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Does Princess Cruises have special programs for kids?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 23 September 2026

Does Princess Cruises have special programs for kids?

Yes, Princess Cruises has special programs for kids and teens. The cruise line provides dedicated youth and teen spaces, age-appropriate activities, supervised programming, and family entertainment designed for different age groups.

Princess organizes its youth offerings around children’s ages. On many ships, younger children can participate in programs such as The Treehouse for ages 3–7, The Lodge for ages 8–12, and The Beach House for teens ages 13–17. Princess also offers limited parent-accompanied activities for younger children and family activities that parents and children can enjoy together.

Activities can include arts and crafts, games, sports, movies, dance parties, competitions, educational experiences, and themed events. Princess also incorporates Discovery-inspired experiences into some of its children's programming.

However, parents should understand that youth facilities, activities, age groupings, and available features can vary by ship and sailing. Checking the specific ship before booking is therefore important.

1.What Kids' Programs Does Princess Cruises Offer?

Princess Cruises has developed dedicated spaces and programming for children and teenagers. The main age-based groups are designed to give children activities with other passengers in a similar age range.

The traditional program structure includes:

  • The Treehouse: Ages 3–7
  • The Lodge: Ages 8–12
  • The Beach House: Ages 13–17

Princess also provides activities for families and parent-accompanied play opportunities for younger children.

These programs are intended to give children their own places to play, make friends, learn new things, and participate in activities while parents have time for other activities onboard.

Because Princess operates different ships with different layouts and facilities, parents should not assume that every ship offers exactly the same youth facilities.

2.Princess Cruises Kids Programs by Age

1.Ages 6 Months to 2 Years

Princess welcomes babies and toddlers, but the rules for this age group are different from those for older children.

Young children may be able to use designated youth-center areas during specific parent-accompanied Family Play Times. Parents or guardians must remain responsible for the child during these sessions.

This is important because the regular supervised youth program is not designed as a drop-off childcare service for babies and toddlers.

Princess also provides family-oriented amenities that can make cruising with a young child easier. Depending on the ship and sailing, these can include:

  • High chairs
  • Booster seats
  • Cribs or pack-and-play options
  • Baby food options
  • Family-friendly dining choices
  • Parent-accompanied play opportunities

Princess states that youth counselors do not provide services such as bottle-feeding, diaper changing, medication administration, or meal service. Private in-cabin babysitting is also not available.

Parents traveling with an infant should therefore plan to remain actively involved in childcare.

2.Ages 3 to 7: The Treehouse

The Treehouse is designed for younger children between approximately 3 and 7 years old.

Princess describes this space as a playful, forest-themed environment where children can participate in hands-on activities. Examples of activities associated with the youth program include arts and crafts, games, themed events, movies, and other creative activities.

Depending on the ship and sailing, children may encounter activities such as:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Group games
  • Movies
  • Dance activities
  • Themed parties
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Creative projects
  • Educational activities

For parents, one of the biggest advantages is that the program gives younger children a dedicated environment separate from the ship's adult-focused venues.

Children participating independently in the youth program must meet Princess's participation requirements, including being potty trained.

3.Ages 8 to 12: The Lodge

Children ages 8–12 have access to programming designed around a slightly older age group.

The Lodge has an outdoors-inspired theme and can include a mixture of sports, games, competitions, technology, and social activities. Princess describes activities such as basketball tournaments, ping-pong, dodgeball, dance parties, board games, air hockey, video games, and other group activities.

This age group can be particularly active onboard because children have several ways to participate rather than simply watching movies or doing crafts.

Possible activities include:

  • Sports competitions
  • Basketball
  • Ping-pong
  • Dodgeball
  • Board games
  • Video games
  • Dance parties
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Mini-Olympic-style activities
  • Creative projects

The exact daily schedule is determined onboard and can change according to the ship, itinerary, and sailing.

4.Ages 13 to 17: The Beach House

Princess also has a dedicated teen program for guests ages 13–17.

The Beach House is intended to give teenagers a space where they can socialize with other teens and participate in activities designed for their age group. Princess lists activities such as teen-only dance parties, sports tournaments, and talent shows.

