Does Royal Caribbean charge for infants?

Planning a cruise with a baby raises one deceptively simple question: does Royal Caribbean charge for infants? The short answer is yes—infants are not free, but the what and how much depend on several variables, including fare type, taxes and port fees, gratuities, and itinerary rules.

This in-depth guide breaks down Royal Caribbean’s infant pricing and policies with practical examples, expert travel insights, and references to authoritative sources (Royal Caribbean’s official policies, government health guidance, and consumer advocacy organizations). The goal is to help parents make informed, budget-smart decisions—without surprises at checkout.

Quick Summary

• Infants are charged a cruise fare on Royal Caribbean, though it may be discounted depending on the promotion.

• Taxes, fees, and port charges apply to infants just as they do to older guests.

• Daily gratuities are typically applied per person, including infants, unless adjusted by Guest Services.

• Minimum age rules apply (6–12 months depending on itinerary).

• Some baby-related amenities are complimentary, but specialized services and supplies are not included.

If you’re comparing cruise lines or planning your first cruise with a baby, keep reading for a detailed breakdown.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Infant Fare Policy

Are Infants Considered Paying Passengers?

Yes. On Royal Caribbean, every guest occupying a berth is considered a passenger, regardless of age. This means infants require a ticket and are included in the reservation’s total pricing.

Based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean’s guest policies:

• Infants must be listed as guests

• Infants occupy a berth (crib or shared bed)

• Standard passenger pricing rules apply

Unlike airlines, cruise lines operate floating resorts where pricing is tied to occupancy, safety regulations, and port requirements—not seat usage.

Why Cruise Lines Charge for Infants

Cruise pricing reflects:

• Port fees and head taxes charged by local governments per person

• Safety equipment (life jackets, muster station allocation)

• Immigration and customs processing

• Operational costs for food, utilities, and staffing

Even though infants consume fewer resources, these fixed costs still apply.

What Costs Apply to Infants on Royal Caribbean?

1. Cruise Fare

Infants are charged a cruise fare, which may be:

• The full prevailing rate, or

• A discounted promotional fare (e.g., Kids Sail Free promotions)

• Important: “Kids Sail Free” promotions often reduce the base fare but do not waive taxes, fees, or gratuities.

2. Taxes, Fees, and Port Charges

These charges always apply to infants and are non-negotiable because they are imposed by ports and governments.

Examples include:

• U.S. port head taxes

• International passenger duties

• Customs and immigration processing fees

Government travel portals such as gov.uk and U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirm that all passengers—regardless of age—are subject to port and immigration fees.

3. Gratuities

Royal Caribbean applies automatic daily gratuities per guest, typically covering:

• Dining staff

• Stateroom attendants

• Behind-the-scenes service crew

Based on publicly available information, gratuities are applied to infants by default. However:

• Some families report successfully requesting adjustments onboard

• Policies may vary by sailing and region

If gratuities are a concern, speak with Guest Services early in the cruise.

Minimum Age Rules for Infants

Royal Caribbean enforces minimum age requirements for safety and medical reasons.

Standard Minimum Ages

• 6 months old: Most itineraries

• 12 months old: Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, and certain South America sailings

These rules are consistent with guidance from pediatric travel health authorities and organizations such as the CDC and WHO, which highlight increased health risks for very young infants on long voyages.

If an infant does not meet the minimum age on the day of departure, boarding will be denied with no refund.

What’s Included (and Not Included) for Infants

Included at No Extra Charge

Royal Caribbean provides several baby-friendly amenities:

• Complimentary Pack ’n Plays (limited availability)

• High chairs in main dining venues

• Access to Royal Babies & Tots open play sessions (on select ships)

Not Included (Extra Cost or Bring Your Own)

• Diapers and wipes

• Baby food and formula

• Specialized medical care beyond basic first aid

• Babysitting services (when available)

Consumer Reports consistently advises parents to bring essential baby supplies onboard, as ship stores carry limited inventory at premium prices.

Royal Caribbean vs. Other Cruise Lines: Infant Pricing Comparison

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise With an Infant

1. Confirm your infant meets the minimum age for your itinerary

2. Select a stateroom that allows three or four guests

3. Add the infant as a guest during booking (never omit them)

4. Review the fare breakdown carefully for taxes and gratuities

5. Request a Pack ’n Play after booking or once onboard

6. Bring documentation (passport or birth certificate, depending on itinerary)

Following these steps reduces the risk of boarding issues or unexpected costs.

Health, Safety, and Medical Considerations

Health authorities such as the CDC and WHO emphasize that:

• Infants have developing immune systems

• Cruise ships involve close-contact environments

• Medical facilities onboard are limited

Parents should:

• Consult a pediatrician before booking

• Carry infant medications and a basic medical kit

• Understand travel insurance coverage for infants

The NIH and PubMed host multiple peer-reviewed studies highlighting increased infection risks in confined travel settings, reinforcing the importance of preparation.

Is Cruising With an Infant Worth the Cost?

From an expert travel perspective, the value equation depends on:

• Your expectations (relaxation vs. sightseeing)

• Ship amenities and nursery programs

• Willingness to pay for convenience and safety

Many parents report that the convenience of unpacking once, family-friendly dining, and onboard medical staff outweigh the added cost of infant fares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Royal Caribbean let infants cruise for free?

No. Infants are charged a cruise fare, plus taxes, fees, and gratuities.

2. Are port fees mandatory for babies?

Yes. Port fees are government-imposed and apply to all passengers.

3. Can gratuities be removed for infants?

Policies vary. Some families report success by requesting adjustments onboard, but it is not guaranteed.

4. Do infants need passports on Royal Caribbean cruises?

It depends on the itinerary. Closed-loop U.S. cruises may allow birth certificates, but passports are strongly recommended.

5. What happens if my infant is under 6 months?

Boarding will be denied, and the cruise fare is typically non-refundable.

6. Are cribs guaranteed in staterooms?

No. Pack ’n Plays are limited and available on a first-come basis.

7. Is baby food available onboard?

Limited options may be available, but parents should bring their own preferred brands.

8. Do infants count toward cabin occupancy limits?

Yes. Infants count as full occupants for safety and capacity rules.

9. Is cruising safe for infants?

For healthy infants who meet age requirements, cruising is generally considered safe when proper precautions are taken, according to CDC guidance.

10. Is travel insurance recommended for infants?

Yes. Many policies cover infant medical emergencies and trip disruptions.

Final Verdict

Royal Caribbean does charge for infants, including cruise fare, taxes, port fees, and typically gratuities. While babies don’t cruise free, the line offers strong family-friendly amenities, transparent pricing, and safety-focused policies that many parents find worth the cost.

If you plan carefully, understand the pricing structure, and prepare with expert-backed guidance, cruising with an infant can be a smooth—and surprisingly enjoyable—family experience.Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating that Royal Caribbean plans to waive infant fares in the future.

This article is intended for informational purposes and reflects publicly available policies at the time of writing. Always verify details directly with Royal Caribbean before booking.