Several big cruise lines let kids sail for free, either all the time or during special events. This is great news if you’re looking for a cheap family cruise. Find out which lines have deals that let kids sail free that are good for families by reading on.
Deal: Royal Caribbean has a deal called “Kids Sail Free” several times a year. This means that kids 12 years or younger can sail for free as long as they are the third or later guests in the same cabin with at least two paying adults. The only catch is that there are blackout dates, which are usually school and holiday breaks.
Family-friendly perks: Perks that are good for families: There’s a reason why so many families choose Royal Caribbean: it has great features for kids, like age-appropriate shows and zip lining at sea. Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, the line’s private island just for tourists, is also a big hit with kids because it has water slides and splash areas.
Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries throughout the year. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including bucket-list destinations like Alaska and the Mediterranean.
Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions, and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost, as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).
Family-friendly perks: Norwegian’s all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment, and activities are all included in one price, which makes it easy to plan a trip that the kids will love. A lot of Norwegian ships also have a variety of bedrooms that are good for families and have a lot of extra space. As an example, the very fancy Norwegian Prima has a family house with two bedrooms and a big balcony in “The Haven,” which is only for VIP guests.
Deal: MSC Cruises lets kids younger than 18 cruises for free on some routes, based on how many people can fit on the ship. (Other restrictions or qualifications may apply.) The deal only works if kids are the third or fourth people going in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults). Keep in mind that taxes and port fees still apply to kid’s fares.
Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises has many fun events and features that are just right for kids. On board, kids can enjoy things like water parks with slides and swimming pools, as well as Broadway-style shows and meals where they can interact with the food. One of the fun things the line does is plan “Lego Experience On Board” events for every trip. A lot of services are also available for parents to enjoy while their children are entertained in one of five special kid’s clubs.
Deal: In 2024, Holland America Line is running a deal called “Kids Cruise Free” on some itineraries. The deal is good for some trips, such as those to Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. To be eligible, kids must be 18 or younger and be going as third or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with other deals like this, each child’s journey still has to pay taxes and port fees.
Family-friendly perks: Holland America ships have kids clubs, youth programs, and shore trips that are designed to be fun for families with young children. Many staterooms can handle larger groups. The staterooms on the Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships are especially big, with beds for four people, a large sitting area, and a large veranda.
Deal: While Costa Cruises isn’t as well-known as some of the other cruise lines on our list, it’s still a good choice for people who want to sail through Europe, the Middle East, or South America. Kids ages 2 to 17 can sail for free with two adults in the same cabin as them as the third or fourth guest. This offer is valid for all cruise lines. This deal is good for all of the line’s sailings, and a lot of them go to nice marinas along the Mediterranean, like Barcelona, Marseille, and Rome.
Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises ships have a lot of features that are good for families, like water parks, playgrounds, and mini golf. Kids clubs are for kids ages 3 to 11, and they offer lots of fun things to do, like arts and crafts, special parties, and lots of games. Teenagers (12–17 years old) can hang out in a teen zone, sing karaoke, and play group sports when the ships aren’t in town.
FAQ’S
Q1: What does "Kids Sail Free" mean on a cruise?
"Kids Sail Free" refers to cruise deals where kids can go on a cruise ship for free as long as they're with paid adults. This is a family-friendly deal meant to lower the cost of travel for families.
Q2: How can I find information about the best Kids Sail Free cruises for 2024 and beyond?
Check cruise line websites, travel agencies, and advertising materials to stay up to date on the best Kids Sail Free cruise choices for 2024 and beyond. For first-hand information and suggestions, travel blogs and groups are also great places to look.
Q3: Are there age restrictions for children to qualify for Kids Sail Free promotions?
Kids Sail Free deals have different age limits for each cruise line. These deals are usually only good for kids in a certain age group, usually 12 years old or younger. You should make sure you read each ship line's rules carefully.