Teen activities can include:

  • Sports tournaments
  • Dance events
  • Talent shows
  • Games
  • Social activities
  • Teen gatherings
  • Movies and entertainment
  • Other age-appropriate events

Having a dedicated teen space can be useful for families traveling with teenagers because older children may want more independence and activities that do not feel designed for younger kids.

3.Are Princess Cruises Kids Programs Supervised?

Yes. Princess says its youth centers are operated by experienced youth staff, and its youth staff undergo background checks and training that includes basic first aid.

The supervised programs are intended to provide children with organized activities while parents enjoy other parts of the ship.

However, supervision does not mean that the youth staff provide one-to-one childcare for every child.

Princess specifically notes that counselors do not provide individual one-on-one supervision for children with special needs. Parents should communicate relevant medical or special requirements to the youth staff and discuss what accommodations may be possible.

Parents should also understand the difference between a youth program and a babysitting service. Princess does not offer private in-cabin babysitting.

4.Are Princess Cruises Kids Programs Free?

Princess describes its family-friendly spaces and activities as part of its onboard family offering, but parents should check the specific activity and sailing because not every family experience has identical terms.

Many regular youth-center activities are part of the onboard experience rather than separately booked childcare.

Some other family experiences, classes, excursions, or specialty activities may have additional charges.

For example, family shore excursions, specialty experiences, and certain activities can have their own pricing. Parents should review the details of a particular activity before assuming it is included in the cruise fare.

5.What Activities Can Kids Do on Princess Cruises?

Princess offers more than dedicated kids clubs. Families can also find activities throughout the ship.

Princess currently highlights family activities such as sports, games, dancing, cooking classes, entertainment, and dedicated youth programming.

1.Sports and Games

Depending on the ship, children may have opportunities to participate in:

  • Basketball
  • Pickleball
  • Mini golf
  • Ping-pong
  • Air hockey
  • Dodgeball
  • Sports competitions
  • Group games

Princess also promotes video gaming and other recreational activities within its youth programming.

2.Arts and Crafts

Creative activities are another part of the children's programming.

Younger children may participate in craft projects, while older children can take part in activities designed around creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

3.Movies

Family movies and children's movie activities are available on Princess ships. Movies Under the Stars is one of the cruise line's well-known entertainment options, while youth centers may also offer age-appropriate movie activities.

4.Discovery-Inspired Activities

Princess has partnered with Discovery to create experiences connected with science, nature, exploration, and popular Discovery programming.

Examples include activities inspired by MythBusters, Shark Week, Animal Planet, and other Discovery content. Princess also promotes stargazing and other educational experiences.

These activities can give children something educational to do without making the experience feel like a traditional classroom.

6.Does Princess Cruises Have Educational Activities for Kids?

Yes. Educational and discovery-based activities form part of Princess's family programming.

The cruise line's Discovery at Sea experiences can introduce children and families to subjects such as animals, science, astronomy, nature, and exploration. Some activities are designed around interactive learning rather than simply watching presentations.

For example, Princess promotes experiences connected with:

  • Sharks and marine life
  • MythBusters-style science challenges
  • Stargazing
  • Animal Planet
  • Nature and wildlife
  • Exploration
  • Science-based activities

Availability depends on the ship and itinerary, so parents should check the current onboard activity schedule.

7.Can Kids Make Friends on Princess Cruises?

Yes. The youth clubs are specifically designed to provide opportunities for children and teenagers to meet others in their age group.

Children can participate in group games, sports, crafts, competitions, parties, and other social activities.

For teenagers, the dedicated Beach House provides a separate environment where they can meet other teens and participate in activities intended for their age group.

The social aspect can be particularly useful on longer cruises, where children may see the same group of young passengers throughout the voyage.

8.Can Parents Enter the Kids Clubs?

Princess describes its Youth and Teen Clubs as adult-free zones during normal program operation.

Parents are generally permitted to visit during designated Open House opportunities, particularly around embarkation. Princess recommends attending the orientation and registration meeting so parents and children can meet the youth staff and understand how the programs work.

This means parents should not expect to sit inside the youth club throughout normal programming.

The rules may also differ for specific family-play sessions involving younger children.

9.Do Kids Have to Be Potty Trained?

