Do Any Cruise Lines Not Charge for Babies Find Out Here

Yes, several cruise lines do not charge extra for infants under two years old, allowing families to cruise with babies at no additional fare on select sailings. Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the top choices that waive base fares for babies, though taxes, fees, and onboard expenses still apply. This makes cruising a surprisingly budget-friendly option for families with little ones.

Key Takeaways

• Most cruise lines charge for infants as third/fourth passengers, but policies vary by line and cabin type.
• Disney Cruise Line offers free infant fares on select sailings, a rare perk for families with babies under 2.
• Always compare total costs—some lines waive port fees but still charge base fare for babies.
• Book early for infant-friendly cabins—availability of cribs and bassinets is limited on most ships.
• Check age cutoffs strictly enforced; babies must be 6–12 months old at sailing for free options.
• Ask about promotions—occasional deals include waived fees for infants during off-peak seasons.
• Third-party sites may hide fees; verify infant pricing directly with the cruise line before booking.

Do Any Cruise Lines Not Charge for Babies? Find Out Here

Planning a family vacation with a baby in tow can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to budgeting. One of the most common questions parents ask is: Do any cruise lines not charge for babies? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While most cruise lines do charge for infants, there are exceptions, special offers, and strategic ways to minimize or even eliminate the cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the policies of major cruise lines, explore hidden gems, and share insider tips to help you save money while ensuring your little one has the time of their (short) life.

Cruising with a baby is more accessible than ever, thanks to family-friendly amenities like onboard nurseries, kid-friendly dining, and staterooms designed for families. But understanding the fine print of infant pricing is crucial. From complimentary sailings for children under two to discounted rates and loyalty perks, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your next cruise affordable and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate the world of cruise pricing for babies and toddlers.

Understanding Cruise Line Infant Pricing Policies

Why Do Most Cruise Lines Charge for Babies?

Unlike hotels, where children often stay free, cruise lines typically charge for infants for several reasons. First, space is limited—even a baby takes up a bed, a seat at dinner, and a spot in the ship’s lifeboats. Second, cruise pricing is based on occupancy, and lines need to account for the resources used by every passenger, regardless of age. Third, infants require staff attention, from babysitting to medical care, which adds operational costs.

However, some lines offer exceptions. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free promotions sometimes extend to children under two, while Disney Cruise Line’s “First-Time Sailor” discounts may include infants. The key is to look beyond the base fare and explore promotions, package deals, and loyalty programs.

Common Pricing Models for Infants

• Full fare: Some lines (e.g., Carnival, Norwegian) charge the same rate for infants as adults, though this is rare.
• Reduced rate: Most lines charge a percentage of the adult fare (e.g., 25–50%) for infants under two. For example, Princess Cruises’ “Third & Fourth Guest Free” deal includes infants.
• Free or discounted: A few lines waive fees for infants under 12–24 months, often as part of a promotion or loyalty perk.

Pro Tip: Always check if the cruise line’s “infant” age cutoff is 24 months (e.g., Carnival) or 12 months (e.g., Holland America). This can affect pricing for toddlers.

Cruise Lines That Don’t Charge for Babies (or Offer Great Deals)

Disney Cruise Line: The Gold Standard for Families

Disney Cruise Line is legendary for its family-friendly approach, and its infant policy is no exception. While standard pricing applies to infants under two, Disney often runs promotions that make cruising with a baby more affordable:

• Kids Sail Free: During select sailings, children under 18 (including infants) sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare adults.
• First-Time Sailor Discounts: First-time cruisers may receive up to 20% off, which can offset infant costs.
• Infant Amenities: Free cribs, bottle warmers, and babysitting services (for ages 6 months and up) add value.

Example: A 7-night Caribbean cruise with two adults and a 10-month-old could cost $2,500 for the adults, with the baby sailing free under a Kids Sail Free promo.

Royal Caribbean: Kids Sail Free and More

Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free promotion is one of the industry’s most generous offers. While infants under six months require a doctor’s note, older babies can sail free on many sailings:

• Applies to children under 12 (including infants) when sharing a stateroom with two adults.
• Available on select sailings, including short (3–5 night) and long (7+ night) cruises.
• Combine with Crown & Anchor Society (loyalty) perks for additional savings.

Tip: Book during “Kids Sail Free” periods, which are often announced 3–6 months in advance. Check Royal Caribbean’s website for the latest deals.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury with Family Perks

Celebrity Cruises offers a unique “Infant Sail Free” policy on select sailings, particularly on their newer ships like the Edge-class vessels:

• Infants under 12 months sail free when sharing a stateroom with two adults.
• Available on Alaska, Europe, and Caribbean itineraries.
• Includes access to the Camp at Sea program for older siblings.

Note: This offer is not available on all sailings, so book early and confirm with a travel agent.

Other Lines with Infant-Friendly Policies

• Princess Cruises: Offers “Third & Fourth Guest Free” deals, which often include infants under two.
• Carnival Cruise Line: While standard pricing applies, Carnival’s “Early Saver” rates can reduce costs by 20–30%.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: No free sailing for infants, but the “Free at Sea” package (e.g., free kids’ meals) adds value.

How to Save Money on Babies and Toddlers (Even When Charges Apply)

Book During Promotional Periods

Cruise lines regularly run promotions that can slash infant costs. Key opportunities include:

• Kids Sail Free: Look for these deals during off-peak seasons (e.g., January–March, September).
• Last-Minute Sales: Unsold cabins are often discounted, and infants may sail free or at reduced rates.
• Loyalty Programs: Join cruise line loyalty clubs (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor) for exclusive discounts.

