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Does Celebrity Cruises have special programs for kids?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 17 September 2026

Does Celebrity Cruises have special programs for kids?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises has special programs for kids and teens, primarily through its Camp at Sea youth program and separate teen activities. These programs are designed for children from ages 3 through 17, with activities organized around different age groups.

Families can find activities ranging from arts and crafts and sports to STEM projects, scavenger hunts, gaming tournaments, themed events, and teen social activities. The exact schedule can vary by ship, sailing, itinerary, and time of year.

This guide explains how Celebrity Cruises' kids programs work, what children can do onboard, age requirements, operating hours, costs, and what parents should know before booking.

1.What Is Celebrity Cruises' Camp at Sea?

Camp at Sea is Celebrity Cruises' main youth program. It provides supervised activities for children, with different experiences designed around age groups and interests.

Celebrity says the program includes more than 500 possible activities across areas such as recreation, arts, science and technology, and culinary activities. The actual activities available can change from one sailing to another.

The program is divided into age-appropriate groups:

Age Program/group Examples of activities
3–5 Shipmates Arts, crafts, music and group activities
6–9 Cadets Nautical activities, games, movies and campouts
10–12 Captains STEM, scavenger hunts, sports and gaming
13–17 Teen Program Sports, gaming, social events and teen parties

 

Celebrity's current FAQ identifies Camp at Sea for ages 3–12 and a separate Teen Program for ages 13–17.

2.What Programs Does Celebrity Cruises Offer for Kids?

Celebrity provides several types of activities rather than simply offering a traditional children's playroom.

1.Arts and Crafts

Younger children can participate in creative activities through the Creation Station. Activities can include painting, collaging and other hands-on projects.

These activities give children something creative to do while parents enjoy some time elsewhere on the ship.

2.STEM Activities

Children interested in science and technology can participate in STEM-related activities.

Celebrity's STEM at Sea program was developed with the Frost Science Museum and includes educational subjects such as marine wildlife, ecological conservation and nautical exploration. Celebrity notes that this specific program is available on Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Edge.

Because programming can differ between ships, families should check the activities offered on their particular sailing.

3.Sports and Recreation

Active children can take part in games, challenges and sports-related activities. Celebrity describes recreational programming as including teamwork-focused games and challenges.

Older children may also participate in sports competitions, while teenagers can have access to activities such as sports competitions and other social events.

4.Gaming and Video Game Activities

Gaming is another part of Celebrity's youth programming.

Activities can include video game tournaments and gaming competitions, particularly for older children and teens.

5.Nautical Activities

Children in the 6–9 Cadets group can participate in activities built around nautical themes.

Celebrity says these activities can introduce children to subjects such as navigation, time and weather patterns. Other activities may include scavenger hunts, movie nights and campouts, depending on the ship and schedule.

3.What Activities Are Available for Teenagers?

Teenagers ages 13–17 have their own programming and, on applicable ships, a dedicated Teen Club.

Activities can include:

  • Sports competitions
  • Video game tournaments
  • Silent disco events
  • Teen social activities
  • Parties and other scheduled events

Celebrity states that teen programming hours can vary depending on the ship, itinerary and time of year.

One important detail is that Celebrity Solstice currently does not have a dedicated Teen facility, although teen programming remains available in other venues.

4.What Is the Age Limit for Celebrity Cruises Kids Programs?

Celebrity's youth programming covers children and teenagers from 3 through 17.

The main age categories are:

  • Ages 3–5: Shipmates
  • Ages 6–9: Cadets
  • Ages 10–12: Captains
  • Ages 13–17: Teen Program

Children participating in the youth program must be fully toilet trained. Celebrity does not permit children wearing diapers, pull-ups or swim diapers to participate in the youth program.

5.Can Babies and Toddlers Use Celebrity's Kids Club?

No. Celebrity does not currently provide a nursery or drop-off childcare program for children under age 3.

Infants must generally be at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise, although some cruises require infants to be at least 12 months old.

Celebrity also states that it does not provide babysitting or in-room childcare services. Childcare activities are scheduled through the Camp at Sea facilities.

This is an important consideration for parents traveling with babies or toddlers who are too young for Camp at Sea.

