I have sailed both Carnival and Norwegian (NCL) with my kids and here is my comparison:
Kids Clubs:
- Carnival: Camp Ocean for ages 2-11, Circle C for 12-14, Circle O for 15-17. Very active program with lots of organized activities. My kids loved the scavenger hunts and dance parties.
- NCL: Guppies for 6 months-2 years, Splash Academy for 3-12, Entourage for 13-17. More structured with themed days. Good but slightly fewer activities than Carnival.
Dining:
- Carnival: Two main dining rooms plus the buffet. More traditional cruise dining with set times. Good comfort food.
- NCL: Freestyle dining - eat whenever you want, no set times. More specialty restaurants (usually extra cost) but more variety. Better for picky eaters.
Cabins:
- Carnival: Standard cabins are slightly larger on average. Family Harbor cabins on newer ships are great for families with a private lounge.
- NCL: Studios and inside cabins are smaller. Their Haven suites are excellent but pricey. Family balcony cabins are well laid out.
Activities:
- Carnival: Water parks, mini golf, ropes course on newer ships. More energetic, party atmosphere.
- NCL: Go-karts, laser tag, waterslides on Norwegian Bliss/Joy. More low-key overall vibe.
Winner for families: I would go with Carnival for the price and kids club activities. NCL is better if you want more dining flexibility and a calmer atmosphere. For your kids ages 8 and 12, either will be great.