Before booking a family cruise, one of the first things I research is the kids club.

My children have made some of their best vacation friends through cruise youth programs, and those friendships often become one of the highlights of the trip. A good kids club also gives parents a little time to relax, attend a show, or enjoy dinner while the kids are happily doing something of their own.

Celebrity Solstice’s Camp at Sea which includes groups for ages 3-12.

On our recent Alaska sailing aboard Celebrity Solstice, I was especially interested to see how Camp at Sea had changed following the ship’s renovation. We were traveling with children and teenagers ranging from 11 to 17, which gave us a chance to see how the program worked for tweens, younger teens, and older teens.

Celebrity still offers organized activities and family events throughout the week. However, the physical spaces have changed, and the teen program now works differently than it did before the renovation. This review focuses on Celebrity Solstice's Camp at Sea program for children ages 3–12. If you're traveling with teenagers, I've created a separate guide covering the Celebrity Solstice Teen Club, including where teens meet after the removal of the dedicated X Club lounge and what to expect onboard.

Considering Booking at Cruise the the Celebrity Solstice? Read my other reviews before you book.

Here is everything parents should know about the Celebrity Solstice kids club, including the age groups, hours, daily activities, sign-in policies, family programming, and what happened to the dedicated Teen Club lounge.

This review is based entirely on our family's personal experience aboard Celebrity Solstice. We paid for our cruise in full and did not receive any complimentary accommodations, discounts, or compensation from Celebrity Cruises.

Planning an Alaska cruise? You may also want to read my Alaska Cruise Packing List.

Celebrity Solstice Camp at Sea Age Groups

Celebrity Cruises divides its youth program into four age groups:

Shipmates: 3–5 year olds
Cadets: 6–9 year olds
Captains: 10–12 year olds
X Club/Teen Club: 13-17 year olds

How to Register for Camp at Sea

Entrance to Camp at Sea, the Celebrity Solstice Kid’s Club.

We always visit the kids club during the Open House.

Even when my children are unsure whether they will attend, I still recommend registering on embarkation day. It gives kids a chance to meet the counselors, learn where the club is located, and see which activities are planned for the first evening.

The first night is especially important because that is often when children meet the friends they will spend time with for the rest of the cruise.

Registration was easy, and we received printed activity schedules for the different age groups called the Youth Voyage Planner. I was happy Celebrity still offered paper schedules because my kids like to circle the activities they are interested in rather than constantly checking the app.

Celebrity Solstice Kids Club Hours

On our sailing, Camp at Sea hours were the following:

Morning: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Afternoon: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Evening: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Teen Club activities were scheduled at different times and locations throughout the day.

The complimentary evening program ended at 10:00 p.m.

After 10:00 p.m., parents could use the late-night program for an additional charge of $15 per hour, per child.

Schedules and prices can change, so I always recommend confirming the current hours and late-night fees once you are onboard.

Celebrity Solstice Camp at Sea Activities

The Camp at Sea schedule included a combination of active games, creative projects, competitions, free-play sessions, and themed events.

Depending on the day and age group, a variety of activities were scheduled:

Celebrity Solstice offers printed schedules for each youth age group.

Arts and crafts
Video game competitions
Scavenger hunts
Trivia
Group games
Sports challenges
Dance parties
Theme nights
Tournaments
STEM-style activities
Karaoke
Movie or game time

Keep in mind that schedules may vary by itinerary, number of children onboard, and length of cruise.

Celebrity Solstice Family Activities

Cousins getting ready for the family scavenger hunt.

Some of our favorite youth-program events were actually the activities designed for the entire family. These activities were run by the Youth Voyager Activity Staff, which gave it a child focus versus other activities around the ship which were open to all cruisers.
Celebrity scheduled family events throughout the cruise, including:

Family scavenger hunts
Nintendo free play
Family karaoke
Family photo hunts
Family games and competitions

These activities gave families a chance to participate together instead of always separating adults and children.

Family Scavenger Hunts

The family scavenger hunts were some of the most fun we had all week.

Family activities on the Celebrity Solstice

They sent us racing around the ship together, searching for locations, clues, and specific items.

Everyone became competitive, and we spent much of the activity laughing while trying to complete the list.