Example: A last-minute 4-night Bahamas cruise on Carnival might offer a 50% discount for the third guest (your baby), reducing the cost from $400 to $200.

Choose the Right Cabin Type

Cabin selection can impact infant costs:

• Family Suites: Lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer suites with extra space, often priced as a flat rate for up to four guests.
• Inside Cabins: Cheaper than oceanview or balcony cabins, leaving more budget for excursions or amenities.
• Guarantee Cabins: Booking a “guarantee” cabin (where the line assigns your room) can save 10–20%.

Use Third-Party Discounts and Bundles

Travel agents, membership clubs (e.g., AAA), and credit card rewards can unlock savings:

• Travel Agencies: Some agencies have exclusive infant discounts (e.g., Vacations To Go offers $99 infant rates on select sailings).
• Credit Card Points: Use points to book the cruise, then pay $0 for the infant fare.
• Bundled Packages: Airfare + cruise deals sometimes include free infant airfare, reducing overall costs.

What to Expect: Onboard Amenities for Babies and Toddlers

Nurseries and Babysitting Services

Most major cruise lines offer dedicated spaces for infants:

• Disney Cruise Line: It’s A Small World Nursery (ages 6 months–3 years) with trained staff and themed activities.
• Royal Caribbean: Adventure Ocean (ages 6 months–17 years) with infant-specific programming.
• Carnival: Camp Ocean (ages 2–11) and Circle “C” (ages 12–14), but no dedicated infant space.

Tip: Book babysitting early—spots fill up fast!

Family-Friendly Dining

Many lines offer baby food, bottle warmers, and high chairs:

• Disney Cruise Line: Free pureed baby food and stroller-friendly buffets.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: “Kids’ menus” with toddler-sized portions.
• Princess Cruises: 24-hour room service for late-night bottle refills.

Stateroom Amenities

Request baby-friendly upgrades at booking:

• Cribs: Most lines provide free cribs (request in advance).
• Baby Monitors: Some ships (e.g., Celebrity) rent monitors for $10–20/day.
• Stroller Rentals: Disney and Royal Caribbean offer rentals for $20–30/day.

Real-Life Examples: Comparing Cruise Line Costs for Infants

Cruise Line	Standard Infant Policy	Promotion Example	Cost for 7-Night Cruise (2 Adults + Infant)
Disney Cruise Line	Infant pays 25% of adult fare	Kids Sail Free (infant free)	$2,500 (adults) + $0 (infant)
Royal Caribbean	Infant pays 50% of adult fare	Kids Sail Free (infant free)	$3,000 (adults) + $0 (infant)
Celebrity Cruises	Infant pays 25% of adult fare	Infant Sail Free (under 12 months)	$4,000 (adults) + $0 (infant)
Princess Cruises	Infant pays 50% of adult fare	Third & Fourth Guest Free	$2,800 (adults) + $0 (infant)
Carnival Cruise Line	Infant pays 50% of adult fare	Early Saver (20% off)	$2,000 (adults) + $200 (infant)

Key Takeaway: Promotions can make the difference between a $200 and a $0 infant fare. Always check for active deals!

Final Tips: Making the Most of Your Baby-Friendly Cruise

Book Early and Confirm Policies

Infant policies vary by sailing, so confirm in writing with the cruise line or your travel agent. Some promotions have limited availability.

Pack Smart

• Bring baby formula, diapers, and snacks—onboard prices are steep.
• Use a pack-and-play if the cruise line doesn’t provide cribs.
• Download offline baby apps (e.g., lullabies) in case Wi-Fi is spotty.

Plan for Emergencies

All major lines have medical centers, but travel insurance is a must. Look for policies covering pre-existing conditions and infant emergencies.

While most cruise lines charge for infants, savvy planning can turn your family vacation into a budget-friendly adventure. By leveraging promotions, choosing the right cabin, and prioritizing family-friendly amenities, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime—without breaking the bank. So, do any cruise lines not charge for babies? The answer is a resounding yes, if you know where and when to look!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines not charge for babies?

Yes, some cruise lines offer free or discounted fares for infants under 2 years old. Policies vary, but many consider babies “lap infants” and don’t charge a full fare if they stay in your cabin.

Which cruise lines allow free travel for babies?

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line often waive base fares for infants under 2, though taxes and port fees may still apply. Always confirm during booking to avoid surprises.

Are there hidden fees when bringing a baby on a cruise?

Even if the cruise line doesn’t charge for babies, mandatory port fees and taxes (typically $50–$200) are usually required. Some lines may also charge for cribs or high chairs.

Do I need to add my baby to the cruise reservation if they’re free?

Yes, most cruise lines require infants to be listed on the reservation, even if they sail free. This ensures proper safety documentation and cabin occupancy compliance.

Can I get a free cruise for my baby on luxury lines?

Luxury cruise lines like Regent or Seabourn rarely waive fares for babies, as their pricing includes all passengers. However, they may offer discounted family suites or onboard perks.

Do any cruise lines not charge for babies in a separate bed?

If your baby needs a crib or separate sleeping space, most lines will still charge a reduced fare or full child rate. Free “lap infant” policies typically require the baby to share your bed.