Do Any Cruise Lines Not Charge for Children Under 2 Find Out Here

Yes, several major cruise lines do not charge for children under 2, making family vacations more affordable for parents. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney Cruise Line all offer free or deeply discounted fares for infants on most sailings, though taxes and fees may still apply.

Key Takeaways

• Many cruise lines offer free or discounted fares for children under 2—always ask before booking.
• Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line waive base fares for infants on most sailings.
• Check for port fees and taxes—these may still apply even if the cruise fare is free.
• Infant policies vary by destination and ship, so verify rules for your specific itinerary.
• Book early to secure infant-friendly cabins with bassinets or extra space availability.
• Ask about onboard perks for babies like free formula, cribs, or kids’ club access.

Do Any Cruise Lines Not Charge for Children Under 2? Find Out Here

Planning a family vacation with a little one under two can feel overwhelming, especially when budgeting for every member of the family. One common concern among parents is whether cruise lines charge for infants, particularly those under the age of two. While most cruise lines have policies that include fees for every passenger regardless of age, there are exceptions and special deals worth exploring. Understanding these policies can make a significant difference in your travel planning and overall cost.

The idea of taking a baby or toddler on a cruise may seem daunting, but many families find it to be a surprisingly convenient and enjoyable way to travel. With amenities like on-site childcare, family-friendly excursions, and spacious accommodations, cruising can be an excellent option for parents with young children. However, one of the biggest financial considerations is whether your infant will incur a full fare or qualify for a reduced rate. This blog post will dive deep into the policies of major cruise lines, highlight which ones offer free or discounted fares for children under two, and provide practical tips to help you save money while creating unforgettable family memories.

Understanding Cruise Line Policies for Infants and Toddlers

Why Do Most Cruise Lines Charge for Babies?

Cruise lines operate on a per-person pricing model, which means every individual on board—regardless of age—is counted toward cabin occupancy, lifeboat capacity, and port fees. Even infants under two are considered “passengers” in the eyes of the cruise company. This is why most cruise lines charge a base fare for children under two, though it is often significantly lower than the adult rate.

For example, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line typically charge around 25-35% of the adult fare for infants under two. While this may seem unfair, the fee helps cover administrative costs, safety compliance, and the use of onboard resources such as cribs, high chairs, and medical services. However, the good news is that some cruise lines do offer free or heavily discounted fares for children under two, especially during promotional periods or on select sailings.

Key Factors That Influence Infant Pricing

• Cabin Occupancy: Most cruise lines allow up to four people in a single cabin, but infants often count as the fourth passenger. If you book a cabin for two adults and one child, adding an infant may trigger an additional fee.
• Promotions and Sales: During “Kids Sail Free” or “Third and Fourth Guest Free” promotions, children under two may sail at no extra cost, provided they meet the terms (e.g., sailing as the third or fourth guest).
• Port Fees and Taxes: Even if the cruise fare is waived, infants are still subject to government taxes, port charges, and fees, which can range from $100 to $300 depending on the itinerary.
• Booking Class: Premium cabins (e.g., suites, concierge-level) sometimes include complimentary infant fares as a perk, while standard cabins may not.

Understanding these factors can help you strategize your booking to minimize costs. Always read the fine print and contact the cruise line directly to confirm infant policies before booking.

Cruise Lines That Offer Free or Reduced Fares for Children Under 2

Disney Cruise Line: A Family-Friendly Favorite

Disney Cruise Line is one of the most family-oriented cruise brands, and it shows in their infant policy. While they don’t offer completely free fares for children under two, they do provide significant discounts. Infants under three years old typically pay only port taxes and fees, which can be as low as $100–$200 for a 3- to 7-day cruise. This is a massive saving compared to paying a full or even partial cruise fare.

For example, on a 4-night Disney cruise from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, an adult fare might be $1,200, while an infant would pay only $140 in taxes. Disney also provides free cribs, baby monitors, and a dedicated nursery (Oceaneer Club) for children under three, making it an ideal choice for families with young kids.

Royal Caribbean International: Kids Sail Free Promotions

Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer free fares for infants under two by default, but they frequently run “Kids Sail Free” promotions where children under 12 (including infants) sail free as the third or fourth guest in a stateroom. This means if you book a cabin for two adults, adding two children under two could result in both sailing for free—except for taxes and fees.

