# Does Carnival Cruise Line Charge for Children?

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When planning a family vacation, one of the biggest questions parents ask is whether their children travel for free or if there are special prices for kids. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise brands for families, thanks to its fun atmosphere, kid friendly activities, family staterooms, and many entertainment options. However, understanding how Carnival charges for children is important so that you can plan your budget correctly and avoid surprises later.

Many travelers think that children might sail for free or receive big discounts, but cruise pricing works differently compared to hotels or airlines. This detailed guide explains clearly how Carnival Cruise Line charges for children, what costs you should expect, and how you can save money on a family cruise.

### Do Children Sail for Free on Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line does not allow children to cruise for free. On most cruises, kids are charged similar rates as adults for the third and fourth guests in a cabin. Carnival usually prices the first and second guests in a stateroom higher and then offers reduced rates for additional guests. These extra guest rates apply to children and adults equally.

Carnival treats children as full passengers because they require meals, entertainment, room space, and safety services just like any other traveler. Also, cruises operate under strict capacity and safety rules, so every person onboard must be counted and charged as a paying guest.

Even though kids do not sail for free, many families still find Carnival cruises affordable because of the value included in the fare. Meals, kids clubs, entertainment, and activities are part of the price, which helps families control vacation costs.

### How Carnival Prices Children on Cruises

Carnival uses a simple structure when it comes to cruise fares for children. The main fare difference happens depending on whether the child is the first, second, third, or fourth guest in the cabin.

The first two guests in a cabin pay the highest rate. This is the base fare that includes the core cost of the room.
The third and fourth guests in the same room pay a reduced rate. These guests can be children or adults.
This means a family of three or four can save money by staying in the same cabin compared to booking two separate rooms.

The reduced rate for the third and fourth guests depends on the sailing date, ship, cabin type, and demand. Sometimes the discount is very large, making it especially budget friendly for families.

### What Is Included in the Fare for Children

Even though children are charged, Carnival provides a wide range of services and activities that are already included in the fare. For many parents, this makes the cost worth it, because there is no need to spend extra money for most onboard activities for kids.

Included in the fare for children are the following:

Full access to the Camp Ocean kids club for ages two to eleven
Circle C activities for young teens ages twelve to fourteen
Club O2 program for teens ages fifteen to seventeen
Meals in the main dining room and the buffet
Many entertainment options such as shows, comedy, pool deck games, and movies
Access to water slides on ships that have a waterpark
Access to mini golf, sports deck, splash zones, and other onboard fun

These included services help reduce the total vacation cost because families do not need to pay separately for entertainment.

### Extra Costs for Children on Carnival Cruises

Even though many things are included, parents should be aware of extra costs that may apply to children depending on their preferences.

Some extra costs include:

Soft drink packages if kids want unlimited soda
Specialty dining restaurants like the steakhouse or Italian restaurant
Arcade games and video games
Shore excursions at ports
Photos and souvenirs
Late night programs in Camp Ocean
Onboard shopping
Babysitting services for kids under two in certain ships

These costs are optional and can be managed based on the family budget.

### Do Babies or Toddlers Get Special Pricing

Carnival charges babies and toddlers the same way as other guests. Even infants pay the same third or fourth guest rate. Carnival also requires children to be at least six months old to sail. For certain long sailings or exotic itineraries, the minimum age may be twelve months.

Parents traveling with infants should plan for the full cruise fare, along with essentials like diapers or baby food. Carnival ships do not provide diapers or formula, so parents need to bring enough for the entire trip.

### Can I Get Discounts or Deals for Children on Carnival

While Carnival does not offer free cruises for children, families can still find great deals. Carnival frequently releases limited time offers that lower the cost for additional guests in a cabin. These deals can reduce the price of a childs fare by a significant amount.

Families can also save by booking during the following periods:

Off peak seasons such as early fall or late spring
Last minute sailings
Promotions during holidays
Early saver deals for advance bookings
Special resident or military discounts when available

Travel agents also sometimes offer extra onboard credit for families.

### Family Friendly Cabins and Pricing

Carnival features various cabin types suitable for families. Family Harbor staterooms on certain ships are designed specifically for families and come with exclusive lounge access. Standard balcony or ocean view rooms can also comfortably fit families of three or four.

Booking one large cabin is often cheaper than booking two smaller ones, especially with the discounted third and fourth guest rates. Before booking, compare different room categories to find the best value.

### Why Carnival Charges for Children

Carnival charges for children for several reasons related to safety, capacity, dining, entertainment, and staffing. Every guest, regardless of age, requires services, meals, activities, and emergency equipment. Cruise ships also follow strict international maritime rules that limit how many passengers can sail based on the size of the ship and the number of safety boats.

Children also take part in many activities that require trained staff members. Camp Ocean, for example, is staffed with professionals who manage kids programs, games, and supervision. These services come with operational costs that must be included in the fare.

### Tips for Families Who Want to Save Money on Carnival Cruises

Traveling with children can be expensive, but there are many ways to reduce the overall cost of a Carnival cruise.

Book early to get the best cabin prices.
Choose cabins that sleep up to four people for discounted rates.
Travel during non peak seasons for better deals.
Use onboard credit wisely for kids activities.
Bring snacks to avoid extra purchases.
Skip specialty dining and enjoy the free dining options.
Look for sales on kids drink packages.
Select ports where you can explore on your own instead of buying costly excursions.

These small savings can make a big difference, especially for larger families.

### Conclusion

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line does charge for children, but the pricing structure is designed to help families enjoy their vacation at a reasonable cost. The third and fourth guest discounts make cruising more affordable, and the wide range of included activities for kids adds great value. From kids clubs to poolside fun, Carnival provides a full family experience that keeps children entertained without requiring extra spending.

Families who plan ahead, understand the pricing structure, and take advantage of discounts can enjoy a smooth and budget friendly cruise experience. A Carnival cruise remains one of the most enjoyable and cost effective vacations for families of all sizes.