Does Marella Cruises charge for children?

Cruising with children is a popular choice for families seeking a fun, relaxing, and memorable vacation. Marella Cruises, a leading UK-based cruise line under the TUI Group, offers family-friendly itineraries, onboard activities, and amenities designed to make cruising enjoyable for all ages.

One of the most common questions families ask is: Does Marella Cruises charge for children? Understanding the pricing policy for children, including age-specific fares, discounts, and special programs, is essential to planning an affordable and stress-free cruise.

This comprehensive guide explains everything about how Marella Cruises handles charges for children, from booking and cabin policies to dining, entertainment, and shore excursions.

1. Overview of Marella Cruises’ Family-Friendly Policy

Marella Cruises markets itself as a family-friendly cruise line. Their policies reflect this by offering:

Special fares for children of different age groups
Dedicated children’s clubs and teen programs
Family cabin options and suites
Age-appropriate dining and entertainment

While Marella welcomes children of all ages, the cost structure for children differs from adults and depends on age, itinerary, cabin occupancy, and booking dates.

2. Minimum Age Requirements

Before discussing charges, it’s important to understand the minimum age policy for children:

Infants: Minimum age is 6 months for most cruises.
Extended itineraries: Cruises with longer sea days or remote destinations may require infants to be at least 12 months old.
Under 6 months: Infants are not permitted due to safety and medical considerations.

These age requirements affect pricing because children below the minimum age cannot travel, meaning no charge is applied.

3. Age-Based Pricing Policy

Marella Cruises offers fares based on age categories. While adult fares are standard, children and teenagers may qualify for discounted rates or special promotions.

1 Children (0–17 years)

Infants (6–23 months): Often travel at a reduced fare or sometimes free, depending on the itinerary and cabin arrangements.
Children (2–11 years): Typically charged at a lower fare than adults, sometimes referred to as “child fare.”
Teenagers (12–17 years): May pay slightly more than younger children but often still less than adult rates.

2 Adult Passengers

Passengers aged 18+ pay the standard adult fare.
Some itineraries may offer senior discounts for older adults.

Marella’s age-based pricing is designed to make cruising accessible for families while maintaining onboard service quality.

4. Cabin Occupancy Rules for Children

Charges for children often depend on cabin sharing rules:

Most standard cabins accommodate two adults and one or two children.
Extra beds or pull-down bunks are often provided for children.
Infants may share a cabin with parents at a reduced rate or free of charge if using a crib/cot.

1 Family Cabins and Suites

Marella offers family suites or larger cabins for families with multiple children.
Rates vary depending on cabin size, location, and inclusions such as balconies.

By understanding cabin occupancy rules, families can maximize value and minimize charges for children.

5. Booking Policies for Children

1 Early Booking

Marella encourages booking early to secure family cabins and take advantage of children’s discounts.
Early booking often ensures lower prices for children compared to last-minute bookings.

2 Promotions and Offers

Seasonal promotions may offer “children sail free” deals, especially for younger children or on specific itineraries.
Discounts may be available for multi-child families.

3 Travel Agents

Booking through a travel agent can help families access exclusive offers for children, including reduced fares or onboard credits.

6. Dining Costs for Children

Marella Cruises provides age-appropriate dining options that may influence cost considerations:

Children’s menus: Offered in main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, often at no extra charge for children under 12.
Buffet dining: Children can enjoy buffet options included in their fare.
Special meals: Some specialty dining venues may charge extra, but this usually applies to adults more than children.

Marella’s policies make it convenient for families to dine together without incurring excessive costs.

7. Children’s Clubs and Entertainment

Marella Cruises offers supervised children’s programs and teen clubs:

3–7 years: Early childhood clubs with games and crafts
8–12 years: Adventure and sports activities
13–17 years: Teen clubs with social and recreational programs

7.1 Cost Considerations

Most children’s clubs and onboard entertainment are included in the cruise fare.
Certain activities or excursions may carry an additional charge depending on the complexity or required equipment.
Parents should check whether special programs, babysitting services, or premium activities have extra fees.

8. Shore Excursion Costs for Children

Shore excursions are optional, and prices vary by activity. Children’s pricing may differ:

Child discounts: Many excursions offer reduced fares for children aged 3–11.
Teen fares: Teenagers may pay a slightly higher rate than younger children but lower than adult prices.
Infants: Typically free, provided they do not require a separate seat or equipment.

It is important to confirm child pricing for excursions when booking shore activities.

9. Examples of Children’s Charges on Marella Cruises

Here are some real-world examples to illustrate how charges for children may work:

Example 1: Young Child (3–11 years)

Itinerary: 7-night Mediterranean cruise
Standard adult fare: £1,200
Child fare: £600 (50% of adult fare)
Inclusions: cabin, meals, entertainment, clubs

Example 2: Teenager (12–17 years)

Itinerary: 10-night Caribbean cruise
Standard adult fare: £1,500
Teen fare: £1,100 (25% discount from adult fare)
Inclusions: cabin, meals, teen club, entertainment

Example 3: Infant (6–23 months)

Itinerary: 5-night UK coastal cruise
Infant fare: £0–£50 (depending on cabin and bed requirements)

These examples demonstrate that children are often charged at reduced rates or may sail free in certain conditions, making Marella Cruises highly family-friendly.

10. Tips to Save on Children’s Charges

Book Early: Early reservations often secure the best child fares.
Look for Promotions: Marella occasionally runs “children sail free” or multi-child discounts.
Use Family Cabins: Sharing cabins helps reduce per-person costs.
Plan Shore Excursions Wisely: Check for child discounts on excursions.
Travel Agents: Use agents for exclusive deals or onboard credits for children.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do infants pay on Marella Cruises?

Infants over 6 months may pay a small fare or sail free if sharing a cabin with parents.

Q2: Are there discounts for multiple children?

Yes, some itineraries offer reduced fares for additional children.

Q3: Do children pay for meals?

Meals are generally included for children, though some specialty restaurants may charge extra.

Q4: Are children’s clubs free?

Yes, most age-appropriate clubs are included in the fare.

Q5: Can children book solo?

Children under 18 cannot travel alone unless part of a supervised teen program.

12. Benefits of Cruising with Children on Marella

Marella Cruises’ approach to children’s charges reflects its commitment to family-friendly cruising:

Affordable fares for children make cruises accessible for families.
All-inclusive entertainment and meals reduce additional expenses.
Specialized children’s clubs and teen programs ensure age-appropriate fun.
Flexible cabin options accommodate different family sizes.

By understanding the fare structure for children, families can plan a memorable cruise without unexpected costs.

13.Charges for children based on age

Marella Cruises charges for children based on age, cabin occupancy, and itinerary. While infants may sail free or at a reduced rate, children and teenagers are usually offered discounted fares compared to adults. Most onboard meals, clubs, and entertainment are included, making Marella Cruises a cost-effective and enjoyable option for families.

Parents should carefully review booking terms, look for promotions, and plan cabins and excursions to maximize value. With proper planning, cruising with children on Marella Cruises can be affordable, convenient, and full of unforgettable experiences..