Royal Caribbean does not run this promotion year-round. Instead, it appears periodically throughout the year, especially during certain sales events.

Seasonal Trends

Historically, Kids Sail Free promotions surface during:

Off-Peak Travel Months

These include times when demand is lower, such as:

• Late January

• February

• Early March (excluding spring break)

• May

• Late August

• September

• October

• November (not including the week of Thanksgiving)

Cruise lines use these months to boost bookings, making promotions more common.

Holiday Sales Events

Promotions frequently appear during:

• New Year Sale

• Wave Season (January–March)

• Memorial Day Sale

• Labor Day Sale

• Black Friday–Cyber Monday Deal Week

Typical Frequency

On average, Royal Caribbean launches Kids Sail Free five to eight times a year. The promotion windows usually last a few days to a couple of weeks, but availability varies by ship, itinerary, and cabin type.

Limited Cabin Availability

Even when the promotion is active, there are only a limited number of staterooms that qualify. This is one reason families must book quickly.

Key Rules and Restrictions Families Should Know

Understanding the fine print is essential. While the Kids Sail Free promotion sounds straightforward, several rules often catch travelers off guard.

Blackout Dates

Royal Caribbean typically excludes high-demand periods because ships fill up without needing incentives. These blackout periods change every year but often include:

All Major Holiday Cruses

• Christmas Week

• New Year’s Cruises

• Easter Week

• Thanksgiving Week

School Breaks

• Spring Break

• Mid-Summer Peak Weeks (June–July)

Kids Sail Free promotions are designed mainly for off-season travel when families are less likely to cruise.

Ship & Itinerary Restrictions

Some of the most popular or newest ships may not participate.

Newer Ships Often Excluded

Ships like Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, or Wonder of the Seas may have limited or no Kids Sail Free cabins because they already attract high demand.

Specialty Itineraries Excluded

• Transatlantic cruises

• Repositioning sailings

• Holiday-themed cruises

• Very short weekend trips

Stateroom Capacity

Most standard cabins allow only four guests, so large families may need:

• Connecting rooms, or

• Larger suites

Suite bookings often come with different rules and may or may not qualify.

Taxes & Fees Still Apply

Even though children sail "free," parents must pay:

Mandatory Costs

• Port taxes

• Environmental fees

• Gratuities (daily service charge)

All of these can add up to $150–$300+ per child, depending on the itinerary.

Benefits of Booking During Kids Sail Free Promotions

While the offer has restrictions, the benefits are substantial.

Significant Savings

A 7-night Caribbean cruise for a family of four can cost:

Typical Child Fare

• $350 to $900 per child, depending on the ship and season.

With the promotion, families save $700–$1800+ on average.

Makes High-End Ships Affordable

Families often use the promotion to experience premium ships without paying premium costs.

Popular Family-Friendly Ships

• Oasis-class ships

• Quantum-class ships

These ships offer activities like surfing simulators, ziplines, skydiving simulators, and giant water parks.

More Budget Flexibility

The savings allow families to spend more on:

Add-On Experiences

• Shore excursions

• Beverage packages

• Onboard activities

• Specialty dining

Even after paying taxes and fees, families still come out ahead financially.

Comparing Kids Sail Free With Other Royal Caribbean Promotions

Royal Caribbean runs many promotions throughout the year. Understanding how Kids Sail Free compares helps families choose the best value.

Common Promotions

Some deals that appear alongside Kids Sail Free include:

Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 60% Off

This is the most frequent promotion throughout the year.

Flash Sales

Short-term deals offering:

• Reduced deposits

• Instant savings

• Onboard credit bonuses

Resident Discounts

Savings for specific regions such as:

• Florida

• California

• UK

• Canada

Which Deal Is Best for Families?

For families with multiple children, Kids Sail Free is usually the highest-value promotion—especially on sailings where child fares are typically expensive.

Ideal For:

• Families with two or three children

• Cruisers traveling in off-peak months

• Those booking early before cabins fill

Less Ideal For:

• Families traveling over school holidays

• Large families needing two rooms

• Passengers insisting on specific ships like Icon of the Seas

Examples of How Much You Can Save

To illustrate how much parents can save, here are examples of typical savings during the promotion.

Example 1: 7-Night Caribbean Cruise – Oasis-Class Ship

• Adult fare: $850 per person

• Child fare: $700 per child

• Two children free = $1,400 saved

• Taxes/fees still due = approx. $180 per child

Total estimated savings: ~$1,040–$1,200

Example 2: 5-Night Bahamas Cruise

• Adult fare: $550

• Child fare: $400

• Savings for two kids = $800

• Taxes = ~$110 per child

Total estimated savings: ~$580

Example 3: 3-Night Weekend Cruise

Even though these are short trips, child fares can still be high during peak demand.

• Adult fare: $350

• Child fare: $300

• Kids Sail Free savings = $600

• Taxes = ~$100 per child

Total estimated savings: ~$400

Is the Kids Sail Free Promotion Worth It?

In most cases, yes. If you can travel during promotional months and secure a qualifying cabin early, the deal offers excellent value.

When It’s Worth Booking

The promotion is especially beneficial if:

Your Travel Dates Are Flexible

Families with young children not yet in school can benefit the most.

You Want a Premium Ship on a Budget

Oasis and Quantum classes are top-tier family ships.

You Are Booking Multiple Children

The deal gets more valuable with each additional child.

When It May Not Work for You

However, the promotion is not ideal in every situation.

School Restrictions

Families tied to strict school schedules may find the blackout dates inconvenient.

Limited Cabin Availability

If cabin options are scarce, prices may rise despite the promotion.

Travel on New Ships

Newer ships rarely offer kids sail free deals, so you may not find it for the ship you want.

Tips to Maximize Savings on Kids Sail Free Deals

To make the most of this promotion, consider the following strategies.

Book Immediately When the Promo Goes Live

Royal Caribbean releases only a limited number of cabins for Kids Sail Free. Early booking ensures the best availability.

Tip

Cruise bloggers and deal trackers often announce promotions as soon as they launch.

Look for Non-Peak Sailings

Traveling during less crowded months greatly increases your chances of finding eligible cabins.

Use a Travel Agent

Travel agents often have access to:

Extra Perks

• Onboard credit

• Group rates

• Reduced deposits

Compare Multiple Ships

Some ships may offer Kids Sail Free while others do not. Checking multiple options helps you find the best deal.

Be Flexible With Dates

Even shifting your trip by one week can make the difference between blackout dates and eligible sailings.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean does indeed offer “Kids Sail Free” promotions—just not all the time. When available, this deal can dramatically reduce the cost of a family cruise, making premium sailings more affordable for parents. However, there are important restrictions, including limited cabins, blackout dates, and mandatory taxes and fees that still apply. Families with flexible schedules, younger children, and an interest in off-peak travel will benefit the most. For families tied to school calendars or determined to sail during holidays, the promotion may be harder to use. Still, when timed correctly, Kids Sail Free remains one of the best-value offers Royal Caribbean provides, and it continues to be a major reason why families choose this cruise line year after year.