6.Are Celebrity Cruises Kids Programs Free?

Many regular Camp at Sea activities are complimentary.

Celebrity's FAQ information says complimentary sessions are offered during specified periods on port and sea days. Additional extended sessions may be available for an extra fee.

Extended options can include:

  • Breakfast Pass
  • Lunch Pass
  • Dinner Pass
  • Late-night Slumber Party

Celebrity says these extended sessions carry an additional charge and some include meals at the Oceanview Café.

Because schedules and fees can change, families should check the current information for their specific sailing before relying on a particular session.

7.What Are the Camp at Sea Hours?

Celebrity's current FAQ information lists complimentary Camp at Sea sessions during the day and evening.

The listed complimentary periods are:

  • 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

These times exclude embarkation and debarkation days.

Extended programming may also be offered for an additional charge, including a late-night session from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Parents should check the onboard schedule because programming and hours can vary.

8.Can Kids Use the Program While the Ship Is in Port?

Yes. Celebrity offers Camp at Sea programming on both port days and sea days.

This can be useful for parents who want to spend part of a port day exploring independently while their children participate in scheduled youth activities.

However, parents should check the daily schedule because not every activity operates continuously throughout the day. Celebrity's published complimentary sessions are divided into specific time periods.

9.Can Children Leave the Kids Club by Themselves?

Celebrity has different rules depending on age.

1.Children Ages 3–9

Children ages 3–9 must be signed in and signed out of the youth program by an authorized adult.

2.Children Ages 10–12

Children ages 10–12 can come and go independently but must sign themselves in and out of the youth facilities.

3.Teenagers Ages 13–17

Teens may come and go as they please, subject to Celebrity's applicable onboard rules.

These age-based procedures help parents understand how much independence their children can have onboard.

10.Does Celebrity Cruises Have a Kids' Menu?

Yes. Celebrity states that a special children's menu is available in the main dining room.

Families can therefore combine youth activities with child-friendly dining options rather than relying exclusively on the regular adult menu.

Food availability and dining arrangements can vary by ship and sailing, so parents with specific dietary requirements should check with Celebrity before traveling.

11.Are There Family-Friendly Activities Outside Camp at Sea?

Yes. Children do not have to spend their entire cruise in the youth program.

Celebrity lists a range of family activities and spaces across its ships, which can include:

  • Pools and outdoor areas
  • Movies
  • Games
  • Pickleball
  • Basketball
  • Ping-pong
  • Lawn games
  • Trivia
  • Video game tournaments
  • Family-friendly shore excursions

Availability varies by ship. Celebrity also promotes family-friendly shore excursions at destinations around the world.

This means families can combine organized children's programming with activities they enjoy together.

12.Does Every Celebrity Cruise Ship Have Kids Programs?

Not necessarily in exactly the same form.

Celebrity states that Camp at Sea and Teen Programming are offered on its Ocean Ships, while Celebrity Flora and the Celebrity River fleet do not have dedicated youth or teen programming onboard.

Even among ships with youth programming, facilities and specific activities can differ.

For example, Celebrity currently notes that Celebrity Solstice has teen programming but no dedicated Teen facility.

Therefore, families should verify the facilities and programs on the exact ship before booking.

13.Are Kids Allowed in the Swimming Pools?

Celebrity requires guests using pools and whirlpools to be fully toilet trained. Children wearing diapers, pull-ups or swim diapers are not permitted in these facilities because of public-health requirements.

This is particularly important for families traveling with babies or recently toilet-trained toddlers.

14.Does Celebrity Cruises Offer Babysitting?

Celebrity says no. It does not provide babysitting or in-room childcare services.

Instead, its childcare offerings are scheduled through the Camp at Sea facilities.

Parents should therefore avoid assuming that a child can receive individual in-room babysitting during dinner or an evening activity.

15.How Should Parents Prepare for a Celebrity Cruise With Kids?

A little planning can make the youth program easier to use.

1. Check the Ship Before Booking

Look at the youth facilities available on your specific ship rather than assuming every Celebrity ship offers exactly the same setup.

2. Confirm Your Child's Age Group

Children are separated into age-based groups, so knowing which group applies to your child helps you understand the likely activities.

3. Check Toilet-Training Requirements

Children must be fully toilet trained to participate in Camp at Sea. This is especially important for families traveling with younger children.

4. Review the Daily Schedule

The activities change throughout the cruise. Review the daily schedule so children can choose activities they actually want to attend.

5. Discuss Sign-In and Sign-Out Rules

Parents of younger children should understand that ages 3–9 require adult sign-in and sign-out.

6. Look at Additional-Cost Sessions

If you need early-morning, meal-period or late-night childcare programming, check whether an extended session is available and what it costs.

7. Check Special Requirements in Advance

If your child has accessibility, dietary or other specific needs, contact Celebrity before sailing so you can understand what arrangements may be available.

16.What Makes Celebrity Cruises' Kids Programs Different?

Celebrity's youth programming combines entertainment with educational and creative activities.

Instead of limiting the program to traditional games, Camp at Sea can include:

  • STEM activities
  • Nautical learning
  • Arts and crafts
  • Sports
  • Gaming
  • Culinary activities
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Social events
  • Movie nights

Celebrity also says its Camp at Sea schedule is customizable and can include more than 500 activities, with programming changing based on the interests of children onboard.

The exact experience, however, depends on the ship and sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Does Celebrity Cruises have special programs for kids?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises offers Camp at Sea for children and separate teen programming for ages 13–17. Activities include arts, sports, games, STEM, nautical activities and social events.

Q2.What age is Camp at Sea for?

Camp at Sea covers children ages 3–12, divided into Shipmates, Cadets and Captains. Teenagers ages 13–17 have separate teen programming.

Q3.Is Camp at Sea free?

Regular Camp at Sea programming includes complimentary sessions. Some extended programming, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night sessions, may have an additional fee.

Q4.Does Celebrity Cruises have a teen club?

Yes. Celebrity offers teen programming for ages 13–17, with a dedicated Teen Club on applicable ships. Celebrity notes that Celebrity Solstice currently has teen programming but no dedicated Teen facility.

Q5.Does Celebrity Cruises offer babysitting?

No. Celebrity states that it does not offer babysitting or in-room childcare. Youth care is provided through scheduled Camp at Sea activities.

Q6.Can a 2-year-old use Camp at Sea?

No. Camp at Sea is for children starting at age 3, and participating children must be fully toilet trained. Celebrity does not currently offer a nursery or drop-off childcare program for children under 3.

Q7.Are kids' activities available on port days?

Yes. Camp at Sea offers programming on both port and sea days, although activities operate according to scheduled time periods.

Q8.Can children leave Camp at Sea without their parents?

The rules depend on age. Children ages 3–9 must be signed in and out by an authorized adult. Children ages 10–12 can come and go independently but must sign themselves in and out, while teens ages 13–17 may come and go as permitted under the program rules.

Q9.Does Celebrity Cruises have STEM activities for children?

Yes. Celebrity offers STEM-related programming, including activities covering subjects such as marine wildlife, conservation and nautical exploration. Celebrity specifically identifies STEM at Sea programming on Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Edge.

Q10.Does Celebrity Cruises have a children's menu?

Yes. Celebrity states that a special children's menu is available in the main dining room.

Q11.Does every Celebrity ship offer the same kids' facilities?

No. Youth facilities and programming can differ between ships. Celebrity states that Camp at Sea and teen programming are offered on its Ocean Ships, while Celebrity Flora and the Celebrity River fleet do not have dedicated youth or teen programming.

Conclusion

Celebrity Cruises does have special programs for kids, with Camp at Sea providing age-specific activities for children ages 3–12 and separate programming for teenagers ages 13–17. Options can include arts and crafts, STEM, sports, gaming, nautical activities, movies, social events and themed experiences.

Parents should pay particular attention to the minimum age, toilet-training requirement, sign-in rules, operating hours, additional fees and ship-specific facilities before booking. Families traveling with babies and toddlers should also remember that Celebrity does not currently provide a nursery or in-room babysitting service.

For the most accurate planning, check the current youth-program information for the specific Celebrity ship and sailing because activities, facilities and schedules can vary.

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