Does Royal Caribbean Charge for Children?

# Does Royal Caribbean Charge for Children? **For guidance on Royal Caribbean child fares and family cruise bookings, call 844-807-7245 to speak with a cruise specialist today.** Family vacations are among the most popular reasons for choosing a cruise, and Royal Caribbean stands out as one of the best cruise lines for travelers with children. From Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs to teen lounges and family-friendly staterooms, Royal Caribbean makes cruising fun for all ages. However, parents planning their vacation often ask: *Does Royal Caribbean charge for children?* The simple answer is **yes**, Royal Caribbean does charge for children, but the way pricing works can be different than you might expect. This article explains how Royal Caribbean prices kids’ fares, what discounts may be available, and tips to save money when booking a family cruise. --- ## 1. Do Children Sail Free on Royal Caribbean? Unlike some all-inclusive resorts where kids stay free, Royal Caribbean generally charges for every passenger on board, regardless of age. Infants, children, and teens all count as paying guests because: * Each person requires meals, entertainment, and amenities. * Cabins have strict capacity limits for safety. * Taxes, port fees, and gratuities apply to every traveler. That said, Royal Caribbean does occasionally run promotions such as **“Kids Sail Free”**, which allows children 12 and under to cruise for free when sharing a stateroom with two paying adults. These promotions are time-limited and subject to availability. --- ## 2. How Royal Caribbean Prices Children’s Fares Children’s fares are not separate from adult fares. Instead, Royal Caribbean uses a **tiered pricing model**: * **First two guests in a stateroom:** Pay the full fare (standard cruise price). * **Third and fourth guests (including children):** Pay a reduced rate. For example, if you book a cabin for two adults and add two children, the adults pay full price, and the kids pay a **lower “third/fourth guest” rate**. This discount can make family cruising more affordable compared to booking multiple staterooms. --- ## 3. Infant and Toddler Charges Even infants are charged to sail on Royal Caribbean. The cruise line requires: * **Minimum Age:** Infants must be at least 6 months old (12 months for certain itineraries like transatlantic or transpacific). * **Fare Payment:** Infants are charged the same reduced third/fourth guest rate as children. * **Port Fees and Taxes:** These apply to every passenger, no matter their age. So while your baby may not be eating full meals or joining activities, they are still included in the cruise fare structure. --- ## 4. Taxes, Fees, and Gratuities for Children In addition to the base cruise fare, every passenger—including children—must pay: * **Port taxes and fees** (mandatory government charges). * **Daily gratuities**, which are automatically added to cover crew services such as dining and housekeeping. Currently, gratuities are around **\$18–\$20 per person, per day** and apply to children as well as adults. --- ## 5. Onboard Programs for Kids Parents often ask if kids’ clubs or babysitting services cost extra. Here’s what you can expect: * **Adventure Ocean Youth Program (ages 3–11):** Free of charge, included in the cruise fare. * **Teen Programs (ages 12–17):** Free, with supervised lounges, parties, and activities. * **Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (6–36 months):** Charges an hourly fee for childcare. * **Special Programs:** Some activities (arcades, Build-A-Bear workshops, babysitting) may require additional fees. So while the cruise fare covers basic youth programs, some optional services come with extra charges. --- ## 6. Ways to Save on Child Fares Since Royal Caribbean does charge for children, here are some ways families can save: * **Book During Kids Sail Free Promotions:** Watch for seasonal offers where children sail free with two paying adults. * **Travel Off-Peak:** Cruises during the school year or off-season tend to have lower fares. * **Choose Family Staterooms:** Instead of booking multiple rooms, select cabins designed for families to take advantage of reduced rates for extra guests. * **Use Future Cruise Credits (FCC):** Apply FCCs from previous bookings toward your family’s trip. * **Work With a Travel Advisor:** Professionals can help you find the best deals and promotions. --- ## 7. Why Royal Caribbean Is Worth It for Families Even though Royal Caribbean charges for children, the value provided is hard to beat. Kids’ fares include: * Meals and snacks throughout the day. * Access to pools, waterparks, and entertainment. * Adventure Ocean and teen clubs with supervised activities. * Broadway-style shows, parades, and movies. When you compare these inclusions to land-based resorts, the cost often balances out because so much is bundled into one price. --- ## Final Thoughts So, does Royal Caribbean charge for children? **Yes, children—including infants—are charged to sail, though often at a reduced third/fourth guest rate.** While you won’t typically find free fares for kids, promotions like “Kids Sail Free” can provide major savings. Keep in mind that taxes, fees, and gratuities also apply to children, and some optional onboard services may carry additional charges. Royal Caribbean remains one of the best cruise lines for families, thanks to its kid-friendly amenities, youth programs, and exciting destinations. With the right timing and booking strategy, families can enjoy great value while creating unforgettable memories at sea.