What Age Is Free on a Cruise?

By Alice Nichols

Cruising is a popular vacation option for people of all ages. It offers a great opportunity to explore different destinations and enjoy a variety of activities while being pampered with excellent service and amenities on board. However, if you’re planning to take your family on a cruise, you might be wondering what age is free on a cruise?

Most cruise lines offer discounts or even free fares for children under a certain age. The age limit varies depending on the cruise line and the specific itinerary, so it’s important to check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly before booking.

Here’s a breakdown of what age is free on some popular cruise lines:

Disney Cruise Line:
Children under 3 years old sail for free on Disney Cruise Line. For children between 3 and 12 years old, fares are typically discounted.

Royal Caribbean:
Royal Caribbean offers discounts for children between 6 months and 12 years old. Infants under 6 months old are not allowed on board.

Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line offers discounted rates for children between 6 months and 12 years old.

Carnival Cruise Line:
Carnival Cruise Line offers discounted rates for children between 2 and 17 years old. Children under the age of 2 are not charged but must still pay taxes and fees.

It’s important to note that these policies can change at any time, so it’s always best to confirm before booking your trip. Also, keep in mind that while children may sail for free or at a discount, there may still be additional fees such as taxes, gratuities, and port charges.

When planning your family vacation on a cruise ship, it’s also important to consider the amenities and activities available onboard for kids of different ages. Most ships have dedicated youth programs that offer age-appropriate activities and entertainment, such as arts and crafts, games, movies, and sports. Some ships even have water parks, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and other attractions that are sure to keep kids of all ages entertained.

In conclusion, while the age limit for free or discounted fares varies by cruise line, most offer some type of discount for children under a certain age. Be sure to check with the cruise line before booking your trip to confirm their policy on child fares. Additionally, make sure to research the amenities and activities available onboard for kids of different ages to ensure a fun-filled family vacation.