Family Karaoke in the Sky Lounge

Family Karaoke was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Sky Lounge on our sailing.

It was relaxed, entertaining, and genuinely fun for both adults and children.

Even family members who did not want to sing could sit together, watch the performances, and enjoy the atmosphere.

What Changed After the Celebrity Solstice Renovation?

As soon as registration opened, we headed over to Camp at Sea to get the kids signed up for the week.

One of the first things I noticed was that the space looked much different than I remembered from previous Solstice Class sailings.

Curious about where each age group met, I asked a crew member which room belonged to the Captains program. With a smile, they answered, "Everyone shares this space."

That explained what I was seeing.

Rather than separate rooms for each age group, the renovated Celebrity Solstice now uses one larger Camp at Sea area that was created from part of the former conference center. While the room is divided into smaller activity zones, it feels much more open, and you can see most of the program area from the entrance.

I had hoped to take a quick look inside before the week began, but it looked like workers were repairing a few things, so the room wasn't open for tours during registration.

The shared room may work very well for younger children, especially those who are focused on crafts, games, and counselor-led activities.

For older kids in the 10- to 12-year-old range, however, the kids club is often as much about having a space of their own as it is about the activities. That was where the new layout felt different to us.

For a closer look at everything else that changed aboard the ship, read my complete Celebrity Solstice Renovation Review.

Our Experience in the Captains Kids Club (Age 11)

Tweens often spent time playing trivia and exploring the ship together.

My daughter was part of the Captains group for ages 10 to 12. The first-night program began at 7:00 p.m. and included an introduction to the rules and several get-to-know-you games. I always encourage my children to attend the first night, even if they are hesitant. My daughter attended Camp at Sea that evening and met several girls around her age. That part was wonderful, and they continued spending time together throughout the cruise.

At 11, she was old enough to want independence but still young enough to enjoy games, tournaments, and organized activities when they appealed to her. They played trivia, walked around the ship, rode the elevators, looked for snacks, and invented their own games. The group of friends sang, “Party in the USA” during Family Karaoke in the Sky Lounge. They were having fun, but it also made me realize they were looking for a place to gather that felt like their own.

The kids still had a fantastic cruise. Their fun simply happened outside the kids club more often than inside it.

What We Liked About Celebrity Solstice Camp at Sea

There were several things we continued to appreciate about Celebrity’s youth program:

The youth counselors were kind and welcoming.
Older children could receive self sign-in and sign-out privileges with parental permission.
There were games and tournaments for different interests.
Celebrity offered activities for the entire family.
The family scavenger hunts and karaoke were memorable.

Things Parents Should Know Before Booking Celebrity Solstice

The biggest thing parents should understand is that the Celebrity Solstice youth experience has changed since the renovation.

The younger age groups now share one larger Camp at Sea room rather than having completely separate dedicated spaces.

The Teen Club program still exists, but there is no longer a dedicated Teen Club or X Club lounge. Teenagers meet in public spaces around the ship according to the daily schedule.

Children who primarily enjoy organized activities may still find plenty to do. Children who prefer having a dedicated room where they can casually meet friends may notice the difference more.

Families should also keep the age divisions in mind. Thirteen-year-olds are placed in the Teen Club with guests as old as 17, which may be a great fit for some kids and uncomfortable for others.

Is Celebrity Solstice Good for Families?

Celebrity Solstice can still be a wonderful ship for families, especially those who enjoy spending time together and do not need a large resort-style kids complex.

The ship offered family trivia, scavenger hunts, karaoke, pools, entertainment, and plenty of places to relax together.

My kids had an excellent vacation. They made friends, explored the ship, attended activities that interested them, and created their own fun when they did not want to visit the youth program.

However, families choosing a ship primarily because their children or teenagers love spending hours in a dedicated kids club may want to understand the new setup before booking.

For our broader impressions of the ship after its refurbishment, read my Celebrity Solstice Renovation Review.

Families managing food allergies or celiac disease may also find my Celebrity Solstice Gluten-Free Dining Review helpful.

And for a simple activity that younger cruisers love, do not forget to read my guide to Cruise Ducks.

