Does P&O Cruises charge for children?

When planning a cruise holiday with your family, one of the first questions parents ask is: Does P&O Cruises charge for children?

P&O Cruises is a leading cruise line offering family-friendly ships, child-specific programs, and affordable packages for families. But the cost of taking children on board varies depending on factors such as:

Age of the child.
Type of cabin booked.
Promotions and fare types.
Whether the cruise is during peak holiday seasons.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore P&O Cruises’ pricing structure for children, when kids sail at discounted fares, and the many ways families can save on their bookings.

Does P&O Cruises Charge for Children?

General Policy

Yes, P&O Cruises charges for children, but the amount depends on their age, cabin arrangements, and current promotional offers. Children do not always sail free, but fares are often significantly reduced compared to adult prices.

Infants and Toddlers (Under 2 Years Old)

Infants under 2 years typically pay only port taxes and fees.
They must still be registered on the booking.
Cribs or travel cots can be requested, but availability is limited.

Children (2–17 Years Old)

Children aged 2 and above are charged a reduced fare, usually a fraction of the adult rate.
Discounts are more substantial when children share a cabin with two full-paying adults.
Kids occupying their own cabin usually pay the standard fare.

Factors That Affect Child Fares on P&O Cruises

Age of the Child

The younger the child, the lower the fare. Babies under 2 sail at minimal costs, while older teens pay higher rates.

Cabin Occupancy

Sharing with parents: Child fares are heavily discounted.
Separate cabin: Full fare applies, regardless of age.

Time of Year

Peak seasons (summer holidays, Christmas, Easter): Higher fares for children due to demand.
Off-peak seasons: Families may find special deals or even “kids sail free” promotions.

Fare Type (Saver vs. Standard)

Saver Fares: Often cheaper upfront but less flexible; limited family-friendly offers.
Standard Fares: Sometimes include added perks like child discounts or onboard credit.

Promotions for Children on P&O Cruises

Kids Sail Free Offers

Occasionally, P&O Cruises runs promotions where children sail for free when sharing a cabin with adults. These are usually limited to specific itineraries and off-peak dates.

Reduced Third or Fourth Passenger Fares

The third and fourth guests in a cabin (often children) pay a reduced fare.
This makes family cabins excellent value compared to booking multiple rooms.

Seasonal Deals

School holiday promotions may include special pricing for families, though demand is higher.

Onboard Costs for Children

Even if the cruise fare for children is reduced, families should also budget for onboard expenses.

Dining Costs

All main dining venues are included in the fare, and kids’ menus are available.
Specialty restaurants may charge extra for children, though portions and menus are often tailored.

Childcare and Babysitting

Night Nursery (6 months to 4 years): Free service from 6 pm to 2 am.
Kids’ clubs (2–17 years): Included in the fare.

Excursions

Children’s excursion prices vary but are often cheaper than adult rates.

Drinks Packages

P&O offers non-alcoholic drinks packages for children and teens at reduced rates.

P&O Cruises Child Policy Overview

Minimum Age to Sail

6 months (12 months for cruises with 3+ consecutive sea days).

Kids’ Clubs (The Reef)

Splashers (2–4 years).
Surfers (5–8 years).
Scubas (9–12 years).
H2O (13–17 years).

These clubs are included in the fare, making cruises more cost-effective for families.

Family Cabins

P&O Cruises offers larger cabins and suites to accommodate families, often at a lower per-person cost compared to booking separate cabins.

Example: Cost Breakdown for a Family of Four

Imagine a family of four (two adults, two children aged 7 and 14) booking a 7-night Mediterranean cruise:

Adult fare: £1,000 each = £2,000.
Child fares (sharing cabin): £400 each = £800.
Total: £2,800 for the family.

If booked during a “Kids Sail Free” promotion, the child fares may be waived, reducing the total significantly.

Comparison: Children’s Pricing vs. Adults

CategoryAdultsChildren (Sharing Cabin)

Cruise Fare100%25–50% of adult fare

Dining (Main Venues)IncludedIncluded

Kids’ ClubsN/AFree

Babysitting/NurseryExtraFree

ExcursionsFull PriceDiscounted

Tips to Save Money When Cruising with Children

1. Book Early

Family cabins fill up quickly, and early booking secures the best child fares.

2. Travel Off-Peak

Sailing outside school holidays can save thousands.

3. Look for Promotions

Monitor P&O Cruises’ website for “Kids Sail Free” and seasonal deals.

4. Use Travel Agents

Agents may have exclusive family discounts not listed on P&O’s site.

5. Consider Onboard Packages

Pre-purchasing drinks and Wi-Fi packages for kids can be cheaper than paying onboard.

FAQs About Child Pricing on P&O Cruises

Do children sail free on P&O Cruises?

Not always. Children usually pay a reduced fare but may sail free during promotions.

Do infants under 2 pay for a cruise?

Infants under 2 usually only pay port taxes and fees.

Are kids’ clubs included in the fare?

Yes, all kids’ and teen clubs are included.

Are there discounts for teenagers?

Yes, but the discount is often smaller than for younger children.

Do children pay full price for excursions?

No, children’s excursion fares are usually discounted.

does P&O Cruises charge for children?

Yes, P&O Cruises charges for children, but fares are significantly reduced compared to adults, especially when kids share cabins with parents. Infants under 2 generally only pay taxes and fees, while older children and teens benefit from discounted fares.

Families can maximize value by booking early, traveling off-peak, and taking advantage of promotions like Kids Sail Free. Combined with free kids’ clubs, nurseries, and family-friendly facilities, P&O Cruises remains an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable yet luxurious holiday.