Does Carnival Cruise Line Charge for Children?

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the world’s most popular cruise operators, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment options, and fun-filled itineraries. Families planning a cruise often ask an important question: Does Carnival Cruise Line charge for children? Understanding how Carnival handles fares for children, infants, and teenagers is critical for budgeting your trip and ensuring a smooth booking experience.

This detailed guide explores Carnival Cruise Line’s policies regarding children, including fare structures, age categories, discounts, cabin occupancy rules, and additional costs that parents should be aware of.

Overview of Carnival Cruise Line’s Child Fare Policy

Carnival Cruise Line generally does not offer free cruises for children on most sailings. Unlike some other cruise lines that provide discounted or free berths for young children, Carnival calculates fares based on age and cabin occupancy.

However, Carnival does provide promotions, discounts, and special packages for children, which may reduce the cost of sailing compared to adult fares. Understanding these policies helps families plan financially and avoid surprises at booking.

Age Categories for Children

Carnival Cruise Line categorizes passengers by age, which determines fares, fees, and eligibility for specific programs:

• Infants: 6 months to under 2 years

• Children: 2 years to 12 years

• Teens: 13 years to 17 years

• Adults: 18 years and older

Each category comes with rules regarding fares, supervision, and access to onboard activities.

Infant Fares

Carnival requires infants to be at least 6 months old to sail on most cruises. For longer or international voyages, the minimum age is typically 12 months.

• Infants under 2 years usually pay a reduced fare compared to adults.

• Many itineraries allow infants to occupy a cabin with parents without a full adult fare.

• Infant fares generally cover accommodation, meals, and participation in age-appropriate onboard activities, but not optional extras like shore excursions or specialty dining.

Children’s Fares

Children aged 2 to 12 years are usually charged a child fare, which is often lower than the adult fare but still requires payment.

• Carnival frequently offers promotional discounts for children, particularly on third and fourth berths in a cabin.

• The third and fourth guests in the same cabin often pay reduced rates, allowing families to save when traveling with multiple children.

• Children’s fares cover meals in main dining rooms, casual dining options, and access to the Camp Ocean program, which provides supervised activities and age-appropriate entertainment.

Teen Fares

Teen passengers, aged 13 to 17, are generally charged full adult fares.

• This age group may participate in teen-specific programs, including Club O2 and Circle C, which provide social activities, games, and supervised entertainment.

• Carnival does not typically offer discounts for teens, but they enjoy all onboard amenities, including pools, arcades, and fitness centers (with age-appropriate supervision).

Promotions and Discounts for Children

Carnival Cruise Line occasionally runs promotions to make family travel more affordable. Common promotions include:

• Kids Sail Free Offers: Children may travel free or at a significantly reduced fare when booking a cabin with paying adults. These promotions are seasonal and often limited to specific sailings.

• Third and Fourth Guest Discounts: Families booking cabins with three or four guests can take advantage of lower fares for the additional passengers.

• Special Packages: Carnival sometimes offers bundled promotions that include onboard credits, drink packages, or excursions for families traveling with children.

Families should monitor Carnival’s official website or sign up for newsletters to take advantage of these deals.

Cabin Occupancy Rules for Children

Carnival enforces specific rules regarding cabin occupancy when traveling with children:

• Minimum Age for Sailing Alone: Children under 21 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the same stateroom.

• Third and Fourth Berth Reductions: Reduced rates often apply to the third and fourth passengers in a cabin, which are usually children.

• Safety and Comfort: Carnival ensures that cabins are suitable for families, with options for connecting rooms, family suites, and balcony cabins that accommodate multiple passengers.

Meals and Dining for Children

Children on Carnival cruises enjoy meals included in the fare at main dining rooms, casual dining options, and buffets.

• Special children’s menus are available, featuring familiar foods like pasta, pizza, chicken fingers, and desserts.

• For infants and toddlers, parents can request high chairs, baby food, or formula (some items may incur additional charges).

• Specialty restaurants are generally available for teens and adults, but children under a certain age may need supervision and may not have access to alcohol or adult menus.

Youth Programs and Entertainment

Carnival provides a wide range of age-appropriate programs for children and teens, included in the cruise fare:

Camp Ocean (2–11 years)

• Supervised by trained counselors

• Divided into age groups: Penguins (2–5), Stingrays (6–8), and Sharks (9–11)

• Activities include arts and crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and movies

Circle C (12–14 years)

• Teen-exclusive lounge with interactive games, dance parties, and social activities

Club O2 (15–17 years)

• Lounge for older teens featuring video games, karaoke, and themed nights

• Staff supervision ensures safety while allowing independence

These programs are included in the child’s fare, providing both entertainment and peace of mind for parents.

Optional Costs for Children

While Carnival includes many services in the child fare, some extras may incur charges:

• Shore Excursions: Many excursions have age minimums or require additional fees.

• Photos and Souvenirs: Children participating in onboard photography programs or shopping will need extra money.

• Specialty Dining: Meals at specialty restaurants, such as steakhouses or sushi bars, often require additional payment for children, although some offer children’s menus at a lower cost.

• Babysitting Services: Nighttime babysitting (Night Owls program) is available for children 6 months to 11 years and incurs an hourly fee.

Travel Insurance and Children

Parents may consider purchasing travel insurance for children. Coverage can include:

• Trip cancellation or interruption for illness

• Emergency medical care onboard

• Lost baggage or personal items

• Shore excursion cancellations

Travel insurance protects families from unexpected expenses related to child travelers and ensures peace of mind.

Infant and Toddler Safety Policies

Carnival has strict safety policies for infants and toddlers:

• Children under 12 months on long voyages may not be allowed to sail.

• Parents must supervise infants at all times, including in pools and play areas.

• Swim diapers are required for young children in pools.

• Life jackets are available for children on decks and during water-based activities.

These rules ensure children remain safe while enjoying onboard amenities.

Booking Tips for Families

Families can save money and avoid surprises by following these tips:

1. Book Early: Secure cabins with multiple berths and take advantage of early promotions.

2. Check Promotions: Look for “Kids Sail Free” offers or discounts on third and fourth guests.

3. Consider Cabin Type: Family suites or connecting rooms often provide comfort and cost savings.

4. Plan Shore Excursions: Confirm age requirements and fees before booking.

5. Include Nighttime Babysitting: Schedule as needed to enjoy adult-only activities safely.

Example Pricing Scenarios

Scenario 1: Two Adults and Two Children

• Booking a balcony cabin with four passengers

• Adults pay full fare

• Children pay third and fourth berth reduced rates

• Savings of 30–50% on children’s fares compared to adult fares

Scenario 2: Infant with Parents

• Infant under 2 years shares cabin

• Reduced fare applies, covering meals and basic amenities

• Optional extras like Night Owls babysitting or specialty dining charged separately

Scenario 3: Teen Traveling with Parents

• Teenage child (16 years) pays adult fare

• Full access to pools, teen lounges, and dining

• Included in family cabin, no additional fees beyond regular fare

Carnival Promotions for Children

Carnival frequently runs promotions that can save families hundreds of dollars:

• Kids Sail Free: Typically applies to select sailings and third/fourth cabin berths

• Onboard Credit Packages: Extra perks or credits for children included in family packages

• Seasonal Deals: Holiday or school break sailings often feature discounted fares for children

Families should regularly check Carnival’s website or contact customer service for the latest offers.