Carnival Destiny this Saturday - help!

[Meg]

I just found this site! I've been looking for advice on cruising with a two year old. We leave Nov. 23rd to cruise the southern caribbean on Carnival Destiny. My oldest is is six, and I'm concerned that they can't be together at camp carnival, since they are in different age groups. Lilli (2) won't stay if she can't be with Tori (6). Also, do they ever let parents play in camp carnival with the children until they are used to it?

Also, any advice on beaches/excursions for children this age at any of these islands would be greatly appreciated: St. Thomas, Martinique, Barbados, Aruba

We have never cruised before, and I am concerned about my 2 year old having enough to keep her busy on the ship if she won't stay at camp carnival!

Thanks!

[Donna]

Hi Meg,
Not sure about the kids program with your kids, but it looks like they will be in different groups. I'd say go there, give it a try and see how they both like it, most kids love it there.

As for a nice beach, in St. Thomas you can go to Meagans Bay, very beautiful beach, great for taking the kids, very calm waters. Just be sure to save some time for a little shopping while there, you can even shop at the mall by the pier, same stores as downtown.

Have Fun!

Hi Meg:
I'm the family cruise editor and rest assured, your children will enjoy Camp Carnival. We sailed a few years ago when my daughter was six and she had a great time. There are a number of family activities throughout your cruise -- such as Name that Tune, deck games, crafts night, and family disco -- that you can do with both kids. However, they generally don't allow parents hanging out with the kids in the youth program. Also, your two year old will have to stay with the little ones and your six year old with the group that is her age. Most of the cruise lines are pretty strict about this in order to ensure the best experience for all kids. So you'll have to give it a try and maybe your two year old will surprise you!
As for excursions, definitely go to Megan's Bay for gentle waters for the kids in St. Thomas. In Barbados, my daughter and I went on an excursion to Harrison's Cave which she thought was pretty cool (she's 8 years old). Maybe one of you want to do that with her and the other hang out with the two year old. In Aruba, there is the Atlantis semi-sub which your six year old will like -- up close and personal with the fish! Aruba has very gentle water so just ask the shore excursions manager to recommend a beach that you can reach by taxi that has bathroom facilities. I've usually gotten good recommendations. Martinique is a tough one -- most of the nice beaches are far from the cruise pier. Ask the shore excursions manager for recommendations on what to do with kids in port. I've only been there once and we didn't have much luck.
Have a great trip and let me know how things went when you get back.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gayno