Carnival Cruise Line is known for being one of the most family-friendly cruise brands in the world. With activities for all ages, flexible stateroom options, and dedicated kids’ programs, it’s no surprise that many families choose Carnival for their vacations. But one of the most common questions travelers ask before booking is: Does Carnival Cruise Line charge for children?
The short answer is yes, children are charged for Carnival cruises, but the fare structure and pricing depend on several factors like age, occupancy, and promotions. Below is a complete Carnival Cruise Line child fare and pricing guide to help you understand how much you’ll pay for kids, what’s included, and how to save money on family cruises.
Unlike airlines or resorts that may allow small children to travel free, Carnival child fares generally apply to every guest on board — regardless of age. However, children usually pay a lower rate than the first two adults in the same cabin.
Carnival’s pricing system works on a tiered occupancy model:
The first two guests in a cabin pay the full adult fare.
Additional guests (third, fourth, or fifth occupants), often children, are charged a reduced rate.
Taxes, port fees, and gratuities still apply to every passenger — including infants.
This means that even though your baby may not use all the ship’s facilities, they still occupy a spot on the vessel and must be accounted for under maritime laws.
The cost for kids depends on your cruise’s length, destination, and time of year. Typically, Carnival kids pricing for additional guests can range from $100 to $500 for shorter cruises and up to $1,000 or more for longer sailings.
For example:
A 3-day Bahamas cruise might charge around $150–$250 for a child.
A 7-day Caribbean voyage may cost $400–$800 for a child, plus taxes and fees.
While there’s no fixed “child fare,” Carnival’s system allows families to save when multiple members share one cabin. This makes it a good value option for parents traveling with two or more kids.
Carnival Cruise Line’s children policy states that:
Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of embarkation.
For longer or transoceanic cruises, infants must be at least 12 months old.
Every child — even infants — must have a valid booking, and you must pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities.
Carnival provides cribs and high chairs upon request, and the Camp Ocean program offers supervised activities for children aged 2–11 years. However, note that infants under 2 are not eligible for Camp Ocean participation.
While Carnival doesn’t offer standard “child discounts,” it frequently features family cruise promotions. These can include:
Kids Sail Free deals on select itineraries.
Reduced deposit sales for multi-person cabins.
Discounted third and fourth guest fares, which typically apply to children.
You can often find Carnival family discounts during off-peak travel periods like late August, early December, or January. Booking early or through Carnival’s Early Saver program can also help secure better pricing.
It’s important to remember that gratuities and taxes apply to every guest, regardless of age. Carnival’s daily gratuity rates currently range from $16 to $18 per person per day, and this includes children.
For example, if you’re a family of four on a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay gratuities for all members — even infants. This cost covers the housekeeping and dining services that help keep your cabin and table ready each day.
If you’re planning a family vacation, here are a few smart ways to reduce the overall cost of your Carnival Cruise Line child fare:
Book during off-peak seasons. Months like January, May, and September often feature lower base fares.
Use Carnival’s promotional offers. Subscribe to Carnival’s email alerts for special family pricing and “Kids Sail Free” events.
Choose a single cabin for the family. Booking everyone in one stateroom helps maximize occupancy discounts.
Consult a travel agent. Carnival-certified travel agents sometimes have access to group rates or exclusive onboard credits.
Join Carnival’s VIFP loyalty program. Frequent cruisers earn perks and discounts that may reduce the total cost of future trips.
Even though children aren’t free, Carnival’s family value is hard to beat. Each ship features:
Camp Ocean, a free supervised program for kids 2–11.
Circle “C” and Club O2, teen clubs for ages 12–17.
Family-friendly entertainment like water parks, comedy shows, and movie nights.
Family-style staterooms and adjoining cabins for larger groups.
When you consider all the included amenities — meals, activities, and entertainment — the per-day cost for children remains quite affordable compared to traditional resorts.
To sum it up:
Yes, Carnival charges for children, but they pay reduced fares compared to adults.
Infants, toddlers, and teens all require a paid booking, including taxes and gratuities.
Discounts apply to 3rd, 4th, or 5th passengers in the same cabin.
Occasional promotions like Kids Sail Free can help you save significantly.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of seasonal offers, you can enjoy a memorable and budget-friendly family cruise with Carnival Cruise Line.
1. Do infants sail free on Carnival cruises?
No, Carnival requires all passengers — including infants — to have a paid booking. However, infants typically qualify for reduced fares as additional guests.
2. Does Carnival offer “Kids Sail Free” promotions?
Yes, but these offers are limited to specific sailings and dates. Check Carnival’s official website for active deals.
3. Are taxes and gratuities charged for children on Carnival?
Yes, every guest on board must pay taxes, port fees, and gratuities, regardless of age.
4. Can I bring my baby on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, infants aged six months or older can travel on most itineraries. For longer voyages, the minimum age requirement is twelve months.
5. Do kids get access to all activities on Carnival ships?
Most activities are included, though some specialty experiences, like babysitting or arcade games, may have additional costs.
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