photo courtesy of Carnival

Circle “C” is for the tweens and teens ages 12-14 years. They get to do cool activities such as video games, dance parties, scavenger hunts, competitions, Hasbro board games, and even Teen Shore Excursions.

Then for the 15 to 17 year old crowd, there is Club O₂. These guys and gals will play interactive games, have themed dance parties, sporting events, Teen Shore Excursions and more. Of course, this age group tends to want to do their own thing so Carnival simply gives them their own space to do just that.

Which activity would your kids look most forward to?

My girls had a blast at WaterWorks. They cannot wait to go back and actually spend a few days at sea one day!

Learn more about the various cruises and activities by liking Carnival on Facebook or following @CarnivalCruise on Twitter.