Most Cruise Lines Provide Free Childcare!

• Kids’ clubs are free!
• There’s so much for them to do.
• It’s the easiest way to vacation with kids!
• And all cruise lines are very kid-friendly — not just Disney!

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We are experts on all cruise lines and ships. We’ve booked thousands of military families like yours and will help find a fantastic cruise for your family at the best possible rate. Call us at (866) 964-5482 or email us today.

Which Cruise Lines Are Kid-Friendly? What Is There for Kids to Do on a Cruise?

All of the main cruise lines are kid-friendly! Note: for health reasons, kids who are not potty trained are not allowed in any pool, even with swim diapers.

All cruise lines have kids clubs for different age groups, with separate areas, staff, and age-appropriate activities like:

• Cooking classes, sports courts with tournaments
• Dance classes, trivia, game tables
• Arcade games, movies at the pool, water slides, shows, and much more

Many cruise ships have big exciting features like ropes courses, a circus school, giant water slides, ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, bumper cars, a surf simulator, and an F1 racer. And every cruise line has its own special character partnerships:

• Celebrity has go-pro scavenger hunts for teens and Xbox Kinect stations.
• MSC has a Lego play area and a nursery sponsored by Chicco.
• Royal Caribbean — kids can meet Shrek and the penguins from Madagascar.
• Carnival — kids meet the Cat in the Hat from Dr. Seuss.
• Costa — kids can hug Peppa Pig; MSC has the DoReMi family.
• Norwegian — kids clubs are partnered with Nickelodeon.
• Disney — Mickey Mouse and all his friends, of course!

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What Are the Ages for the Kids Clubs?

All listed cruise lines have kids clubs for children ages 3–17. Carnival allows potty-trained kids as young as 2. Kids are grouped with others in the same age range — generally teens (13–17), older elementary (8–12), and younger elementary (3–7), though exact groupings vary by cruise line.

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Can My Infant Travel? May I Travel If I Am Pregnant?

Most cruise lines require infants to be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing (and 1 year for certain itineraries). The exception is MSC — infants can travel at any age on MSC cruises. Expectant mothers must be 23 weeks or fewer at embarkation and will need a doctor’s note certifying good health.

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Will a Crib and High Chair Be Provided?

High chairs are available on Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. Cribs or pack-n-plays can be reserved in advance on Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Disney, and Cunard. Carnival, Costa, Royal Caribbean, and MSC have limited pack-n-plays available on request — we recommend bringing your own just in case.

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Will My Kids Be Free?

Kids are not free on most cruise lines. MSC is the one line that consistently offers kids free — children 11 and under sail free as the 3rd and 4th passenger on many European sailings and some Caribbean ones. Norwegian, Costa, and Royal Caribbean occasionally run promotions where the 3rd and 4th passenger is free, but only on off-season sail dates when kids are in school. Kids are never free on Disney Cruise Line. Note: “free” passengers still pay government taxes.

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Is There Babysitting?

MSC — Group babysitting from 11 PM to 2 AM for potty-trained children ages 3+; $6 per child for the first hour or $10 for the entire night. The complimentary MSC Babycare program covers children ages 1–3 during day and evening hours. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Disney — Nursery babysitting for babies and toddlers 6 months to 3 years old (or 1–3 years on transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries). Evening hours typically 6 PM–11 PM. Cost: $4.50 per half-hour for the first child, $4 per half-hour for additional children. Pre-cruise reservations highly recommended. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Carnival — Under-2 program available during limited hours on sea days ($6.75/hour plus 15% gratuity). Night Owls group babysitting for ages 2–11 from 10 PM to 1 AM at the same rate. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Royal Caribbean — Late Night Party Zone for ages 3–11 from 10:15 PM to 2 AM ($7/hour per child). Group nursery for children under 3 (at least 6 months old): $6/hour daytime, $8/hour evening. In-stateroom babysitting also available at approximately $19/hour for up to three children.

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Norwegian — Late Night Fun Zone group babysitting from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM for potty-trained children ages 3–12; $6/hour for the first child, $4/hour per additional sibling. Meal escort service available for ages 3–13 ($6/child per meal). Guppies nursery for ages 6 months to under 3 years on Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Cunard — Free nighttime nursery for babies 6–23 months from 6–11 PM. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Costa — Free late-night group babysitting for ages 3–11 from 11:30 PM to 1:30 AM (sign up 24 hours in advance). No in-cabin babysitting.

