cost of camp carnival during the day & night???

Chello everyone. I love these boards, I'm learning sooooooo much. I've got a few questions for you all. In may my family (quiet a few of us )will be "cruizing" on Carnival's Fasination. Is anyone familar with this ship and is it a GOOD ONE? Also as far as camp carnival what can you tell me besides that it is wonderful? I have a 6 and 10 yr. old, and am wondering how much do they charge for the kids during the day? I already know the night time rate and hours? What are the hours and can they stay at camp carnival if they don't want to go with us on the excursions? Is it a diffrent rate on excursion days. My husband and I want a little alone time balanced with kid time.We are also traveling with alot of adults and are the only one bringing our munchkins. Any and all you can tell me will be most appreciated. Do most of you take the kids to formal dinner nights and are they good or should I plan on using camp carnival those nights? Sorry for sooooo many questions I'm 35 and this is my first cruise and I always try to prepare in advance. Thanks ,Jennifer

There is no cost during regular hours. Not sure about port days........Most of the kids do go to formal night. It's also a good opportunity to get all dressed up and take a family picture. There will be picture stations all over the ship on the formal nights. Take as many as you want. You only buy what you like, or none at all. We always take as many pictures as we can handle......it takes that many for all 4 of us to be satisfied with one picture ().....

[snowyowlone]

What charge? I have never paid except for overnighters. Yes they eat dinner with us but I think camp has it were kids can eat there too. Check on this. They close for lunch and dinnner. They take them to the shows too. Your 10 yr.old can sign themselves out of camp. Every day they do different things. I hardly saw my kids. They had some things they wanted to do and some not. Who ever signs the child in is the only person to sign them out. I think they close at 10pm for the day. We left our kids when we went to one of the islands and they stayed with the camp. Hope this helps some.

snowyowlone.........there is a charge after 10pm, I think.

jennifer.......a caution on the overnighters. Of course, this is up to you, no right or wrong. But, when we cruised, the kids who went to the overnighter on the next to the last night (Friday night), missed out on their last day at sea because they were sleeping. I know they had a great time, but it's just something to keep in mind. I know this because my son couldn't find some of his friends on the last day and finally asked their parents where they were..........

[snowyowlone]

My dd did one of the overnighters but I can't remember how much it cost. She was the last one up. She came in around 5-6 am Slept most of the morning then a friend wanted to hang out with her so she got up. She said she had a blast. We have only did it the one time.

Yes, youth program is free (both at sea and in port). Just a fee (hourly) for group babysitting after 10 p.m.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor