We always associate cruise ships with newly weds and empty nesters. After all, it really is romantic to spend your honeymoon on a cruise, whether it’s your first or fifty-first. But nowadays, cruise ships offer a great variety of activities that all members of the family, from the kids to the kids-at-heart, would enjoy.

At daytime, the children can go outside and take a plunge at Carnival Waterworks Park. It features a 4-deck-high twister waterslide that the adventurous teenagers would enjoy; racing slides where the kids can challenge themselves in a fun racing game; and a spray park where they can run around and make a splash. For those who shy away from the sun, a Youth Experience is offered for toddlers to teens. This would give them the opportunity to socialize and meet other kids their age. Each of the activities is designed to fit different age group and are supervised by counselors and staffs trained to spark the interests of the children and get them involved.

Dads will never miss their clubs and putters, or even their basketball, because there is a 9-hole mini golf course and basketball court in the ship. And after a good play and a nice swim in the pool, they can grab a cold, tropical cocktail and lounge on the sun-kissed deck with the soothing sounds of the calypso band as background. Or if they just want to relax but still want some sports action, they can go inside and watch sporting events in a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen in the Carnival’s Seaside Theater.

For Moms, they can go to the Spa Carnival to pamper their body and mind. There is a fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, jogging tracks and exercise classes to keep in shape while at sea with the help of professional fitness experts. To replenish and relax the mind, body and soul, choose from the extensive list of spa treatments and massages. And to look glamorous after having fun under the sun, they can visit the salon and have a hair and scalp conditioning, get a great hair cut or even add some color to it. This is the time and place for them to be spoiled, indulged and beautified. Dads can join too!

At night, while the kids are resting after a great fun under the sun, dads and moms can try their luck in the casino, featuring the popular games of slot machines, blackjack, roulette and poker. If the kids still have high adrenaline, the family can watch “All the World’s a Stage” and other spectacular stage show extravaganzas, full of music, dancing, lights and costumes that could rival any Broadway performance. For dance fanatics, put on your dancing shoes and enjoy great music, oldies” or latest pop songs alike, and dance the night away. Or just hangout and enjoy the music, the drink, the atmosphere and the good company.

Dining is not a problem whether it’s day or night. There is the main restaurant where you can order whatever you want from the new menus everyday. For cappuccino, espresso, freshly baked pastries, a huge hot fudge sundae selection and world-famous choices of teas, try the European-style Bistro Café. A luncheon or late-night buffet with an impressive array of food choices is also available at the Lido Deck. If you are counting the calories, stay slim with the low-fat, low sodium and low cholesterol meal choices at Spa Carnival. The family can have a feast while having a quiet meal inside or enjoying the view and the sun outside.

And the fun with the family never stops: day or night, rain or shine, inside or out.