Are cruise fares cheaper for children and infants?

Yes, cruise fares are often cheaper for children and infants, but the exact pricing depends on the cruise line, the child's age, and their place in the cabin (e.g., 3rd or 4th guest). Here's how it generally breaks down:

👶 1. Infants (Under 2 Years Old)

• Most cruise lines do not let infants under 6 months old sail, and some itineraries (like transatlantic or remote destinations) require infants to be at least 12 months old.

• When allowed, infants:

  • Usually pay a reduced fare (often a small percentage of the adult rate)

  • Must still pay taxes, port fees, and gratuities

  • May count as a full occupant in terms of cabin capacity

🧒 2. Children (Ages 2–12)

• Children are typically charged a lower fare when they are the 3rd or 4th guest in a cabin.

• If the child is the 1st or 2nd guest, they usually pay the full adult fare.

• Some cruise lines (e.g., MSC and Royal Caribbean) offer "Kids Sail Free" promotions—where kids up to 12 (sometimes 17) sail free as 3rd/4th guests. Taxes and gratuities still apply.

👨‍👩‍👧 3. Teens (Ages 13–17)

• Teens are usually priced similarly to children but might not qualify for free fares depending on the promotion.

• As with younger kids, reduced pricing generally applies only when they are additional guests in the cabin.

💡 Examples by Cruise Line:

✅ In Summary:

Cruise lines typically offer significant savings for children when they share a cabin with two paying adults, especially when you time your booking around promotions like "Kids Sail Free." Always check the fine print—gratuities and port fees are almost always added per person, regardless of age.