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How are kids charged on cruises?

Cruise fares are per person which includes children and infants. When traveling with two full fare guests, additional guests in the same stateroom pay a discounted cruise fare.



On most major cruise lines, children are typically charged as the 3rd or 4th guest in a cabin. This means that if two adults are paying the full "double occupancy" fare, the children staying in the same room often pay a significantly reduced rate, which can be anywhere from 25% to 60% off the standard adult price. However, even if the cruise fare is discounted or part of a "Kids Sail Free" promotion, you must still pay the full amount for port taxes, fees, and gratuities for the child, regardless of their age. Some luxury or river cruise lines charge a flat per-person rate regardless of age, while others, like Disney Cruise Line, have age-tiered pricing. It is a common misconception that infants sail for free; in reality, even a six-month-old takes up a "soul on board" spot for safety regulations and will almost always incur a base fare and port taxes unless a specific promotion is active.

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Cruise fares are per person which includes children and infants. When traveling with two full fare guests, additional guests in the same stateroom pay a discounted cruise fare.

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Automatic gratuity charge: $16 to $18 per person, per day. Details: Passengers in most cabins pay $16. Those in suites pay $18. Children younger than 2 are exempt from the charges.

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Kids sail free is a limited time promotional offer that allows for guests 12 or younger to receive a free cruise fare. This offer is only available during active dates. To secure a Kids Sail Free promotion on a reservation, all applicable names and dates of birth must be given when making a reservation.

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Yes, many ships offer family-friendly cruise activities. Programming might include parades, deck parties, fireworks displays, water shows and breakfasts or meet-and-greets with favorite characters. Some lines have video game systems and host tournaments, and most have arcades.

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The pricing structure for a cruise is totally different from that of transportation, entertainment or dining, because it is all three in one. Not only does a child pay the same fare as an adult, but a solo traveler pays the same as or close to the same fare as two adults.

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Kids can often take part in kids' club or accompany their parents to take part in the many “things to do” on a cruise ship. My kids really enjoy water slides, climbing walls and ropes courses, some of these are high above the ship, too scary for me, but they loved them.

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7 Budget-Friendly Tips for Planning a Cruise with the Family
  1. Seek a Travel Agency. Is hiring a travel agent an old-school tactic? ...
  2. Compare Different Offers. ...
  3. Sail During Off-Season. ...
  4. Book Early. ...
  5. Don't Do the Shore Excursions. ...
  6. Sail for a Shorter Time Frame. ...
  7. Look for Kid-Friendly Amenities.


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Cruise fares are per person which includes children and infants. When traveling with 2 full fare guests, additional guests in the same stateroom pay a discounted cruise fare. Children less than 2 years of age are not required to extend gratuities.

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You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.

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Royal Caribbean International The line's current Kids Sail Free” deal lets children 12 or younger cruise free, provided they are the third guests (or beyond) in the same cabin as at least two paying adults.

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Children aged 17 years and under will require a passport or Birth Certificate to travel or government issued photo ID. Children under 16 years of age, who do not have a passport or Photo ID, must have a copy of their birth certificate or their parents Medicare Card.

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Travelers under the age of 18 must travel with an adult over the age of 18. Children under the age of 16 must have a passenger who is 16 or older share their cabin. Minimum age to leave a P&O ship on your own: Guests must be 17 or older to go on a ship-sponsored shore excursion on their own.

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Guests 12 and under may not be assigned to a balcony stateroom without a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older) traveling in the balcony stateroom with them. Can be separated by up to 3 staterooms from a relative or guardian (25 years of age or older).

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If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide a notarized letter of consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and authorities (ie. A copy of the sole custody document, or death certificate of absent parent.)

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And while going overboard on cruise ships is a rare incidence, it does happen occasionally – young children that climb on the railings are particularly at risk. Kids roam free. While cruise ships are confined areas, they are large and full of safety hazards.

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The perfect age for taking your kids on a cruise is when they are old enough to be excited about the experience -- when they want to check out the ship and get excited about exploring in ports of call. Maybe they are more attracted by daily ice cream, pool time and Ping-Pong than cultural immersion, but that's OK.

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A seven-night cruise is usually the best option for a family getaway. While your wallet or schedule might require a shorter sailing or permit a longer voyage, plan a week-long vacation — at least for your first cruise or two.

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