Does Royal Caribbean charge full price for kids?

Kids Sail Free on Royal Caribbean: Dream or Reality?

For families eyeing a luxurious Royal Caribbean cruise, the allure of discounted or even free fares for children can be a huge deciding factor. While the dream of “Kids Sail Free” is often dangled enticingly, the reality is a bit more nuanced.

So, does Royal Caribbean charge full price for kids?

The short answer is: it depends.

Royal Caribbean does occasionally run promotions where children under a certain age, typically 12, can sail for free. This means their base cruise fare is waived. However, there are important caveats:

• Limited Availability: These promotions are not constant and usually apply to specific sailings, dates, and room categories.
• Terms and Conditions: There’s always fine print! Offers often require a minimum number of full-fare passengers in the cabin, and the free fare might not be combinable with other discounts.
• Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses: While the base fare might be waived, taxes, fees, and port expenses are typically still applicable per child. These costs can vary but shouldn’t be overlooked when budgeting.

Cruising on a Budget with Kids:

Even if a “Kids Sail Free” promotion isn’t running, there are still ways to make a Royal Caribbean cruise more affordable for families:

• Shoulder Season Sailing: Consider cruising during the less popular travel periods (shoulder seasons) like spring or fall for potential cost savings.
• Last-Minute Deals: Keep an eye out for last-minute deals, but remember these often have limited availability and might not align with your preferred travel dates.
• Loyalty Programs: Enrolling in Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, the Crown & Anchor Society, can unlock potential discounts and perks.
• Travel Agents: Travel agents specializing in cruises can often find the best deals and packages, including family-friendly options.

Bottom line: Don’t assume your children will automatically sail for free on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Do your research, check current promotions, and compare prices to ensure you get the best value for your family vacation.