# Does Princess Cruises Charge for Children?

Does Princess Cruises [phone] charge extra fees for children or offer discounts? Discover affordable family cruise fares, fun programs, and exclusive savings for young travelers.

When planning a family vacation, one of the most common questions parents ask is whether children sail free or at a discounted rate. Princess Cruises, known for its elegant ships and family-friendly atmosphere, welcomes travelers of all ages, including young children and teenagers. However, understanding the cruise line’s pricing structure is important to know what to expect when bringing kids along.

Princess Cruises does not offer completely free cruises for children, but it does provide flexible pricing based on the number of guests in each cabin, the child’s age, and the chosen itinerary. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how Princess Cruises charges for children, what’s included in their fare, and tips to make your family cruise more affordable.

Do Children Sail Free on Princess Cruises

Unlike some cruise lines that occasionally run “Kids Sail Free” promotions, Princess Cruises generally charges for children. Every person, regardless of age, must be included in the booking and fare calculation. This includes infants, toddlers, children, and teens.

However, the rate for additional guests in the same stateroom—often referred to as the third and fourth passengers—is usually much lower than the full adult fare. That means children can sail at a significantly discounted price if they share a cabin with two paying adults.

For example:

The first two guests in a stateroom pay the full fare.

The third and fourth guests (which can include children) pay a reduced fare, which can be 50–75% less than the regular rate depending on the sailing and cabin type.

This structure makes Princess Cruises a great option for families traveling together, especially when booking early to secure the best deals.

Infants and Toddlers Pricing

Infants are welcome onboard Princess Cruises, but they are not exempt from fares. Even if your child is under two years old, they still count as a passenger and must be booked as such.

The pricing for infants is typically similar to that of older children when they are the third or fourth passenger in a cabin.

Minimum age to sail: 6 months on most itineraries, and 12 months for longer or transoceanic cruises.

Infant fares: Reduced compared to adult pricing when booked as an additional guest in the same stateroom.

Amenities: Parents can request cribs, high chairs, and other infant-friendly items at no extra cost, though availability may vary.

It’s important to note that Princess Cruises follows strict safety regulations, so each infant must be assigned a life jacket and berth space in compliance with ship capacity rules.

Children Ages 2–12 Pricing

Children between the ages of 2 and 12 typically pay the third or fourth passenger rate when sharing a cabin with adults. This discounted rate can make cruising with kids a cost-effective vacation option compared to hotels and resorts, especially since meals and entertainment are included.

Princess Cruises also provides youth programs for this age group, adding more value to the fare. These programs are supervised by trained staff and include fun, educational, and engaging activities.

No extra charge for youth clubs: Activities in the youth centers are complimentary.

Family dining options: Children can dine for free in the main dining rooms and buffets. Specialty restaurants may have a nominal charge if children order from the adult menu.

Overall, while children are not free, Princess Cruises ensures families get great value for money through inclusive amenities and experiences.

Teens Ages 13–17 Pricing

Teenagers pay the same as children when booked as the third or fourth guest in a cabin. They can also enjoy special teen clubs and exclusive onboard areas designed for their age group.

While there are no special discounts solely for teenagers, Princess Cruises offers teen-friendly activities, late-night events, and supervised programs that make the fare worthwhile.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions for Kids

While Princess Cruises does not have a permanent “kids free” policy, the cruise line sometimes runs seasonal promotions that reduce fares for additional guests, including children.

Families can save money through:

Early booking discounts

Third and fourth guest promotions

Family bundle offers (available occasionally)

Regional resident discounts

Booking during off-peak seasons such as fall or early spring can also result in lower fares. Families can often find itineraries where kids sail for a small fraction of the adult price.

What Is Included in a Child’s Fare

A child’s fare on Princess Cruises covers nearly all the same amenities as an adult fare. The goal is to create a seamless family vacation where everyone enjoys equal access to ship facilities.

Here’s what’s included:

Accommodation: Comfortable staterooms or suites shared with parents.

Meals: Unlimited dining in buffet and main dining areas.

Entertainment: Movies, live shows, and pool activities.

