Carnival Cruise Line is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for guests with disabilities and special needs, including children. Here are some important details regarding cruising with children with special needs on Carnival Cruise Line:
- Registration: Parents or legal guardians of children with special needs will need to complete a registration form for the Carnival Youth Program, which includes programs like Camp Carnival, Camp Ocean, Circle "C," and Club O2. A special needs checklist will also be provided to assist the youth staff in accommodating your child's needs during activities.
- Age Groups: Children who are within one year of a Carnival Youth Program age group may move down to the younger age group if needed. Exceptions for special needs children will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Age Limit: 18-year-olds with special needs are not allowed to participate in the youth program, as they are considered legal adults.
- One-on-One Attention: While Carnival does not provide one-on-one attention, parents, legal guardians, or assigned helpers are welcome to stay and participate with their child during activity times if necessary.
- Medication and Medical Equipment: Youth staff is not permitted to administer medication or needles to children. Only epi-pens, diabetic testing equipment, nebulizers, and inhalers are allowed in the facilities. Parents or guardians are responsible for administering any necessary medications.
- Diapers and Changing Tables: If a child is still in diapers and too big for the changing table, the parent or legal guardian will be called to assist. Youth staff members are not able to lift children with mobility disabilities.
- Self-Feeding: Children should be able to feed themselves as one-on-one assistance is not provided. Parents or guardians may remain with the child during dinner or bring the child to activities following the dinner service if assistance is needed.
- Supervised Meals: Supervised lunch with youth staff is available for children ages 2-11 years old on port days, for parents who are on-shore or on a Carnival scheduled shore excursion. Supervised dinner with youth staff is scheduled nightly (except embarkation night) for children ages 2-11 years old.
- Special Diets: Special diets cannot be accommodated for children in the youth program. Kid's menus are subject to change based on availability.