Yes, children participating independently in the regular Youth Program must be potty trained.

Princess states that children who are not potty trained cannot participate independently in the Youth Program. It also states that children who are not potty trained are not permitted to use hot tubs or pool facilities.

This is an important point for families traveling with preschool-age children.

Parents should check the current requirements before sailing if their child is still in diapers or is in the process of toilet training.

10.Are There Programs for Children With Special Needs?

Princess welcomes children and teens ages 3–17 to participate in its youth programs and asks parents to inform the youth staff about medical or special needs.

The cruise line says it will make efforts to accommodate children with special needs. However, its youth counselors do not provide individual one-on-one supervision.

Families should therefore communicate their child's needs before and during the cruise and determine whether the available program can safely accommodate those requirements.

For more complex needs, contacting Princess before sailing can help parents understand what arrangements are available.

11.Do Kids Have Activities Outside the Youth Clubs?

Yes. Families do not have to use the youth clubs to keep children entertained.

Princess offers family activities throughout its ships, including:

  • Movies
  • Sports
  • Games
  • Entertainment
  • Family trivia
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Shore excursions
  • Educational experiences
  • Holiday activities

Princess also promotes family dining and activities that parents and children can enjoy together.

This gives families flexibility. A child can spend part of the day in the youth program and the rest of the day with parents.

12.Are There Kids' Activities on Every Princess Ship?

Children are welcome on Princess ships, but facilities and youth offerings vary by ship.

Princess specifically advises that children are welcome on its ships while facilities vary.

This is an important consideration when choosing a cruise.

A newer ship may have a different youth-center layout or additional family facilities compared with another ship in the fleet. Even when the same general age groups are supported, the physical spaces and activities may differ.

Before booking, parents should check:

  1. The exact ship.
  2. The children's age requirements.
  3. The youth-center facilities.
  4. The teen facilities.
  5. Whether specific activities are offered on the sailing.
  6. Any registration requirements.
  7. Current operating hours.

13.What Should Parents Do When They Board?

Parents should not wait until the middle of the cruise to find the kids' club.

Princess recommends attending the youth-program orientation and registration meeting on the first night. This allows parents and children to meet the youth and teen staff and learn how the onboard programs work.

A practical first-day checklist is:

  • Visit the Youth and Teen Center.
  • Complete any required registration.
  • Confirm the age group assigned to your child.
  • Ask about daily operating hours.
  • Review the activity schedule.
  • Tell staff about relevant medical or special needs.
  • Explain pickup and participation procedures to older children.
  • Confirm how parents can be contacted if necessary.

Doing this early makes it easier for children to settle into the program.

14.Can Kids Celebrate Birthdays on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Princess provides options for onboard celebrations, and parents can notify the cruise line about a special occasion through Manage Booking.

Princess also advises families to notify Youth Staff if the celebration involves a child, allowing staff to discuss possible ideas for the youth program.

Depending on the celebration, parents may also be able to arrange additional celebration packages.

15.What About Family Activities for Younger Children?

Families with babies and toddlers can still find activities even though these children generally cannot participate independently in the regular youth program.

Princess offers parent-accompanied play opportunities during designated times and provides family-oriented facilities and dining support for younger children.

Parents should remember that these arrangements are different from supervised drop-off childcare.

If traveling with a baby or toddler, it is useful to plan the day around:

  • Nap schedules
  • Parent-accompanied activities
  • Family meals
  • Pool rules
  • Shore excursions suitable for young children
  • Quiet time in the cabin

16.What Makes Princess Cruises Family-Friendly?

Princess combines dedicated children's programming with activities that families can enjoy together.

Some of the main family-friendly features include:

Family Feature What It Offers
Youth programs Age-based activities for children
Teen program Dedicated activities for ages 13–17
Family activities Games, sports and entertainment
Discovery experiences Science, nature and exploration activities
Movies Family movie and onboard entertainment options
Family dining Children's and family-friendly dining choices
Parent-accompanied toddler activities Options for younger children
Youth staff Staffed children's and teen centers

 

Princess says its family offering includes dedicated clubs, activities for different ages, family entertainment, and practical amenities such as high chairs, booster seats, and pack-and-play options.

