Carnival Camp Ocean Turtles: Childcare for Babies Under 2
Cruising with a baby or toddler under 2 can make childcare one of the most important things to research before booking a Carnival cruise. While Carnival’s regular Camp Ocean program begins at age 2, Carnival also offers Turtles programming for infants and toddlers from 6 months to under 2 years old during designated times.
Turtles works differently from the regular Camp Ocean program. Under-2 childcare is only available during specific periods, fees can apply for supervised drop-off, and the schedule changes depending on whether the ship is at sea or in port. During our Carnival cruise, the HUB App showed Turtles activities, port-day drop-off periods, Stay & Play sessions, family activities, and Night Owls.
For more Carnival information, CruisePrism readers can also explore our Carnival Dining Menus, Carnival Drink Lists, and Carnival Onboard Guides for more information about restaurants, schedules and onboard activities.
What Is Carnival Camp Ocean Turtles?
Turtles is Carnival Cruise Line’s youth programming for its youngest cruisers.
Carnival’s current youth program accepts children beginning at 6 months old. Turtles covers children from 6 months to under 2, while children ages 2–5 participate in the Penguins group.
The Carnival HUB App from our sailing displayed Turtles as “Ages 0–1,” but Carnival’s current published minimum age for participation in its youth program is 6 months.
There is an important exception for children who turn 2 during the cruise. Carnival states that a child turning 2 during the sailing may participate in the Penguins program for ages 2–5.
Can Babies Under 2 Go to Camp Ocean?
Yes, but not under the same schedule as children ages 2 and older.
Carnival specifically notes that Camp Ocean cannot normally accept children under 2 into the regular program unless they are turning 2 during the cruise. Instead, children under 2 have designated Turtles periods when they can use the facility.
Depending on the activity and time, parents may either:
• Leave their child with Carnival’s youth staff for supervised care for a fee
• Stay with their child during designated Stay & Play or under-2 family periods
• Use Night Owls late-night childcare for an additional fee
This distinction is important when planning a Carnival cruise with a baby. Turtles is not complimentary all-day daycare.
Where Is Camp Ocean Turtles?
The location varies by ship.
On our sailing, the Carnival HUB App showed Camp Ocean: Turtles on Deck 4 Mid. The app listed extensions 4141 and 4144 for the youth program.
The map showed the Turtles area adjacent to the main Camp Ocean space, near the Family Harbor Lounge and Dr. Seuss Bookville.
The schedule shown in the HUB App for this particular day listed:
• 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
• 10:00 PM–1:00 AM
The app also clearly displayed “Fees apply.”
These hours should not be treated as a fleetwide daily schedule. Turtles hours depend heavily on the itinerary and whether the ship is at sea or in port, and Carnival instructs families to check the HUB App once onboard.
How Much Does Carnival Turtles Childcare Cost?
Carnival currently charges $9 per hour, per child, including the 20% service charge, when parents leave a child under 2 in the care of the youth staff during designated under-2 periods.
The same current rate applies to Night Owls.
Parents who remain with their child during designated under-2 Stay & Play periods can use the facility without the supervised childcare charge.
That creates an important distinction:
• Parent stays with child during designated under-2 time: no childcare fee
• Parent leaves child with youth staff: fee applies
• Night Owls: fee applies
Always verify current pricing aboard your sailing because Carnival can change its youth-program fees.
Embarkation Day and Registration
The Turtles filter in our Carnival HUB App displayed five activities on embarkation day in Miami.
The schedule included:
• 11:00 AM – Open House & Registration
• 3:45 PM – Sail Away
• 5:30 PM – Explore Camp Ocean!
• 7:00 PM – Camp Ocean Family Welcome Aboard Party
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
The Open House & Registration and Explore Camp Ocean periods give families an opportunity to see the youth facilities and become familiar with the program early in the cruise.
Carnival requires children to be registered before participating in its youth programs, and the cruise line recommends completing registration before the cruise.
Turtles Port-Day Drop-Off
One of the most useful options for parents traveling with a baby is Turtles Port Day Drop Off.
On our Nassau day, the HUB App listed Turtles Port Day Drop Off beginning at 8:00 AM.
The filtered schedule showed:
• 8:00 AM – Turtles Port Day Drop Off
• 4:30 PM – Seuss at Sea: Story Fun
• 4:30 PM – Turtles: Stay & Play
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
Carnival allows parents and guardians to leave children under 2 with the youth staff while the ship is in port. The current charge is $9 per hour, per child, including the service charge.
There is one particularly important limitation: Carnival does not provide under-2 childcare during meal times on port days. Parents or guardians must return from port for the child at meal time.
Anyone considering leaving the ship while a baby remains in Camp Ocean should therefore confirm the exact drop-off, pickup, and meal-time requirements onboard before going ashore.
What Is Turtles Stay & Play?
Stay & Play is different from supervised drop-off childcare.
