Cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways for families to vacation together, offering the perfect blend of relaxation for adults and entertainment for children. Carnival Cruise Line, famous for its “Fun Ships,” is a particularly popular choice among families thanks to its kid-friendly activities, water parks, dining options, and structured youth programs.

But if you’re planning to bring your little ones on board, one important question often comes up: Does Carnival Cruise Line charge for children?

The answer is yes—children are not free on Carnival cruises. Kids, regardless of age, are considered passengers and are charged a fare, although the pricing is usually lower than that of the first two adults in the cabin. However, families can still save money through Carnival’s discounted rates, seasonal promotions, and smart booking strategies.

This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about Carnival Cruise Line’s child pricing, including fare structures, discounts, onboard costs, and money-saving tips for families.

Carnival Cruise Line Fare Structure: Adults vs. Children

Carnival’s pricing model is based on per-person fares within a stateroom. The first two guests in a cabin typically pay the full published rate, while the third, fourth, or fifth passengers in the same stateroom pay a reduced fare. This applies whether the additional passengers are children or adults.

Key Points to Understand:

1. Children Pay a Fare

   • Unlike some hotels where kids stay free, Carnival charges a fare for all passengers, including infants.

   • Even babies as young as six months (or 12 months on certain sailings) are considered fare-paying guests.

2. Third and Fourth Passenger Discounts

   • Kids often qualify for a discounted rate if they are the third or fourth passenger in a cabin.

   • This reduced fare can make sailing with children more affordable compared to booking multiple cabins.

3. Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses Apply

   • Every passenger, including children, must pay government taxes, port fees, and onboard service charges (gratuities).

4. Infant Policy

   • Carnival does not offer free cruising for babies. Even the youngest passengers are charged.

Onboard Gratuities for Children

Carnival automatically adds daily gratuities to each guest’s account, including children.

• As of recent policy, the rate is approximately $16 per person per day for standard cabins and slightly higher for suites.

• This charge applies equally to children, as they also receive housekeeping and dining room service.

Do Children Get Discounts on Carnival Cruises?

While Carnival does not allow children to sail for free, there are opportunities for families to save:

1. Reduced Third and Fourth Passenger Rates

   • Children traveling as the third or fourth guest in a cabin often pay significantly less than the first two guests.

2. Kids Sail Promotions

   • Occasionally, Carnival offers promotional deals such as “Kids Sail for $1” or “reduced deposits,” although free kids’ fares are rare.

3. Seasonal Discounts

   • Off-peak travel seasons, such as September or early December, typically offer lower fares across all age groups, including kids.

4. Group Bookings

   • Families booking multiple cabins or larger groups may qualify for reduced fares per child.

Cost Breakdown: What Families Pay for Kids on Carnival

To better understand how much children add to the cost of your vacation, let’s break down typical charges.

1. Base Fare

• Children’s fares vary depending on itinerary, cabin type, and promotions.

• On average, a child may cost 30–60% less than the full adult fare if booked as a third or fourth guest.

2. Taxes and Port Fees

• Mandatory and equal for all passengers, often ranging from $100–$200 per person depending on the cruise.

3. Daily Gratuities

• Around $16 per day per guest, including children.

• For a 7-day cruise, this equals $112 per child.

4. Onboard Spending

While many activities and meals are included, families may spend extra on:

• Specialty dining (sushi, steakhouse, etc.)

• Shore excursions

• Soda packages or bottled water

• Arcade and carnival-style games

• Souvenirs and photos

Age-Based Pricing Policies on Carnival

Carnival does not differentiate fares by age, meaning infants, children, teens, and adults all pay similar reduced passenger rates when they are the third or fourth guest in a cabin.

Example Scenarios:

• Family of 4 in One Cabin:

  • Parents pay full fare.

  • Kids pay reduced third and fourth guest fares.

• Family of 5 Needing Two Cabins:

  • Each cabin will have two “full fare” passengers.

  • The fifth child may get a reduced fare depending on cabin assignments.

This means families can save more by maximizing cabin occupancy rather than spreading out across multiple rooms.

Are Youth Programs Included in the Fare?

Yes! One of Carnival’s biggest family-friendly perks is that its kids’ and teens’ clubs are included in the cruise fare.

• Camp Ocean (Ages 2–11): Free, offering supervised play, games, and activities.

• Circle C (Ages 12–14): Free, with movies, dance parties, and video games.

• Club O2 (Ages 15–17): Free teen lounge with music, karaoke, and social events.

Exceptions (Paid Services):

• Night Owls Babysitting: Evening childcare from 10 pm to 1 am comes with a small fee.

• Specialty Activities: Some craft workshops or arcade games may cost extra.

What’s Free for Kids on Carnival?

Families often ask what their children can enjoy without extra charges. Here’s what’s included:

• Main dining room and buffet meals

• Pizza, burgers, and ice cream at casual venues

• Pools, water slides, and splash parks

• Youth clubs and teen lounges

• Theater shows and family-friendly entertainment

• Mini-golf, sports courts, and deck games

What Costs Extra for Kids?

Although many activities are included, parents should budget for extras:

1. Arcade Games – Paid per play, usually around $1–$3.

2. Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea – Custom stuffed animals cost extra.

3. Specialty Dining – Kids pay a reduced rate in some specialty restaurants.

4. Soda and Beverage Packages – Soda is not included; Carnival offers a “Bottomless Bubbles” package for unlimited soft drinks.

5. Shore Excursions – Prices vary by activity and destination.

Tips for Saving Money When Cruising with Kids

1. Book Early

   • Carnival often offers “Early Saver” fares, locking in the lowest prices.

2. Sail Off-Peak

   • Avoid school holidays and summer break if possible. September and early December are the cheapest months.

3. Maximize Cabins

   • Fit as many family members as possible into one cabin to take advantage of reduced third and fourth guest fares.

4. Watch for Promotions

   • Subscribe to Carnival’s email list for flash sales and kids’ pricing deals.

5. Limit Extras

   • Encourage kids to enjoy free onboard activities instead of arcade or souvenir splurges.

6. Bring Your Own Essentials

   • Pack diapers, formula, and snacks to avoid expensive onboard purchases.

Pros and Cons of Carnival’s Child Pricing

Pros:

• Discounted fares for third and fourth passengers.

• Free youth clubs included in the price.

• Wide range of free family-friendly activities.

Cons:

• No “kids sail free” policy.

• Infants charged the same as older children.

• Additional costs for gratuities, port fees, and extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do babies sail free on Carnival?

No. Even infants are charged a fare, taxes, and fees.

Is there a reduced price for children under 2?

No. Carnival charges the same reduced third/fourth passenger fare for all kids, regardless of age.

Are kids’ clubs free?

Yes, Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 are included in the cruise fare.

Do children pay gratuities?

Yes. Daily gratuities apply to all guests, including kids.

Can kids share a cabin without adults?

No. Carnival requires that children under 21 be accompanied by an adult 25 or older.

Conclusion

So, does Carnival Cruise Line charge for children? Yes. Carnival considers children of all ages as fare-paying passengers. While kids don’t sail for free, families can benefit from reduced fares when children are booked as the third or fourth guest in a cabin.

When budgeting, remember that every passenger—including infants—must pay for base fares, taxes, port fees, and gratuities. However, Carnival makes up for this cost with free youth clubs, family-friendly dining, and included activities that ensure kids are entertained throughout the voyage.

With careful planning, smart booking, and by taking advantage of discounts and promotions, families can enjoy a Carnival cruise that balances affordability with unforgettable fun for kids and adults alike.