Planning a family vacation can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you’re trying to keep costs under control. If you’re considering a cruise, you’ve likely wondered about the pricing policies for children. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “Are kids free on Carnival Cruises?” Let’s dive into the details and clarify the reality of cruise pricing for families.
The Short Answer: No, Kids Are Not Usually Free on Carnival Cruises
While the idea of “kids cruise free” is enticing, it’s not typically the standard policy on Carnival or most other major cruise lines. Carnival, like other cruise companies, charges fares for all passengers, regardless of age. However, there are definitely opportunities to find discounts and deals that can help reduce the overall cost of a family cruise.
Why Aren’t Kids Free? Understanding Cruise Pricing Structures
- Occupancy-Based Pricing: Cruise fares are based on cabin occupancy. Most cabins are designed to accommodate two adults, and the base fare is usually for those two adults. When children occupy additional berths (pull-down beds or sofa beds), they are also charged a fare.
- Cost of Services: Even though children might not consume the same amount of alcohol or specialty dining as adults, they still utilize the services onboard. This includes using the pools, participating in activities, being part of the kids’ clubs, and eating in the dining halls and buffets. All of these services contribute to the cost of operating the cruise, and this cost is passed on to all passengers.
- Port Fees and Taxes: Everyone on the ship is subject to port fees, taxes, and government fees. These costs are usually the same for all passengers, regardless of age, and are not subject to discounts.
How Carnival Cruise Fares for Kids are Typically Calculated
- Third and Fourth Guest Fares: The pricing for children on Carnival is usually based on the “third and fourth guest” fare system when they share a cabin with two paying adults. This means that the first two guests pay the standard adult fare, and the third and fourth (and sometimes fifth) guest will often receive a discounted fare.
- Discounted Fares Vary: The exact discount offered for kids varies depending on the specific sailing, the time of year, the cruise length, and the type of cabin. It can range from a small percentage off to a more significant reduction.
- Seasonal Pricing: Prices can vary drastically depending on the time of year. During school breaks and holidays, fares tend to be higher, and discounts are less generous. Off-season travel usually offers better deals.
- Promotional Offers: Carnival sometimes runs promotions offering discounted rates for kids. These deals are often time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on their website and sign up for their email list.
- Age Considerations: While Carnival offers discounted fares for kids, it is not always an across the board discount and certain sailings may require the first two guests to be over the age of 21. It’s best to check each cruise specifically for clarification.
Finding Deals and Discounts for Family Cruises on Carnival
While kids aren’t “free,” there are ways to save on a family cruise:
- Book Early: Booking your cruise well in advance often gives you access to the lowest prices and the widest selection of cabins.
- Travel Off-Season: Cruising during the off-season or shoulder season can offer significant savings. Look into trips during the spring or fall months instead of summer or holidays.
- Be Flexible With Dates: Flexibility with your travel dates can be key. Mid-week departures or cruises that are slightly shorter may offer better prices.
- Look for Promotions: Regularly check the Carnival website for promotions, discounts, and flash sales. Also, consider working with a travel agent specializing in cruises as they can often find deals not available to the general public.
- Consider Interior Cabins: Interior cabins are typically the most affordable option. If you’re more interested in the onboard activities than having an ocean view, this can be a great way to save money.
- Look for “Kids Sail Free” or “Kids Sail at a Discount” Promotions: Although this isn’t always the rule, keep an eye out for promotions that explicitly offer “kids sail free” or “kids sail at a discount” deals, as those do come up occasionally, usually during off-peak times.
- Use Loyalty Programs: If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, use their loyalty program to see if you can access discounts.
Carnival Cruise Experiences for Kids:
- Kids’ Clubs: Carnival offers supervised kids’ clubs for different age groups, including Camp Ocean (ages 2-11), Circle “C” (ages 12-14), and Club O2 (ages 15-17). These clubs offer a variety of fun activities and keep kids engaged and entertained.
- Waterparks and Pools: Most Carnival ships feature fantastic water parks, pools, and splash zones, offering lots of opportunities for kids to play and cool off.
- Family-Friendly Activities: You’ll find a wide range of family-friendly activities on board, including shows, games, movies, and deck parties.
- Dining Options: Carnival offers a variety of dining options to please everyone in the family, from casual buffet meals to more formal dining rooms and kid-friendly menus.
The Key Takeaway
While kids are not typically “free” on Carnival Cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce the cost of a family cruise vacation. By understanding how cruise fares are structured, booking at the right time, being flexible with dates, and taking advantage of promotions, you can find deals that make a cruise vacation more affordable for your family. Remember to always double-check specific fare rules and policies for the individual cruise you’re considering.
| Q: Are babies free on Carnival cruises? | A: No, even very young babies and infants are typically charged a cruise fare, as they count as a passenger. However, sometimes they may have slightly lower costs than other children. |
| Q: Can you get a discount if you have a single parent traveling with kids? | A: Sometimes cruise lines offer special promotions or fares for solo parent travelers, but these vary. |
| Q: Do all cruise lines charge for kids, or do some offer free fares? | A: Most major cruise lines charge for children, although different lines might offer varied discounts. Some smaller or boutique cruise lines may have specific family-friendly offers. |
| Q: What’s the average cost of a cruise for a family of four? | A: This can vary drastically depending on the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the cabin category. For a typical family of four, expect to pay anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to upwards of ten thousand dollars, or more, depending on the variables. |
| Q: Do Carnival Cruises offer onboard credit for kids or families? | A: Sometimes, but not always. Onboard credit (OBC) is usually part of a promotional offer. Watch out for those and consider it another discount to reduce overall costs. |