For instance, a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Symphony of the Seas might cost $2,000 per adult. With a Kids Sail Free deal, two infants would pay only $180 each in port fees. These promotions are seasonal (often in spring and fall), so timing your booking is key. Always check Royal Caribbean’s official website or work with a travel agent to secure the best deal.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Free at Last?

NCL made headlines in 2023 by introducing a “Free at Last” pricing model, where the third and fourth guests in a cabin sail for free—including children under two. This policy applies to most sailings (excluding holiday and peak-season cruises) and can result in substantial savings.

For example, on a 5-night Mexican Riviera cruise, two adults might pay $1,500 total, and two infants would sail free (only paying $120 each in taxes). This is a game-changer for families, as NCL also offers family suites and kid-friendly entertainment. Note that this offer is subject to availability and may not apply to all cabin categories or itineraries.

Carnival Cruise Line: Budget-Friendly Infant Options

Carnival Cruise Line charges infants under two at a reduced rate—typically 25% of the adult fare. While not free, this is one of the most affordable options among major cruise lines. For a 4-day cruise where the adult fare is $600, an infant would pay around $150, plus $100 in taxes.

However, Carnival often runs promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or “Kids Sail Free” during off-peak seasons. If your infant is the third or fourth guest, they may sail for free under these deals. Carnival also provides free cribs and high chairs upon request, making it a practical choice for families on a budget.

Other Notable Mentions

• Princess Cruises: Charges infants under two at a reduced rate (around 30% of adult fare), but offers free cribs, baby gear, and a “Discovery at Sea” program for toddlers.
• Holland America Line: Similar to Princess, with discounted fares for infants and complimentary amenities. Their “Family Fun” cruises include activities for young children.
• MSC Cruises: Offers “Kids Sail Free” promotions where children under 18 sail free as the third/fourth guest—this includes infants under two.

How to Maximize Savings on Infant Cruise Fares

Book During Promotional Periods

The best way to save on infant fares is to book during a “Kids Sail Free” or “Third and Fourth Guest Free” promotion. These are typically offered during:

• January–March (post-holiday lull)
• May–June (before summer peak)
• September–October (after summer, before holidays)

For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Kids Sail Free” event in January 2024 allowed infants under two to sail free on select Caribbean and Alaska cruises. Set up price alerts with travel agencies or cruise lines to catch these deals early.

Choose the Right Cabin Configuration

To qualify for free or discounted fares, infants must often be the third or fourth guest in a cabin. This means:

• Book a cabin for two adults and two children (even if one is an infant).
• Avoid booking a cabin for just one adult and one infant, as this may not qualify for promotions.
• Consider a family suite or connecting cabins for larger families.

Example: On Norwegian Cruise Line, a family of four (two adults, two infants) could book a balcony cabin and pay only taxes for the infants under the “Free at Last” policy.

Use Travel Agents and Specialty Brokers

Travel agents who specialize in cruises often have access to unpublished deals, group rates, or exclusive promotions. They can also help you navigate complex policies, such as:

• Waiving infant fees for loyalty program members.
• Securing complimentary upgrades or onboard credits for families.
• Booking shore excursions with infant-friendly options.

Look for agents certified by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) or those with experience in family travel.

Check for Loyalty Program Benefits

If you’re a member of a cruise line’s loyalty program (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, NCL’s Latitudes), you may receive perks like:

• Priority boarding for families.
• Free cribs, strollers, or baby food.
• Discounted or waived infant fares on select sailings.

For example, NCL Latitudes members with Gold status or higher get free access to the Splash Academy (childcare) and priority dining reservations—useful when traveling with a toddler.

What to Know Before Booking a Cruise with a Baby

Health and Safety Considerations

Before booking, ensure your infant meets the cruise line’s health requirements. Most lines require:

• Proof of vaccination (if applicable).
• A letter from your pediatrician confirming the baby is fit to travel.
• No travel restrictions due to illness (e.g., fever, contagious conditions).

Additionally, check the ship’s medical facilities. Larger ships (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class) have full-service medical centers, while smaller vessels may have limited care. Pack a baby first-aid kit with essentials like infant Tylenol, thermometers, and rehydration salts.