Final Thoughts

Celebrity still provides robust youth programming, friendly counselors and organized activities aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

For younger children, Camp at Sea may continue to be a great part of the cruise.

Celebrity Solstice offers trivia and other games for all cruisers.

For tweens and teenagers, the experience may depend more on the personalities and number of other kids onboard. My daughter and her friends preferred exploring the ship independently, while my son felt caught between the Captains and Teen Club age groups.

Every family values something different when choosing a cruise ship. If your children enjoy family activities and are comfortable making their own fun, Celebrity Solstice may still be an excellent fit.

If a large kids club, separate rooms by age, or a dedicated teen lounge is central to your family’s vacation, it is worth understanding the current setup before you book.

Continue Planning Your Cruise

If you're planning a family cruise, these articles may also help:

I paid for this cruise myself and was not compensated by Celebrity Cruises. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Celebrity Solstice Kids Club

Is the Celebrity Solstice Kids Club free?

Celebrity Solstice at the Hubbard Glacier

Yes. The regularly scheduled Camp at Sea and Teen Club activities were complimentary on our sailing.

There was an additional fee for late-night care after 10:00 p.m. The listed rate during our cruise was $15 per hour, per child. Fees may change, so confirm the current rate onboard.

What ages can attend Camp at Sea?

The youth groups aboard Celebrity Solstice were divided as follows:

Shipmates: ages 3–5
Cadets: ages 6–9
Captains: ages 10–12
Teen Club: ages 13–17

What time does Camp at Sea open?

On our sailing, Shipmates, Cadets, and Captains opened at 9:00 a.m.

Teen activities were offered at scheduled times throughout the day.

Hours may vary by itinerary and port schedule.

What time does the Celebrity Solstice kids club close?

The complimentary evening youth program ended at 10:00 p.m. on our cruise.

Late-night care was available after 10:00 p.m. for an additional hourly charge.

Can children sign themselves out of Camp at Sea?

The renovated Camp at Sea space is now shared by multiple age groups.

Older children may be allowed to sign themselves in and out with parental permission.

Parents complete the authorization during registration. The exact rules may depend on the child’s age and current Celebrity policies.

My daughter loves having this option because she does not feel stuck in the kids club if an activity ends early or she decides she wants to leave.

Before she went anywhere on her own, we marked our daily plans so she had a general idea of where we would be. If our schedule changed, we left a note in the cabin telling her where to find us. After a few days, she understood our routine and could usually locate us around the ship without much difficulty.

Whether self sign-out works for your family will depend on your child’s maturity, comfort level, and ability to navigate the ship safely.

Are there family activities aboard Celebrity Solstice?

Yes. Our cruise offered family scavenger hunts, Nintendo free play, family karaoke, family photo hunts, and other group activities.
Is Celebrity Solstice good for tweens?

Tweens ages 10 to 12 are part of the Captains group.

The schedule included games and tournaments that may appeal to this age group. However, older tweens who mainly want a private place to socialize may notice that the younger groups share one larger room.

Is 13 an awkward age for the Celebrity youth program?

It can be.

Thirteen-year-olds are placed in the Teen Club with guests up to age 17. Some children will be excited to join the older group, while others may feel more comfortable with the games and activities offered to the 10- to 12-year-old Captains group. You can speak with the Supervisor if your 13 year-old would prefer to be in the Captains group.

Should kids attend the first-night meetup?

I highly recommend it.

The first night is often when children and teenagers meet the friends they will spend time with for the rest of the cruise. Even if your child is unsure about attending later activities, it is worth trying the first-night introductions and games.

Do parents need to stay during Camp at Sea activities?

No. Parents do not normally remain in the youth club during scheduled drop-off programming.

Celebrity also offers separate family activities that parents and children attend together.

Do Camp at Sea activities change by cruise?

Yes. Activities, hours, and locations may vary depending on the itinerary, sailing length, number of children onboard, weather, port schedule, and staffing.

Use this review as a general guide, but confirm the current schedule after boarding.

FreshCruiser Tip: Keep the printed Youth Voyage Planner with you during the week. My kids loved circling the activities they wanted to attend, and it was much easier than constantly checking the app.

Celebrity Solstice Kids Club Review: Camp at Sea Guide for Families (2026)