Planning a cruise with your children can be an exciting experience, especially when you’re choosing a premium line like Celebrity Cruises. Known for its modern luxury, world-class dining, and sleek ships, Celebrity offers a refined experience for adults while also welcoming families onboard. Yet, one of the most common questions parents ask before booking is: “Does Celebrity Cruises charge for children?”
The short answer is yes, children do pay to sail on Celebrity Cruises, but the cost and inclusions depend on several factors—such as the child’s age, the cruise itinerary, the type of stateroom, and any available promotions. Unlike some family-oriented cruise lines that regularly offer “kids sail free” promotions, Celebrity Cruises tends to price its voyages based on the total occupancy of a stateroom rather than giving significant child discounts.
However, there are exceptions, seasonal offers, and smart booking strategies that can help families save money. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how Celebrity Cruises handles children’s fares, what amenities they provide for young travelers, and how to make the most of a family cruise vacation in 2025.
Celebrity Cruises does not have a universal “child fare” or separate pricing structure for kids. Instead, the cruise line prices each stateroom based on the number of guests occupying it. This means that children pay a reduced rate only if they are the third or fourth passengers in the same cabin with two full-paying adults.
Here’s how the pricing usually works:
First and second guests: Always pay full fare.
Third and fourth guests (including children): Pay a reduced rate—often a fraction of the adult fare.
Infants under 6 months old: Cannot sail due to safety regulations.
Children aged 6 months to 2 years: Pay a minimal fare but are not eligible for discounts unless a promotion applies.
This pricing structure reflects the fact that cabins have a limited number of berths, and the ship’s facilities (food, entertainment, staff services) are available to all guests regardless of age.
Celebrity Cruises occasionally offers promotions where kids sail free or at a significant discount. These offers are not constant but tend to appear during off-peak travel seasons or as part of limited-time sales campaigns.
For example, Celebrity has previously run “Kids Sail Free” promotions that allow children under 17 to cruise for free when sharing a stateroom with two paying adults. These deals typically apply to select sailings and are subject to availability. They are most common on shorter Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries, where the cruise line seeks to attract more families.
If you’re planning a family trip, it’s smart to subscribe to Celebrity Cruises’ newsletter or monitor their seasonal offers around early-year and late-year booking windows. These promotional periods are often the best opportunities to save on child fares.
Celebrity Cruises sets clear guidelines for the minimum age of children allowed onboard and in specific areas of the ship. These rules are important to understand before booking.
Minimum sailing age: Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of embarkation.
Transatlantic, Transpacific, and select remote itineraries: The minimum age increases to 12 months due to longer distances from medical facilities.
Babysitting services: Available for children aged 12 months and older, subject to availability.
Camp at Sea programs: Open to children aged 3–12 years, while teens (13–17 years) have separate lounges and activities.
If you’re traveling with an infant under two years old, you will need to bring your own baby supplies such as diapers, formula, and baby food. Celebrity does not sell or provide these items onboard.
Children generally pay less than adults when booked as the third or fourth guest in the same cabin. The actual percentage varies depending on the cruise duration, destination, and demand. On average, the child fare may range from 25% to 50% of the adult fare.
Here’s a rough example to illustrate:
Example 1:
7-night Caribbean Cruise for 2 adults = $1,200 per person
3rd guest (child) = $400–$600 depending on promotions
Example 2:
10-night Europe Cruise for 2 adults = $2,000 per person
3rd or 4th guest (child) = $800–$1,000
This pricing model can make cruising with one or two children quite affordable, especially if you take advantage of family-friendly room categories that accommodate up to four people.
Even when a promotional offer includes a “kids sail free” deal, parents must understand that taxes, fees, and port charges still apply to every guest, regardless of age. These fees are mandatory and charged by the ports of call rather than the cruise line itself.
Typically, these fees range from $100 to $250 per person depending on the itinerary. So, even if your child’s base fare is waived under a promotion, expect to pay these additional charges at the time of booking.
Celebrity’s ships are designed primarily for couples and adult travelers, but many of their newer ships also include family staterooms and connecting cabins that cater to parents traveling with children.
Some options include:
Family Veranda Staterooms
Sleeps up to 5 people
Includes a large balcony and separate living area
Found on select Solstice- and Millennium-class ships
Connecting Cabins
Ideal for families needing extra space and privacy
Allows access between two cabins through an interior door
Suites for Families
The Celebrity Edge® and Beyond® offer spacious suite options with two bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and access to The Retreat (an exclusive suite guest area).
Choosing the right stateroom is key to ensuring both comfort and value, especially when traveling with kids.
Celebrity Cruises offers flexible dining options to accommodate families with children. While the overall dining experience leans toward gourmet cuisine, there are plenty of kid-friendly options available throughout the ship.
Main Dining Room: Offers a dedicated children’s menu with familiar items like pasta, chicken tenders, burgers, and fruit plates.
Oceanview Café (buffet): A casual venue perfect for kids, offering global dishes, desserts, and snacks all day long.
Room Service: Available 24/7, with complimentary breakfast options and small service fees for other meals.
Specialty Restaurants: While these carry an extra fee, many allow children at a reduced charge or complimentary when dining early.