Onboard Amenities for Infants

Not all cruise lines cater equally to babies. Look for ships that offer:

• Free cribs and high chairs (most major lines provide these).
• Nursery programs (e.g., Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery, Carnival’s Camp Ocean).
• Baby food and formula (some lines stock these; others require you to bring your own).
• Stroller rentals (available on select ships, or bring your own).

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore has a “Baby Care Center” with changing tables, bottle warmers, and a quiet room for naps.

Shore Excursions with Infants

Not all excursions are infant-friendly. Before booking, ask the cruise line or tour operator about:

• Stroller accessibility (e.g., cobblestone streets vs. paved paths).
• Restroom facilities for diaper changes.
• Shade and water availability.

Opt for private tours or shorter excursions (under 3 hours) to minimize stress. Alternatively, explore ports on your own—many Caribbean and Mexican ports have stroller-friendly beaches and cafes.

Comparing Cruise Line Infant Policies: A Quick Reference Table

Cruise Line	Infant Fare (Under 2)	Promotions	Free Amenities	Best For
Disney Cruise Line	Port taxes only (~$100–$200)	None (fixed low rate)	Cribs, baby monitors, nursery	Families seeking a magical experience
Royal Caribbean	25–35% of adult fare	Kids Sail Free (3rd/4th guest)	Cribs, high chairs, splash pads	Adventurous families
Norwegian Cruise Line	Free (3rd/4th guest in cabin)	Free at Last (ongoing)	Cribs, baby care center	Budget-conscious families
Carnival Cruise Line	25% of adult fare	Kids Sail Free (seasonal)	Cribs, high chairs, Camp Ocean	Fun-focused families
MSC Cruises	Free (3rd/4th guest)	Kids Sail Free (ongoing)	Cribs, baby gear, mini-club	European itineraries
Princess Cruises	30% of adult fare	None (discounted rate)	Cribs, baby food, Discovery at Sea	Relaxed, educational cruises

Note: Taxes and port fees apply to all infants, even if the cruise fare is waived. Policies may vary by sailing date, itinerary, and cabin category.

Final Tips for a Smooth Cruise with Your Little One

To ensure a stress-free trip, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Pack Smart: Bring a portable crib (if not provided), extra diapers, wipes, and baby-safe sunscreen. Most ships have laundry facilities for cloth diapers.
• Book Early: Cabins with extra space (e.g., connecting rooms, family suites) sell out quickly.
• Download the Cruise App: Use it to check schedules, reserve dining, and receive alerts (e.g., “Naptime in the Nursery”).
• Plan for Downtime: Schedule quiet time in your cabin or at a kid-friendly pool to avoid overstimulation.
• Ask About Infant Discounts: Some excursions (e.g., snorkeling tours) offer free or reduced rates for babies.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey—not just the destination. With the right cruise line and preparation, traveling with an infant under two can be a rewarding and affordable experience. Whether you choose Disney’s enchanted nurseries or Norwegian’s free-at-last policy, there’s a perfect option for your family.

So, do any cruise lines not charge for children under 2? Yes—and now you know which ones, how to save, and what to expect. Start planning your next family adventure today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines not charge for children under 2?

Yes, several major cruise lines offer free or deeply discounted fares for children under 2 when sharing a cabin with paying adults. Examples include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line, though policies vary by sailing and cabin category.

Which cruise lines allow babies under 2 to sail free?

Cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line often have “kids sail free” promotions or complimentary fares for infants under 2. Always verify the offer during booking, as terms and conditions apply.

Are there hidden fees for infants under 2 on “free” cruises?

While base fares may be waived, some cruise lines still charge port fees, taxes, or gratuities for children under 2. Check the fine print to understand what’s included and what might incur extra costs.

Do any cruise lines not charge for children under 2 on international sailings?

Yes, but availability is limited. For example, MSC Cruises occasionally offers free infant fares on select international routes, while others may require a reduced rate. Confirm with the cruise line or travel agent before booking.

Can I get a free cruise for my toddler if I book a suite?

Some luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas or Oceania Cruises may include children under 2 free when booking higher-tier suites, but this isn’t guaranteed. Always ask about family promotions specific to your cabin type.

Do budget cruise lines offer free fares for children under 2?

Yes, budget-friendly lines like Carnival and MSC Cruises frequently include free or low-cost fares for infants under 2, especially during off-peak seasons. However, the “do any cruise lines not charge for children under 2” policy may exclude holiday sailings.