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Celebrity — Group “slumber party” babysitting in the Fun Factory for ages 3–11 from 10 PM to 1 AM ($6/hour per child). In-cabin babysitting also available for up to three children from the same family ($30/hour, two sitters, 24-hour advance booking required, child must be at least 12 months old).

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Holland America — Club HAL After Hours group babysitting for ages 3–12 from 10 PM to midnight ($5/hour per child). In-cabin babysitting for children under 5 available on sea days on a first-come, first-served basis ($10/hour for the first child, $7/hour for each additional child).

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Princess — Group babysitting for potty-trained children ages 3–12 from 10 PM to 1 AM ($5/hour per child). No in-cabin babysitting.

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Can I Leave My Kids in the Kids Club While We’re on an Excursion?

Yes — some cruise lines allow it for free: Carnival, Costa (space is limited), Disney, Holland America, MSC, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Norwegian and Celebrity charge a small fee for port-day kids club coverage and space is limited. Cunard does not allow kids to stay in the kids club while parents are on excursions.

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Can My Family of 5 Sail in One Cabin?

Each cruise line is different. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney have a few cabins that hold five — but very few. Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America generally do not. Costa has the most cabins that hold 5, and Carnival has many ships with cabins that hold five. Book as early as possible — cabins for 5 and adjoining cabins are the first to sell out. For families of 5 sailing in Europe, see our Eastern Mediterranean page.

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When Can You Get the Best Deal on a Cruise?

Off-season is the best season — typically October, early November, or early December (non-holiday weeks).

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What Does My Cruise Fare Include?

Your room, meals, taxes and fees, kids’ clubs, and entertainment are included. Shore excursions, alcohol, babysitting, and gratuities for your waiter and room steward are not. For more details, see our New to Cruising page.

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Should I Book Early or Wait to Get the Best Rate?

We always recommend booking early to secure the rooms you want at an early-saver rate. Cruise lines often raise prices closer to sailing as demand for remaining rooms increases. If a better sale comes along that applies to your booking, we can re-fare you to the lower rate. And every cruise line has incredible shows that kids will love — MSC is partnering with Cirque du Soleil, Disney has a live production of Tangled, and Princess has partnered with The Voice and Wicked creator Stephen Schwartz.

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Carnival Cruises for Kids

Carnival lets kids have green eggs and ham with the Cat in the Hat, soar down water slides, watch movies at the pool, and have an all-around awesome time. Camp Carnival is available daily for children ages 2–17 from 10 AM–noon, 2–5 PM, and 7–10 PM. Children’s entertainment is free and organized into three categories: Youth Program (2–11), Camp Carnival (9–11), and Teen (12–17). Night Owls evening babysitting runs 10 PM–1 AM for children ages 6 months to 11 years at $6.75/hour plus 15% gratuity.

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Celebrity Cruises for Kids

Celebrity is always innovating its kids program — teens use go-pros, kids have Xbox stations, and there is even an autism-friendly program. Fun Factory programs are available daily from 9 AM to 10 PM for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Age groups: Babies (6–36 months), Shipmates (3–5), Cadets (6–8), Ensigns (9–11), X-Club (12–17). Port-day coverage in the Fun Factory and Teen Center runs noon–2 PM for a $6 fee. Group slumber party babysitting for ages 3–12 from 10 PM–1 AM at $6/hour per child. In-suite babysitting available for suite guests at $30/hour (up to three children, 24-hour advance booking required).

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Costa Cruises for Kids

Costa has a phenomenal kids program — kids can hug Peppa Pig, be a “Captain in Training,” be a “Princess for a Day,” and participate in sports tournaments. For older kids there’s Xbox, dance and music classes, pool parties, and sports tournaments. Costa has also revamped its onboard water parks, including a three-deck water park on the Diadema. Squok Club runs daily for ages 3–17 from 9 AM–noon, 3–6 PM, and 9–11:30 PM. Age groups: Mini (3–6), Maxi (7–12), Teen Junior (12–14), Teen (15–17). Free late-night group babysitting until 1:30 AM for ages 3–11.