During designated under-2 periods, parents or guardians can remain with their child and use the Camp Ocean facility. Carnival currently states that parents can stay and use the camp facility with their child at no charge during designated under-2 times.
On our cruise, Turtles: Stay & Play appeared several times in the daily program, generally at 4:30 PM.
These sessions provide younger cruisers access to an age-appropriate play environment without requiring parents to leave them with the youth staff.
Turtles Activities on a Sea Day
The Turtles schedule on our first full sea day included several activities around the ship in addition to Stay & Play and Night Owls.
The HUB App showed:
• 9:00 AM – Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea Party
• 11:30 AM – Baby Turtle Trek
• 1:15 PM – Seuss-a-palooza Parade
• 1:30 PM – Seuss-a-palooza Story Time
• 4:30 PM – Turtles: Stay & Play
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
Not all of these activities were held inside Camp Ocean.
Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea Party and Baby Turtle Trek were listed at Center Stage on Deck 6 Mid. The Seuss-a-palooza Parade took place at The Gateway, while Story Time was held in Grand Spectrum.
This is an important detail when using the HUB App: selecting the Turtles filter can display family activities suitable for this age group throughout the ship, not just activities held inside the Turtles room.
What Activities Does Carnival Offer for Babies and Toddlers?
Carnival’s current Turtles program can include activities such as:
• Turtle playdates
• Turtle Band
• Baby Turtle Trek
• Arts and crafts
• Dancing
• Educational games
• Dr. Seuss storytime
• Sensory activities
• Zumbini
Offerings vary by ship and itinerary.
The schedule from our cruise illustrates that the program is not simply babysitting. Carnival mixes dedicated Turtles programming with larger family events that parents and young children can enjoy together.
Turtles at Amber Cove
Our Amber Cove port day again included an early Turtles drop-off period.
The HUB App displayed:
• 8:00 AM – Turtles Port Day Drop Off
• 4:30 PM – Family Zumbini
• 4:30 PM – Turtles: Stay & Play
• 5:15 PM – Photo Time! with Dr. Seuss
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
Family Zumbini and Stay & Play were held in the Turtles area on Deck 4 Mid, while the Dr. Seuss photo opportunity was listed at Pixels Gallery on Deck 8 Mid.
This is another example of how port days can combine supervised childcare with family programming after passengers return to the ship.
Sea Days Can Have Limited Under-2 Drop-Off Hours
Parents should not assume that sea days provide more baby drop-off childcare simply because everyone is onboard.
Carnival states that under-2 care is available only during limited designated periods on sea days.
During these periods, parents can either leave their child with youth staff for the applicable hourly fee or remain in the facility with the child at no charge.
The actual times are published onboard.
On the later sea day captured in our HUB App, the Turtles filter showed only one activity.
That activity was Night Owls at 10:00 PM.
This is a good example of why families should check the actual daily program rather than assuming that the same Turtles schedule repeats every sea day.
Turtles at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Our next port day was at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
The Turtles filter again showed port-day childcare along with afternoon family programming.
The activities displayed were:
• 8:00 AM – Turtles Port Day Drop Off
• 4:30 PM – Camp Ocean Family Scavenger Hunt
• 4:30 PM – Seuss at Sea: Story Fun
• 4:30 PM – Turtles: Stay & Play
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
The scavenger hunt and Seuss activity were family-oriented programming, while Stay & Play was held in the Turtles area.
Turtles at Celebration Key
The final port day shown in our HUB App was Celebration Key.
Only two activities appeared under the Turtles filter:
• 8:00 AM – Turtles Port Day Drop Off
• 10:00 PM – Night Owls
Again, the amount of Turtles programming changed substantially from one day to another.
Families should therefore think of the Carnival HUB App as their daily program or cruise planner for youth activities. It provides the actual schedule for the specific ship and itinerary.
Night Owls for Babies Under 2
Babies and toddlers under 2 are eligible for Carnival’s Night Owls childcare program.
Night Owls is offered from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on U.S. sailings and takes place inside Camp Ocean.
Carnival describes the environment as similar to a slumber party. Programming can include movies, toys, arts and crafts, video games, and snacks.
Children from the older Camp Ocean age groups may also be present during Night Owls.
For infants, Carnival states that Pack ’N Plays are available for use.
The current Night Owls fee is $9 per hour, per child, including the 20% service charge.
There is no family or sibling discount.
Do Babies Have to Be Potty Trained?
No.
Carnival specifically states that children do not have to be potty trained to participate in Camp Ocean or Night Owls.
Parents should provide diapers and necessary toiletries to the youth staff for their child.
This is particularly relevant for Turtles because the entire age group consists of infants and young toddlers.
Can Carnival Youth Staff Give a Baby Medication?
Generally, no.
Carnival’s youth staff cannot administer medication to children participating in the youth programs.
Carnival makes limited exceptions for EpiPens and self-use inhalers, which must not be expired.
