Princess Cruises is well-known for catering to adult travelers seeking relaxation, comfort, and destination-rich itineraries. However, families also frequently sail with Princess, and many parents planning a vacation want to know whether children sail free or if the line charges full fares for minors. Unlike some family-focused cruise lines that occasionally offer “kids sail free” promotions, Princess Cruises typically charges for children, though the cost varies based on age, itinerary, cabin type, and seasonal promotions. To help families plan accurately, it’s important to understand how Princess structures pricing for kids, what is and isn’t included, and how to save money when traveling with little ones.
Princess Cruises operates under a pricing model designed primarily for adult travelers. While children are welcome, the line does not build its fare structure around kids’ incentives. Every passenger onboard—regardless of age—requires food, bedding, housekeeping, safety measures, and space in shared areas. These operational considerations explain why Princess charges fares for children similar to adults, even when they share a stateroom with parents.
Children on Princess Cruises usually pay a reduced third- or fourth-guest fare when traveling with two full-fare passengers. While this discount is helpful, it isn’t the same as sailing free. Add-ons such as excursions, babysitting, or certain dining experiences may also increase costs.
Princess follows specific guidelines when determining how much families pay for young travelers. These rules apply consistently across most ships and voyages.
Princess Cruises does not charge a separate or special “child fare.” Instead, children are booked as regular guests with pricing based on the occupancy of the stateroom.
The first and second guests in a cabin always pay full fare, regardless of age.This means:
A child traveling alone with one adult often counts as the second full-fare passenger.
A family of one adult and two children may end up paying two full fares plus a reduced fare for the third guest.
Princess often discounts the third and fourth guests in a stateroom. Children occupying these berths typically receive this lower rate. The discount varies widely by itinerary and season but generally ranges from 30% to 60% off the standard fare.
Regardless of age, every passenger must pay government taxes and port charges. These fees are mandatory and the same whether a guest is 6 months old or 60 years old.
Even babies and toddlers are subject to the same port taxes as adults, as these fees are assessed per person by port authorities—not by Princess Cruises.
While the reduced fare structure is the main cost consideration, families should also be aware of extra charges that apply to minors.
Princess Cruises charges the same daily gratuity rate for children as adults unless otherwise stated.
These gratuities cover housekeeping, dining staff, and shared onboard services. Because children use these amenities too, they are included in gratuity calculations.
Tips for youth program counselors are not always mandatory but are appreciated, especially during special events or long hours of supervision.
Children may dine for free at the main dining rooms and buffets, but specialty dining can incur additional charges.
Some restaurants offer reduced prices for children, while others charge full price depending on the menu and dining format.
Occasional promotions may allow kids to eat at specialty venues for a small fee or complimentary rate during certain hours.
The Princess youth programs—Camp Discovery and the Teen Lounge—are complimentary during regular hours, which is a great benefit for families.
Princess sometimes offers late-night group childcare for a per-hour fee.This service can be valuable for parents who want to enjoy evening entertainment.
Private in-cabin babysitting is not offered on Princess Cruises, so parents should plan accordingly.
Children of different ages have different needs, and Princess’ pricing and policies reflect this.
Although infants pay the same required taxes and fees as older children, the main challenge for parents is limited onboard amenities for very young guests.
Infants must meet the minimum age requirement to sail, which is typically 6 or 12 months depending on the itinerary.
Swim diapers are not allowed in pools onboard, which can limit water play for toddlers.
Princess offers strong programming for children ages 3–12 through Camp Discovery.
Arts, crafts, games, and educational programs are included in the fare, making this age group one of the best values for families.
Special experiences, such as chef-led cooking classes or themed parties, may come with small fees.
Teen programming offers supervised spaces, events, gaming, and social time.
The teen club is included, making it cost-effective for families with older children.
Some activities—like laser tag or escape rooms—may incur optional fees on select ships.
While Princess does charge for children, parents can leverage several strategies to reduce overall costs.
Princess occasionally offers deals that reduce third- and fourth-guest fares significantly.
Holiday periods and wave season (January–March) often bring the best promotions for families.
Booking a stateroom with extra berths is often cheaper than reserving two separate cabins.
Families needing more space can book connecting rooms, but should remember that full fares apply to the first two guests in each cabin.
Princess provides a wealth of included programming—movies, kids’ clubs, pools, outdoor movies, and themed activities—which helps minimize the need for costly add-ons.
Family trivia, deck parties, and character meet-and-greets help stretch your budget while keeping children entertained.
Enjoying included dining options can significantly reduce children’s food expenses.
Most children find something they like among the varied menu offerings, eliminating the need for specialty dining costs.
Princess Cruises does charge for children, but families can still find strong value in the line’s combination of reduced third- and fourth-guest fares, complimentary youth programs, and high-quality onboard amenities. While the cruise line doesn’t offer “kids sail free” deals as commonly as some family-centric brands, Princess provides enough included activities, dining options, and entertainment to justify the price for many families. Understanding how pricing works, what extras may apply, and how to find the best promotions allows parents to confidently plan a rewarding and memorable cruise with their children—without encountering unwelcome surprises at checkout.
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