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Cunard Cruises for Kids

Cunard’s kids activities are tailored to a sophisticated experience. Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are available daily from 9 AM–11 PM for children ages 2–17. Age groups: Play Zone (2–7), Kid’s Zone (8–12), Teen (13–17). Children may not be left unaccompanied when parents are ashore. A free Night Nursery is available from 6–11 PM on a first-come, first-served basis for children ages 12–23 months.

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Disney Cruises for Kids

Disney is a go-to for cruising families — many cabins for 5, beautiful shows, and meet-and-greets with classic characters. Youth Clubs and Teen/Preteen Lounges are available daily from 9 AM to midnight for children ages 3–17. Age groups: Oceaneer (3–12), Preteen (12–14), Teen (14–17). Flounder’s Reef Nursery babysitting is available for children 6 months to 3 years old from 9 AM–11 PM at $9/hour for the first child, $8/hour for additional children. Reserve 75 days in advance or on embarkation day.

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Holland America Cruises for Kids

Holland America has a high-tech kids club similar to Celebrity — so futuristic you can do a 360-degree tour of it on their website. Club HAL and Teen Lounges are available daily from 9–11:30 AM, 1–4 PM, and 7–10 PM. On port days: 8 AM–4 PM and 7–10 PM. Age groups: Kids (3–7), Shockwaves (8–12), Teen (13–17). Group babysitting available in Club HAL for ages 3–12 from 10 PM–midnight at $5/hour per child. In-cabin babysitting for children under 5 is available on sea days on a first-come, first-served basis at $10/hour for the first child and $7/hour for each additional child. Note: the ms Prinsendam offers youth activities for ages 5–17 only.

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MSC Cruises for Kids

MSC is the only cruise line where kids 11 and under are regularly free as the 3rd and 4th passengers on most European sailings and many Caribbean sailings. MSC is also the only cruise line that allows infants under 6 months to cruise. Kids programs are organized into four age groups: Mini Club (3–6), Junior’s Club (7–11), Y-Team (12–14), and MSC Generation Teen Club (15–17). Group babysitting is available from 11 PM–2 AM for potty-trained children ages 3+ at $6 for the first hour or $10 for the entire night. The complimentary MSC Babycare program covers children ages 1–3 during select day and evening hours. No in-cabin babysitting.

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Norwegian Cruises for Kids

Norwegian is a fun choice for adventurous kids who love water slides, dance parties, and ropes courses. Splash Academy and Entourage programs are free and organized into five age groups: Guppies (6 months–3 years), Turtles (3–5), Seals (6–9), Dolphins (10–12), and Entourage (teens). Kids clubs stay open for ages 3–12 every night from 10:30 PM–1:30 AM and on port days. Norwegian does not offer traditional babysitting service but does offer a meal escort service for ages 3–13 at $6 per child per meal.

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Princess Cruises for Kids

Princess has partnered with Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The Voice, and Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz for its kids and entertainment programs. Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are available daily from 9 AM–noon, 1–5 PM, and 6–10 PM. On port days: 8 AM–5 PM and 6–10 PM. Camp Discovery age groups: Treehouse (3–7), The Lodge (8–12), The Beach House (13–17). Activities include Mythbusters challenges, scavenger hunts, and programs from the California Science Center. Group babysitting for potty-trained children ages 3–12 from 10 PM–1 AM at $5/hour per child. No in-cabin babysitting. Note: the Pacific and Ocean Princess do not have dedicated youth centers.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises for Kids

Royal Caribbean is known for its DreamWorks experience, rock wall, surf simulator, ice skating rink, bumper cars, and all-around fun atmosphere. Adventure Ocean programs are available daily from 9 AM–10 PM for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Age groups: Babies (6–36 months), Aquanauts (3–5), Explorers (6–8), Voyagers (9–11), Teen Junior (12–14), Teen (15–17). Adventure Ocean is free for ages 3+ during the day. Port-day coverage runs from 30 minutes before excursions to 5 PM. Most ships have a dedicated nursery ($6/hour daytime, $8/hour evenings). Group babysitting for ages 3–11 from 10:15 PM–2 AM at $7/hour per child. In-stateroom babysitting available at approximately $19/hour for up to three children (not available for children under 1 year).

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