Youth programs: Free access to the Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centers.

Pools and sports: Kids can use the pools, basketball courts, and other recreation areas.

The only things not included are optional purchases like shore excursions, spa services, and specialty dining upgrades.

Youth and Teen Programs – Great Value for Families

Princess Cruises offers one of the most respected youth programs at sea, known as Camp Discovery, developed in partnership with Discovery Channel. The program is divided into age-specific categories to ensure every child has fun in a safe, structured environment.

The Treehouse (Ages 3–7):
Features arts and crafts, educational games, and story time.

The Lodge (Ages 8–12):
Offers activities like sports tournaments, science workshops, and scavenger hunts.

The Beach House (Ages 13–17):
A chill hangout for teens with music, movies, and themed parties.

Participation in these programs is included in the fare, which adds tremendous value for families.

Dining Options for Children

Princess Cruises offers flexible dining options for families. Children can eat at:

The main dining room, where kids’ menus feature family favorites.

The World Fresh Marketplace buffet, with a variety of foods for all ages.

Specialty dining restaurants, where kids can dine at discounted or complimentary rates depending on the menu choice.

There are also 24-hour room service options and ice cream stations on many ships. Families can even request early dining times or group seating.

Do Children Pay for Shore Excursions

Yes, children pay for shore excursions, but the rates are often lower than adult prices. Many tours are family-oriented, and Princess Cruises offers special excursions designed for kids or teens.

Parents should review each excursion description to confirm age restrictions and pricing before booking. Some activities may have minimum age or height requirements.

Do Babies and Toddlers Pay Port Fees and Taxes

Yes, all guests—including infants—are required to pay applicable port fees, taxes, and government charges. These costs are determined by the ports visited and are not waived for any age group.

Even though infants may not use many onboard facilities, cruise lines must count every passenger for legal and safety reasons.

Are Babysitting or Childcare Services Extra

Princess Cruises does not offer private babysitting services, but group babysitting is available through the Evening Youth Program on select ships.

Evening youth activities may carry a small fee (for example, around $5 per hour per child).

The service allows parents to enjoy late dinners, shows, or quiet time while children are entertained safely.

This is one of the only areas where an additional charge for children may apply beyond the cruise fare.

Do Children Pay the Same for Beverage Packages

Princess Cruises offers several beverage packages, but most are designed for adults. For children and teens, non-alcoholic drink packages are available at discounted rates.

Unlimited Soda & More Package: Offers sodas, smoothies, and mocktails at a lower price for underage guests.

Parents can also order kid-friendly beverages in dining rooms free of charge.

Tips to Save Money When Cruising with Kids

Book early – Family cabins and discounted third and fourth passenger rates sell out quickly.

Sail during off-peak seasons – Prices are lower outside of school holidays.

Use onboard credits – Some promotions offer free onboard credits that can cover kids’ expenses.

Bring your own essentials – Items like diapers, snacks, and baby formula can be costly onboard.

Plan shared excursions – Choose tours that allow children to participate without extra equipment costs.

Are There Hidden Costs for Kids

While Princess Cruises is transparent about fares, there are a few extra costs parents should keep in mind:

Shore excursions and specialty dining.

Arcade games and premium experiences.

Babysitting during evening programs.

Wi-Fi and souvenir purchases.

None of these are mandatory, but it’s helpful to budget for them if your kids enjoy extra entertainment.

Conclusion

So, does Princess Cruises charge for children? The answer is yes—but at significantly reduced rates compared to adults. While kids do not sail free, they can travel affordably when booked as the third or fourth guest in a cabin. The fare includes meals, entertainment, youth programs, and family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent value for families.

Princess Cruises ensures that guests of all ages—from infants to teenagers—enjoy a memorable vacation filled with fun, relaxation, and adventure. With flexible pricing, incredible youth programs, and kid-friendly dining options, families can explore the world together without compromising comfort or quality.

If you plan ahead and take advantage of seasonal promotions, cruising with children on Princess Cruises can be both enjoyable and budget-friendly—a luxury vacation that creates lasting family memories on the high seas.