Does Royal Caribbean charge for children?

Royal Caribbean International is one of the leading cruise lines in the world, known for offering a wide variety of itineraries and experiences suitable for travelers of all ages. One of the most common questions families ask when planning a cruise is whether children are charged for their cruise fare. Understanding how Royal Caribbean handles child pricing is essential for budgeting, planning family vacations, and making the most of onboard programs and services.

Age-Based Pricing Policy

Royal Caribbean categorizes passengers primarily by age: infants, children, teens, and adults. The fare structure differs depending on the age group, the ship, and the itinerary. The policy is designed to make cruising accessible for families while covering operational costs associated with meals, cabin accommodations, and onboard amenities.

Infants and Toddlers: Infants under the age of six months are generally not permitted on most cruises. For infants above this age, Royal Caribbean often provides a reduced fare or in some cases, free sailing when sharing a cabin with adults. This policy is subject to itinerary restrictions and the cruise line’s discretion.
Children (Typically Ages 2–11): Children are often eligible for discounted rates, especially when sharing a cabin with adults. In certain promotions or off-peak sailings, children may sail for free, meaning they do not incur a separate fare but may still be responsible for taxes, port fees, and gratuities.
Teens (Typically Ages 12–17): Teen passengers are usually charged at the standard adult fare. However, they gain access to specialized teen programs and supervised activities at no extra cost. While not free, the inclusion of structured programs and age-appropriate activities adds value for families.

How Children’s Fares Are Calculated

Royal Caribbean’s pricing for children often depends on the number of adults in the cabin, the age of the child, and the specific itinerary. Here is how fares are typically structured:

Third and Fourth Guests: In a cabin with more than two adults, the third and fourth passengers, often children, may receive significant discounts. Some promotions offer free or reduced fares for these additional passengers.
Sharing a Cabin: Children sharing a stateroom with their parents or guardians often pay a reduced rate or, during special promotions, sail for free. The fare usually covers meals and access to youth programs but may not include gratuities or certain specialty dining options.
Solo Travel: Children traveling alone are considered unaccompanied minors and may have additional charges for supervision and safety services onboard. Parents are required to comply with consent forms, documentation, and often a fee for the unaccompanied minor program.

Promotions and Special Offers

Royal Caribbean frequently offers promotions specifically designed to make cruising more affordable for families. These promotions include:

Kids Sail Free: This promotion allows one or more children to cruise for free when sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying adults. While taxes and fees may still apply, the overall cost savings can be substantial.
Seasonal Discounts: During off-peak seasons, cruise lines often reduce fares for children to encourage family travel. These discounts may apply to certain itineraries, ships, or cabins.
Military and Loyalty Discounts: Royal Caribbean provides special offers for families who are military personnel or loyal cruisers. Children in these cases may receive additional discounts or special perks.

Fees Beyond the Cruise Fare

Even when a child’s fare is free or discounted, families should be aware of additional costs that may still apply:

Taxes and Port Fees: Children, even when sailing free, are often required to pay port charges, taxes, and government fees associated with the cruise itinerary.
Gratuities: Onboard gratuities for housekeeping and dining staff are usually applied per person, including children. Some promotions may waive gratuities for children, but it is not always the case.
Specialty Dining: Specialty restaurants, certain beverage packages, and adult-only areas may incur additional fees for children if they choose to participate or dine outside the standard main dining rooms.
Shore Excursions: Excursions offered at ports of call often have age restrictions and additional costs. Families should review excursion prices in advance to budget accordingly.

Dining and Youth Programs Included in Children’s Fares

One advantage of Royal Caribbean cruises is that even when children sail at a discounted rate or for free, they gain access to onboard dining and youth programs. These programs are designed to offer entertainment, education, and social opportunities for kids and teens:

Adventure Ocean Youth Program: Divided by age groups, this program offers structured activities for children aged three to eleven. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, games, science experiments, themed events, and group play, all included in the cruise fare.
Teen Programs: Teenagers enjoy access to lounges, gaming areas, dance parties, and supervised social activities without extra cost. This ensures that their cruise experience is engaging while parents enjoy adult-oriented activities.
Main Dining Rooms: Children can dine in the main dining rooms at no additional cost, enjoying a wide variety of kid-friendly options alongside their family.

Budgeting for a Family Cruise

While Royal Caribbean’s “kids sail free” and discounted fare programs can significantly reduce the cost of family travel, parents should carefully budget for other potential expenses:

Onboard Activities: Paid activities such as rock climbing, ice skating, or water park access may have additional fees for children.
Specialty Packages: Beverage, dining, and internet packages are optional but may be attractive for families traveling with teens.
Medical Services: Minor medical needs or travel-related health services on board may involve charges.
Souvenirs and Shops: Children may wish to purchase souvenirs, toys, or other items in onboard shops, which are not included in the fare.

Tips for Families to Maximize Savings

To ensure the most cost-effective and enjoyable family cruise experience, parents can follow these tips:

Book Early: Early bookings often provide the best opportunities for kids to sail free or at discounted rates.
Check Promotions Frequently: Royal Caribbean frequently updates promotions, including last-minute deals and seasonal offers, which can make family travel more affordable.
Understand Cabin Arrangements: Selecting cabins that accommodate multiple family members efficiently can help maximize savings on child fares.
Plan Dining and Activities in Advance: Understanding which programs are included and which have extra charges allows parents to budget accurately.
Use Loyalty Programs: Families who are repeat cruisers can leverage loyalty programs to gain additional discounts for children.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean’s approach to charging for children is designed to make cruising accessible and affordable for families while ensuring safety and comfort onboard. Children often benefit from reduced fares or free sailing promotions, especially when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. While additional fees such as taxes, gratuities, and optional activities may still apply, the inclusion of youth programs, main dining, and entertainment makes the value proposition strong for families.

By understanding the age-based fare structure, promotions, and additional costs, parents can plan a well-budgeted cruise vacation, ensuring that both children and adults have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether traveling with infants, children, or teenagers, Royal Caribbean provides a variety of options to make family cruising both affordable and engaging. Proper planning, attention to promotions, and awareness of fees beyond the cruise fare are key to maximizing savings and ensuring an unforgettable cruise adventure.