17.Tips for Families Cruising With Kids on Princess

1. Check the Specific Ship

Do not assume every Princess ship has exactly the same children's facilities.

Look at the specific ship before making a reservation.

2. Check Age Requirements

The youth program is organized around age groups, so confirm where your child belongs before sailing.

3. Attend the First-Night Orientation

This is one of the easiest ways to understand registration, activities, and operating procedures.

4. Tell Staff About Important Needs

If your child has medical, behavioral, dietary, or accessibility needs that may affect participation, communicate them clearly.

5. Keep the Daily Schedule Flexible

Children may want to join some activities and skip others. Allowing flexibility can make the cruise more enjoyable.

6. Mix Kids' Club Time With Family Time

A children's program does not need to occupy the entire vacation.

Consider combining:

  • Morning youth activities
  • Family lunch
  • Pool time
  • A shore excursion
  • Evening entertainment
  • Teen or youth activities

7. Check Activities Before Promising Them

Some activities are ship-specific or sailing-specific. Check the current schedule before telling children that a particular activity will definitely be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Does Princess Cruises have special programs for kids?

Yes. Princess Cruises offers dedicated youth and teen programs, including age-based spaces such as The Treehouse, The Lodge, and The Beach House. The exact facilities and programming vary by ship.

Q2.What age is the Princess kids club for?

The main supervised youth programs are designed for children ages 3–12, divided into younger and older groups. Teens ages 13–17 have a separate program.

Q3.What is The Treehouse on Princess Cruises?

The Treehouse is an age-specific youth space designed for children approximately 3–7 years old. It offers creative, hands-on and social activities.

Q4.What is The Lodge on Princess Cruises?

The Lodge is designed for children approximately 8–12 years old. Activities can include sports, games, competitions, dance, video games and other group activities.

Q5.Does Princess Cruises have a teen club?

Yes. Princess has The Beach House, a teen-focused space for guests ages 13–17, with activities such as sports tournaments, dance events and talent shows.

Q6.Can a 2-year-old use the kids club?

Children ages 6 months to 2 years may be able to use youth-center areas during designated parent-accompanied play times. They cannot participate independently in the regular supervised youth program.

Q7.Does Princess Cruises offer babysitting?

Princess does not provide private in-cabin babysitting. Youth programming is different from individual babysitting, and parents remain responsible for understanding the applicable participation rules.

Q8.Do children have to be potty trained?

Yes, children participating independently in the Youth Program must be potty trained. Princess also states that children who are not potty trained are not permitted in hot tubs or pool facilities.

Q9.Are Princess kids programs supervised?

Yes. Princess says its youth centers are operated by experienced youth staff who undergo background checks and basic first-aid training.

Q10.Can parents enter the kids club?

The Youth and Teen Clubs are normally adult-free zones. Parents are allowed access during designated Open House periods, such as those provided around embarkation.

Q11.Are there educational activities for children on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Princess's Discovery at Sea programming includes educational and interactive experiences related to science, nature, animals, astronomy and exploration. Availability varies by ship and sailing.

Q12.Do all Princess ships have the same kids programs?

No. Princess states that children are welcome on its ships but that facilities vary. Parents should check the specific ship and sailing for current youth facilities and activities.

Q13.Can children with special needs participate in Princess youth programs?

Princess welcomes children and teens ages 3–17 to participate and says it will make efforts to accommodate special needs. However, youth counselors do not provide individual one-on-one supervision.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises does have special programs for kids, with age-based youth and teen spaces, supervised activities, family entertainment, and Discovery-inspired experiences.

Children ages 3–7 can generally use The Treehouse, ages 8–12 can participate in The Lodge, and teens ages 13–17 have The Beach House. Younger children can have parent-accompanied play opportunities, although they are not part of the regular independent youth program.

The biggest practical point for parents is that programs and facilities can vary by ship. Before booking, check the exact Princess ship, confirm the age requirements, and review the current youth-program information.

Once onboard, attending the youth-program orientation and registering early can help children become comfortable with the staff, activities, and other young passengers. With dedicated kids' clubs, teen spaces, family entertainment, sports, games, and educational experiences, Princess provides several ways for families to structure their time at sea.

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