Do cruises offer free travel for kids?
Did you know your kids can cruise free on many cruises? Here are some cruises that allow children to sail for free on their ships.
Various cruise lines have special itineraries, which are the main attraction for families with kids. They provide a variety of services and give concessions for children under 17, thus, families can get the most out of their money spent in the trip.
Some cruise lines even run campaigns where they allow the kids to be cruise free of charge along with their parents.
This article lists the different cruise lines that would make it possible for your kids to travel free and offer other services as well.
This blog enumerates cruises that allow free travel for kids and other amenities.
What cruise line enables kids to travel free?
No matter the season, there are always facilities for families with kids to have a good time during their cruise vacation. However, the prices can be quite high. To overcome this situation, many cruise lines that are kid-friendly come up with the offer of sailing free for kids. The following lines are some of the most common ones that let kids sail free along with their parents.
Here are some of the popular cruise lines that allow kids to sail without any additional charge along with his/her parents.
MSC Cruise Line
MSC Cruise Line is a giant in the cruise business in Europe and is quickly becoming a popular choice in North America. They have the best cruise experience in the Caribbean, which is marked with perfect service and eye-catching interiors.
Moreover, on certain itineraries, kids are allowed to sail for free on their royal cruises. This offer is valid for children up to 18 years of age throughout the year. But, parents have to pay the taxes and port charges for each child which is an important point to consider.
MSC Cruise Line has very interesting and entertaining activities planned for kids. including water parks, slides, swimming pools, Broadway-like shows, dining experiences, and endless services. These activities are offered in packages that will ensure your kids have a great cruise vacation.
Costa Cruises
The Italian cruise line Costa Cruises is another one that stands tall in the aspect of family value. One of the major advantages is the policy of free sailing for children under the age of 18 sharing a cabin with two paying adults — however, port fees, service charges, and other costs still apply.
Costa provides a fun and easy-going environment for kids of different ages with amenities like children’s clubs, themed parties, and unique cultural experiences such as Venetian masquerade events. Little ones will have their own pools, water parks with multi-deck slides, and outdoor mini-golf just to name a few of the exciting things that are there for them on board the ships. With all these fun activities Costa Cruises is surely the right choice for families who want a combination of fun and affordability.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line grants a ″free to cruise″ option to kids on some itineraries. This policy allows all kids Below the age of 17 accompanying their parents in the same room without any charge. They can join the parents as a third or fourth child in the family room. But still, port fees and taxes for the sake of all children sailing on the ship must be paid.
This promotional offer can be used for Caribbean voyages, Alaskan voyages, and Mexican voyages, to name just a few of the specific itineraries' ports.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruises is very well known associated with family vacations and is likely one of the first choices when exotic trips are planned with kids. Children's (3rd & 4th family members) special promotions for selected passengers by Disney Cruises are proof of the company's total dedication to the children's segment.
The sail-free promotion for kids is available only to those whose guests hold at least one Disney+ one online OTT platform subscription. Kids can go along with their parents who paid full fare on Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Dream ships.
Moreover, there are various onboard activities that cater to the entertainment of the little ones like the giant waterslide pools, the character dining experience at sea, etc.
Also Read: Kids Sail Free Cruise Deals
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is a company that provides and promotes lots of free travel for kids between 3 and 4 guests in the cabins. Those promotions are mainly for the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska, but also for many others among the world's best-known destinations.
You can organize an amazing kid's vacation with the Norwegian Cruise Line comprising kid's club, special dining, entertainment, and other activities. In case you're looking for a great trip, you should opt for the package that is within your budget. Most ships of this cruise line provide family-oriented accommodation which include the two-bedroom suite.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is recognized as the best among family-friendly cruise lines due to the wide range of activities and family-oriented facilities this cruise line has got to offer the family. The line regularly receives very high ratings for its kid-friendly programs that cater to different ages that range from nurseries for the littlest ones up to lounges for the teens on the latest ships which also include art studios, science labs, etc.
Your children will have an unforgettable vacation across all of the ships, where there are surf simulators, climbing walls, slides, and dry slides that can be used all day long. The good news is that, on top of all these fun things to do, Royal Caribbean also has a good number of "Kids Sail Free" promos especially during the big sale events that are done throughout the year such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Usually, these promotions allow or offer free or extremely reduced fares for kids up to 12 years old which makes the cruise to be a great deal for families who are looking for both fun and economic value.
Cunard Line
Cunard Line, which is known for its classy and aristocratic style, is not the first option to think of for family cruising purposes. However, it still provides some great advantages for those coming with kids. The kids’ programs, including the Kids’ Zone (ages 8–12) and Teen Zone, are available on the Queen Mary 2 and are regarded as the best of the cruise ships. Besides, the night nursery, which takes care of infants up to 23 months, offers free service for children from 6 months to two years.
The great little ones can also be a part of the onboard Illuminations Planetarium, which has daily shows for the little ones. Talking about the price, infants below two years can travel for free, while kids from 2 to 17 years can get a half-fare ticket when they’re the 3rd or 4th passenger in the cabin and booked as such.
Although it is not as flashy as the others, Cunard’s considerate and inviting children’s programming combined with family-oriented offers reveals it as a secret spot for those who want a refined cruise experience along with their tiny tots.
Final Thoughts
In case you are after a vacation that has “value, comfort, and family fun” combined, then these cruise lines are the perfect ones. Parents can pick from Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships with packed adventures, Costa’s family-friendly Italian touch, and Cunard’s classic elegance — all according to their budget and traveling preferences.
Don’t forget to check out the seasonal promotions and limited-time offers, as “Kids Sail Free” deals are usually available all year round. A little preparation can turn your family cruise vacation, where your kids sail free—which will make you very happy—into a reality.
FAQs About Do cruises offer free travel for kids
Which cruise lines grant free passage for children?
MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and Cunard Line are among the top cruise lines that have extended “Kids Sail Free” offers or similar ones.
Are taxes and fees still payable for free kids' travel?
YES. Families are liable for port fees, taxes, and service charges even if the cruise fare is dropped. These extra charges are usually a tiny fraction of the total cruise fare.
Is the cruise fare inclusive of kids' programs?
Yes! Cruise lines that are friendly with families mainly will not charge for children's clubs and during leisure time activities on board.
What are the maximum ages for free or reduced-rate kids' tickets?
Age limits do vary by cruise line. Children twelve and under are often included in the free rides category for Royal Caribbean whereas children up to eighteen are allowed to sail free with two paying adults in the case of Costa Cruises. Below two years of age, children are free on Cunard Line, while between two and seventeen years of age, kids are chargeable half an adult fare.
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