Parents should note that children’s meal costs are included in their cruise fare, meaning there are no extra dining charges for standard onboard meals.
Celebrity Cruises offers a well-developed Camp at Sea program that engages children of all ages with fun and educational activities. This makes cruising with kids both relaxing for parents and enjoyable for young travelers.
Camp at Sea Breakdown:
Toddler Time (under 3 years)
Supervised play sessions with parental presence
Soft toys, building blocks, and storytime activities
Shipmates (Ages 3–9)
Arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and themed parties
Supervised by trained youth counselors
Cadets (Ages 10–12)
STEM-based workshops, gaming tournaments, and talent shows
Teens (Ages 13–17)
Dedicated teen lounge with music, movies, and sports
Social events and late-night hangouts
Participation in the Camp at Sea program is free of charge, though some premium workshops (like robotics or culinary sessions) may have a small fee.
Celebrity Cruises also offers group babysitting services and private in-room babysitting options for parents who want some alone time.
Group Babysitting (“Party Time”):
Available for children ages 3–12
Operates from 10 PM to 1 AM
Cost: Around $6–$8 per hour, per child
Private In-Room Babysitting:
Subject to staff availability
Must be booked in advance
Cost: $20–$30 per hour (for up to 3 children)
These services can be invaluable for parents who want to enjoy an evening show, fine dining experience, or a spa session while ensuring their kids are safe and entertained.
Celebrity Cruises provides a mix of family-oriented entertainment suitable for all ages. Although it maintains a more sophisticated atmosphere than typical “family cruise lines,” you’ll still find plenty to do together.
Pools and Hot Tubs: Family-friendly pool areas and splash zones on certain ships.
Movie Nights: Outdoor and indoor screenings of family films.
Sports Courts: Basketball, table tennis, and mini-golf.
Game Rooms: Video games and board games for all age groups.
Enrichment Activities: Art classes, science experiments, and photography workshops.
Parents and children can join many of these activities together, fostering a shared vacation experience.
When the ship docks, Celebrity Cruises offers family-friendly shore excursions at nearly every port. These include beach outings, historical tours, wildlife encounters, and cultural workshops.
Parents should look for excursions marked as “Family Recommended” or “Accessible,” as these tend to be shorter in duration and less physically demanding for young children. Booking excursions through Celebrity also ensures that the ship waits if a tour runs late—something that’s especially reassuring for families.
Although children are not automatically free on Celebrity Cruises, there are several ways to reduce costs:
Book Early: Early-bird rates often include family discounts or onboard credit.
Travel Off-Peak: Sailing in shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can cut prices significantly.
Use Promotions: Watch for “Kids Sail Free” or “Third and Fourth Guest Discount” deals.
Book a Single Large Cabin: Family veranda staterooms often cost less than booking two separate rooms.
Avoid Specialty Dining Fees: The buffet and main dining room are already included.
Bring Essentials: Packing snacks, baby gear, and entertainment saves onboard expenses.
While Celebrity Cruises is not primarily a family-oriented line like Disney or Royal Caribbean, it provides a balanced mix of relaxation and enrichment for all ages. Families who prefer a quieter, more refined atmosphere without losing access to kid-friendly activities often find Celebrity ideal.
Here’s what makes Celebrity Cruises appealing for families:
Elegant but welcoming environment for kids
Free youth programs and supervised care
Spacious family cabins with balconies
Excellent food variety and service
Opportunity for family bonding without overwhelming crowds
Families looking for high-energy water parks or cartoon-themed shows may prefer other cruise lines, but those seeking a calm, upscale, and educational experience often rate Celebrity highly.
1. Do babies cruise for free?No. Infants must be at least 6 months old and pay applicable fares and taxes, though often at a reduced rate.
2. Can I bring a stroller or baby supplies?Yes, parents can bring strollers, baby food, and formula. However, these are not sold onboard, so plan ahead.
3. Is there babysitting for infants?Group babysitting is only for ages 3 and up. Private babysitting may be available for younger children upon request.
4. Are there discounts for teenagers?Teenagers typically pay the same reduced third or fourth guest fare as younger children when sharing a room with adults.
5. Can kids use the pool?Yes, but children must be toilet-trained to use pools and hot tubs. Swim diapers are not permitted in pools for hygiene reasons.
6. Are there children’s drink packages?Yes, Celebrity offers a Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package designed for guests under 21, which includes sodas, juices, and mocktails.
So, does Celebrity Cruises charge for children? The answer is yes, but not at the same rate as adults. Children pay a reduced fare when sailing as additional guests in a stateroom, and babies under two years old are subject to minimal fares and port charges.
Celebrity Cruises doesn’t automatically offer free passage for children, but through periodic promotions, off-peak discounts, and strategic booking, families can enjoy luxury cruising at a reasonable price.
In return, families get access to a world-class vacation experience—complete with fine dining, enriching activities, and elegant accommodations—all while making lifelong memories at sea.
Whether you’re planning your first family cruise or upgrading from a mainstream line, Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated, relaxing experience that welcomes guests of all ages without compromising on comfort or sophistication.
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