If a child needs regularly scheduled medication while participating, the parent or guardian must return to administer it.
Signing Babies In and Out
Children participating in supervised youth programming must be registered.
Parents can also authorize other guests over age 18 to sign their child in and out.
The authorized adult must present a Sail & Sign card when dropping off and picking up the child.
Carnival also provides complimentary onboard phones to some parents and guardians on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to families with younger children. These phones are for use aboard the ship only.
Can Parents Leave the Ship While Their Baby Is at Camp Ocean?
Carnival specifically offers supervised under-2 care while ships are in port.
However, parents need to pay close attention to the schedule because Carnival does not provide care for children under 2 during meal times on port days. Parents or guardians must return from port at that time.
The exact schedule can vary by itinerary, so parents planning a shore excursion should confirm the available childcare window onboard before leaving the ship.
Carnival Turtles vs. Penguins
The biggest difference between the two programs is age and availability.
Turtles is for children from 6 months to under 2, while Penguins is for ages 2–5.
Penguins receive much more extensive scheduled complimentary Camp Ocean programming throughout the cruise. Turtles participate during specific designated periods, and supervised under-2 drop-off generally carries a fee.
A child who turns 2 during the cruise may join the Penguins group.
Important Turtles Tips for Parents
Parents cruising with a baby or young toddler should keep several things in mind:
• Register the child for Carnival’s youth program before the cruise when possible.
• Check the HUB App every day because Turtles hours can change significantly.
• Do not assume that Turtles operates on the same schedule as regular Camp Ocean.
• Look specifically for “Turtles Port Day Drop Off” when planning time ashore.
• Confirm meal-time pickup requirements before leaving the ship.
• Remember that supervised under-2 drop-off carries an additional fee.
• Use Stay & Play if you want to enjoy the Camp Ocean space together with your child.
• Bring diapers and necessary toiletries.
• Remember that youth staff generally cannot administer medication.
• Check the location of each activity because some Turtles events take place elsewhere around the ship.
• Night Owls provides late-night childcare from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on U.S. sailings.
• Always use the onboard schedule for final times because activities are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Camp Ocean Turtles
What ages can use Carnival Turtles?
Carnival’s Turtles program is for children from 6 months to under 2 years old.
Can a 1-year-old go to Camp Ocean?
A 1-year-old can participate in designated Turtles programming and supervised childcare periods, but cannot participate in the regular Camp Ocean program for children ages 2–11.
Can a 6-month-old use Carnival childcare?
Yes. Carnival’s current youth-program minimum age is 6 months.
Is Carnival Turtles free?
It depends on the activity. Parents can participate with their child during designated Stay & Play periods without a childcare fee. Supervised under-2 drop-off and Night Owls carry additional fees.
How much is Carnival childcare for babies?
Carnival currently charges $9 per hour, per child, including the 20% service charge, for supervised under-2 childcare during designated periods.
Can Carnival watch my baby while I go ashore?
Carnival offers Turtles Port Day Drop Off while the ship is in port. However, under-2 care is not provided during meal times, so parents must return from port for the child. Always verify the specific schedule before going ashore.
Does Carnival provide babysitting in the cabin?
No. Carnival does not offer in-stateroom babysitting. Supervised childcare is provided through its youth facilities during designated times.
Does Carnival have nighttime babysitting?
Yes. Night Owls provides paid childcare for children from 6 months through age 11 from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on U.S. sailings.
Does Carnival provide cribs during Night Owls?
Carnival states that Pack ’N Plays are available for infants participating in Night Owls.
Do babies have to be potty trained?
No. Children do not have to be potty trained. Parents should provide diapers and necessary toiletries.
What is Turtles Stay & Play?
Stay & Play is a designated period when parents or guardians can remain with their child and use the Turtles/Camp Ocean facility together.
Where do I find the Turtles schedule?
Once onboard, use the Carnival HUB App and filter the activities by Turtles. The schedule shows available activities, locations, and under-2 drop-off periods for your specific cruise.
What happens when my child turns 2 during the cruise?
Carnival states that children who turn 2 during the sailing are welcome to join the Penguins group for ages 2–5.
Final Thoughts
Carnival offers more options for families traveling with babies than the simple “Camp Ocean starts at age 2” rule might initially suggest.
Children from 6 months to under 2 can participate in Turtles programming during designated times, including supervised port-day drop-off, Stay & Play sessions, family activities, and Night Owls late-night childcare.
The biggest difference compared with the regular Camp Ocean program is that under-2 care is limited to specific times and supervised drop-off generally costs extra. The schedule can also vary dramatically from one day to another, as our sailing demonstrated: some days included multiple family activities and Stay & Play sessions, while another sea day showed only Night Owls.
For parents planning a Carnival cruise with a baby or young toddler, the most important tool is the Carnival HUB App. Check it daily for the current Turtles schedule, childcare hours, activity locations, and port-day drop-off periods before making plans for the day.
